Good Friday, Cycle A
Chestnut Hill College
April 22, 2011
Doubt: An Essential for Mature Faith
By (Rev. Msgr.) Nicholas P. Amato
SR. MARIANNA
A sister friend of mine, Sr. Marianna, once shared with me her story of an intense struggle of faith. She had studied the religious life rigorously and had always sought ways to make it more intense and keep it up-to-date.
Four years ago, Sr. Marianna discovered that she had a rare, painful, and fatal disease. For several years she suffered intense physical pain and discomfort. Eventually everything she believed in collapsed into a deep, dark hole and she lost her faith.
In all her studies and training in spirituality, she never believed she could have such a crisis.
In the days that followed, Marianna was led to a place devoid of spirit, emptied of all spiritual ambition and all satisfaction in what she had accomplished in her life. In this space she found no guides, no hints at where to go next.
But it was precisely in these depths she eventually discovered a new kind of faith, a faith that rose directly out of her depressive thoughts and emotions.
Marianna was shocked to feel faith stir in that deep, empty pit within her. With that stirring she uncovered a new and profound sense of peace: she no longer craved comfort from the hospital chaplain, from me, or anyone else.
This new faith was so deep and different from the faith she had been cultivating in her previous spiritual practices. There was more individuality in this faith; it was tied close to her own identity and to her illness.
Not long after she told me the story of her loss and rediscovery of faith, Sr. Marianna died peacefully in the Lord.
TWO KINDS OF FAITH
From her I learned that there are two kinds of faith: one is faith up here in my head as the holding of certain beliefs. It’s the faith we profess each Sunday in the Nicene Creed, “I believe in God the Father Almighty …” Let’s call it head faith.
In many ways head faith is an easy faith; it centers in my rational and mental abilities and gets expressed on my lips.
But I would propose that there is a second kind of faith, a more mature, heartfelt faith. This faith is borne in utter darkness, of the soil of inner struggle and personal suffering, of going one-on-one against the very power of evil. We might call it soul faith.
The transition from head faith to soul faith is the journey that Marianna made in her final months of life. It is the journey of faith Jesus makes, in working through his own passion and dying.
It is the journey that each of us will make one day; a journey some of us are already in. it is the journey that is lived “de profundis,” “from the depths,” as we used to say in Latin.
THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN THE TWO
What is different between the two is that in the second we admit to the shadow side of our faith.
In it can be found the believer and the disbeliever. What appear as weakness: questioning thoughts, drifting from my commitments, and change in understanding what my faith is actually strengthen faith.
Both the Angel of Belief and the Devil of Doubt in us play constructive roles in soul faith.
Notice that in both Jesus and in Sr. Marianna, their experience of soul faith – complete with the doubts, shadows, and dark side of the human condition – was present. In Jesus it gets expressed with his use of the words of the 22nd Psalm: “My God, why have you forsaken me?”
CONCLUSION
What Jesus and Sr. Marianna teach us is that the mystery of human suffering and death cannot be comprehended with reason.
It is only understood and embraced in the confronting of that inner darkness and living out of that, with a confidant trust that God will see you through.
Suffering then, forces our attention to the very depths of our souls where we normally don’t want to go.
On this day, of all the days of the liturgical year, Jesus teaches us that we have to arrive at that difficult point where we don’t know what is going on or what we can do. But it is precisely that point that becomes for us the sprouting shoot of a true faith.
Tuesday, April 19, 2011
Weekly HOMILY for April 21, 2011: Holy Thursday -- Empowerment to Serve Others
Mass of the Lord’s Supper
Holy Thursday / Chestnut Hill College
April 21, 2011
Empowerment to Serve Others
By (Rev. Msgr.) Nicholas P. Amato
ALICE'S SHAME AND EMBARRASSMENT
A Catholic writer named Alice Camille has written a very personal reflection about what Holy Thursday means to her.
Alice and her sister Ida were on good terms, but they were also living very different lives. Ida was a stay-at-home mom with three daughters and Alice, at that time, was unmarried and all wrapped up in her career.
With that background, Alice writes this brief reflection: “Several years ago, a night of terrible need brought my sister Ida and me together.
