3rd Sunday of Lent, Cycle C
Our Lady of Grace
March 11, 2007
Reform Your Lives: A Lesson Taught Through Sculpture
By (Rev. Msgr.) Nicholas P. Amato
Bent Torso
This past summer I spent several days visiting with friends in Roanoke, Virginia and one of the mornings we went to a lecture at the local art museum.
The speaker was a sculptor named Betty Branch who was discussing the motivation and artistic urge that gave life to her art form. That is, what inside her gave life and vibrancy to her creation of art?
I would invite you to create in your mind a fascinating piece of sculpture entitled “Bent Torso.” It is the life-size bronze torso of a woman, bent back and to one side at the waist, the back, neck, and head are not portrayed, nor are the arms or legs. So it’s just a torso.
What you have then is a beautifully formed figure up to the shoulders where it ends in a rather jagged and irregular way.
Betty’s eyes gleam as she explains that the sculpture portrays the human in each one of us and does so in a very dynamic way. As human beings you and I are at one and the same time: whole and fragmented, complete and incomplete, at peace and in tension.
Her passion as an artist is to bring that message to others as they look at the work called “Bent Torso.”
There I sat in the museum thinking to myself, “This would make a great homily someday,” and here we are!
The Parable of the Fig Tree
The parable of the fig tree in today’s Gospel is Jesus’ great assurance that the God of mercy and compassion is in our very midst, that God’s love, which knows neither limit nor condition, is ours in every moment we live.
Like the merciful and generous gardener, God continues to see our worth and calls forth that goodness within each of us.
The fig tree is an invitation to hope in the unlimited love of our God. Thomas Merton once wrote: “We think our life is important to ourselves alone and do not know that our life is more important to the Living God than it is to our selves.”
No matter what the condition of our “Bent Torso” – that is, where we are in the continuum of fragmented-to-whole, incomplete-to-complete, or tension-to-peace – there is hope for us with God’s grace.
But it is important to know precisely what keeps us fragmented, incomplete or tense as a first step to the reform, which Jesus calls us to.
I’d like to suggest two areas to consider. The first is our attitude; the second is our particular weakness or sin.
Sinful Attitudes
There is such a thing as a sinful attitude – a way of looking at things that is a breeding ground for sinful choices and sinful actions.
These attitudes are acquired in places where we spend time; they are acquired – passed on to us like the flu – from people with whom we spend time.
So for example, we may acquire an attitude of racial or ethnic prejudice just from the people we call our friends or acquaintances, people who live and breathe an air of joking about others or making disparaging remarks.
Or we may acquire an irresponsible attitude toward sex outside of marriage because sexuality was never discussed at home or we’ve never learned how to be intimate without necessarily having sex.
Such attitudes create a climate within us of fragmentation, incompletion, and tension because they are so out of sync with our being created in God’s image.
I should quickly add that the sin in this area is not so much in the racial prejudice or our feelings about sex, but in our awareness of the roots of our difficulty and not being willing to re-form or re-shape that part of us.
We need to take responsibility to root out the weeds someone else may well have planted within us; that’s the call of Jesus for re-form today.
Sinful Acts
The second type of sinfulness that contributes to our fragmentation, incompletion, and tension is behavior, those actions voluntarily, that knowingly hurt or diminish ourselves and others.
So for example, one day I may decide to go full-throttle into profit-making where I make a buck at the expense of others or cheat on tax returns or on an exam in school.
Or perhaps I become so absorbed in my job or activities outside the family, as a way of escaping responsibilities as a parent or working on my marriage.
Just as attitudes hurt the human personality, so too can our voluntary actions. The sinfulness here is not so much changing an attitude, but looking at the behavior itself and choosing to sin no more.
Conclusion
How then does the piece of sculpture called “Bent Torso” help us in the reform of attitudes and behavior that Jesus calls us to today?
It assists us by dramatically showing us the good and bad, the whole and fragmented, the complete and incomplete, what’s at peace and what’s in tension within us all.
It also helps us not confuse the two, which is what we often do, pursuing the bad as if it were good.
Once the two are differentiated, what is good, whole, complete and peaceful in us motivates us, and what is bad, fragmented, incomplete and tension-filled becomes our goal for reform.
God speaks to us in so many ways; we give thanks for his voice in sculpture, as we respond to re-form this Lenten Season.
Thursday, March 08, 2007
Saturday, March 03, 2007
Weekly MESSAGE for March 4, 2007: Powerful Practices for Lent
March 4, 2007
Focus: “Powerful Practices for Lent”
Dear Friend,
In his homily to begin the Lenten Season, delivered in the Basilica of St. Sabina on Rome's Aventine Hill, the Holy Father presented several useful instruments as the condition to live authentic community renewal. They are the three fundamental practices, also appreciated by the Jewish tradition, because they contribute to purify men and women before God. These external gestures, which should be done to please God and not to win the approval and praise of people, are pleasing to him if they express the heartfelt determination to serve him alone, with simplicity and generosity.
Fasting, to which the Church invites us during this time, is not born from motivations of a physical or aesthetic order, but springs from the need the individual feels for interior purification, to be detoxified from the contamination of sin and evil.
Benedict XVI said that fasting educates us in “those healthy self-denials that free the believer from his/her ‘I,’ and makes us more attentive and ready to listen to God and to serve our brothers and sisters…. For this reason, fasting and the Lenten practices of prayer and works of charity, in particular almsgiving, are considered by the Christian tradition spiritual ‘weapons’ to combat evil, evil passions, and vices,” the Pope said.
It’s never too late to begin these powerful practices.
Fondly,
Father Nick Amato
Focus: “Powerful Practices for Lent”
Dear Friend,
In his homily to begin the Lenten Season, delivered in the Basilica of St. Sabina on Rome's Aventine Hill, the Holy Father presented several useful instruments as the condition to live authentic community renewal. They are the three fundamental practices, also appreciated by the Jewish tradition, because they contribute to purify men and women before God. These external gestures, which should be done to please God and not to win the approval and praise of people, are pleasing to him if they express the heartfelt determination to serve him alone, with simplicity and generosity.
Fasting, to which the Church invites us during this time, is not born from motivations of a physical or aesthetic order, but springs from the need the individual feels for interior purification, to be detoxified from the contamination of sin and evil.
Benedict XVI said that fasting educates us in “those healthy self-denials that free the believer from his/her ‘I,’ and makes us more attentive and ready to listen to God and to serve our brothers and sisters…. For this reason, fasting and the Lenten practices of prayer and works of charity, in particular almsgiving, are considered by the Christian tradition spiritual ‘weapons’ to combat evil, evil passions, and vices,” the Pope said.
It’s never too late to begin these powerful practices.
Fondly,
Father Nick Amato
Weekly THIS AND THAT for March 4, 2007: How Can I Deal with Suffering?
This and That:
How Can I Deal with Suffering?
Our Lenten Family Friday talks continued this week with our theme: “How What We Believe Can Make a Difference.” This second session addressed the question of how we can deal with suffering, as followers of Jesus Christ.
Fondly,
Father Nick Amato
We began by looking at the question: “What is our view of suffering?” Is suffering something to be avoided, resisted and rejected, or is suffering a normal part of life? Can suffering be both of these at different times?
Sometimes in our modern American society, we find the attitude that bad things should never happen to good people. Yet everyone experiences suffering in their life.
When do I accept suffering as a normal part of life, leading to something new, or better?
Examples included the pain of childbirth, the separation that parents of teens and young adults feel when their children move away, the loss of elderly parents, the letting go that is required when it’s time to leave a job or a home
We then looked at times when we experience suffering that is extraordinary, such as a car accident, a terminal illness, or the experience of being abused.
When you do experience suffering, whether it’s the ordinary suffering that comes in the course of life or an unexpected suffering, what has given meaning to your suffering? Was it believing that the present suffering was leading to new life? Was it the supportive presence of others? Was it your faith that God was with you? Any of these attitudes or beliefs involve TRUST in God and others.
If we believe in Jesus Christ, how does that influence our experience of suffering? Since Jesus became incarnate and lived our human life, we see that he is God with us, he enters into our human experience and takes our sufferings upon himself. Jesus relieves the suffering of others through his healing presence, and Jesus accepts his own suffering, for our sake.
The Paschal Mystery of Christ’s cross and Resurrection stands at the center of the Good News for those who believe. Our faith in Jesus assures us that by his death, he liberates us from sin and by his Resurrection, he opens the way for us to new life. From looking at Jesus, we learn a basic principle: that accepted suffering gives rise to new life.
If we reflect upon the purpose of Jesus’ life, we also find the purpose of our own lives as his disciples. Jesus lived his whole life in obedience to his Father’s love for us. In that obedience, Jesus endured the opposition of sinners. Ultimately, he was put to death because of sin – and thus triumphed over sin. Through Baptism, we are partners in the Paschal Mystery and we are called to live in obedience to God’s love, just as Jesus did. Part of this obedience is the call to take up our cross and follow Jesus. Taking up our cross means accepting our humanity and the humanity of others, with love and mercy.
Let’s not forget that the cross is only half of the Paschal Mystery. We must remember the Resurrection! We learn from the Paschal Mystery the balance between death and new life. Jesus’ death was not the end of the story, because love cannot be put to death. Jesus is present in a new way following his Resurrection and his Spirit guides the church to this day.
In the Letter to the Romans, we find an explanation of how we participate in the Paschal Mystery: “Are you unaware that we who were baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death? We were indeed buried with him through baptism into death, so that, just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, we too might live in newness of life. As to his death, he died to sin once and for all; as to his life, he lives for God. Consequently, you too must think of yourselves and being dead to sin and living for God in Christ Jesus.”
(Romans 6: 3-4, 10-11)
If we think of the Paschal Mystery as a template placed over our lives through our Baptism, then how do each of us answer these questions:
How do I experience my suffering or little deaths, in light of the cross of Christ?
➢ When have I experienced new life from an experience of dying?
➢ Do Christians face suffering and death differently than non-believers?
➢ These are good questions to reflect upon during this season of Lent.
Next Friday’s topic is “The Story of Dry Bones: Yours and Ours.” Please consider joining us and find out what this intriguing topic is all about!
How Can I Deal with Suffering?
Our Lenten Family Friday talks continued this week with our theme: “How What We Believe Can Make a Difference.” This second session addressed the question of how we can deal with suffering, as followers of Jesus Christ.
Fondly,
Father Nick Amato
We began by looking at the question: “What is our view of suffering?” Is suffering something to be avoided, resisted and rejected, or is suffering a normal part of life? Can suffering be both of these at different times?
Sometimes in our modern American society, we find the attitude that bad things should never happen to good people. Yet everyone experiences suffering in their life.
When do I accept suffering as a normal part of life, leading to something new, or better?
Examples included the pain of childbirth, the separation that parents of teens and young adults feel when their children move away, the loss of elderly parents, the letting go that is required when it’s time to leave a job or a home
We then looked at times when we experience suffering that is extraordinary, such as a car accident, a terminal illness, or the experience of being abused.
When you do experience suffering, whether it’s the ordinary suffering that comes in the course of life or an unexpected suffering, what has given meaning to your suffering? Was it believing that the present suffering was leading to new life? Was it the supportive presence of others? Was it your faith that God was with you? Any of these attitudes or beliefs involve TRUST in God and others.
If we believe in Jesus Christ, how does that influence our experience of suffering? Since Jesus became incarnate and lived our human life, we see that he is God with us, he enters into our human experience and takes our sufferings upon himself. Jesus relieves the suffering of others through his healing presence, and Jesus accepts his own suffering, for our sake.
The Paschal Mystery of Christ’s cross and Resurrection stands at the center of the Good News for those who believe. Our faith in Jesus assures us that by his death, he liberates us from sin and by his Resurrection, he opens the way for us to new life. From looking at Jesus, we learn a basic principle: that accepted suffering gives rise to new life.
If we reflect upon the purpose of Jesus’ life, we also find the purpose of our own lives as his disciples. Jesus lived his whole life in obedience to his Father’s love for us. In that obedience, Jesus endured the opposition of sinners. Ultimately, he was put to death because of sin – and thus triumphed over sin. Through Baptism, we are partners in the Paschal Mystery and we are called to live in obedience to God’s love, just as Jesus did. Part of this obedience is the call to take up our cross and follow Jesus. Taking up our cross means accepting our humanity and the humanity of others, with love and mercy.
Let’s not forget that the cross is only half of the Paschal Mystery. We must remember the Resurrection! We learn from the Paschal Mystery the balance between death and new life. Jesus’ death was not the end of the story, because love cannot be put to death. Jesus is present in a new way following his Resurrection and his Spirit guides the church to this day.
In the Letter to the Romans, we find an explanation of how we participate in the Paschal Mystery: “Are you unaware that we who were baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death? We were indeed buried with him through baptism into death, so that, just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, we too might live in newness of life. As to his death, he died to sin once and for all; as to his life, he lives for God. Consequently, you too must think of yourselves and being dead to sin and living for God in Christ Jesus.”
(Romans 6: 3-4, 10-11)
If we think of the Paschal Mystery as a template placed over our lives through our Baptism, then how do each of us answer these questions:
How do I experience my suffering or little deaths, in light of the cross of Christ?
➢ When have I experienced new life from an experience of dying?
➢ Do Christians face suffering and death differently than non-believers?
➢ These are good questions to reflect upon during this season of Lent.
Next Friday’s topic is “The Story of Dry Bones: Yours and Ours.” Please consider joining us and find out what this intriguing topic is all about!
Weekly HOMILY for March 4, 2007: Diastolic and Systolic Rhythms: The Secret to Life in the Spirit
2nd Sunday of Lent, Cycle C
Our Lady of Grace
March 4, 2007
Diastolic and Systolic Rhythms: The Secret to Life in the Spirit
By (Rev. Msgr.) Nicholas P. Amato
The Physical Diastolic and Systolic
I suppose we would all say that the most fascinating and vital part of our human body is the heart.
From Medieval Times, we learned that the heart operates in a two-fold movement called the diastolic and the systolic.
First, in the diastolic movement, the heart dilates and expands and the chambers fill up with blood.
Then, in the systolic process, the heart contracts, and blood is pumped and forced outwards, back into the body.
This in-and-out action is essential got getting oxygen, enriched blood to all parts of the body. It forms the heartbeat of human life.
When this two-fold movement fails us, we suffer heart attacks, arrhythmia, and other serious problems.
The Spiritual Diastolic and Systolic
As is often the case, the world of the spiritual parallels the world of the spiritual. This morning, I would suggest that this is one of those times.
This same two-fold movement – the diastolic and systolic, the drawing in and pumping out – this same process forms the heartbeat of our spiritual life and journey.
The Spiritual Diastolic
First, in our spiritual life – there is a time for drawing in, for filling up our inner resources.
There is a time for taking in the spiritual energy and personal power that is needed to survive.
We see this spiritual diastolic in today’s readings.
In the passage from Genesis, Abraham has an encounter with God. He experiences God as present and giving him a vision and hope.
Then, in the Gospel, Jesus has been busy traveling from place to place, teaching, healing and responding to the needs of others.
Worn down by his ministering, we are told that he withdraws and goes up a mountain where he prays, meditates, and enters into quiet time with his Father.
This, then, is his time for filling up his inner resources and taking in the spiritual energy and power that he needs.
We also, all of us, need this spiritual diastolic movement.
It is vital for each of us to draw back and draw into ourselves the spiritual life – the oxygenated blood of God’s peace, wisdom, and love.
One of the main ways that we do this is by coming to Mass and hearing the Word and receiving the Eucharist each week with other persons of faith.
We also do this by slowly reading and reflecting on a passage of Scripture or just being quiet and letting God come to us in what we think are our ordinary thoughts and feelings.
Or we can do this by slowly praying some favorite prayers, like the rosary or the Stations of the Cross.
This spiritual diastolic movement puts us in touch with God and in touch with ourselves at one and the same time.
The Spiritual Systolic
After this drawing in, there is also a need for the spiritual systolic movement. In other words, we need to go back into our ordinary life, back to the journey.
In the first reading today, after his experience with God, Abraham is sent forth on a journey that must have looked daunting and uncertain.
In the Gospel, Peter goes up on the mountain with Jesus. He enjoys the experience so much that he wants to continue it by pitching three tents – one for Jesus, one for Moses, and one for Elijah.
However, he cannot do that and must join Jesus in coming down off the mountain and getting on with their work.
We all have a sense that we have got to get on with things. We simply can’t stay in church or quietly pray all day. There’s little choice regarding our many responsibilities so there’s no sense even thinking about pitching tents and staying in the diastolic.
But, for us, it is the diastolic that shapes our lives:
➢ It sends us back better able to cope with the stresses and tensions that are there.
➢ It sends us back better able to deal with hurts, upsets, and worries.
➢ And it sends us back even empowered to choose to do things for the Lord, perhaps to volunteer in our children’s schools or to participate in some outreach to the needy.
It is as if the spiritual diastolic movement pumps us into the spiritual systolic with renewed spiritual oxygen and energy.
Conclusion
To conclude: I believe this twofold action, the in and the out, the diastolic and the systolic, is a great way of understanding our own spiritual journey.
If we choose to live our lives with this rhythmic movement, the results will be there. We, little by little, will be transformed as Jesus was on the mountain today.
Step-by-step, degree-by-degree, the God present within us will emerge and be visible. We will become more alive and on the journey that leads to the fullness of life with God.
Our Lady of Grace
March 4, 2007
Diastolic and Systolic Rhythms: The Secret to Life in the Spirit
By (Rev. Msgr.) Nicholas P. Amato
The Physical Diastolic and Systolic
I suppose we would all say that the most fascinating and vital part of our human body is the heart.
From Medieval Times, we learned that the heart operates in a two-fold movement called the diastolic and the systolic.
First, in the diastolic movement, the heart dilates and expands and the chambers fill up with blood.
Then, in the systolic process, the heart contracts, and blood is pumped and forced outwards, back into the body.
This in-and-out action is essential got getting oxygen, enriched blood to all parts of the body. It forms the heartbeat of human life.
When this two-fold movement fails us, we suffer heart attacks, arrhythmia, and other serious problems.
The Spiritual Diastolic and Systolic
As is often the case, the world of the spiritual parallels the world of the spiritual. This morning, I would suggest that this is one of those times.
This same two-fold movement – the diastolic and systolic, the drawing in and pumping out – this same process forms the heartbeat of our spiritual life and journey.
The Spiritual Diastolic
First, in our spiritual life – there is a time for drawing in, for filling up our inner resources.
There is a time for taking in the spiritual energy and personal power that is needed to survive.
We see this spiritual diastolic in today’s readings.
In the passage from Genesis, Abraham has an encounter with God. He experiences God as present and giving him a vision and hope.
Then, in the Gospel, Jesus has been busy traveling from place to place, teaching, healing and responding to the needs of others.
Worn down by his ministering, we are told that he withdraws and goes up a mountain where he prays, meditates, and enters into quiet time with his Father.
This, then, is his time for filling up his inner resources and taking in the spiritual energy and power that he needs.
We also, all of us, need this spiritual diastolic movement.
It is vital for each of us to draw back and draw into ourselves the spiritual life – the oxygenated blood of God’s peace, wisdom, and love.
One of the main ways that we do this is by coming to Mass and hearing the Word and receiving the Eucharist each week with other persons of faith.
We also do this by slowly reading and reflecting on a passage of Scripture or just being quiet and letting God come to us in what we think are our ordinary thoughts and feelings.
Or we can do this by slowly praying some favorite prayers, like the rosary or the Stations of the Cross.
This spiritual diastolic movement puts us in touch with God and in touch with ourselves at one and the same time.
The Spiritual Systolic
After this drawing in, there is also a need for the spiritual systolic movement. In other words, we need to go back into our ordinary life, back to the journey.
In the first reading today, after his experience with God, Abraham is sent forth on a journey that must have looked daunting and uncertain.
In the Gospel, Peter goes up on the mountain with Jesus. He enjoys the experience so much that he wants to continue it by pitching three tents – one for Jesus, one for Moses, and one for Elijah.
However, he cannot do that and must join Jesus in coming down off the mountain and getting on with their work.
We all have a sense that we have got to get on with things. We simply can’t stay in church or quietly pray all day. There’s little choice regarding our many responsibilities so there’s no sense even thinking about pitching tents and staying in the diastolic.
But, for us, it is the diastolic that shapes our lives:
➢ It sends us back better able to cope with the stresses and tensions that are there.
➢ It sends us back better able to deal with hurts, upsets, and worries.
➢ And it sends us back even empowered to choose to do things for the Lord, perhaps to volunteer in our children’s schools or to participate in some outreach to the needy.
It is as if the spiritual diastolic movement pumps us into the spiritual systolic with renewed spiritual oxygen and energy.
Conclusion
To conclude: I believe this twofold action, the in and the out, the diastolic and the systolic, is a great way of understanding our own spiritual journey.
If we choose to live our lives with this rhythmic movement, the results will be there. We, little by little, will be transformed as Jesus was on the mountain today.
Step-by-step, degree-by-degree, the God present within us will emerge and be visible. We will become more alive and on the journey that leads to the fullness of life with God.
Thursday, February 22, 2007
Weekly MESSAGE for February 25, 2007: Chocolate Free -- Chocolate Full!
February 25, 2007
Focus: “Chocolate Free – Chocolate Full!”
Dear Friend,
Lent: the only festival among world religions to be celebrated by the non-eating of chocolate!
Jesus spent 40 days in the desert, fasting and praying, preparing a mission, fighting temptation, working through his calling. Then, in the early church, Lent was the time for new Christians to learn the faith, and for the rest of them to devote themselves to prayer and fasting, a sort of spring cleaning of the soul in readiness for the big day.
And we have a six-week chocolate-free diet.
Did you ever feel today’s practice of our faith was missing out on something? Identifying Lent with not eating chocolate misses the point almost as much as identifying Easter with eating it!
This year let us bring you an Idea-A-Day for Lent: 40 ways to do something more with your 40 days.
A friend sent me the following list as a more creative and adventurous way of approaching the season. They are a bit more challenging, more reflective, an alternative, and they are more ancient. They involve carrier bags, paint, money, traffic jams and poetry. They are designed to stretch you, make you think, tone up some forgotten spiritual muscles, put your time to good use and get some fresh air in there. They are practical and positive. I hope you’ll try some of them, and give your spirit something new to do. And sure this year, go on, have a Mars Bar!
Day 1 – Wed 21 Feb: Go on a media diet
Day 2 – Thur 22 Feb: Find Lent readings
Day 3 – Fri 23 Feb: Recycle, free cycle
Day 4 – Sat 24 Feb: Upload a poem
Day 5 – Mon 26 Feb: Walk and watch
Day 6 – Tues 27 Feb: Your chore is my chore
Day 7 – Wed 28 Feb: Bake a cake
Day 8 – Thur 1 Mar: Out your doubts
Day 9 – Fri 2 Mar: Someone else’s preference
Day 10 – Sat 3 Mar: Send a message
Day 11 – Mon 5 Mar: Give blood
Day 12 – Tues 6 Mar: Phone a friend
Day 13 – Wed 7 Mar: Go walking
Day 14 – Thur 8 Mar: The boss
Day 15 – Fri 9 Mar: Extra worship
Day 16 – Sat 10 Mar: Pray the paper
Day 17 – Mon 12 Mar: Look out the window
Day 18 – Tues 13 Mar: Read a Gospel
Day 19 – Wed 14 Mar: Pay some compliments
Day 20 – Thur 15 Mar: Research Lent
Day 21 – Fri 16 Mar: Slim down your wardrobe
Day 22 – Sat 17 Mar: Make a joy jar
Day 23 – Mon 19 Mar: Don’t Moan Day
Day 24 – Tues 20 Mar: Christmas in Lent
Day 25 – Wed 21 Mar: Almighty email
Day 26 – Thur 22 Mar: Help a child in school
Day 27 – Fri 23 Mar: Widen your prayers
Day 28 – Sat 24 Mar: A week of giving
Day 29 – Mon 26 Mar: Who’s next door?
Day 30 – Tues 27 Mar: Think small
Day 31 – Wed 28 Mar: Random acts of kindness
Day 32 – Thur 29 Mar: Stop shopping
Day 33 – Fri 30 Mar: A note of thanks
Day 34 – Sat 31 Mar: Your carbon footprint
Day 35 – Mon 2 Apr: Don’t interrupt
Day 36 – Tues 3 Apr: Instead of money
Day 37 – Wed 4 Apr: Write your own obituary
Day 38 – Thur 5 Apr: Empty your wallet
Day 39 – Fri 6 Apr: Light a virtual candle
Day 40 – Sat 7 Apr: A clean sweep
Fondly,
Father Nick Amato
Focus: “Chocolate Free – Chocolate Full!”
Dear Friend,
Lent: the only festival among world religions to be celebrated by the non-eating of chocolate!
Jesus spent 40 days in the desert, fasting and praying, preparing a mission, fighting temptation, working through his calling. Then, in the early church, Lent was the time for new Christians to learn the faith, and for the rest of them to devote themselves to prayer and fasting, a sort of spring cleaning of the soul in readiness for the big day.
And we have a six-week chocolate-free diet.
Did you ever feel today’s practice of our faith was missing out on something? Identifying Lent with not eating chocolate misses the point almost as much as identifying Easter with eating it!
This year let us bring you an Idea-A-Day for Lent: 40 ways to do something more with your 40 days.
A friend sent me the following list as a more creative and adventurous way of approaching the season. They are a bit more challenging, more reflective, an alternative, and they are more ancient. They involve carrier bags, paint, money, traffic jams and poetry. They are designed to stretch you, make you think, tone up some forgotten spiritual muscles, put your time to good use and get some fresh air in there. They are practical and positive. I hope you’ll try some of them, and give your spirit something new to do. And sure this year, go on, have a Mars Bar!
Day 1 – Wed 21 Feb: Go on a media diet
Day 2 – Thur 22 Feb: Find Lent readings
Day 3 – Fri 23 Feb: Recycle, free cycle
Day 4 – Sat 24 Feb: Upload a poem
Day 5 – Mon 26 Feb: Walk and watch
Day 6 – Tues 27 Feb: Your chore is my chore
Day 7 – Wed 28 Feb: Bake a cake
Day 8 – Thur 1 Mar: Out your doubts
Day 9 – Fri 2 Mar: Someone else’s preference
Day 10 – Sat 3 Mar: Send a message
Day 11 – Mon 5 Mar: Give blood
Day 12 – Tues 6 Mar: Phone a friend
Day 13 – Wed 7 Mar: Go walking
Day 14 – Thur 8 Mar: The boss
Day 15 – Fri 9 Mar: Extra worship
Day 16 – Sat 10 Mar: Pray the paper
Day 17 – Mon 12 Mar: Look out the window
Day 18 – Tues 13 Mar: Read a Gospel
Day 19 – Wed 14 Mar: Pay some compliments
Day 20 – Thur 15 Mar: Research Lent
Day 21 – Fri 16 Mar: Slim down your wardrobe
Day 22 – Sat 17 Mar: Make a joy jar
Day 23 – Mon 19 Mar: Don’t Moan Day
Day 24 – Tues 20 Mar: Christmas in Lent
Day 25 – Wed 21 Mar: Almighty email
Day 26 – Thur 22 Mar: Help a child in school
Day 27 – Fri 23 Mar: Widen your prayers
Day 28 – Sat 24 Mar: A week of giving
Day 29 – Mon 26 Mar: Who’s next door?
Day 30 – Tues 27 Mar: Think small
Day 31 – Wed 28 Mar: Random acts of kindness
Day 32 – Thur 29 Mar: Stop shopping
Day 33 – Fri 30 Mar: A note of thanks
Day 34 – Sat 31 Mar: Your carbon footprint
Day 35 – Mon 2 Apr: Don’t interrupt
Day 36 – Tues 3 Apr: Instead of money
Day 37 – Wed 4 Apr: Write your own obituary
Day 38 – Thur 5 Apr: Empty your wallet
Day 39 – Fri 6 Apr: Light a virtual candle
Day 40 – Sat 7 Apr: A clean sweep
Fondly,
Father Nick Amato
Weekly THIS AND THAT for February 25, 2007: Is Jesus Believable?
This and That:
Is Jesus Believable?
Over the next six weeks of Lent, each week will feature the presentation given at the Lenten Family Friday the Friday before. It can therefore serve as a refresher for those who attended and perhaps an incentive to others to try the next Friday out. Mass on the Fridays is at 6:30pm followed by supper for the entire family at 7:00pm. The presentations begin at 7:30pm with nursery and age-appropriate children’s activities. Youth are welcome to attend and help us out in serving, takedown, or working with the children.
The overall theme of the evenings’ talks is “How What We Believe Can Make a Difference.” The thought here is that believing should have an impact on our actions and ultimately on the quality of our lives. Sacred Scripture tells us that belief without actions is no belief at all. The first presentation begins, as it should, at the beginning, namely with Jesus himself. Is he believable or was he simply an itinerant preacher who meant well, but whose words were either unreasonable or, if true, he could not be trusted?
Why is the question even pertinent today? While spirituality in America is high, religious practice is not what it was in the past. Without the support of religious practice one is less inclined to hear the scriptures, be preached a homily, celebrate with other believers, and feed on the Body and Blood of the Lord. One wonders why spirituality can be up and worship down? In our discussion, we would like to present Jesus as a person who is indeed believable, but to look into precisely why he is so. For someone to be believable, whether it is a bystander, friend, family member or Jesus himself, several things must be present. We must know WHO he is, know WHAT he says, have a RELATIONSHIP with him and be able to TRUST him. What is true of anyone in our daily lives is also true of Jesus.
Who Is he?
Our first consideration, then, becomes, “Who is Jesus?” For an answer, we turn to Philippians 2:5ff: “Let the same mind be in you that was in Christ Jesus, who, though he was in the form of God, did not regard equality with God as something to be exploited, but emptied himself, taking the form of a slave, being born in human likeness. And being found in human form, he humbled himself and became obedient to the point of death – even death on a cross.”
From this quote, let’s look at Jesus as “God.” From the very beginning Jesus was called “Lord.” In the early church, the honor and glory due to God were also seen as due to Jesus, after all, he was seen as “in the form of God.” Jesus’ sovereignty can be seen in God raising him from the dead. And yet, while, God, he was also a man just like us. His character and teachings were so attractive, that folks followed him. All were amazed at what he did for the sick and sinners, how he spoke with authority and challengingly, and the way he lived, simply and prayerfully.
What implications of Jesus as both human and divine could be drawn, implications for our own daily living? For starters, he lives our lives with their ups and downs, with the pains and joys; he dies our death so he helps us see how we too might face the coming of that final day for ourselves. In addition, Jesus models a life of concrete values and choices that we might emulate. Finally, he teaches us how to contact and interact with God.
What Does He Say?
Jesus’ words are often about healing, which show his intimate relationship to God or they may be about the poor and lowly, which show the need for humble hearts or he speaks practically of love and turning the other cheek. Finally, he speaks of forgiveness and the need to forgive without limit. He follows up what he says with his own actions, with signs and wonders, and concludes with an invitation to follow in his footsteps. And it is in this way we learn the secrets of the Kingdom of God.
Table discussion centered on which actions or teachings of Jesus you find most compelling: healing, being poor and lowly, love, or forgiveness?
Having a Relationship with Him
Entering God’s Reign is about having a new relationship. It is about a growing recognition that, “I am loved by God and that I need to respond to that love.” Being drawn into a relationship with Jesus Christ, as a living, breathing human being wants to make me imitate him. However, this relationship of a disciple to the Master is not something that just magically happens; it must be worked on regularly.
Any change in how I relate to another can come about in one of two ways. I can “think my way into acting” or I can “act my way into thinking.” For example, children learn to become adults by playing house. With such games, they are “acting their way into thinking.” In a similar fashion the hospital intern “acts his way into thinking” he is a doctor by playing the part. On the other hand, “thinking your way into acting” might come from attending a workshop on self-assertion or going through therapy. Coaching girls on a soccer team would seem to approach transformation from both “acting” and “thinking.”
So do we “act” like Jesus and thus become like him or do we learn of Jesus and “think” our way into acting? It may have more to do with personalities and how we learn things best.
How Might We Trust Him?
The final question we considered had to do with trust. As we do with a friend or spouse whom we seek out for advice, perspective, or support, we would want to count on Jesus in the same way.
It has been said that a moment calling for trust must necessarily also be a time of risk, trial, pain, suffering, or darkness where we place ourselves at the hands of the one to whom we look. Participants were asked to surface such a time for themselves and how their faith in Jesus Christ made a difference. We shared on whether the trust came of “acting” or “thinking” our way through it.
Summary Thought
“From Jesus, we come to know God because Jesus is the complete and total revelation of God. If we look at the life of Jesus, we find a person who is a model of love, our savior and Redeemer.” (Catechesi Tradendae, 9)
Next Friday’s topic is “How Can I Deal with Suffering?” Please consider joining us. It could make a difference for you.
Is Jesus Believable?
Over the next six weeks of Lent, each week will feature the presentation given at the Lenten Family Friday the Friday before. It can therefore serve as a refresher for those who attended and perhaps an incentive to others to try the next Friday out. Mass on the Fridays is at 6:30pm followed by supper for the entire family at 7:00pm. The presentations begin at 7:30pm with nursery and age-appropriate children’s activities. Youth are welcome to attend and help us out in serving, takedown, or working with the children.
The overall theme of the evenings’ talks is “How What We Believe Can Make a Difference.” The thought here is that believing should have an impact on our actions and ultimately on the quality of our lives. Sacred Scripture tells us that belief without actions is no belief at all. The first presentation begins, as it should, at the beginning, namely with Jesus himself. Is he believable or was he simply an itinerant preacher who meant well, but whose words were either unreasonable or, if true, he could not be trusted?
Why is the question even pertinent today? While spirituality in America is high, religious practice is not what it was in the past. Without the support of religious practice one is less inclined to hear the scriptures, be preached a homily, celebrate with other believers, and feed on the Body and Blood of the Lord. One wonders why spirituality can be up and worship down? In our discussion, we would like to present Jesus as a person who is indeed believable, but to look into precisely why he is so. For someone to be believable, whether it is a bystander, friend, family member or Jesus himself, several things must be present. We must know WHO he is, know WHAT he says, have a RELATIONSHIP with him and be able to TRUST him. What is true of anyone in our daily lives is also true of Jesus.
Who Is he?
Our first consideration, then, becomes, “Who is Jesus?” For an answer, we turn to Philippians 2:5ff: “Let the same mind be in you that was in Christ Jesus, who, though he was in the form of God, did not regard equality with God as something to be exploited, but emptied himself, taking the form of a slave, being born in human likeness. And being found in human form, he humbled himself and became obedient to the point of death – even death on a cross.”
From this quote, let’s look at Jesus as “God.” From the very beginning Jesus was called “Lord.” In the early church, the honor and glory due to God were also seen as due to Jesus, after all, he was seen as “in the form of God.” Jesus’ sovereignty can be seen in God raising him from the dead. And yet, while, God, he was also a man just like us. His character and teachings were so attractive, that folks followed him. All were amazed at what he did for the sick and sinners, how he spoke with authority and challengingly, and the way he lived, simply and prayerfully.
What implications of Jesus as both human and divine could be drawn, implications for our own daily living? For starters, he lives our lives with their ups and downs, with the pains and joys; he dies our death so he helps us see how we too might face the coming of that final day for ourselves. In addition, Jesus models a life of concrete values and choices that we might emulate. Finally, he teaches us how to contact and interact with God.
What Does He Say?
Jesus’ words are often about healing, which show his intimate relationship to God or they may be about the poor and lowly, which show the need for humble hearts or he speaks practically of love and turning the other cheek. Finally, he speaks of forgiveness and the need to forgive without limit. He follows up what he says with his own actions, with signs and wonders, and concludes with an invitation to follow in his footsteps. And it is in this way we learn the secrets of the Kingdom of God.
Table discussion centered on which actions or teachings of Jesus you find most compelling: healing, being poor and lowly, love, or forgiveness?
Having a Relationship with Him
Entering God’s Reign is about having a new relationship. It is about a growing recognition that, “I am loved by God and that I need to respond to that love.” Being drawn into a relationship with Jesus Christ, as a living, breathing human being wants to make me imitate him. However, this relationship of a disciple to the Master is not something that just magically happens; it must be worked on regularly.
Any change in how I relate to another can come about in one of two ways. I can “think my way into acting” or I can “act my way into thinking.” For example, children learn to become adults by playing house. With such games, they are “acting their way into thinking.” In a similar fashion the hospital intern “acts his way into thinking” he is a doctor by playing the part. On the other hand, “thinking your way into acting” might come from attending a workshop on self-assertion or going through therapy. Coaching girls on a soccer team would seem to approach transformation from both “acting” and “thinking.”
So do we “act” like Jesus and thus become like him or do we learn of Jesus and “think” our way into acting? It may have more to do with personalities and how we learn things best.
How Might We Trust Him?
The final question we considered had to do with trust. As we do with a friend or spouse whom we seek out for advice, perspective, or support, we would want to count on Jesus in the same way.
It has been said that a moment calling for trust must necessarily also be a time of risk, trial, pain, suffering, or darkness where we place ourselves at the hands of the one to whom we look. Participants were asked to surface such a time for themselves and how their faith in Jesus Christ made a difference. We shared on whether the trust came of “acting” or “thinking” our way through it.
Summary Thought
“From Jesus, we come to know God because Jesus is the complete and total revelation of God. If we look at the life of Jesus, we find a person who is a model of love, our savior and Redeemer.” (Catechesi Tradendae, 9)
Next Friday’s topic is “How Can I Deal with Suffering?” Please consider joining us. It could make a difference for you.
Weekly HOMILY for February 25, 2007: Super Size Me
Ash Wednesday, Cycle C
Our Lady of Grace
February 21, 2007
Super-Size Me
By (Rev. Msgr.) Nicholas P. Amato
Super-Size Me
This past year, I saw a movie called Super Size Me.
This movie is a documentary done by a man named Morgan Spurlock. For a full month, Spurlock ate nothing but junk food.
He consumed three fast-food meals a day at McDonalds or other fast-food restaurants. Whenever the server asked Spurlock if he wanted to super-size his order, he always said yes.
So whenever he was asked, he always got the extra-big hamburger or order of fries or coke or milkshake, whatever it was. And what do you think happened to Morgan Spurlock?