“I had just had minor surgery and was in more pain than I can ever remember bearing. Ida was vacationing with her family, but she left them in a motel to come and spend the night with me.
“I was so disabled by the surgery and the pain that I could not even take care of my most basic human needs without help. Bound by bandages and unable to sit down, I just stood in the bathroom in fouled clothes and wept with humiliation.
“Ida knelt on the floor and started to take the soiled clothes that stuck to me, talking in soothing tones as she might to one of her children. She undid the bandages, washed my body and then redressed my wounds, all the while reassuring me with her levelheaded calm.
“In her capable hands, my embarrassment turned to gratitude, and my comfort and dignity were restored.
Now, when I watch the foot washing on Holy Thursday, I think of how tender, sweet and infinitely practical it is to wash away each other’s shame.”
That very personal story helps us understand the focus of this first day of the Sacred Triduum.
BEIGN AN ALICE-IN-NEED
Let’s return to the Upper Room in the Gospel for a moment.
What would be going through your mind, having come to know who Jesus really is, having him invite you to a special meal, and then having him offer to wash your feet?
Would you feel embarrassed? Ashamed? Unworthy? Upset? How would you express yourself? (Express disapproval by a nod of the head and shaking of the hands.)
Have you ever been an “Alice-in-need” and had an Ida in your life? If you have, then you know the power of a loving presence when you’re feeling shame, guilt, or embarrassment.
SPECIFIC ALICE OCCURRENCES
There are times when we suffer embarrassment or shame. Our embarrassment may not be the physical dependency that Alice Camille experienced.
Instead, it may be an awful mistake – like something we wish we had never said in public.
It may be a failure – like being passed over for a particular job or responsibility in the religious family we belong to or at work.
It may be position we took with a family member on moral or ethical grounds and caused a serious rift in relationships.
It may be sin – like having to own up to being unfaithful to God, to a spouse, or to a friend.
We all have embarrassment or shame to deal with, and perhaps we’re dealing with it at the present moment. And when we do, we need an Ida to be there for us.
THE CALL OF HOLY THURSDAY: TO BECOME AN ALICE TO OTHERS
Holy Thursday calls us to wash away each other’s embarrassment and shame. It calls us to wash away each other’s pain and suffering.
And the Mandatum Ritual will do that, if we allow the modeling of Jesus to become part of ourselves through prayerful presence.
Yes, if in prayer and presence to Jesus himself, I can experience that same washing he does for his disciples, the power to cleanse and heal others will be mine.
Imagine removing the soiled bandage of a brother/sister’s error?
Imagine washing away the effects of another’s sin?
Imagine dressing the wounds of an argument or misunderstanding so relationships can heal?
We can make each other whole because Sacred Scripture and Sacred Ritual have made us whole tonight.
CONCLUSION
The Gospel tells us that after washing their feet, Jesus returns to the Passover Meal as we do now, and like the Apostles, we will feed on the Flesh and Blood of the one who makes these “washings” possible.
Let us become then what we now eat – the Lord Jesus washing the feet of one another.
Because kneeling can be difficult for many, we will be washing the hands of each other so all can participate.
Holy Thursday / Chestnut Hill College
April 21, 2011
Empowerment to Serve Others
By (Rev. Msgr.) Nicholas P. Amato
ALICE'S SHAME AND EMBARRASSMENT
A Catholic writer named Alice Camille has written a very personal reflection about what Holy Thursday means to her.
Alice and her sister Ida were on good terms, but they were also living very different lives. Ida was a stay-at-home mom with three daughters and Alice, at that time, was unmarried and all wrapped up in her career.
With that background, Alice writes this brief reflection: “Several years ago, a night of terrible need brought my sister Ida and me together.
“I had just had minor surgery and was in more pain than I can ever remember bearing. Ida was vacationing with her family, but she left them in a motel to come and spend the night with me.
“I was so disabled by the surgery and the pain that I could not even take care of my most basic human needs without help. Bound by bandages and unable to sit down, I just stood in the bathroom in fouled clothes and wept with humiliation.