In one month, he gained twenty-five pounds and really fouled up his health. His blood sugar went way up and he developed intestinal and, I think, even some heart troubles.
Morgan Spurlock illustrated how choosing fast and easy food can hurt us. He illustrated how this is a failure to take responsibility for our bodily health.
Responsibility for Spiritual Health
The season of Lent that we begin today reminds us to take responsibility for our spiritual health.
The ashes that we use today are a powerful symbol of this. Unlike Morgan Spurlock who ate junk food and did not care for his physical health, the ashes remind us to take care of our spiritual health in two ways.
Lenten Responsibility
First, the ashes remind us that we come from God.
The Book of Genesis says that God breathed life into the dust of the earth and formed us from this. So, the ashes remind us that we have come from God and someday we will return to God.
Because of this, we are called to some special prayer during Lent. Jesus in today’s gospel calls us to pray not to be seen, but to pray from our hearts so as to grow closer to God.
Maybe we can just make sure that we pray in some way every day during Lent, like when we get out of bed in the morning, or maybe we can come to Stations of the Cross sometime during Lent or come to weekday Mass once a week. The ashes remind us that we come from God and they call us to grow in our relationship with God.
And second, the ashes remind us that we are part of God’s family.
We are signed with ashes much as we are signed with the holy oil when we are baptized and confirmed and made part of God’s family. And so, the ashes remind us that we part of God’s family and need to be repent for not respecting and caring for one another.
I think this is why we are called to do some fasting during Lent. The Church asks all of us Catholics together not to eat meat today and on all the Fridays of Lent, and also to eat only one full meal today and on Good Friday.
That is fasting – watching what we eat. We could also choose to do some personal fasting, like giving up desserts or candy.
This fasting from food leads us to think about the behaviors that we need to fast from, like picking on a classmate or gossiping or not helping poor people who are in need. So, the ashes remind us that we are part of God’s family and to repent for not respecting and caring for one another.
Conclusion
So, the ashes remind us (1) that we come from God and need to grow in our relationship with God, and (2) that we are part of God’s family and need to repent of not respecting and caring for God’s family.
If we do these things, we are caring for our spiritual health, unlike the guy who ate fast food three times a day for an entire month. With these thoughts, we now bless and receive the ashes.
Our Lady of Grace
February 21, 2007
Super-Size Me
By (Rev. Msgr.) Nicholas P. Amato
Super-Size Me
This past year, I saw a movie called Super Size Me.
This movie is a documentary done by a man named Morgan Spurlock. For a full month, Spurlock ate nothing but junk food.
He consumed three fast-food meals a day at McDonalds or other fast-food restaurants. Whenever the server asked Spurlock if he wanted to super-size his order, he always said yes.
So whenever he was asked, he always got the extra-big hamburger or order of fries or coke or milkshake, whatever it was. And what do you think happened to Morgan Spurlock?
In one month, he gained twenty-five pounds and really fouled up his health. His blood sugar went way up and he developed intestinal and, I think, even some heart troubles.
Morgan Spurlock illustrated how choosing fast and easy food can hurt us. He illustrated how this is a failure to take responsibility for our bodily health.
Responsibility for Spiritual Health
The season of Lent that we begin today reminds us to take responsibility for our spiritual health.
The ashes that we use today are a powerful symbol of this. Unlike Morgan Spurlock who ate junk food and did not care for his physical health, the ashes remind us to take care of our spiritual health in two ways.
Lenten Responsibility
First, the ashes remind us that we come from God.
The Book of Genesis says that God breathed life into the dust of the earth and formed us from this. So, the ashes remind us that we have come from God and someday we will return to God.
Because of this, we are called to some special prayer during Lent. Jesus in today’s gospel calls us to pray not to be seen, but to pray from our hearts so as to grow closer to God.
Maybe we can just make sure that we pray in some way every day during Lent, like when we get out of bed in the morning, or maybe we can come to Stations of the Cross sometime during Lent or come to weekday Mass once a week. The ashes remind us that we come from God and they call us to grow in our relationship with God.
And second, the ashes remind us that we are part of God’s family.
We are signed with ashes much as we are signed with the holy oil when we are baptized and confirmed and made part of God’s family. And so, the ashes remind us that we part of God’s family and need to be repent for not respecting and caring for one another.
I think this is why we are called to do some fasting during Lent. The Church asks all of us Catholics together not to eat meat today and on all the Fridays of Lent, and also to eat only one full meal today and on Good Friday.
That is fasting – watching what we eat. We could also choose to do some personal fasting, like giving up desserts or candy.
This fasting from food leads us to think about the behaviors that we need to fast from, like picking on a classmate or gossiping or not helping poor people who are in need. So, the ashes remind us that we are part of God’s family and to repent for not respecting and caring for one another.
Conclusion
So, the ashes remind us (1) that we come from God and need to grow in our relationship with God, and (2) that we are part of God’s family and need to repent of not respecting and caring for God’s family.
If we do these things, we are caring for our spiritual health, unlike the guy who ate fast food three times a day for an entire month. With these thoughts, we now bless and receive the ashes.
Thursday, February 15, 2007
Weekly MESSAGE for February 18, 2007: The Pope Changes His Approach for Lent
February 18, 2007
Dear Friend,
In preparation for Ash Wednesday and the beginning of Lent, I was looking over Pope Benedict’s Lenten message for this year. In it he seeks to show how our faith can lead to charity’s deepest dimensions. The message is centered around the mystery of Christ’s sacrifice on the cross.
Worldwide entrepreneurs like Bill Gates or Warren Buffet establish social foundations. Film stars and politicians invite folks to charity dinners. Governments create friends for themselves in public opinion thanks to international cooperation. And great fund-raising endeavors – especially at times of catastrophes – reach considerable quantities. As Christians we can observe, not without some satisfaction, that in social life the biblical commandment of “Love Thy Neighbor” seems universally accepted.
The Pope’s message for Lent is considerably different than previous ones, either written by him or by Pope John Paul II. Previous messages have focused on works of charity in the sense of Christians’ social commitment. This time, the Pontiff forcefully places God the Father of Jesus Christ at the center. Therefore, the focus is not “anthropocentric” but “theocentric.” It appears that the Holy Father is less concerned with the horizontal dimension (people to people), in order to bring into clearer light the vertical dimension (God above; we below) of Christian living. This change of thought can be observed in general in Benedict XVI’s preaching. In the Pope’s encyclical or in other writings, the central theme is always the love of the Father in heaven becoming one of us in the Son, Jesus Christ.
Why has the Pope changed the focus of the Lenten message? One commentator believes that for the Holy Father the absence of God is worse than material poverty, because it kills every firm hope and leaves us alone with only our pain and lament. In the Lenten message, the commentator says, “The Pope is bound to the pain that weighs on our lives because of our own or others’ faults, and invites us to look up from down here toward the heights.” That is why the Pope chose the theme: “They Shall Look upon Him Whom They Have Pierced.”
The Vatican official, Archbishop Cordes, clarified that Benedict XVI does not forget to invite the faithful to concrete works of charity. According to Archbishop, the Holy Father says that the pierced side of Christ, “Will impel us, in particular, to combat every form of contempt of life or of exploitation of the person and to alleviate the tragedies of loneliness and abandonment of so many people.”
My thought is that our Lenten acts might begin with a healthy dose of charity toward others based on these thoughts.
Fondly,
Father Nick Amato
Dear Friend,
In preparation for Ash Wednesday and the beginning of Lent, I was looking over Pope Benedict’s Lenten message for this year. In it he seeks to show how our faith can lead to charity’s deepest dimensions. The message is centered around the mystery of Christ’s sacrifice on the cross.
Worldwide entrepreneurs like Bill Gates or Warren Buffet establish social foundations. Film stars and politicians invite folks to charity dinners. Governments create friends for themselves in public opinion thanks to international cooperation. And great fund-raising endeavors – especially at times of catastrophes – reach considerable quantities. As Christians we can observe, not without some satisfaction, that in social life the biblical commandment of “Love Thy Neighbor” seems universally accepted.
The Pope’s message for Lent is considerably different than previous ones, either written by him or by Pope John Paul II. Previous messages have focused on works of charity in the sense of Christians’ social commitment. This time, the Pontiff forcefully places God the Father of Jesus Christ at the center. Therefore, the focus is not “anthropocentric” but “theocentric.” It appears that the Holy Father is less concerned with the horizontal dimension (people to people), in order to bring into clearer light the vertical dimension (God above; we below) of Christian living. This change of thought can be observed in general in Benedict XVI’s preaching. In the Pope’s encyclical or in other writings, the central theme is always the love of the Father in heaven becoming one of us in the Son, Jesus Christ.
Why has the Pope changed the focus of the Lenten message? One commentator believes that for the Holy Father the absence of God is worse than material poverty, because it kills every firm hope and leaves us alone with only our pain and lament. In the Lenten message, the commentator says, “The Pope is bound to the pain that weighs on our lives because of our own or others’ faults, and invites us to look up from down here toward the heights.” That is why the Pope chose the theme: “They Shall Look upon Him Whom They Have Pierced.”
The Vatican official, Archbishop Cordes, clarified that Benedict XVI does not forget to invite the faithful to concrete works of charity. According to Archbishop, the Holy Father says that the pierced side of Christ, “Will impel us, in particular, to combat every form of contempt of life or of exploitation of the person and to alleviate the tragedies of loneliness and abandonment of so many people.”
My thought is that our Lenten acts might begin with a healthy dose of charity toward others based on these thoughts.
Fondly,
Father Nick Amato
Weekly THIS AND THAT for February 18, 2007: Part 5 of Bishop Rozanski's Report: Our Shool
This and That:
Part 5 of Bishop Rozanski’s Report on Our Lady of Grace
This week we end with the fifth and final bulletin note on the November 8, 2006, visit of Bishop Mitch Rozanski and his staff to our parish. The complete report has been shared in this column over the past five weeks. This final installment deals with his commendations and recommendations regarding our parish Catholic School. As I have mentioned in prior weeks, you are invited to share your thoughts with members of the Pastoral Team or any members of the Pastoral Council. (They are the folks with the red ribbons around their necks each weekend at Sunday Mass.) Council members have an opportunity, at the conclusion of each monthly meeting, to share with the entire Council comments, kudos, or concerns made by individual parishioners.
Our Catholic School opened in 2000 and was the first new school in the Archdiocese in 35 years. From the very beginning, the parish supported the school by building the Education Center, which would also house our Religious Education Program and Youth Ministries. Over the past years the parish has covered the interest on the loans assumed by the school for its start-up costs and also outfitted the Library Media Center, the Arts Center, and the Science Lab with furniture and built-in cabinetry. The commitment of the pastor and the services of Deborah Webber, as Coordinator of Youth Ministries, Chris Pignataro, as Administrator of Religious Education, and Elaine Hagner, as Parish Administrator are all other ways the parish supports the efforts of the school. Finally, a grant of $20,000 is given to the school by the parish each year to go toward tuition assistance.
We are very proud of the comments made by Bishop Rozanski of our principal, Sister Helen, our teachers, and our students. How blest we are to have such a wonderful vehicle for parents to support their children’s growth in faith.
Fondly,
Father Nick Amato
OUR LADY OF GRACE SCHOOL
Acknowledgement:
The purpose of the Pastoral Visitation is to gain a greater understanding of the parish on many levels. Time spent in the parish meeting with parishioners, parish staff, pastor, lay corporators, council members, volunteers and various committees provides a lens through which the Vicar Bishop can gain insight into the many aspects of parish life and ministries of the parish. As such, the Pastoral Visitation does not include an in-depth assessment of either entity. The Division of Catholic Schools and the Division of Evangelization and Catechesis provide to the Bishop’s Office ongoing information and evaluation of both schools.
The Principal and Staff are commended for the following:
➢ The Principal, for her continued commitment to the growth and viability of Our Lady of Grace School.
➢ The faculty, for their continued energy and hard work in striving for academic excellence.
➢ The Principal and DRE for the appreciation they show for each other’s ministries and their willingness to collaborate together to better serve parish youth.
➢ The school leadership and faculty for fostering an appreciation of our Catholic heritage through creatively presented initiatives that foster community.
Recommendations:
The Principal and Faculty are asked to address the following recommendations:
1. The provision of specific opportunities for younger school parents to work with senior parishioners on major events and fundraisers.
2. The development of a strategic plan to market the school to young families.
3. The initiation of an action plan to address areas of need as reflected in the recent Parent Satisfaction Survey.
4. The strict monitoring of the budget and enrollment as a means to develop strategies to address future tuition assistance and other needs.
December 21, 2006
Part 5 of Bishop Rozanski’s Report on Our Lady of Grace
This week we end with the fifth and final bulletin note on the November 8, 2006, visit of Bishop Mitch Rozanski and his staff to our parish. The complete report has been shared in this column over the past five weeks. This final installment deals with his commendations and recommendations regarding our parish Catholic School. As I have mentioned in prior weeks, you are invited to share your thoughts with members of the Pastoral Team or any members of the Pastoral Council. (They are the folks with the red ribbons around their necks each weekend at Sunday Mass.) Council members have an opportunity, at the conclusion of each monthly meeting, to share with the entire Council comments, kudos, or concerns made by individual parishioners.
Our Catholic School opened in 2000 and was the first new school in the Archdiocese in 35 years. From the very beginning, the parish supported the school by building the Education Center, which would also house our Religious Education Program and Youth Ministries. Over the past years the parish has covered the interest on the loans assumed by the school for its start-up costs and also outfitted the Library Media Center, the Arts Center, and the Science Lab with furniture and built-in cabinetry. The commitment of the pastor and the services of Deborah Webber, as Coordinator of Youth Ministries, Chris Pignataro, as Administrator of Religious Education, and Elaine Hagner, as Parish Administrator are all other ways the parish supports the efforts of the school. Finally, a grant of $20,000 is given to the school by the parish each year to go toward tuition assistance.
We are very proud of the comments made by Bishop Rozanski of our principal, Sister Helen, our teachers, and our students. How blest we are to have such a wonderful vehicle for parents to support their children’s growth in faith.
Fondly,
Father Nick Amato
OUR LADY OF GRACE SCHOOL
Acknowledgement:
The purpose of the Pastoral Visitation is to gain a greater understanding of the parish on many levels. Time spent in the parish meeting with parishioners, parish staff, pastor, lay corporators, council members, volunteers and various committees provides a lens through which the Vicar Bishop can gain insight into the many aspects of parish life and ministries of the parish. As such, the Pastoral Visitation does not include an in-depth assessment of either entity. The Division of Catholic Schools and the Division of Evangelization and Catechesis provide to the Bishop’s Office ongoing information and evaluation of both schools.
The Principal and Staff are commended for the following:
➢ The Principal, for her continued commitment to the growth and viability of Our Lady of Grace School.
➢ The faculty, for their continued energy and hard work in striving for academic excellence.
➢ The Principal and DRE for the appreciation they show for each other’s ministries and their willingness to collaborate together to better serve parish youth.
➢ The school leadership and faculty for fostering an appreciation of our Catholic heritage through creatively presented initiatives that foster community.
Recommendations:
The Principal and Faculty are asked to address the following recommendations:
1. The provision of specific opportunities for younger school parents to work with senior parishioners on major events and fundraisers.
2. The development of a strategic plan to market the school to young families.
3. The initiation of an action plan to address areas of need as reflected in the recent Parent Satisfaction Survey.
4. The strict monitoring of the budget and enrollment as a means to develop strategies to address future tuition assistance and other needs.
December 21, 2006
Weekly HOMILY for February 18, 2007: Forgiveness -- The Hardest Thing to Do
7th Sunday of Ordinary Time, Cycle C
Our Lady of Grace
February 18, 2007
Forgiveness: The Hardest Thing to Do
By (Rev. Msgr.) Nicholas P. Amato
What Is Hardest?
I’d like to begin our reflection this morning with a question for you to answer.
What is the hardest thing God has ever asked you to do? (Pause a few seconds.) What is the hardest thing God has ever asked you to do?
Is it letting go of a spouse or child in death? Is it watching someone struggle with a sickness or addiction and feeling completely helpless?
It is caring for an elderly parent who is suffering the ravages of aging?
Or is it perhaps taking Jesus at his word when he says today: “Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you and pray for those who mistreat you.”
Is Forgiving the Hardest?
“Yikes!” I know my most difficult; I just heard it from the lips of Jesus. I wonder if, for many of you, the same is not true for you?
Taking Jesus at his word – taking that enemy or the person who has wronged you – and then loving, doing good, blessing, and praying for them.
If it still doesn’t sound difficult, let’s add some names. Maybe the one who’s wronged you is a spouse who has been unfaithful.
Perhaps it is a neighbor has injured your reputation.
Or a relative as I saw in two of my aunts who did not talk to each other for 20 years and they lived next door to one another. When we visited, we had to visit each house separately and not always go to the one house first.
Or what about the 9/11 terrorists who attacked us?
In any of thises situations, the tendency is to say: “Forgiveness, yes, but this forgiveness command does not apply to me in this situation.”
Or, “I have a right not to forgive, the deed is so heinous.” Or, “We need to protect ourselves don’t we?”
There is no question that forgiveness takes strength. It fact it takes real, inner strength to forgive someone who has hurt us, to love those who do not care for us, or to let go of resentment or long-harbored bitterness.
There is no question that we do need to protect ourselves from a hurtful person, from criminals, or terrorists. We need to do this as individuals, as a community, and as a Nation.
But forgiveness – that is, not inflicting or wanting pain for others in retaliation, and being open to reconciliation and peace – this, as hard as it can be, is important.
I see three reasons why it is so crucially important for the quality of our life.
Why Forgiving Is So Important
First, harboring bitterness, anger, and vengeance in the end can kill us. It is like a cancer growing within us.
It consumes and destroys and twists the human spirit beyond recognition. Regardless of what it does to the other person or even the other nation, it does end up chewing up stomach, mind, and spirit and eventually destroying us.
Second, the greatest motive for forgiveness and for letting go of anger, grudges, and bitterness comes from beyond this world. Jesus says today: “Be merciful, as your Father is merciful.”
When we are forgiving, we are God-like, acting like God, being like the One in whose image we are created. When we are forgiving, we are living out of the spirit, that is, the divine life that is within us.
And the third reason why forgiveness is so important is that it connects us with our eternity. Jesus says: “Forgive and you will be forgiven.”
“For the measure you measure with, will in return be measured back to you.” Apparently, our acts of forgiving foreshadow and even shape our eternity.
Conclusion
So yes, forgiveness may be – for many of us in some particular instance – life’s most difficult challenge.
At its root, it is important to remember that forgiveness is a choice and not a feeling. It is an act of our will – to release and to be open to reconciliation with a person who’s wronged us or with an enemy.
It is a decision to respond to such persons with a light that dispels the darkness of resentment and vengeance. It is a decision to set them and us free for better possibilities and will bring us at the very least, peace of mind.
Our Lady of Grace
February 18, 2007
Forgiveness: The Hardest Thing to Do
By (Rev. Msgr.) Nicholas P. Amato
What Is Hardest?
I’d like to begin our reflection this morning with a question for you to answer.
What is the hardest thing God has ever asked you to do? (Pause a few seconds.) What is the hardest thing God has ever asked you to do?