“Ida knelt on the floor and started to take the soiled clothes that stuck to me, talking in soothing tones as she might to one of her children. She undid the bandages, washed my body and then redressed my wounds, all the while reassuring me with her levelheaded calm.
“In her capable hands, my embarrassment turned to gratitude, and my comfort and dignity were restored.
Now, when I watch the foot washing on Holy Thursday, I think of how tender, sweet and infinitely practical it is to wash away each other’s shame.”
That very personal story helps us understand the focus of this first day of the Sacred Triduum.
BEIGN AN ALICE-IN-NEED
Let’s return to the Upper Room in the Gospel for a moment.
What would be going through your mind, having come to know who Jesus really is, having him invite you to a special meal, and then having him offer to wash your feet?
Would you feel embarrassed? Ashamed? Unworthy? Upset? How would you express yourself? (Express disapproval by a nod of the head and shaking of the hands.)
Have you ever been an “Alice-in-need” and had an Ida in your life? If you have, then you know the power of a loving presence when you’re feeling shame, guilt, or embarrassment.
SPECIFIC ALICE OCCURRENCES
There are times when we suffer embarrassment or shame. Our embarrassment may not be the physical dependency that Alice Camille experienced.
Instead, it may be an awful mistake – like something we wish we had never said in public.
It may be a failure – like being passed over for a particular job or responsibility in the religious family we belong to or at work.
It may be position we took with a family member on moral or ethical grounds and caused a serious rift in relationships.
It may be sin – like having to own up to being unfaithful to God, to a spouse, or to a friend.
We all have embarrassment or shame to deal with, and perhaps we’re dealing with it at the present moment. And when we do, we need an Ida to be there for us.
THE CALL OF HOLY THURSDAY: TO BECOME AN ALICE TO OTHERS
Holy Thursday calls us to wash away each other’s embarrassment and shame. It calls us to wash away each other’s pain and suffering.
And the Mandatum Ritual will do that, if we allow the modeling of Jesus to become part of ourselves through prayerful presence.
Yes, if in prayer and presence to Jesus himself, I can experience that same washing he does for his disciples, the power to cleanse and heal others will be mine.
Imagine removing the soiled bandage of a brother/sister’s error?
Imagine washing away the effects of another’s sin?
Imagine dressing the wounds of an argument or misunderstanding so relationships can heal?
We can make each other whole because Sacred Scripture and Sacred Ritual have made us whole tonight.
CONCLUSION
The Gospel tells us that after washing their feet, Jesus returns to the Passover Meal as we do now, and like the Apostles, we will feed on the Flesh and Blood of the one who makes these “washings” possible.
Let us become then what we now eat – the Lord Jesus washing the feet of one another.
Because kneeling can be difficult for many, we will be washing the hands of each other so all can participate.
Thursday, April 14, 2011
Weekly HOMILY for April 17, 2011: Passion (Palm) Sunday, Cycle A
Passion (Palm) Sunday, Cycle A
April 17, 2011
Saint Margaret Parish, Bel Air
The Third Cross
By (Rev. Msgr.) Nicholas P. Amato
THREE CROSSES
Several years ago, a Muslim man was visiting a small Trappist monastery in the Northern African country of Algeria.
This Muslim and the prior of the monastery were old friends. The prior took his guest on a tour of the building, and eventually they came to the chapel.
The Muslim stopped and just starred at the crucifix. Eventually, the prior asked his friend what he saw in the cross.
The Muslim man said: “I see maybe three crosses here, certainly two crosses. There is definitely the cross in front and the cross in the back.
“The one in the front is formed by the extended arms of Jesus. It was created by God and is the cross of God’s embracing love.
“The second cross is the one behind Jesus. It was made by humanity and is the cross of hatred.
“But it was love and not really nails that attached Jesus to this second cross. And it is this love which keeps drawing us to him.”
The prior could see all of this, but he asked his Muslim friend: “What is the third cross that you see?” The visitor responded: “The third cross, it seems to me, is between the other two crosses.
“Isn’t it perhaps you and I struggling to loosen ourselves from the cross of evil and sin behind, so that we can bind ourselves to the cross of love in front?