Is it letting go of a spouse or child in death? Is it watching someone struggle with a sickness or addiction and feeling completely helpless?
It is caring for an elderly parent who is suffering the ravages of aging?
Or is it perhaps taking Jesus at his word when he says today: “Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you and pray for those who mistreat you.”
Is Forgiving the Hardest?
“Yikes!” I know my most difficult; I just heard it from the lips of Jesus. I wonder if, for many of you, the same is not true for you?
Taking Jesus at his word – taking that enemy or the person who has wronged you – and then loving, doing good, blessing, and praying for them.
If it still doesn’t sound difficult, let’s add some names. Maybe the one who’s wronged you is a spouse who has been unfaithful.
Perhaps it is a neighbor has injured your reputation.
Or a relative as I saw in two of my aunts who did not talk to each other for 20 years and they lived next door to one another. When we visited, we had to visit each house separately and not always go to the one house first.
Or what about the 9/11 terrorists who attacked us?
In any of thises situations, the tendency is to say: “Forgiveness, yes, but this forgiveness command does not apply to me in this situation.”
Or, “I have a right not to forgive, the deed is so heinous.” Or, “We need to protect ourselves don’t we?”
There is no question that forgiveness takes strength. It fact it takes real, inner strength to forgive someone who has hurt us, to love those who do not care for us, or to let go of resentment or long-harbored bitterness.
There is no question that we do need to protect ourselves from a hurtful person, from criminals, or terrorists. We need to do this as individuals, as a community, and as a Nation.
But forgiveness – that is, not inflicting or wanting pain for others in retaliation, and being open to reconciliation and peace – this, as hard as it can be, is important.
I see three reasons why it is so crucially important for the quality of our life.
Why Forgiving Is So Important
First, harboring bitterness, anger, and vengeance in the end can kill us. It is like a cancer growing within us.
It consumes and destroys and twists the human spirit beyond recognition. Regardless of what it does to the other person or even the other nation, it does end up chewing up stomach, mind, and spirit and eventually destroying us.
Second, the greatest motive for forgiveness and for letting go of anger, grudges, and bitterness comes from beyond this world. Jesus says today: “Be merciful, as your Father is merciful.”
When we are forgiving, we are God-like, acting like God, being like the One in whose image we are created. When we are forgiving, we are living out of the spirit, that is, the divine life that is within us.
And the third reason why forgiveness is so important is that it connects us with our eternity. Jesus says: “Forgive and you will be forgiven.”
“For the measure you measure with, will in return be measured back to you.” Apparently, our acts of forgiving foreshadow and even shape our eternity.
Conclusion
So yes, forgiveness may be – for many of us in some particular instance – life’s most difficult challenge.
At its root, it is important to remember that forgiveness is a choice and not a feeling. It is an act of our will – to release and to be open to reconciliation with a person who’s wronged us or with an enemy.
It is a decision to respond to such persons with a light that dispels the darkness of resentment and vengeance. It is a decision to set them and us free for better possibilities and will bring us at the very least, peace of mind.
Thursday, February 08, 2007
Weekly MESSAGE for February 11, 2007: The $20 Bill
February 11, 2007
RE: The $20 bill
Dear Friend,
A well-known speaker started off his seminar by holding up a $20.00 bill. In the room of 200, he asked, “Who would like this $20 bill?” Hands started going up. He said, “I am going to give this $20 to one of you, but first, let me do this. He proceeded to crumple up the $20 dollar bill. He then asked, “Who still wants it?” Still the hands were up in the air. Well, he replied, “What if I do this?” And he dropped it on the ground and started to grind it into the floor with his shoe. He picked it up, now crumpled and dirty. “Now, who still wants it?” Still the hands went into the air.
My friends, we have all learned a very valuable lesson. No matter what I did to the money, you still wanted it because it did not decrease in value. It was still worth $20. Many times in our lives, we are dropped, crumpled, and ground into the dirt by the decisions we make and the circumstances that come our way. We feel as though we are worthless. But no matter what has happened or what will happen, you will never lose your value. Dirty or clean, crumpled or finely creased, you are still priceless to those who do love you.
The worth of our lives comes not in what we do or whom we know, but by who we are and whose we are. You are loved by God and belong to God, a fact we should not forget. So it is our blessings we should count, not your problems. Keep in mind when you think your not doing very well at life, it was amateurs who built the ark and professionals who built the Titanic. As they used to say, “If God brings you to it, God will bring you through it.”
Fondly,
Father Nick Amato
RE: The $20 bill
Dear Friend,
A well-known speaker started off his seminar by holding up a $20.00 bill. In the room of 200, he asked, “Who would like this $20 bill?” Hands started going up. He said, “I am going to give this $20 to one of you, but first, let me do this. He proceeded to crumple up the $20 dollar bill. He then asked, “Who still wants it?” Still the hands were up in the air. Well, he replied, “What if I do this?” And he dropped it on the ground and started to grind it into the floor with his shoe. He picked it up, now crumpled and dirty. “Now, who still wants it?” Still the hands went into the air.
My friends, we have all learned a very valuable lesson. No matter what I did to the money, you still wanted it because it did not decrease in value. It was still worth $20. Many times in our lives, we are dropped, crumpled, and ground into the dirt by the decisions we make and the circumstances that come our way. We feel as though we are worthless. But no matter what has happened or what will happen, you will never lose your value. Dirty or clean, crumpled or finely creased, you are still priceless to those who do love you.
The worth of our lives comes not in what we do or whom we know, but by who we are and whose we are. You are loved by God and belong to God, a fact we should not forget. So it is our blessings we should count, not your problems. Keep in mind when you think your not doing very well at life, it was amateurs who built the ark and professionals who built the Titanic. As they used to say, “If God brings you to it, God will bring you through it.”
Fondly,
Father Nick Amato
Weekly THIS AND THAT for February 11, 2007: Part 4 of Bishop Rozanski's Report on Our Lady of Grace
This and That:
Part 4 of Bishop Rozanski’s Report on Our Lady of Grace
The following is the fourth of five bulletin notes on the November 8, 2006, visit of Bishop Mitch Rozanski and his staff to our parish. The complete report is being shared in this column over five weeks. This fourth part deals with his commendations and recommendations regarding our Stewardship of Finances and Faith Formation. All are invited to share their thoughts with members of the Pastoral Team or any members of the Pastoral Council. (They are the folks with the red ribbons around their necks each weekend at Sunday Mass.) Council members have an opportunity at the conclusion of each monthly meeting to share with the entire Council comments, kudos, or concerns made be individual parishioners.
It should be noted that Ms. Judy Hvisc tendered her resignation at Director of Religious Education in early January and that we now have a new Administrator of Religious Education, Ms. Chris Pignataro. She will be tending to the Recommendations made by Bishop Rozanski and his staff in the report below.
Fondly,
Father Nick Amato
STEWARDSHIP OF FINANCES
➢ The Finance Personnel and the Parish Administrator are commended for the following:
➢ The collaborative approach to the development of the parish budget.
➢ The expertise of Elizabeth Scholz in forecasting to assure that the budgeting process is realistic.
➢ The monthly monitoring income and expenses as it is reflected in the overall budget.
➢ The attachment of the budget to the strategic planning process
➢ The commitment to 10% tithing.
➢ The ongoing focus on seeking new and creative ways to grow the revenue.
➢ The dedication and sense of the responsibility evidenced by the Finance Committee’s efforts to “think of everything.”
➢ The current success of the Capital Campaign.
➢ The focus on electronic giving, which generates about $2500 of the weekly offertory.
➢ The acceptance of the Mustard See Match and commitment to raise the matching funds.
➢ The fostering of the Legacy League in the parish.
➢ The practice of presenting the budget reports quarterly to the Pastoral Council.
➢ The Annual “State of the Parish” presented to the parish community annually by the Finance Council Chairperson from the pulpit.
Acknowledgement:
1. It is noted that the Pastor has wisely selected parishioners who have expertise in areas of financial management to serve in various capacities in the parish to foster good stewardship and to utilize the gifts of people for service to the community.
FAITH FORMATION
➢ Those involved in Faith Formation are commended for the following:
➢ Judy Hvisc, the new Director of Religious Education, for her attempts to get to know the parishioners and the catechetical needs of Our Lady of Grace.
➢ The commitment of the school and religious education leadership to trying to bring everyone into compliance with the child protection requirements.
➢ Sr. Mary Therese and her “Why Catholic” committee for the excellent parish participation in the program and for the committee’s commitment to attending the program training opportunities.
➢ The youth minister for her commitment to providing diverse service opportunities for the parish youth.
➢ The development of the Youth Center where the youth of the parish can gather as a group.
➢ The establishment of the weekly “Pizza Time” for middle school to socialize as an outreach effort of Youth Ministry.
➢ The initiation and building of the Theatre Ministry by Mary Miller.
The establishment of the Edge Program.
Those involved in Faith Formation are asked to address the following recommendations:
1. Bringing the parish into compliance with the catechesis for human sexuality portion of the child protection regulations by spring of 2007
2. Possible recruitment and development of teams of adults who can assist with the diversity of youth activities.
3. The encouragement of parents to take more ownership in the parish youth activities.
4. Development of a parish evangelization plan for reaching out to the inactive members of the parish.
Part 4 of Bishop Rozanski’s Report on Our Lady of Grace
The following is the fourth of five bulletin notes on the November 8, 2006, visit of Bishop Mitch Rozanski and his staff to our parish. The complete report is being shared in this column over five weeks. This fourth part deals with his commendations and recommendations regarding our Stewardship of Finances and Faith Formation. All are invited to share their thoughts with members of the Pastoral Team or any members of the Pastoral Council. (They are the folks with the red ribbons around their necks each weekend at Sunday Mass.) Council members have an opportunity at the conclusion of each monthly meeting to share with the entire Council comments, kudos, or concerns made be individual parishioners.
It should be noted that Ms. Judy Hvisc tendered her resignation at Director of Religious Education in early January and that we now have a new Administrator of Religious Education, Ms. Chris Pignataro. She will be tending to the Recommendations made by Bishop Rozanski and his staff in the report below.
Fondly,
Father Nick Amato
STEWARDSHIP OF FINANCES
➢ The Finance Personnel and the Parish Administrator are commended for the following:
➢ The collaborative approach to the development of the parish budget.
➢ The expertise of Elizabeth Scholz in forecasting to assure that the budgeting process is realistic.
➢ The monthly monitoring income and expenses as it is reflected in the overall budget.
➢ The attachment of the budget to the strategic planning process
➢ The commitment to 10% tithing.
➢ The ongoing focus on seeking new and creative ways to grow the revenue.
➢ The dedication and sense of the responsibility evidenced by the Finance Committee’s efforts to “think of everything.”
➢ The current success of the Capital Campaign.
➢ The focus on electronic giving, which generates about $2500 of the weekly offertory.
➢ The acceptance of the Mustard See Match and commitment to raise the matching funds.
➢ The fostering of the Legacy League in the parish.
➢ The practice of presenting the budget reports quarterly to the Pastoral Council.
➢ The Annual “State of the Parish” presented to the parish community annually by the Finance Council Chairperson from the pulpit.
Acknowledgement:
1. It is noted that the Pastor has wisely selected parishioners who have expertise in areas of financial management to serve in various capacities in the parish to foster good stewardship and to utilize the gifts of people for service to the community.
FAITH FORMATION
➢ Those involved in Faith Formation are commended for the following:
➢ Judy Hvisc, the new Director of Religious Education, for her attempts to get to know the parishioners and the catechetical needs of Our Lady of Grace.
➢ The commitment of the school and religious education leadership to trying to bring everyone into compliance with the child protection requirements.
➢ Sr. Mary Therese and her “Why Catholic” committee for the excellent parish participation in the program and for the committee’s commitment to attending the program training opportunities.
➢ The youth minister for her commitment to providing diverse service opportunities for the parish youth.
➢ The development of the Youth Center where the youth of the parish can gather as a group.
➢ The establishment of the weekly “Pizza Time” for middle school to socialize as an outreach effort of Youth Ministry.
➢ The initiation and building of the Theatre Ministry by Mary Miller.
The establishment of the Edge Program.
Those involved in Faith Formation are asked to address the following recommendations:
1. Bringing the parish into compliance with the catechesis for human sexuality portion of the child protection regulations by spring of 2007
2. Possible recruitment and development of teams of adults who can assist with the diversity of youth activities.
3. The encouragement of parents to take more ownership in the parish youth activities.
4. Development of a parish evangelization plan for reaching out to the inactive members of the parish.
Weekly HOMILY for February 11, 2007: The BE-Attitudes
6th Sunday of Ordinary Time, Cycle C
Our Lady of Grace
February 11, 2007
The BE-Attitudes
(Rev. Msgr.) Nicholas P. Amato
BE-Attitudes at Home
When I was growing up, I remember certain statements that my mother used to make.
To my older brother Jim and my younger sister Fran she’d say things like: “Never forget where you came from.” While she knew that we would have better educational and professional opportunities than she had had – she had to quite school to help support the family – she didn’t want that to ever go to our heads.
Mom never wanted us to hold ourselves above others. She wanted us to be sensitive to those who had less than we had.
Another favorite statement of hers was, “Give the other person the benefit of the doubt.” She taught us that erring on the side of good helped us better understand the viewpoint of others.
The “other person” could be our teacher in school, one of our many cousins that we saw regularly, or the neighbor next door, who, I might add wasn’t the easiest guy to get along with.
Mom wanted us simply to listen and make an effort to understand before making up our minds and being critical.
BE-Attitudes of Jesus
In today’s Gospel, Jesus also makes a few such statements.
And beneath the statements, he knows that following God seriously does means more than a few prayers each week and a couple of acts of charity now and then. He knows that following God or himself is a life-transforming work.
Discipleship gets down to adopt and holding as our very own certain attitudes, much as my mother was trying to instill in the three of us with her statements of, “Never forget where you came from.” And “Give the other person the benefit of the doubt.”
Following God means that we move from being ego-centered or ego-driven to being God-centered or God-driven.
Jesus himself models this way of being and living. And today, in this Gospel, he teaches us these BE-Attitudes – spelled capital B-E. Capital A-t-t-i-t-u-d-e-s.
Jesus is teaching us attitudes for being. He is teaching us how “to be,” more than how “to do” or how “to achieve.”
Jesus’ Specific BE-Attitudes
(1) THE POOR: For example, Jesus says that we are and will be blessed when we are poor. This means that we are holy when we are humbled in our inner selves by the presence of God in creation or in the Eucharist.
“Blessed are the poor,” means that we are close to God when we are not so caught up in ourselves, but are caught up in something or someone beyond ourselves. It means that we are compassionate and patient with others.
(2) THE HUNGRY: Secondly, Jesus says that we are, and will be blessed, when we are hungry. What he means is that we are holy when we have an inner yearning for the fullness that only God can give.
“Blessed are the hungry” means that we crave the lasting satisfaction of a relationship with God and see how passing is the satisfaction of money, possessions, and all things material. It means that we hunger for God’s affirmation more than the recognition of others.
(3) THOSE WHO WEEP: Finally, Jesus says that we are and will be blessed when we weep. This means that we are holy when we mourn our lack of personal faithfulness or commitment or integrity.
“Blessed are those who weep,” means that we cry over the superficial values that are promoted on TV ads and how they affect even our own lifestyle. It means that we grieve the poverty and violence in our world and do something in our own way to alleviate the suffering of the oppressed.
Conclusion
So, when Jesus calls “Blessed” those who are (1) Poor, (2) Hungry or (3) Weeping, he is not exalting these conditions as we usually think of them.
No, instead he is saying that when we are rich or satisfied or always having a good time or well thought of, it can be difficult to be transformed from within. It can be difficult to embrace his attitudes for being – his BE-Attitudes.
Today, Jesus implores us to allow ourselves to be changed from within for our present and future happiness. He implores us to embrace his BE-Attitudes or “attitudes for being” for our lasting blessedness.
It worked with my mother giving us lasting attitudes; it can surely work with Jesus!
Our Lady of Grace
February 11, 2007
The BE-Attitudes
(Rev. Msgr.) Nicholas P. Amato
BE-Attitudes at Home
When I was growing up, I remember certain statements that my mother used to make.
To my older brother Jim and my younger sister Fran she’d say things like: “Never forget where you came from.” While she knew that we would have better educational and professional opportunities than she had had – she had to quite school to help support the family – she didn’t want that to ever go to our heads.
Mom never wanted us to hold ourselves above others. She wanted us to be sensitive to those who had less than we had.
Another favorite statement of hers was, “Give the other person the benefit of the doubt.” She taught us that erring on the side of good helped us better understand the viewpoint of others.
The “other person” could be our teacher in school, one of our many cousins that we saw regularly, or the neighbor next door, who, I might add wasn’t the easiest guy to get along with.
Mom wanted us simply to listen and make an effort to understand before making up our minds and being critical.
BE-Attitudes of Jesus
In today’s Gospel, Jesus also makes a few such statements.
And beneath the statements, he knows that following God seriously does means more than a few prayers each week and a couple of acts of charity now and then. He knows that following God or himself is a life-transforming work.
Discipleship gets down to adopt and holding as our very own certain attitudes, much as my mother was trying to instill in the three of us with her statements of, “Never forget where you came from.” And “Give the other person the benefit of the doubt.”
Following God means that we move from being ego-centered or ego-driven to being God-centered or God-driven.
Jesus himself models this way of being and living. And today, in this Gospel, he teaches us these BE-Attitudes – spelled capital B-E. Capital A-t-t-i-t-u-d-e-s.
Jesus is teaching us attitudes for being. He is teaching us how “to be,” more than how “to do” or how “to achieve.”
Jesus’ Specific BE-Attitudes
(1) THE POOR: For example, Jesus says that we are and will be blessed when we are poor. This means that we are holy when we are humbled in our inner selves by the presence of God in creation or in the Eucharist.
“Blessed are the poor,” means that we are close to God when we are not so caught up in ourselves, but are caught up in something or someone beyond ourselves. It means that we are compassionate and patient with others.
(2) THE HUNGRY: Secondly, Jesus says that we are, and will be blessed, when we are hungry. What he means is that we are holy when we have an inner yearning for the fullness that only God can give.
“Blessed are the hungry” means that we crave the lasting satisfaction of a relationship with God and see how passing is the satisfaction of money, possessions, and all things material. It means that we hunger for God’s affirmation more than the recognition of others.
(3) THOSE WHO WEEP: Finally, Jesus says that we are and will be blessed when we weep. This means that we are holy when we mourn our lack of personal faithfulness or commitment or integrity.
“Blessed are those who weep,” means that we cry over the superficial values that are promoted on TV ads and how they affect even our own lifestyle. It means that we grieve the poverty and violence in our world and do something in our own way to alleviate the suffering of the oppressed.
Conclusion
So, when Jesus calls “Blessed” those who are (1) Poor, (2) Hungry or (3) Weeping, he is not exalting these conditions as we usually think of them.
No, instead he is saying that when we are rich or satisfied or always having a good time or well thought of, it can be difficult to be transformed from within. It can be difficult to embrace his attitudes for being – his BE-Attitudes.
Today, Jesus implores us to allow ourselves to be changed from within for our present and future happiness. He implores us to embrace his BE-Attitudes or “attitudes for being” for our lasting blessedness.