Isn’t the struggle of moving from violence to peacemaking, from hatred to love, isn’t that the struggle a third cross?”
THE MESSAGE OF HOLY WEEK
That Muslim man is quite insightful.
We can discern three crosses on every crucifix. And by the way, maybe this is one reason why in our Catholic tradition we have a crucifix in our churches – a cross with the figure of Jesus on it – and not just a plain cross.
We are moved by the first cross. This cross is Jesus himself reaching out to us in our humanity with the love of God.
Then we are confronted by the second cross. This cross is the one that we construct out of our self-centeredness, vindictiveness and prejudice, the cross on which we crucify both Jesus and one another.
Holy Week calls us to take up the third cross. It calls us to take up the spirit of the humble and compassionate Christ of the first cross.
It calls us to loosen ourselves from the crosses we have made – the second cross. And it calls us to attach ourselves to the self-giving, sacrificial love of God – and that is the third cross.
CONCLUSION
I hope that this will be a helpful way for us to look at the crucifix from now on. I hope it is a helpful way to recall the message that Holy Week has for us.
April 17, 2011
Saint Margaret Parish, Bel Air
The Third Cross
By (Rev. Msgr.) Nicholas P. Amato
THREE CROSSES
Several years ago, a Muslim man was visiting a small Trappist monastery in the Northern African country of Algeria.
This Muslim and the prior of the monastery were old friends. The prior took his guest on a tour of the building, and eventually they came to the chapel.
The Muslim stopped and just starred at the crucifix. Eventually, the prior asked his friend what he saw in the cross.
The Muslim man said: “I see maybe three crosses here, certainly two crosses. There is definitely the cross in front and the cross in the back.
“The one in the front is formed by the extended arms of Jesus. It was created by God and is the cross of God’s embracing love.
“The second cross is the one behind Jesus. It was made by humanity and is the cross of hatred.
“But it was love and not really nails that attached Jesus to this second cross. And it is this love which keeps drawing us to him.”
The prior could see all of this, but he asked his Muslim friend: “What is the third cross that you see?” The visitor responded: “The third cross, it seems to me, is between the other two crosses.
“Isn’t it perhaps you and I struggling to loosen ourselves from the cross of evil and sin behind, so that we can bind ourselves to the cross of love in front?
Isn’t the struggle of moving from violence to peacemaking, from hatred to love, isn’t that the struggle a third cross?”
THE MESSAGE OF HOLY WEEK
That Muslim man is quite insightful.
We can discern three crosses on every crucifix. And by the way, maybe this is one reason why in our Catholic tradition we have a crucifix in our churches – a cross with the figure of Jesus on it – and not just a plain cross.
We are moved by the first cross. This cross is Jesus himself reaching out to us in our humanity with the love of God.
Then we are confronted by the second cross. This cross is the one that we construct out of our self-centeredness, vindictiveness and prejudice, the cross on which we crucify both Jesus and one another.
Holy Week calls us to take up the third cross. It calls us to take up the spirit of the humble and compassionate Christ of the first cross.
It calls us to loosen ourselves from the crosses we have made – the second cross. And it calls us to attach ourselves to the self-giving, sacrificial love of God – and that is the third cross.
CONCLUSION
I hope that this will be a helpful way for us to look at the crucifix from now on. I hope it is a helpful way to recall the message that Holy Week has for us.
Wednesday, April 06, 2011
Weekly HOMILY for April 10, 2011: To Be Set Free from Bondage and from Death
5th Sunday of Lent, Cycle A
St. Mark Church, Fallston
April 10, 2011
To Be Set Free from Bondage and from Death
By (Rev. Msgr.) Nicholas P. Amato
THE TWO-FOLD BURDEN OF BEING HUMAN
While death is something we will all experience, it is also something we cannot avoid. One day each of us will die and tomorrow morning all we can be sure of is that that day is one day closer.
We all – with God the only exception – stand helpless before this reality. The good news of today’s gospel is that Jesus alone can conquer it.
So as we age, as we see loved ones die, as we move up in becoming the next generation to pass from this life to the next, and as the passing of each day gets us closer, there is good news to be heard.