It worked with my mother giving us lasting attitudes; it can surely work with Jesus!
Thursday, February 01, 2007
Weekly MESSAGE for February 4, 2006: Five Fingers to Prayer
February 4, 2007
Dear Friend,
When I was in Alaska on our parish trip last year I learned that the easiest way to remember the five kinds of salmon is to use the fingers of your hand. The following came across my desk on how to use the fingers of your hand to pray more effectively.
Your thumb is nearest you. So begin your prayers by praying for those closest to you. They are the easiest to remember. To pray for our loved ones is, as C. S. Lewis once said, a “sweet duty.”
The next finger is the pointing finger. Pray for those who teach, instruct and heal. This includes teachers, doctors, and ministers. They need support and wisdom in pointing others in the right direction. Keep them in your prayers.
The next finger is the tallest finger. It reminds us of our leaders. Pray for the president, leaders in business and industry, and administrators. These people shape our nation and guide public opinion. They need God's guidance.
The fourth finger is our ring finger. Surprising to many is the fact that this is our weakest finger, as any piano teacher will testify. It should remind us to pray for those who are weak, in trouble or in pain. They need your prayers day and night. You cannot pray too much for them.
And lastly comes our little finger – the smallest finger of all which is where we should place ourselves in relation to God and others. As the Bible says, “The least shall be the greatest among you.” Your pinkie should remind you to pray for yourself. By the time you have prayed for the other four groups, your own needs will be put into proper perspective and you will be able to pray for yourself more effectively.
By the way the five types of salmon are: Sockeye, Pink, King, Chum, and Silver. Can anybody guess which salmon for which finger?
Fondly,
Father Nick Amato
Dear Friend,
When I was in Alaska on our parish trip last year I learned that the easiest way to remember the five kinds of salmon is to use the fingers of your hand. The following came across my desk on how to use the fingers of your hand to pray more effectively.
Your thumb is nearest you. So begin your prayers by praying for those closest to you. They are the easiest to remember. To pray for our loved ones is, as C. S. Lewis once said, a “sweet duty.”
The next finger is the pointing finger. Pray for those who teach, instruct and heal. This includes teachers, doctors, and ministers. They need support and wisdom in pointing others in the right direction. Keep them in your prayers.
The next finger is the tallest finger. It reminds us of our leaders. Pray for the president, leaders in business and industry, and administrators. These people shape our nation and guide public opinion. They need God's guidance.
The fourth finger is our ring finger. Surprising to many is the fact that this is our weakest finger, as any piano teacher will testify. It should remind us to pray for those who are weak, in trouble or in pain. They need your prayers day and night. You cannot pray too much for them.
And lastly comes our little finger – the smallest finger of all which is where we should place ourselves in relation to God and others. As the Bible says, “The least shall be the greatest among you.” Your pinkie should remind you to pray for yourself. By the time you have prayed for the other four groups, your own needs will be put into proper perspective and you will be able to pray for yourself more effectively.
By the way the five types of salmon are: Sockeye, Pink, King, Chum, and Silver. Can anybody guess which salmon for which finger?
Fondly,
Father Nick Amato
Weekly THIS AND THAT for February 4, 2007: Part 3 of Bishop Rozanski's Report on Our Lady of Grace
This and That:
Part 3 of Bishop Rozanski’s Report on Our Lady of Grace
The following is the third of five bulletin notes on the November 8, 2006, visit of Bishop Mitch Rozanski and his staff to our parish. The complete report is being shared in this column over five weeks. This third part deals with his commendations and recommendations regarding The Pastoral Council, The Parish Coporation, and our Buildings and Properties. All are invited to share their thoughts with members of the Pastoral Team or any members of the Pastoral Council. (They are the folks with the red ribbons around their necks each weekend at Sunday Mass.) Council members have an opportunity at the conclusion of each monthly meeting to share with the entire Council comments, kudos, or concerns made be individual parishioners.
Fondly,
Father Nick Amato
THE PASTORAL COUNCIL
The Pastoral Council is commended for the following:
➢ Beginning meetings with substantive prayer, which is shared by all members of the Council.
➢ The balance of membership including a good mix of ages and a balance between men and women.
➢ The extensive expertise and experience that Council Members bring to the table.
➢ The obvious energy that the Council generates as a group on behalf of the parish community.
➢ The engagement of the Council in the development of a Pastoral Plan through pondering the deeper questions related to being Church today and in the future.
➢ The innovative spirit of the Pastoral Council.
➢ The fostering of lay leadership in the parish.
➢ The embracing of a Ministry of Presence.
The Pastoral Council is asked to address the following recommendations:
1. Work with the Pastor and Staff to seek creative ways to involve the 80% of parishioners who attend, but do not participate in the life and ministries of the parish, while respecting the constraints of family and job responsibilities.
2. Work with Pastor and Staff to develop a comprehensive evangelization effort that will identify and address the unique circumstances of people in the area.
3. Develop ways to inform and educate parishioners regarding future planning as it relates to The Hope That Lies Before Us. Begin to explore how this affects the future of Our Lady of Grace and lay leadership development.
THE PARISH CORPORATION
The Lay Corporators, Arlene Hoffman and Stephen Golueke are commended for the following:
➢ The focus on prioritized planning for the future of the parish.
➢ The commitment to reflect to the pastor what “people in the pew” are thinking and feeling.
➢ The dedication to the work of the Parish Corporation and familiarity with the Parish Corporation document, which outlines the role of the parish corporation.
➢ The commitment to quarterly Corporation meetings and sense of responsibility evidenced by the agenda items discussed at Corporation meetings.
➢ The desire to support the vision of the parish and the pastor’s role in articulating the vision.
The Lay Corporators are asked to address the following recommendations
1. The ongoing need to inform and educate the parish community on future regional planning in North Baltimore County related the The Hope That Lies Before Us.
BUILDINGS AND PROPERTY
The Building Committee, Maintenance Personnel and the Parish Administrator are commended for the following:
➢ The obvious attention and care of the grounds and buildings of the parish complex carried out by Chien Dang.
➢ The meticulous cleanliness and order of the buildings carried out so efficiently by Joe and Theresa Buchanan.
➢ The attention to keeping the infra-structure of the buildings in excellent working order.
➢ Compliance with all ADA codes and inspections.
➢ The creation and good use of the Youth Ministry Center.
➢ The system of water testing on a regular basis to ensure the purest water for drinking.
➢ The creation and maintenance of the Karl Heldrich Center for young children with reading challenges and the future planning to make this center accessible to children in the community.
➢ The tasteful and prayerful worship space.
Part 3 of Bishop Rozanski’s Report on Our Lady of Grace
The following is the third of five bulletin notes on the November 8, 2006, visit of Bishop Mitch Rozanski and his staff to our parish. The complete report is being shared in this column over five weeks. This third part deals with his commendations and recommendations regarding The Pastoral Council, The Parish Coporation, and our Buildings and Properties. All are invited to share their thoughts with members of the Pastoral Team or any members of the Pastoral Council. (They are the folks with the red ribbons around their necks each weekend at Sunday Mass.) Council members have an opportunity at the conclusion of each monthly meeting to share with the entire Council comments, kudos, or concerns made be individual parishioners.
Fondly,
Father Nick Amato
THE PASTORAL COUNCIL
The Pastoral Council is commended for the following:
➢ Beginning meetings with substantive prayer, which is shared by all members of the Council.
➢ The balance of membership including a good mix of ages and a balance between men and women.
➢ The extensive expertise and experience that Council Members bring to the table.
➢ The obvious energy that the Council generates as a group on behalf of the parish community.
➢ The engagement of the Council in the development of a Pastoral Plan through pondering the deeper questions related to being Church today and in the future.
➢ The innovative spirit of the Pastoral Council.
➢ The fostering of lay leadership in the parish.
➢ The embracing of a Ministry of Presence.
The Pastoral Council is asked to address the following recommendations:
1. Work with the Pastor and Staff to seek creative ways to involve the 80% of parishioners who attend, but do not participate in the life and ministries of the parish, while respecting the constraints of family and job responsibilities.
2. Work with Pastor and Staff to develop a comprehensive evangelization effort that will identify and address the unique circumstances of people in the area.
3. Develop ways to inform and educate parishioners regarding future planning as it relates to The Hope That Lies Before Us. Begin to explore how this affects the future of Our Lady of Grace and lay leadership development.
THE PARISH CORPORATION
The Lay Corporators, Arlene Hoffman and Stephen Golueke are commended for the following:
➢ The focus on prioritized planning for the future of the parish.
➢ The commitment to reflect to the pastor what “people in the pew” are thinking and feeling.
➢ The dedication to the work of the Parish Corporation and familiarity with the Parish Corporation document, which outlines the role of the parish corporation.
➢ The commitment to quarterly Corporation meetings and sense of responsibility evidenced by the agenda items discussed at Corporation meetings.
➢ The desire to support the vision of the parish and the pastor’s role in articulating the vision.
The Lay Corporators are asked to address the following recommendations
1. The ongoing need to inform and educate the parish community on future regional planning in North Baltimore County related the The Hope That Lies Before Us.
BUILDINGS AND PROPERTY
The Building Committee, Maintenance Personnel and the Parish Administrator are commended for the following:
➢ The obvious attention and care of the grounds and buildings of the parish complex carried out by Chien Dang.
➢ The meticulous cleanliness and order of the buildings carried out so efficiently by Joe and Theresa Buchanan.
➢ The attention to keeping the infra-structure of the buildings in excellent working order.
➢ Compliance with all ADA codes and inspections.
➢ The creation and good use of the Youth Ministry Center.
➢ The system of water testing on a regular basis to ensure the purest water for drinking.
➢ The creation and maintenance of the Karl Heldrich Center for young children with reading challenges and the future planning to make this center accessible to children in the community.
➢ The tasteful and prayerful worship space.
Weekly HOMILY for February 4, 2007: The Three Silences of the Eucharist
5th Sunday of Ordinary Time, Cycle C
Our Lady of Grace
February 4, 2007
The Three Silences of the Eucharist
(Rev. Msgr.) Nicholas P. Amato
Too Much Speaking
There is a story about a reunion of retired business executives.
Each of them was invited to give a brief – no more than two-minute – talk after dinner on what their experience in retirement was. The toastmaster was instructed to rap his gavel when each speaker’s two minutes were up.
Well, the first speaker was still going strong at the end of the two minutes. The toastmaster was a kindly old man and just could not bring himself to rap the gavel.
On and on the speaker droned – four, six, eight minutes. The other guests began looking at there watches, some murmured and a few began signaling the toastmaster to rap the gavel. Finally, the elderly toastmaster gave in.
He wound up and brought the gavel down full force, accidentally hitting the head of the man next to him. As that man was sinking down under the table, he was heard to say, “Hit me again, I can still hear him.”
Speaking and Silence
My little story helps us to appreciate one of the core lessons in today’s readings.
Speaking on and on really has its limits. In fact, the contrary is true: the absence of speaking or silence has an important place in our lives.
Each of the three main persons in today’s Scripture readings illustrates this need for silence very well. Isaiah, Paul, and Peter all have an experience of God.
Isaiah alone in the temple; Paul knocked off his horse on the road to Damascus; and Peter in the great catch of fish! Each of them encounters and is drawn close to God, not so much in words, but in an experience that has few words or no words at all.
And these experiences silence changed them as persons. In these moments they are transformed.
Silence in the Liturgy
For us, the liturgy, the celebration of the Mass each week or even each day is meant to transform us.
In the Mass, we sing the words of the hymns. We speak the words of the prayers.
We listen to the words of the readings and the homily. All of this is good and important.
But in the liturgy, there are also three major moments or places for silence. These are also important and essential parts of the transforming experience that the liturgy.
The Three Silences
The first of these silences is at the very beginning of Mass. The priest invites this by calling us to be aware of God’s presence or to be mindful of ourselves, or our sinfulness, or something to that effect.
Here we are invited to stop and reflect, if only for a moment. We are invited to be in touch with: “Who we are and where we are in our lives today and at that moment?”
Am I tired or upset, worried or hopeful, happy or sad? How am I feeling today about myself and my life and my relationship with God?
What spiritual gift do I need today to live a more fruitful day?
So, this silence at the beginning of Mass gives us a chance to situate or position ourselves as a member of the assembly.
The second major silence follows the readings and the homily. The issue now is not “Where we’re at?” but more, “What am I thinking or feeling at this moment?”
What did I hear or how did the Word of God touch me today? Was I comforted? Or challenged? Or encouraged? Or just bored?
What do I see myself doing with this message and my feelings and thoughts and about it?
So, this silence after the homily gives us a chance to situate ourselves again after the first way that God comes to us in the liturgy.
Finally, the third major silence comes after communion. In Communion Jesus is becoming part of me and I am becoming part of Jesus.
Here we thank God for the Eucharist and for all of our blessings. After all, the word “Eucharist” means “to give thanks.” And here we also ask; where am I going now with this nourishment?
What change or transformation needs to take place now in me or my relationships? How does the Eucharist empower me to hang in there or to grow as a person?
So, this silence after Communion gives us a chance to situate ourselves for the coming day or coming week.
Conclusion
So, these three major silences in the Mass are important. They are part of the transforming power of the liturgy.
As celebrants of the Eucharist, we priests need to be careful to make room for this silence and all of us need to use these opportunities to allow God to work with us.
Our Lady of Grace
February 4, 2007
The Three Silences of the Eucharist
(Rev. Msgr.) Nicholas P. Amato
Too Much Speaking
There is a story about a reunion of retired business executives.
Each of them was invited to give a brief – no more than two-minute – talk after dinner on what their experience in retirement was. The toastmaster was instructed to rap his gavel when each speaker’s two minutes were up.
Well, the first speaker was still going strong at the end of the two minutes. The toastmaster was a kindly old man and just could not bring himself to rap the gavel.
On and on the speaker droned – four, six, eight minutes. The other guests began looking at there watches, some murmured and a few began signaling the toastmaster to rap the gavel. Finally, the elderly toastmaster gave in.
He wound up and brought the gavel down full force, accidentally hitting the head of the man next to him. As that man was sinking down under the table, he was heard to say, “Hit me again, I can still hear him.”
Speaking and Silence
My little story helps us to appreciate one of the core lessons in today’s readings.
Speaking on and on really has its limits. In fact, the contrary is true: the absence of speaking or silence has an important place in our lives.
Each of the three main persons in today’s Scripture readings illustrates this need for silence very well. Isaiah, Paul, and Peter all have an experience of God.
Isaiah alone in the temple; Paul knocked off his horse on the road to Damascus; and Peter in the great catch of fish! Each of them encounters and is drawn close to God, not so much in words, but in an experience that has few words or no words at all.
And these experiences silence changed them as persons. In these moments they are transformed.
Silence in the Liturgy
For us, the liturgy, the celebration of the Mass each week or even each day is meant to transform us.
In the Mass, we sing the words of the hymns. We speak the words of the prayers.
We listen to the words of the readings and the homily. All of this is good and important.
But in the liturgy, there are also three major moments or places for silence. These are also important and essential parts of the transforming experience that the liturgy.
The Three Silences
The first of these silences is at the very beginning of Mass. The priest invites this by calling us to be aware of God’s presence or to be mindful of ourselves, or our sinfulness, or something to that effect.
Here we are invited to stop and reflect, if only for a moment. We are invited to be in touch with: “Who we are and where we are in our lives today and at that moment?”
Am I tired or upset, worried or hopeful, happy or sad? How am I feeling today about myself and my life and my relationship with God?
What spiritual gift do I need today to live a more fruitful day?
So, this silence at the beginning of Mass gives us a chance to situate or position ourselves as a member of the assembly.
The second major silence follows the readings and the homily. The issue now is not “Where we’re at?” but more, “What am I thinking or feeling at this moment?”
What did I hear or how did the Word of God touch me today? Was I comforted? Or challenged? Or encouraged? Or just bored?
What do I see myself doing with this message and my feelings and thoughts and about it?
So, this silence after the homily gives us a chance to situate ourselves again after the first way that God comes to us in the liturgy.
Finally, the third major silence comes after communion. In Communion Jesus is becoming part of me and I am becoming part of Jesus.
Here we thank God for the Eucharist and for all of our blessings. After all, the word “Eucharist” means “to give thanks.” And here we also ask; where am I going now with this nourishment?
What change or transformation needs to take place now in me or my relationships? How does the Eucharist empower me to hang in there or to grow as a person?
So, this silence after Communion gives us a chance to situate ourselves for the coming day or coming week.
Conclusion
So, these three major silences in the Mass are important. They are part of the transforming power of the liturgy.
As celebrants of the Eucharist, we priests need to be careful to make room for this silence and all of us need to use these opportunities to allow God to work with us.
Sunday, January 28, 2007
Weekly MESSAGE for January 28, 2007: How What We Believe Can Make a Difference
January 28, 2007
Dear Friend,
I write you from warmer climes still enjoying the final day of my “Christmas Break.” It has been a week of reading, reflecting, sharing meals with priest friends and enjoying the sunshine.
One activity that has been central to the week is the preparation of three talks for our upcoming Lenten Family Fridays that begin at the end of February. The overall title that Sr. Mary Therese, our Assistant Pastor, and I have developed is, “ How What We Believe Can Make a Difference” – a daunting topic to say the least. It took me a few days of prayer and reflection, knowing that if the talks were to relate in any concrete way with the topic, my own faith would have to be challenged, that is “How does what I believe make a difference in my own life?”
I welcomed the challenge, and after much writing and rewriting, I was able to move my own thought on the subject forward. You will be the judge as to whether the talks may do the same for you. The talks will be the subject of the “This and That” columns cited each week.
To give you an overview of how we hope to look at belief and how it can make a difference in our daily living, the “chapter headings” of the six weeks will be as follows:
Session 1: “Is Jesus Believable?”
Session 2: “How Can I Deal with Suffering?”
Session 3: “The Story of Dry Bones: Yours and Ours”
Session 4: “Differences: Do They Divide or Unite?”
Session 5: “Say yes to God -- But Look Out!”
Session 6: “A Fountain of Youth for You?”
Hope you can join us here in our weekly posting, or live, at one of the Fridays of Lent. Each of the six Fridays will include Mass at 6:30pm, supper for the whole family at 7:00pm, and the talk at 7:30pm. While the talk is going on there will be age-appropriate activities for all the children and youth. And to think you will be out be 8:15!
Fondly,
Father Nick Amato
Dear Friend,
I write you from warmer climes still enjoying the final day of my “Christmas Break.” It has been a week of reading, reflecting, sharing meals with priest friends and enjoying the sunshine.
One activity that has been central to the week is the preparation of three talks for our upcoming Lenten Family Fridays that begin at the end of February. The overall title that Sr. Mary Therese, our Assistant Pastor, and I have developed is, “ How What We Believe Can Make a Difference” – a daunting topic to say the least. It took me a few days of prayer and reflection, knowing that if the talks were to relate in any concrete way with the topic, my own faith would have to be challenged, that is “How does what I believe make a difference in my own life?”
I welcomed the challenge, and after much writing and rewriting, I was able to move my own thought on the subject forward. You will be the judge as to whether the talks may do the same for you. The talks will be the subject of the “This and That” columns cited each week.
To give you an overview of how we hope to look at belief and how it can make a difference in our daily living, the “chapter headings” of the six weeks will be as follows:
Session 1: “Is Jesus Believable?”
Session 2: “How Can I Deal with Suffering?”
Session 3: “The Story of Dry Bones: Yours and Ours”
Session 4: “Differences: Do They Divide or Unite?”
Session 5: “Say yes to God -- But Look Out!”
Session 6: “A Fountain of Youth for You?”
Hope you can join us here in our weekly posting, or live, at one of the Fridays of Lent. Each of the six Fridays will include Mass at 6:30pm, supper for the whole family at 7:00pm, and the talk at 7:30pm. While the talk is going on there will be age-appropriate activities for all the children and youth. And to think you will be out be 8:15!
Fondly,
Father Nick Amato
Weekly THIS AND THAT for January 28. 2007: Part 2 of Bishop Rozanski's Report on Our Lady of Grace
This and That:
Part 2 of Bishop Rozanski’s Report on Our Lady of Grace
The following is the second of five bulletin notes on the November 8, 2006, visit of Bishop Mitch Rozanski and his staff to our parish. The complete report is being shared in this column over five weeks. This second part deals with his commendations and recommendations regarding The Parish Community, The Pastor, and the Staff. All are invited to share their thoughts with members of the Pastoral Team or any members of the Pastoral Council. (They are the folks with the red ribbons around their necks each weekend at Sunday Mass.) Council members have an opportunity at the conclusion of each monthly meeting to share with the entire council comments, kudos, or concerns made be individual parishioners.
Fondly,
Father Nick Amato
THE PARISH COMMUNITY
Parishioners of Our Lady of Grace are commended for the following:
➢ Cultivating a welcoming, hospitable atmosphere that is inviting to visitors and new parishioners.
➢ Being intentional about inviting others into the ministries of the parish.
➢ Participating in “Why Catholic” program to the extent that a group meets everyday, either at the parish or in homes.
➢ Participating in the Lenten Family Fridays.
➢ Establishing Greeter families, who identify and welcome visitors.
➢ Supporting a sister parish—St. Cecilia
➢ Involvement in over 60 ministries, which are sustained by parishioners.
➢ The tremendous outreach sponsored by the parish, including Sarah’s House, St. Veronica Headstart, the Urgent Need Bulletin, St. Cecilia’s, and Our Daily Bread.
➢ The energy and vibrancy among parishioners that is evident to all who come to Our Lady of Grace.
➢ The obvious pride that parishioners take in their parish, its ministries and the Pastor and Staff.
Parishioners are asked to address the following recommendations:
1. Renewed efforts toward evangelization through participation in parish evangelization initiatives.
2. Commitment to Mass attendance and participation in the life of the parish.
THE PASTOR
The Pastor is commended for the following:
➢ His attention to providing celebrational and prayerful liturgies that inspire and deepen the faith life of parishioners.
➢ His meaningful, relational and well-prepared homilies.
➢ His “empowering” leadership style.
➢ His efforts to keep all informed through good communication networks, including a monthly newsletter.
➢ His strategic planning initiatives to end the parish debt by the year 2011.
➢ His initiation of shared reflections at the daily Eucharist.
➢ His involvement in interparish planning to address future needs.
➢ His initiation of the “Welcome Orientation” to new parishioners.
➢ His utilization of the gifts of parishioners by seeking out and inviting into ministry those who have the needed gifts and experience for specific ministries.
➢ His commitment to Catholic Education.
The Pastor is asked to address the following recommendations:
1. Finding creative ways to make the parish more visible to people in the area.
THE STAFF
The Staff is commended for the following:
➢ Commitment to Staff Meeting twice a month where future planning and visioning together take place.
➢ Participation in Staff Development, i.e. planning, in-service.
➢ Commitment to STAND training through the school under Sister Helen’s direction, with 90% of families completing training.
➢ Sense of community among staff who seem to work together well and respect the expertise and experience of each member of the staff.
➢ Level of dedication that staff members bring to their respective ministries characterized by doing more than is asked or required.
➢ The Staff for initiating the Welcome Orientation for visitors and new parishioners.
➢ The Staff for their responsiveness to grieving families through a variety of personal services including home cooked meals.
➢ The pastoral presence and dedicated service that Sister Mary Therese brings to the parish community and staff through her role as Assistant Pastor.
➢ The well-developed faith formation program administered by Judy Hvisc, the Director of Religious Education and Catechists.
➢ The extensive Youth Ministry programs and events developed and fostered by Deborah Webber, the Coordinator of Youth Ministry.
➢ The growth of Liturgical music through the efforts of Beth Pugliese, the Music Director.
➢ The efficiency and expertise of Elaine Hagner, the Administrator, for her excellence balancing all the entities that keep a parish running smoothly.
➢ The dedication and expertise of Debbie Kommiak, the Office Manager and Elizabeth Scholz, the Accounting Assistant that they bring to their support role in the administration of the parish.
➢ The vision, expertise and tireless service of Sister Helen Wiegmann which originated Our Lady of Grace School and her continued fostering of excellence in education.
The Staff is asked to address the following recommendations:
1. Plan and participate in a spiritual retreat or some type of spiritual enrichment for the staff at least annually.
2. Find ways to work with the Pastoral Council to develop efforts to reach those who are marginalize from the Church.
3. Discuss workloads with one another and explore ways to support and assistant in relieving the “crunch times” as a means to reduce stress. Explore ways to ensure balance.
4. Explore creative ways to deal with the current reality of many parishioners who have long workdays and long commutes, thus unable to attend evening meetings.
Part 2 of Bishop Rozanski’s Report on Our Lady of Grace
The following is the second of five bulletin notes on the November 8, 2006, visit of Bishop Mitch Rozanski and his staff to our parish. The complete report is being shared in this column over five weeks. This second part deals with his commendations and recommendations regarding The Parish Community, The Pastor, and the Staff. All are invited to share their thoughts with members of the Pastoral Team or any members of the Pastoral Council. (They are the folks with the red ribbons around their necks each weekend at Sunday Mass.) Council members have an opportunity at the conclusion of each monthly meeting to share with the entire council comments, kudos, or concerns made be individual parishioners.
Fondly,
Father Nick Amato
THE PARISH COMMUNITY
Parishioners of Our Lady of Grace are commended for the following:
➢ Cultivating a welcoming, hospitable atmosphere that is inviting to visitors and new parishioners.
➢ Being intentional about inviting others into the ministries of the parish.
➢ Participating in “Why Catholic” program to the extent that a group meets everyday, either at the parish or in homes.
➢ Participating in the Lenten Family Fridays.
➢ Establishing Greeter families, who identify and welcome visitors.
➢ Supporting a sister parish—St. Cecilia
➢ Involvement in over 60 ministries, which are sustained by parishioners.
➢ The tremendous outreach sponsored by the parish, including Sarah’s House, St. Veronica Headstart, the Urgent Need Bulletin, St. Cecilia’s, and Our Daily Bread.
➢ The energy and vibrancy among parishioners that is evident to all who come to Our Lady of Grace.
➢ The obvious pride that parishioners take in their parish, its ministries and the Pastor and Staff.
Parishioners are asked to address the following recommendations:
1. Renewed efforts toward evangelization through participation in parish evangelization initiatives.
2. Commitment to Mass attendance and participation in the life of the parish.
THE PASTOR
The Pastor is commended for the following:
➢ His attention to providing celebrational and prayerful liturgies that inspire and deepen the faith life of parishioners.
➢ His meaningful, relational and well-prepared homilies.
➢ His “empowering” leadership style.
➢ His efforts to keep all informed through good communication networks, including a monthly newsletter.
➢ His strategic planning initiatives to end the parish debt by the year 2011.
➢ His initiation of shared reflections at the daily Eucharist.
➢ His involvement in interparish planning to address future needs.
➢ His initiation of the “Welcome Orientation” to new parishioners.
➢ His utilization of the gifts of parishioners by seeking out and inviting into ministry those who have the needed gifts and experience for specific ministries.
➢ His commitment to Catholic Education.
The Pastor is asked to address the following recommendations:
1. Finding creative ways to make the parish more visible to people in the area.
THE STAFF
The Staff is commended for the following:
➢ Commitment to Staff Meeting twice a month where future planning and visioning together take place.
➢ Participation in Staff Development, i.e. planning, in-service.
➢ Commitment to STAND training through the school under Sister Helen’s direction, with 90% of families completing training.
➢ Sense of community among staff who seem to work together well and respect the expertise and experience of each member of the staff.
➢ Level of dedication that staff members bring to their respective ministries characterized by doing more than is asked or required.
➢ The Staff for initiating the Welcome Orientation for visitors and new parishioners.
➢ The Staff for their responsiveness to grieving families through a variety of personal services including home cooked meals.
➢ The pastoral presence and dedicated service that Sister Mary Therese brings to the parish community and staff through her role as Assistant Pastor.
➢ The well-developed faith formation program administered by Judy Hvisc, the Director of Religious Education and Catechists.
➢ The extensive Youth Ministry programs and events developed and fostered by Deborah Webber, the Coordinator of Youth Ministry.
➢ The growth of Liturgical music through the efforts of Beth Pugliese, the Music Director.
➢ The efficiency and expertise of Elaine Hagner, the Administrator, for her excellence balancing all the entities that keep a parish running smoothly.
➢ The dedication and expertise of Debbie Kommiak, the Office Manager and Elizabeth Scholz, the Accounting Assistant that they bring to their support role in the administration of the parish.
➢ The vision, expertise and tireless service of Sister Helen Wiegmann which originated Our Lady of Grace School and her continued fostering of excellence in education.
The Staff is asked to address the following recommendations:
1. Plan and participate in a spiritual retreat or some type of spiritual enrichment for the staff at least annually.
2. Find ways to work with the Pastoral Council to develop efforts to reach those who are marginalize from the Church.
3. Discuss workloads with one another and explore ways to support and assistant in relieving the “crunch times” as a means to reduce stress. Explore ways to ensure balance.
4. Explore creative ways to deal with the current reality of many parishioners who have long workdays and long commutes, thus unable to attend evening meetings.
Weekly HOMILY for January 28, 2007: Deacon Preaching Weekend
4th Sunday of Ordinary Time, Cycle C
Our Lady of Grace
January 28, 2007
This Sunday Deacon Candidate John Koester will be preaching at Father Nick’s Masses. Father Nick’s homilies will resume next weekend.
Our Lady of Grace
January 28, 2007
This Sunday Deacon Candidate John Koester will be preaching at Father Nick’s Masses. Father Nick’s homilies will resume next weekend.
Thursday, January 18, 2007
Weekly MESSAGE for January 21, 2007: Changing Rivals into Teammates
January 18, 2007
Dear Friend,
Spending some time at Borders Bookstore earlier this week browsing, I saw a new book out by Doris Kearns Goodwin entitled “Team of Rivals.” The jacket intrigued me.
Running a family, a work group, or a parish has something in common: you are usually confronted with the challenge of changing rivals into teammates. In the Church we call it the Sacrament of Reconciliation.
In 1862 in the midst of the Civil War, Abraham Lincoln faced a complicated crisis within his administration. His Secretary of State, William Seward, was the target of rumors blaming him for being a paralyzing influence on the military and the President. Actually, it was from within the Cabinet that the rumors originated in the person of Salmon Chase who was Secretary of the Treasury at the time. There were calls for Seward’s removal and a group of Senators demanded to meet with Lincoln. The heat was intense and Seward tendered his resignation.
Most individuals would find such a predicament paralyzing, but Goodwin notes in her book that Lincoln was a master of conciliation. He gathered together his cabinet, who pledged him their support. Then, in the presence of Chase, he met with the Committee of Senators and presented a united front. Chase, humbled to the core, offered to resign. Interestingly, in the end Lincoln kept two men on whom he relied: the newly secure Seward and the defanged Chase.
Conciliation and reconciliation have become somewhat of a lost art, yet they are at the core of who we are as Christians.
With several new books in tow – that’s why I happened to be at Borders – I will be away on “Christmas Break” this coming week. My next weekly message to you will be on Saturday, January 27, 2007. Have a good week.
Fondly,
Father Nick Amato
Dear Friend,
Spending some time at Borders Bookstore earlier this week browsing, I saw a new book out by Doris Kearns Goodwin entitled “Team of Rivals.” The jacket intrigued me.
Running a family, a work group, or a parish has something in common: you are usually confronted with the challenge of changing rivals into teammates. In the Church we call it the Sacrament of Reconciliation.
In 1862 in the midst of the Civil War, Abraham Lincoln faced a complicated crisis within his administration. His Secretary of State, William Seward, was the target of rumors blaming him for being a paralyzing influence on the military and the President. Actually, it was from within the Cabinet that the rumors originated in the person of Salmon Chase who was Secretary of the Treasury at the time. There were calls for Seward’s removal and a group of Senators demanded to meet with Lincoln. The heat was intense and Seward tendered his resignation.
Most individuals would find such a predicament paralyzing, but Goodwin notes in her book that Lincoln was a master of conciliation. He gathered together his cabinet, who pledged him their support. Then, in the presence of Chase, he met with the Committee of Senators and presented a united front. Chase, humbled to the core, offered to resign. Interestingly, in the end Lincoln kept two men on whom he relied: the newly secure Seward and the defanged Chase.
Conciliation and reconciliation have become somewhat of a lost art, yet they are at the core of who we are as Christians.
With several new books in tow – that’s why I happened to be at Borders – I will be away on “Christmas Break” this coming week. My next weekly message to you will be on Saturday, January 27, 2007. Have a good week.
Fondly,
Father Nick Amato
Weekly THIS AND THAT for January 21, 2007: Five-Part Report on Bishop Rozanski’s Pastoral Visit to Our Lady of Grace
This and That:
Five-Part Report on Bishop Rozanski’s Pastoral Visit to Our Lady of Grace
On Tuesday, November 8, 2006, Bishop Mitch Rozanski and his staff spent the entire day at our parish. The itinerary for the day included morning Mass, reception for those at Mass, meetings with pastor and staff separately and then together, luncheon with pastoral team, meetings with those involved in parish and school finances, Parish Corporators, and an assembly with the children of our Catholic School. The Bishop then went on a tour of some of the more than 200 square miles that make up our parish, followed by some quiet time to begin a debrief with his staff. The very full day ended with a meeting of the Pastoral Council followed by dinner. In early January the Bishop published his report of the visitation. The complete report will be shared in this column over the next five weeks. All are invited to share their thoughts with members of the Pastoral Team by calling the or emailing the office or any members of the Pastoral Council. (They are the folks with the red ribbons around their necks each weekend at Sunday Mass.) Council members have an opportunity at the conclusion of each monthly meeting to share with the entire Council your comments, kudos, or concerns. It is a great way to have yourself represented to the leadership of the parish.
This first week’s installment addresses the areas of our History and Statistical Data.
Fondly,
Father Nick Amato
HISTORY
The parish of Our Lady of Grace traces its beginning to St. Joseph’s Church in Cockeysville. A number of parishioners asked the pastor of St. Joseph’s, Father John Hart to establish a mission to serve the needs of parishioners living in the northernmost part of Baltimore County. At the time, the nearest Catholic Church north of St. Joseph’s was in New Freedom, Pennsylvania. Father Hart was amenable and the Mission was established as the Hereford Mission. The first Mass was celebrated on October 6, 1968 in the auditorium of Hereford High School. 369 people attended the Mass.
By the end of 1968, the Hereford Mission established religious education classes and in early 1969, a high school religious education program began. Within a few years, the Mission was thriving . However, the Mission needed a building and needed a full-time priest. A building committee was formed and suitable land was sought. The committee recommended that the mission purchase a 10 acre tract of land on Middletown Road in the Parkton area, which was part of a larger tract of land already owned by the Archdiocese of Baltimore. The land was acquired and plans began to erect a suitable multi-purpose building.
In 1974, Cardinal Shehan raised the mission to parish status and appointed Reverend Edward Lynch as its first pastor. The name for the new parish was left to Father Lynch who asked parishioners to choose a name for the parish. Parishioners chose the title of Our Lady of Grace. By August of 1974, Archbishop William Borders, the newly appointed Archbishop of Baltimore, granted permission for the parish to begin a capital campaign to raise funds for a building. On September 18, 1977 the community celebrated Mass in the new Community Building, the first Roman Catholic Church in northern Baltimore County. The community of Our Lady of Grace finally had a home to call its own.
Reverend Neil J. O’Donnell was appointed the second pastor in 1983. He began working immediately to explore the feasibility of a new building, since the Community Building was no longer adequate for the growing congregation. Several capital campaigns later, and setbacks due to rock formations that had to be blasted out of the ground, the church was completed and the first mass was celebrated on September 16, 1990.
Father O’Donnell, who had carried the parish through the turbulence of many setbacks during the fundraising and subsequent construction of the new church, died suddenly on Christmas Eve in 1994. Within a few months, Reverend Nicholas Amato was appointed as pastor to succeed Father O’Donnell.
Father Amato came to Our Lady of Grace with a vision to create a Catholic School to provide excellent academics and Christian values throughout the curriculum. He was tireless in his efforts, and the school was opened in September of 2000 with Sister Helen Wiegmann, SSJ as principal. Sister Helen came to Our Lady of Grace the year previous and worked with Father Amato and others to make the vision a reality. Today, the school has an enrollment of approximately 190 students in all eight grades. The parish complex sits on a hill with attractive landscaping. The buildings are impressive and beautiful—a tribute to the community and the vision of its three pastoral leaders.
STATISTICAL DATA
Currently, Our Lady of Grace has approximately 1360 registered families. Over 1000 of these families live within the boundaries of the parish. Another 300 come from outside the archdiocese, the Catholic Community of St. Francis Xavier, St. Mary’s and St. Mark’s. A few families come from other parishes in the archdiocese. Conversely, approximately 450 families living within the boundaries of Our Lady of Grace are registered elsewhere.
The last U.S. Census taken in 2000, indicated that the area of Parkton had grown approximately 14% since the 1990 census. Currently, the parish is in a high growth area with projected increase of population at between 10% to 20%. The southwest area of the parish which borders on St. Francis Xavier in Hunt Valley, has projected growth of over 50%. Although the population continues to increase and the parish registration has grown consistently, mass attendance has been in slight decline over the past three years.
Five-Part Report on Bishop Rozanski’s Pastoral Visit to Our Lady of Grace
On Tuesday, November 8, 2006, Bishop Mitch Rozanski and his staff spent the entire day at our parish. The itinerary for the day included morning Mass, reception for those at Mass, meetings with pastor and staff separately and then together, luncheon with pastoral team, meetings with those involved in parish and school finances, Parish Corporators, and an assembly with the children of our Catholic School. The Bishop then went on a tour of some of the more than 200 square miles that make up our parish, followed by some quiet time to begin a debrief with his staff. The very full day ended with a meeting of the Pastoral Council followed by dinner. In early January the Bishop published his report of the visitation. The complete report will be shared in this column over the next five weeks. All are invited to share their thoughts with members of the Pastoral Team by calling the or emailing the office or any members of the Pastoral Council. (They are the folks with the red ribbons around their necks each weekend at Sunday Mass.) Council members have an opportunity at the conclusion of each monthly meeting to share with the entire Council your comments, kudos, or concerns. It is a great way to have yourself represented to the leadership of the parish.
This first week’s installment addresses the areas of our History and Statistical Data.