And the news is this: just as Jesus has the power both (1) To release Lazarus from the ties that bind him and (2) To release him from death itself, that same possibility is ours!
TWO ORDERS AT THE TOMB
What’s going on in the gospel scene is familiar to us: Jesus has three very close friends he stays with each year he visits the temple in Jerusalem, two sisters, Mary and Martha, and their brother, Lazarus.
Lazarus gets sick and dies unexpectedly and his sisters are grieving the loss terribly.
The passage has an unusual expression to describe Jesus. It says that he is “perturbed and deeply troubled.” Scripture scholars tell us that these words mean that Jesus is angry that death has gotten its grip on Lazarus and he is profoundly sad over the loss of his friend.
What happens at the tomb? Jesus calls out with a loud cry, “Lazarus, come out!” And the passage says that, “Lazarus comes out, bound hand and foot with burial bands.”
There is a second order given by Jesus as he faces the tomb: “Unbind him and let him go free.”
Thus Jesus has done two things: (1) He’s brought Lazarus back from death and (2) He’s freed him to live without being bound.
This gospel, in its being told to us and in our hearing it, is as much about Jesus and us as it is about Jesus and Lazarus.
For it holds out to us a similar coming back to life, a similar unbinding of all that holds us back.
THE RELEASE FROM BONDAGE
I would ask each of us: (1) What entombs you? (2) What holds you bound in your life? (3) What keeps you from a brighter day no matter what the weather? (4) What keeps you from fuller engagement no matter what your physical condition? (5) What keeps you from a greater love of others?
The bonds that bind may be:
1. LOATHING OF MYSELF: A low self-image, the inability to love myself as God loves me warts and all.
2. EXCESSIVE BUSYNESS: With my ear glued to a cell phone; my eyes stuck to the computer screen, or my hand stiff from taking notes – all being done with little or no time simply to think, to listen, to be still, to pray.
3. FEAR: A fear that traps so many to risk sharing their true selves or in trying something new or moving beyond their comfort level.
4. Or I may be strapped with the bands of NEEDLESS WORRY and unable to entrust myself to the Lord’s care of me, knowing I’ve done my best and he will see me through.
Jesus’ words to Lazarus as he calls him to new life are: “Unbind him and let him go.” Those are his words to you today.
THE RELEASE FROM DEATH
The more we are released from the bands that bind us to Loathing, Busyness, Fear, and Worry, the more we are able to live a new life even now.
We are able to hear in a new and fresh way Jesus’ reassuring words to Martha: “I am the resurrection and the life, and whoever believes in me, even if they die, will live.”
And if you’re in a good place with yourself and with others, you have the ears to hear Jesus’ question to Martha: “Do you believe this?”
And, of course, you hear and see Martha’s beautiful, hope-filled response: “Jesus, I have come to believe that you are the Christ, the Son of God.”
CONCLUSION
The reality of Lazarus’ unbinding and coming to life are taking place again this morning right here in your hearing and in your feeding on his flesh and blood.
It is in the presence of Jesus in our lives that we can experience a new freedom today and a new hope to be with him one day forever.
St. Mark Church, Fallston
April 10, 2011
To Be Set Free from Bondage and from Death
By (Rev. Msgr.) Nicholas P. Amato
THE TWO-FOLD BURDEN OF BEING HUMAN
While death is something we will all experience, it is also something we cannot avoid. One day each of us will die and tomorrow morning all we can be sure of is that that day is one day closer.
We all – with God the only exception – stand helpless before this reality. The good news of today’s gospel is that Jesus alone can conquer it.
So as we age, as we see loved ones die, as we move up in becoming the next generation to pass from this life to the next, and as the passing of each day gets us closer, there is good news to be heard.
And the news is this: just as Jesus has the power both (1) To release Lazarus from the ties that bind him and (2) To release him from death itself, that same possibility is ours!
TWO ORDERS AT THE TOMB
What’s going on in the gospel scene is familiar to us: Jesus has three very close friends he stays with each year he visits the temple in Jerusalem, two sisters, Mary and Martha, and their brother, Lazarus.