Fondly,
Father Nick Amato
HISTORY
The parish of Our Lady of Grace traces its beginning to St. Joseph’s Church in Cockeysville. A number of parishioners asked the pastor of St. Joseph’s, Father John Hart to establish a mission to serve the needs of parishioners living in the northernmost part of Baltimore County. At the time, the nearest Catholic Church north of St. Joseph’s was in New Freedom, Pennsylvania. Father Hart was amenable and the Mission was established as the Hereford Mission. The first Mass was celebrated on October 6, 1968 in the auditorium of Hereford High School. 369 people attended the Mass.
By the end of 1968, the Hereford Mission established religious education classes and in early 1969, a high school religious education program began. Within a few years, the Mission was thriving . However, the Mission needed a building and needed a full-time priest. A building committee was formed and suitable land was sought. The committee recommended that the mission purchase a 10 acre tract of land on Middletown Road in the Parkton area, which was part of a larger tract of land already owned by the Archdiocese of Baltimore. The land was acquired and plans began to erect a suitable multi-purpose building.
In 1974, Cardinal Shehan raised the mission to parish status and appointed Reverend Edward Lynch as its first pastor. The name for the new parish was left to Father Lynch who asked parishioners to choose a name for the parish. Parishioners chose the title of Our Lady of Grace. By August of 1974, Archbishop William Borders, the newly appointed Archbishop of Baltimore, granted permission for the parish to begin a capital campaign to raise funds for a building. On September 18, 1977 the community celebrated Mass in the new Community Building, the first Roman Catholic Church in northern Baltimore County. The community of Our Lady of Grace finally had a home to call its own.
Reverend Neil J. O’Donnell was appointed the second pastor in 1983. He began working immediately to explore the feasibility of a new building, since the Community Building was no longer adequate for the growing congregation. Several capital campaigns later, and setbacks due to rock formations that had to be blasted out of the ground, the church was completed and the first mass was celebrated on September 16, 1990.
Father O’Donnell, who had carried the parish through the turbulence of many setbacks during the fundraising and subsequent construction of the new church, died suddenly on Christmas Eve in 1994. Within a few months, Reverend Nicholas Amato was appointed as pastor to succeed Father O’Donnell.
Father Amato came to Our Lady of Grace with a vision to create a Catholic School to provide excellent academics and Christian values throughout the curriculum. He was tireless in his efforts, and the school was opened in September of 2000 with Sister Helen Wiegmann, SSJ as principal. Sister Helen came to Our Lady of Grace the year previous and worked with Father Amato and others to make the vision a reality. Today, the school has an enrollment of approximately 190 students in all eight grades. The parish complex sits on a hill with attractive landscaping. The buildings are impressive and beautiful—a tribute to the community and the vision of its three pastoral leaders.
STATISTICAL DATA
Currently, Our Lady of Grace has approximately 1360 registered families. Over 1000 of these families live within the boundaries of the parish. Another 300 come from outside the archdiocese, the Catholic Community of St. Francis Xavier, St. Mary’s and St. Mark’s. A few families come from other parishes in the archdiocese. Conversely, approximately 450 families living within the boundaries of Our Lady of Grace are registered elsewhere.
The last U.S. Census taken in 2000, indicated that the area of Parkton had grown approximately 14% since the 1990 census. Currently, the parish is in a high growth area with projected increase of population at between 10% to 20%. The southwest area of the parish which borders on St. Francis Xavier in Hunt Valley, has projected growth of over 50%. Although the population continues to increase and the parish registration has grown consistently, mass attendance has been in slight decline over the past three years.
Weekly HOMILY for January 21, 2007: Fr. Nick Is on "Christmas Break"
3rd Sunday of Ordinary Time, Cycle C
Our Lady of Grace
January 21, 2007
Father Nick is on “Christmas Break” this weekend.
Our Lady of Grace
January 21, 2007
Father Nick is on “Christmas Break” this weekend.
Thursday, January 11, 2007
Weekly MESSAGE for January 14, 2007: Of Crypts and Corpses
January 14, 2007
Dear Friend,
Many have visited the Basilica of the Assumption downtown Baltimore. It has been completely restored to its original beauty. What marks its importance of course is that it is the first cathedral in the United States and that it was designed by Benjamin Latrobe who also designed the US Capitol in Washington, DC.
Beneath the main altar is the crypt and the burial place of former bishops and archbishops of Baltimore. Crypts are always located in such places. Perhaps the most famous crypt housing the body of a person is the one beneath the main altar of St. Peter’s Basilica in Rome. In it are the bones of St. Peter himself.
Last month Vatican officials identified a marble sarcophagus embedded in the foundations of a Rome basilica as the coffin believed to contain the remains of the Apostle Paul. The announcement was the latest chapter of an excavation campaign that has been under way since 2004 when Vatican archaeologists set out to locate the sarcophagus. The actual coffin remains buried beneath the main altar of the Basilica of St. Paul Outside the Walls. There is little doubt, say officials, that the bones are authentic. On the marble slab are the words “St. Paul, Apostle” in Latin.
Archaeologists burrowed through more than 3 feet of plaster, mortar and brick to reach the fourth-century foundations of the basilica. The goal of the project is to bring the sarcophagus to light for pilgrims. One of the important archaeological finds was that the sarcophagus has a funnel-shaped hole in the top – later closed up with plaster – through which the faithful could stick pieces of cloth to create secondary relics. (A secondary relic is something that touches the remains of a saint. Those remains are considered primary relics.) The tomb has been revered from the beginning as that of St. Paul of Tarsus. According to tradition, Paul was taken to Rome during the Reign of the Emperor Nero and beheaded. His remains were later moved to a site outside the City’s ancient walls, where a church was erected in the fourth century to honor the martyr.
Our parish will be planning a trip to the Basilica here in Baltimore in a few months to capture some of the mystery and importance crypts continue to play in our Catholic churches. However, we won’t be drilling any holes for second class relics!
Fondly,
Father Nick Amato
Dear Friend,
Many have visited the Basilica of the Assumption downtown Baltimore. It has been completely restored to its original beauty. What marks its importance of course is that it is the first cathedral in the United States and that it was designed by Benjamin Latrobe who also designed the US Capitol in Washington, DC.
Beneath the main altar is the crypt and the burial place of former bishops and archbishops of Baltimore. Crypts are always located in such places. Perhaps the most famous crypt housing the body of a person is the one beneath the main altar of St. Peter’s Basilica in Rome. In it are the bones of St. Peter himself.
Last month Vatican officials identified a marble sarcophagus embedded in the foundations of a Rome basilica as the coffin believed to contain the remains of the Apostle Paul. The announcement was the latest chapter of an excavation campaign that has been under way since 2004 when Vatican archaeologists set out to locate the sarcophagus. The actual coffin remains buried beneath the main altar of the Basilica of St. Paul Outside the Walls. There is little doubt, say officials, that the bones are authentic. On the marble slab are the words “St. Paul, Apostle” in Latin.
Archaeologists burrowed through more than 3 feet of plaster, mortar and brick to reach the fourth-century foundations of the basilica. The goal of the project is to bring the sarcophagus to light for pilgrims. One of the important archaeological finds was that the sarcophagus has a funnel-shaped hole in the top – later closed up with plaster – through which the faithful could stick pieces of cloth to create secondary relics. (A secondary relic is something that touches the remains of a saint. Those remains are considered primary relics.) The tomb has been revered from the beginning as that of St. Paul of Tarsus. According to tradition, Paul was taken to Rome during the Reign of the Emperor Nero and beheaded. His remains were later moved to a site outside the City’s ancient walls, where a church was erected in the fourth century to honor the martyr.
Our parish will be planning a trip to the Basilica here in Baltimore in a few months to capture some of the mystery and importance crypts continue to play in our Catholic churches. However, we won’t be drilling any holes for second class relics!
Fondly,
Father Nick Amato
Weekly THIS AND THAT for January 14, 2007: Some New Church Bulletin Bloopers
This and That:
Some New Church Bulletin Bloopers
Thank God for “Church Ladies” with keyboards. These sentences actually appeared in church bulletins or were announced in church services:
Bertha Belch, a missionary from Africa, will be speaking tonight at Calvary Methodist. Come hear Bertha Belch all the way from Africa.
The Fasting & Prayer Conference includes meals.
The sermon this morning: “Jesus Walks on the Water.” The sermon tonight: ’Searching for Jesus.
Our youth basketball team is back in action Wednesday at 8 PM in the recreation hall. Come out and watch us kill Christ the King.
Ladies, don’t forget the rummage sale. It’s a chance to get rid of those things not worth keeping around the house. Don't forget your husbands.
The peacemaking meeting scheduled for today has been canceled due to a conflict.
Remember in prayer the many who are sick of our community. Smile at someone who is hard to love. Say ‘Hell’ to someone who doesn't care much about you.
Don't let worry kill you off – let the Church help.
Miss Charlene Mason sang “I will not pass this way again,” giving obvious pleasure to the congregation.
For those of you who have children and don't know it, we have a nursery downstairs.
Next Thursday there will be tryouts for the choir. They need all the help they can get.
Barbara Caron remains in the hospital and needs blood donors for more transfusions. She is also having trouble sleeping and requests tapes of Father Jack’s homilies.
The Pastor will preach his farewell homily after which the choir will sing: “Break Forth Into Joy.”
Irving Benson and Jessie Carter were married on October 24 in the church. So ends a friendship that began in their school days.
A bean supper will be held on Tuesday evening in the church hall. Music will follow.
At the evening service tonight, the sermon topic will be “What Is Hell?” Come early and listen to our choir practice.
Eight new choir robes are currently needed due to the addition of several new members and to the deterioration of some older ones.
Scouts are saving aluminum cans, bottles and other items to be recycled. Proceeds will be used to cripple children.
Please place your donation in the envelope along with the deceased person you want remembered in Masses for November.
Attend and you will hear an excellent speaker and heave a healthy lunch.
The church will host an evening of fine dining, super entertainment and gracious hostility.
Potluck supper Sunday at 5:00pm – prayer and medication to follow.
The Ladies Guild of the Church has cast off clothing of every kind. They may be seen in the basement on Friday afternoon.
This evening at 7:00pm there will be a hymn singing in the park across from the Church. Bring a blanket and come prepared to sin.
Ladies Bible Study will be held Thursday morning at 10am. All ladies are invited to lunch in the Church Hall after the B. S. is done.
The eighth-graders will be presenting Shakespeare's Hamlet in the Church basement Friday at 7:00pm. The congregation is invited to attend this tragedy.
Some New Church Bulletin Bloopers
Thank God for “Church Ladies” with keyboards. These sentences actually appeared in church bulletins or were announced in church services:
Bertha Belch, a missionary from Africa, will be speaking tonight at Calvary Methodist. Come hear Bertha Belch all the way from Africa.
The Fasting & Prayer Conference includes meals.
The sermon this morning: “Jesus Walks on the Water.” The sermon tonight: ’Searching for Jesus.
Our youth basketball team is back in action Wednesday at 8 PM in the recreation hall. Come out and watch us kill Christ the King.
Ladies, don’t forget the rummage sale. It’s a chance to get rid of those things not worth keeping around the house. Don't forget your husbands.
The peacemaking meeting scheduled for today has been canceled due to a conflict.
Remember in prayer the many who are sick of our community. Smile at someone who is hard to love. Say ‘Hell’ to someone who doesn't care much about you.
Don't let worry kill you off – let the Church help.
Miss Charlene Mason sang “I will not pass this way again,” giving obvious pleasure to the congregation.
For those of you who have children and don't know it, we have a nursery downstairs.
Next Thursday there will be tryouts for the choir. They need all the help they can get.
Barbara Caron remains in the hospital and needs blood donors for more transfusions. She is also having trouble sleeping and requests tapes of Father Jack’s homilies.
The Pastor will preach his farewell homily after which the choir will sing: “Break Forth Into Joy.”
Irving Benson and Jessie Carter were married on October 24 in the church. So ends a friendship that began in their school days.
A bean supper will be held on Tuesday evening in the church hall. Music will follow.
At the evening service tonight, the sermon topic will be “What Is Hell?” Come early and listen to our choir practice.
Eight new choir robes are currently needed due to the addition of several new members and to the deterioration of some older ones.
Scouts are saving aluminum cans, bottles and other items to be recycled. Proceeds will be used to cripple children.
Please place your donation in the envelope along with the deceased person you want remembered in Masses for November.
Attend and you will hear an excellent speaker and heave a healthy lunch.
The church will host an evening of fine dining, super entertainment and gracious hostility.
Potluck supper Sunday at 5:00pm – prayer and medication to follow.
The Ladies Guild of the Church has cast off clothing of every kind. They may be seen in the basement on Friday afternoon.
This evening at 7:00pm there will be a hymn singing in the park across from the Church. Bring a blanket and come prepared to sin.
Ladies Bible Study will be held Thursday morning at 10am. All ladies are invited to lunch in the Church Hall after the B. S. is done.
The eighth-graders will be presenting Shakespeare's Hamlet in the Church basement Friday at 7:00pm. The congregation is invited to attend this tragedy.
Weekly HOMILY for January 14, 2007: Bible Study of the Marriage at Cana
2nd Sunday of Ordinary Time, Cycle C
Our Lady of Grace
January 14, 2007
Bible Study of the Marriage at Cana
By (Rev. Msgr.) Nicholas P. Amato
John’s Gospel
Our new projection system is used at the Sunday 5:00 Alive to project hymns instead of using worship aides. It helps us sing better and keeps our eyes up here on the action rather than buried in the program
A second purpose for which it was intended is in preaching, when that seems appropriate as I think it is for today’s Gospel.
Let me begin by asking, “How many of us have ever been to a Bible Study?”
The purpose of a Bible Study is to take a scripture passage apart, verse-by-verse, and work hard at understanding precisely what the writer is saying. Second, it’s to share how the passage applies to my life.
With the help of PowerPoint I’d like to try doing both of those things today.
Today’s Gospel passage (Slide 1) is taken from the Gospel of John. Now John’s Gospel is very different from the other three. Matthew, Mark and Luke – they are called the Synoptic Gospels because the parallel each rather closely – try to tell the story of Jesus as his life unfolds historically.
John does not so much do that. He is not “synoptic.” Instead, John organizes a lot of his Gospel around key events called “signs.”
Today, with the story of the Wedding Feast at Cana, John gives us the first of the “signs.” So, let us look at this passage carefully and see what it teaches us and how it calls us to transformation.
The Wedding: The Problem
(Slide 2) To begin with, John says that, “There was a wedding at Cana.” In the Old Testament, a wedding banquet was a sign or symbol of God’s presence.
It spoke of the coming of the Messiah or Savior. So, John is saying here (Slide 3) that God is present and the Savior is present to us in some way in this very event, in this very gathering.
(Slide 4) Next, Mary says to Jesus, ‘They have no wine.” Jesus’ mother could simply be concerned here about the embarrassment of the newly married couple in running out of wine.
But on another level, the level of sign, “They have no wine” also means that they – all of humanity – have no way to God. Our relationship with God has run dry.
Then, Jesus responds to his mother, (Slide 5) “`Woman, how does your concern affect me?’” Jesus’ response may sound a bit disrespectful, but there is another level of meaning here. Remember this is John, not Matthew, Mark and Luke.
The word “Woman” is the same word used in the Book of Genesis for Eve, the first woman in creation. So, Jesus is conveying that his mother, Mary is the new Eve, the first woman in the new creation that he is initiating.
Jesus quickly adds, “My hour has not yet come.” On one level, perhaps Jesus simply wants to relax and enjoy himself and not be bothered with anyone’s problems. We’ve all been there!
But in truth, Jesus’ words “my hour” mean the event of his suffering, dying and rising. So, Jesus knows here at Cana that as soon as he starts his divine mission, opposition and hardship will also begin and lead him to “his hour.”
The Wedding: The Solution
So, it appears that Jesus may be trying to dodge his mother’s request.
(Slide 6) However, Mary is undeterred and says to the waiters, “Do whatever he tells you.” So we see that Mary trusts in Jesus, even though she does not yet understand.
In her trust and faith, she gives the servers and us a directive. If were to, “Do whatever he tells us,” we too would experience the action of God in our own lives.
(Slide 7) John, in his Gospel then, carefully notes that there are 6 water jars. To his audience, this means 1 less than 7 – 1 less than the perfect number, 7, a sign of fulfillment or perfection.
For us, it would be getting a 90% on a test and not a perfect 100%. The idea here is that Jesus himself becomes the 7th jar; Jesus becomes the fulfillment or perfection io humanity’s relationship with God.
John also notes that these jars hold “20 to 30 gallons” each. So, there is a lot of water or wine here.
And so (Slide 8) he orders the 7 jars filled. This is a sign that in Jesus, there is an abundance of God’s life and love. There is salvation for everyone, with no one excluded.
(Slide 9) (Read from slide:) “Then he told them, “Draw some out now and take it to the headwaiter.”
(Slide 10) (Read from slide:) And when the headwaiter tasted the water that had become wine, without knowing where it came from (although the servers who had drawn the water knew), the headwaiter called the bridegroom …”
(Slide 11) And then we have the great testimony of the headwaiter. “Everyone serves good wine first, but you have kept the good wine until now.”
On one level, the headwaiter voices the common sense practice of not holding the good wine until people are a bit tipsy and won’t appreciate it. On another level, these words also say that in Jesus, the best has been saved until last in our relationship with God.
The Wedding: The Sign
(Slide 12) Finally, John concludes this story by saying – and this is key for John – that “Jesus did this as the beginning of his signs.”
So, Jesus’ actions are signs – signs of God’s presence in our lives; signs of God’s action in our lives. We Catholics especially are a people of signs.
Because we are a Sacramental Church, we have the signs of the 7 sacraments. The question for us today is: “Do we bring to these signs the basic trust that the first disciples bring in their witnessing to Jesus’ signs?”
Do we bring this trust to the signing with blessed oil in the Anointing of the Sick or when we say “Amen” to the words “The Body of Christ” before we receive the Eucharist?
We conclude today’s Gospel passage with the words, “his disciples began to believe in him.”
Are we really trying to follow Jesus, as those first disciples did, and bring at least a basic trust to the signs that he has given us? If we do, Jesus can also change water into wine for us and do great things in our lives.
Our Lady of Grace
January 14, 2007
Bible Study of the Marriage at Cana
By (Rev. Msgr.) Nicholas P. Amato
John’s Gospel
Our new projection system is used at the Sunday 5:00 Alive to project hymns instead of using worship aides. It helps us sing better and keeps our eyes up here on the action rather than buried in the program
A second purpose for which it was intended is in preaching, when that seems appropriate as I think it is for today’s Gospel.
Let me begin by asking, “How many of us have ever been to a Bible Study?”
The purpose of a Bible Study is to take a scripture passage apart, verse-by-verse, and work hard at understanding precisely what the writer is saying. Second, it’s to share how the passage applies to my life.
With the help of PowerPoint I’d like to try doing both of those things today.
Today’s Gospel passage (Slide 1) is taken from the Gospel of John. Now John’s Gospel is very different from the other three. Matthew, Mark and Luke – they are called the Synoptic Gospels because the parallel each rather closely – try to tell the story of Jesus as his life unfolds historically.
John does not so much do that. He is not “synoptic.” Instead, John organizes a lot of his Gospel around key events called “signs.”
Today, with the story of the Wedding Feast at Cana, John gives us the first of the “signs.” So, let us look at this passage carefully and see what it teaches us and how it calls us to transformation.
The Wedding: The Problem
(Slide 2) To begin with, John says that, “There was a wedding at Cana.” In the Old Testament, a wedding banquet was a sign or symbol of God’s presence.
It spoke of the coming of the Messiah or Savior. So, John is saying here (Slide 3) that God is present and the Savior is present to us in some way in this very event, in this very gathering.
(Slide 4) Next, Mary says to Jesus, ‘They have no wine.” Jesus’ mother could simply be concerned here about the embarrassment of the newly married couple in running out of wine.
But on another level, the level of sign, “They have no wine” also means that they – all of humanity – have no way to God. Our relationship with God has run dry.
Then, Jesus responds to his mother, (Slide 5) “`Woman, how does your concern affect me?’” Jesus’ response may sound a bit disrespectful, but there is another level of meaning here. Remember this is John, not Matthew, Mark and Luke.
The word “Woman” is the same word used in the Book of Genesis for Eve, the first woman in creation. So, Jesus is conveying that his mother, Mary is the new Eve, the first woman in the new creation that he is initiating.
Jesus quickly adds, “My hour has not yet come.” On one level, perhaps Jesus simply wants to relax and enjoy himself and not be bothered with anyone’s problems. We’ve all been there!
But in truth, Jesus’ words “my hour” mean the event of his suffering, dying and rising. So, Jesus knows here at Cana that as soon as he starts his divine mission, opposition and hardship will also begin and lead him to “his hour.”
The Wedding: The Solution
So, it appears that Jesus may be trying to dodge his mother’s request.
(Slide 6) However, Mary is undeterred and says to the waiters, “Do whatever he tells you.” So we see that Mary trusts in Jesus, even though she does not yet understand.
In her trust and faith, she gives the servers and us a directive. If were to, “Do whatever he tells us,” we too would experience the action of God in our own lives.
(Slide 7) John, in his Gospel then, carefully notes that there are 6 water jars. To his audience, this means 1 less than 7 – 1 less than the perfect number, 7, a sign of fulfillment or perfection.
For us, it would be getting a 90% on a test and not a perfect 100%. The idea here is that Jesus himself becomes the 7th jar; Jesus becomes the fulfillment or perfection io humanity’s relationship with God.
John also notes that these jars hold “20 to 30 gallons” each. So, there is a lot of water or wine here.
And so (Slide 8) he orders the 7 jars filled. This is a sign that in Jesus, there is an abundance of God’s life and love. There is salvation for everyone, with no one excluded.
(Slide 9) (Read from slide:) “Then he told them, “Draw some out now and take it to the headwaiter.”
(Slide 10) (Read from slide:) And when the headwaiter tasted the water that had become wine, without knowing where it came from (although the servers who had drawn the water knew), the headwaiter called the bridegroom …”
(Slide 11) And then we have the great testimony of the headwaiter. “Everyone serves good wine first, but you have kept the good wine until now.”
On one level, the headwaiter voices the common sense practice of not holding the good wine until people are a bit tipsy and won’t appreciate it. On another level, these words also say that in Jesus, the best has been saved until last in our relationship with God.
The Wedding: The Sign
(Slide 12) Finally, John concludes this story by saying – and this is key for John – that “Jesus did this as the beginning of his signs.”
So, Jesus’ actions are signs – signs of God’s presence in our lives; signs of God’s action in our lives. We Catholics especially are a people of signs.
Because we are a Sacramental Church, we have the signs of the 7 sacraments. The question for us today is: “Do we bring to these signs the basic trust that the first disciples bring in their witnessing to Jesus’ signs?”
Do we bring this trust to the signing with blessed oil in the Anointing of the Sick or when we say “Amen” to the words “The Body of Christ” before we receive the Eucharist?
We conclude today’s Gospel passage with the words, “his disciples began to believe in him.”
Are we really trying to follow Jesus, as those first disciples did, and bring at least a basic trust to the signs that he has given us? If we do, Jesus can also change water into wine for us and do great things in our lives.
Friday, January 05, 2007
Weekly THIS AND THAT for January 7, 2007: Faith and Reason
January 7, 2007
Dear Friend,
With Christmas and the old year behind us, and the Feast of the Epiphany and the New Year before us, we Christians find our selves in a unique position.
On the one hand, we’re giving thanks for the birth of a Savior into our lives and the blessings of a year that has come-and-gone, and, on the other, we find ourselves asking for the gifts of faith and intelligence to guide us through the New Year, even as the star guided the Magi on their journey. The two gifts – blessings of the old year and blessings of the new – are very different; and while very different, they are indeed compatible with each other.
Our Holy Father voiced the common Christian conviction when he said, “There is no competition of any kind between faith [in the old year and its blessings] and reason [in the new year to guide us].” The Pope has said that reason and faith collaborate in every aspect of human life and particularly in our individual search for God.
In the Gospel of Matthew, the Magi pursue a religious search. In their studies of the heavens, the Wise Men discover a new star. When they follow that beacon, they find in Bethlehem the child with his mother. In the gifts they offer, they acknowledged this child to be the mysterious king they have been seeking.
Some searchers are led to God by philosophical reasoning. For others a vivid awareness of God’s presence has meant more than dialogue, discussion, and reflection. However you lay hold of the presence of your God, by blessing or by reason, cling to that presence and experience a past year of blessing and a new one of great hope.
Fondly,
Father Nick Amato
Dear Friend,
With Christmas and the old year behind us, and the Feast of the Epiphany and the New Year before us, we Christians find our selves in a unique position.
On the one hand, we’re giving thanks for the birth of a Savior into our lives and the blessings of a year that has come-and-gone, and, on the other, we find ourselves asking for the gifts of faith and intelligence to guide us through the New Year, even as the star guided the Magi on their journey. The two gifts – blessings of the old year and blessings of the new – are very different; and while very different, they are indeed compatible with each other.
Our Holy Father voiced the common Christian conviction when he said, “There is no competition of any kind between faith [in the old year and its blessings] and reason [in the new year to guide us].” The Pope has said that reason and faith collaborate in every aspect of human life and particularly in our individual search for God.
In the Gospel of Matthew, the Magi pursue a religious search. In their studies of the heavens, the Wise Men discover a new star. When they follow that beacon, they find in Bethlehem the child with his mother. In the gifts they offer, they acknowledged this child to be the mysterious king they have been seeking.
Some searchers are led to God by philosophical reasoning. For others a vivid awareness of God’s presence has meant more than dialogue, discussion, and reflection. However you lay hold of the presence of your God, by blessing or by reason, cling to that presence and experience a past year of blessing and a new one of great hope.
Fondly,
Father Nick Amato
Weekly THIS AND THAT for January 7, 2007: A Lot of “Faith-filled” People Doing a Lot of Good “Works”
This and That:
A Lot of “Faith-filled” People Doing a Lot of Good “Works”
Last week I had a little chat with Pat Schafer, the chair of our Outreach Committee. She was up to her eyeballs in filling large plastic bags with gifts for families, boxing food, and loading her SUV full to the brim for trips to our shelters and outreach centers. As I always say to her, “There goes God’s lover of the poor. No purgatory for you, Pat, you’re going to go straight to heaven.” This time she quipped, “Father, it’s too bad we’re not saved by works.” A very interesting statement, I’d say. I quickly retorted, “No, we’re saved by faith,” harkening back to the whole reason for the Protestant Reformation.
Regarding how “faith” and “good works” each play a part in our salvation, we Catholics take the words of the Letter to James quite literally. “What good is it, my brothers and sisters, if someone says he has faith but does not have works? Can that faith save him? If a brother or sister has nothing to wear and has no food for the day, and one of you says to them, ‘Go in peace, keep warm, and eat well,’ but you do not give them the necessities of the body, what good is it? So also faith of itself, if it does not have works, is dead. Indeed someone might say, ‘You have faith and I have works.’ Demonstrate \your faith to me without works, and I will demonstrate my faith to you from my works. (James 2:14-18) The writer of the Epistle gets it right. “Demonstrating our faith from our works” is the exemplary thing to do.
Over the past month, you, the people of Our Lady of Grace have come across still again with a tremendous outpouring of “works” that flow from our “faith” as a community. As of 4:00pm Monday afternoon Dec 18th, the Outreach Committee had received some 1,500 wrapped gifts, filled 200 stockings to the brim, received 460 crackers (favors the go “snap”) from the Prime-timers, and loads of groceries from the Christmas Musical and individual donations.
The following is a breakdown of where your many contributions went:
➢ Gifts and stockings delivered to the Franciscan Center
➢ Gifts and stockings delivered to the middle school children attending the Franciscan Youth Center
➢ Gifts and stockings delivered to children and new parents at St. Benedict’s parish in Baltimore City
➢ 12 families “adopted” by Our Lady of Grace from the Head Start program at St Veronica’s plus a carload of Christmas gifts
➢ 100 gifts and a large quantity of food donated to St Cecilia’s parish
➢ Several car loads of supplies and Christmas gifts delivered to Sarah’s Hope Homeless Shelter and nine people “adopted” and cared for with personal gifts and items
➢ Many gifts donated to “New Life for Girls” and 8 individuals “adopted” as well
➢ Furnishing of gifts, food, and gift certificates to many local area families
In addition, the following is a list of the non-perishable food the cast brought to rehearsals and the funds collected after each performance for perishables such as meat and produce.
o Hereford Food Bank and Pine Grove Food Bank each received $600+ in Giant Food gift cards and shared in the over 50 boxes of non-perishable food items
o Our Daily Bread: received $600+
o Sarah’s Hope: received $600+
o The proceeds of the Bake Sale allowed for the donation of several packs of children’s socks, underwear, and craft items to Sarah’s Hope
The total distribution of funds collected from theatergoers was $2,531.79. Amazing isn’t it!
What a tremendous “demonstration of our faith from our works.” God bless all those who helped us help those in need.
A Lot of “Faith-filled” People Doing a Lot of Good “Works”
Last week I had a little chat with Pat Schafer, the chair of our Outreach Committee. She was up to her eyeballs in filling large plastic bags with gifts for families, boxing food, and loading her SUV full to the brim for trips to our shelters and outreach centers. As I always say to her, “There goes God’s lover of the poor. No purgatory for you, Pat, you’re going to go straight to heaven.” This time she quipped, “Father, it’s too bad we’re not saved by works.” A very interesting statement, I’d say. I quickly retorted, “No, we’re saved by faith,” harkening back to the whole reason for the Protestant Reformation.
Regarding how “faith” and “good works” each play a part in our salvation, we Catholics take the words of the Letter to James quite literally. “What good is it, my brothers and sisters, if someone says he has faith but does not have works? Can that faith save him? If a brother or sister has nothing to wear and has no food for the day, and one of you says to them, ‘Go in peace, keep warm, and eat well,’ but you do not give them the necessities of the body, what good is it? So also faith of itself, if it does not have works, is dead. Indeed someone might say, ‘You have faith and I have works.’ Demonstrate \your faith to me without works, and I will demonstrate my faith to you from my works. (James 2:14-18) The writer of the Epistle gets it right. “Demonstrating our faith from our works” is the exemplary thing to do.
Over the past month, you, the people of Our Lady of Grace have come across still again with a tremendous outpouring of “works” that flow from our “faith” as a community. As of 4:00pm Monday afternoon Dec 18th, the Outreach Committee had received some 1,500 wrapped gifts, filled 200 stockings to the brim, received 460 crackers (favors the go “snap”) from the Prime-timers, and loads of groceries from the Christmas Musical and individual donations.
The following is a breakdown of where your many contributions went:
➢ Gifts and stockings delivered to the Franciscan Center
➢ Gifts and stockings delivered to the middle school children attending the Franciscan Youth Center
➢ Gifts and stockings delivered to children and new parents at St. Benedict’s parish in Baltimore City
➢ 12 families “adopted” by Our Lady of Grace from the Head Start program at St Veronica’s plus a carload of Christmas gifts
➢ 100 gifts and a large quantity of food donated to St Cecilia’s parish
➢ Several car loads of supplies and Christmas gifts delivered to Sarah’s Hope Homeless Shelter and nine people “adopted” and cared for with personal gifts and items
➢ Many gifts donated to “New Life for Girls” and 8 individuals “adopted” as well
➢ Furnishing of gifts, food, and gift certificates to many local area families
In addition, the following is a list of the non-perishable food the cast brought to rehearsals and the funds collected after each performance for perishables such as meat and produce.
o Hereford Food Bank and Pine Grove Food Bank each received $600+ in Giant Food gift cards and shared in the over 50 boxes of non-perishable food items
o Our Daily Bread: received $600+
o Sarah’s Hope: received $600+
o The proceeds of the Bake Sale allowed for the donation of several packs of children’s socks, underwear, and craft items to Sarah’s Hope
The total distribution of funds collected from theatergoers was $2,531.79. Amazing isn’t it!
What a tremendous “demonstration of our faith from our works.” God bless all those who helped us help those in need.
Weekly HOMILY for January 7, 2007: Jesus As Polaris, the North Star
Epiphany, Cycle C
Our Lady of Grace
January 7, 2007
Jesus As Polaris, the North Star
By (Rev. Msgr.) Nicholas P. Amato
The North Star
I am sure that all of us know about the North Star or Polaris as it is called.
Even if we have hardly any knowledge of the plants and stars, we have heard of the North Star.
For centuries, navigators have charted their course by the light of this star.
While the stars that make up the constellations move during the hours of night, the North Star remains constant.
Between summer and winter, it rises and falls a few degrees above the horizon, but it still remains directly above the earth’s North Pole.
This is why the North Star has been so important to sailors and travelers.
While the many lights of the heavens change their position, the North Star remains constant.
Jesus: Our Constant Light
The North Star is a helpful image for us this morning.
Today’s Gospel tells us that these Wise Men followed the light of a star and find the newborn Jesus.
In truth, the light of the star leads then to the Light.
Jesus is our North Star – that fixed, constant, steady light
As the Light, Jesus enlightens or sheds light for us on (1) God, (2) On ourselves, and (3) On human life.
Light on God
First, Jesus enlightens us or sheds light on God.
Jesus reveals to us precisely who God is and what God is like.
Our Profession of Faith that we will say in a few minutes speaks of this beautifully and profoundly.
In it, we say that Jesus is “God for God, Light from Light, true God from true God.”
God is Light and Jesus is God or Light who has taken on our humanity.
Jesus enlightens us that God is completely love, loving and completely giving of himself for our well-being.
After all, is that not the very nature of light – to be outgoing and giving of itself?
Jesus enlightens us that God wants only the best for us and so attracts us to himself.
In fact, the Light-from-Light that Jesus is for us the way to the fullness of Light.
Light on Ourselves
In doing this, Jesus also enlightens or sheds light for us on ourselves.
Jesus enlightens us that we are not God, that we ourselves are not the Light.
And so, we need to do as these Wise Men today do.
We need to give homage to God.
For us, giving homage means that we speak the words of the Creed or Profession of Faith with an awareness of the greatness of God and of our dependence on God.
It means that we worship together and pray in solitude as a way to draw on the strength of God.
It means that we worship together and pray in solitude as a way to draw on the strength of God.
Giving homage means that we seek our enlightenment and meaning and purpose from the One who is Light itself.
Light on Human Life
And finally, in connection with this, Jesus enlightens or sheds light on human life itself.
Jesus enlightens us that our life takes its cue, again, from the Wise Men.
It is a journey; we are on a journey that is never complete until we personally meet the One who is Light itself.
Yes, Jesus lays down the broad strokes and plan for human life but we still have to journey to apply his Light to our personal circumstances.
And we have to bring his Light to the scientific discoveries and technological opportunities and challenge of this day and age.
Jesus also enlightens us that we personally are on a journey and are never finished or perfect products.
We need the openness of the Wise Men – to grow and learn, again, until we meet the One who is Light itself.
Conclusion
So, the North Star – Polaris – that fixed, constant light for navigators and travelers is present to us as well.
Jesus – the first constant Light-from Light for all of us travelers on this earth – enlightening us about God and ourselves and human life itself.
That is who Jesus is and what we celebrate on this Feast any.
Our Lady of Grace
January 7, 2007
Jesus As Polaris, the North Star
By (Rev. Msgr.) Nicholas P. Amato
The North Star
I am sure that all of us know about the North Star or Polaris as it is called.
Even if we have hardly any knowledge of the plants and stars, we have heard of the North Star.
For centuries, navigators have charted their course by the light of this star.
While the stars that make up the constellations move during the hours of night, the North Star remains constant.
Between summer and winter, it rises and falls a few degrees above the horizon, but it still remains directly above the earth’s North Pole.
This is why the North Star has been so important to sailors and travelers.
While the many lights of the heavens change their position, the North Star remains constant.
Jesus: Our Constant Light
The North Star is a helpful image for us this morning.
Today’s Gospel tells us that these Wise Men followed the light of a star and find the newborn Jesus.
In truth, the light of the star leads then to the Light.
Jesus is our North Star – that fixed, constant, steady light
As the Light, Jesus enlightens or sheds light for us on (1) God, (2) On ourselves, and (3) On human life.
Light on God
First, Jesus enlightens us or sheds light on God.
Jesus reveals to us precisely who God is and what God is like.
Our Profession of Faith that we will say in a few minutes speaks of this beautifully and profoundly.
In it, we say that Jesus is “God for God, Light from Light, true God from true God.”
God is Light and Jesus is God or Light who has taken on our humanity.
Jesus enlightens us that God is completely love, loving and completely giving of himself for our well-being.
After all, is that not the very nature of light – to be outgoing and giving of itself?
Jesus enlightens us that God wants only the best for us and so attracts us to himself.
In fact, the Light-from-Light that Jesus is for us the way to the fullness of Light.
Light on Ourselves
In doing this, Jesus also enlightens or sheds light for us on ourselves.
Jesus enlightens us that we are not God, that we ourselves are not the Light.
And so, we need to do as these Wise Men today do.
We need to give homage to God.
For us, giving homage means that we speak the words of the Creed or Profession of Faith with an awareness of the greatness of God and of our dependence on God.
It means that we worship together and pray in solitude as a way to draw on the strength of God.
It means that we worship together and pray in solitude as a way to draw on the strength of God.
Giving homage means that we seek our enlightenment and meaning and purpose from the One who is Light itself.
Light on Human Life
And finally, in connection with this, Jesus enlightens or sheds light on human life itself.
Jesus enlightens us that our life takes its cue, again, from the Wise Men.
It is a journey; we are on a journey that is never complete until we personally meet the One who is Light itself.
Yes, Jesus lays down the broad strokes and plan for human life but we still have to journey to apply his Light to our personal circumstances.
And we have to bring his Light to the scientific discoveries and technological opportunities and challenge of this day and age.
Jesus also enlightens us that we personally are on a journey and are never finished or perfect products.
We need the openness of the Wise Men – to grow and learn, again, until we meet the One who is Light itself.
Conclusion
So, the North Star – Polaris – that fixed, constant light for navigators and travelers is present to us as well.
Jesus – the first constant Light-from Light for all of us travelers on this earth – enlightening us about God and ourselves and human life itself.
That is who Jesus is and what we celebrate on this Feast any.
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