Lazarus gets sick and dies unexpectedly and his sisters are grieving the loss terribly.
The passage has an unusual expression to describe Jesus. It says that he is “perturbed and deeply troubled.” Scripture scholars tell us that these words mean that Jesus is angry that death has gotten its grip on Lazarus and he is profoundly sad over the loss of his friend.
What happens at the tomb? Jesus calls out with a loud cry, “Lazarus, come out!” And the passage says that, “Lazarus comes out, bound hand and foot with burial bands.”
There is a second order given by Jesus as he faces the tomb: “Unbind him and let him go free.”
Thus Jesus has done two things: (1) He’s brought Lazarus back from death and (2) He’s freed him to live without being bound.
This gospel, in its being told to us and in our hearing it, is as much about Jesus and us as it is about Jesus and Lazarus.
For it holds out to us a similar coming back to life, a similar unbinding of all that holds us back.
THE RELEASE FROM BONDAGE
I would ask each of us: (1) What entombs you? (2) What holds you bound in your life? (3) What keeps you from a brighter day no matter what the weather? (4) What keeps you from fuller engagement no matter what your physical condition? (5) What keeps you from a greater love of others?
The bonds that bind may be:
1. LOATHING OF MYSELF: A low self-image, the inability to love myself as God loves me warts and all.
2. EXCESSIVE BUSYNESS: With my ear glued to a cell phone; my eyes stuck to the computer screen, or my hand stiff from taking notes – all being done with little or no time simply to think, to listen, to be still, to pray.
3. FEAR: A fear that traps so many to risk sharing their true selves or in trying something new or moving beyond their comfort level.
4. Or I may be strapped with the bands of NEEDLESS WORRY and unable to entrust myself to the Lord’s care of me, knowing I’ve done my best and he will see me through.
Jesus’ words to Lazarus as he calls him to new life are: “Unbind him and let him go.” Those are his words to you today.
THE RELEASE FROM DEATH
The more we are released from the bands that bind us to Loathing, Busyness, Fear, and Worry, the more we are able to live a new life even now.
We are able to hear in a new and fresh way Jesus’ reassuring words to Martha: “I am the resurrection and the life, and whoever believes in me, even if they die, will live.”
And if you’re in a good place with yourself and with others, you have the ears to hear Jesus’ question to Martha: “Do you believe this?”
And, of course, you hear and see Martha’s beautiful, hope-filled response: “Jesus, I have come to believe that you are the Christ, the Son of God.”
CONCLUSION
The reality of Lazarus’ unbinding and coming to life are taking place again this morning right here in your hearing and in your feeding on his flesh and blood.
It is in the presence of Jesus in our lives that we can experience a new freedom today and a new hope to be with him one day forever.
Sunday, April 03, 2011
ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS FOR: SPIRITUAL DEEPENING PROGRAM
INTENT OF PROGRAM
To be present to God and the world in love and trust, surrendered to ever-deepening spiritual awareness and joining God’s presence/action in the world according to our gifts and calling.
WHO MIGHT BE INTERESTED IN THIS PROGRAM?
This program is for anyone who feels drawn to contemplative spirituality and who:
+ Desires a deepened relationship with God and to live out of that relationship;
+ Wishes to develop or deepen a consistent spiritual practice;
+ Wants the regular guidance of a spiritual companion for daily contemplative living;
+ Seeks authentic spiritual community and support;
+ Is eager to learn within a broad ecumenical Christian framework, enhanced by the wisdom of other traditions;
+Longs to be a transforming presence in the world.
PROGRAM COMPONENTS
The Personal Spiritual Deepening Program (PSDP): Living in God is comprised of experiential learning, contemplative prayer practices, assigned readings, spiritual community, and opening and closing retreats.
Seminar Topics and Readings will be focused on the following themes:
LISTENING AND TRANSFORMATION
“How do we cultivate that attention, that listening to the Beloved, the God who seeks us? …Transformation happens when we experience God in our hearts; God invites and we respond.” (Patience Robbins, Shalem PSDP Leadership Conference 2010)
SPIRITUAL COMMUNITY
“Spiritual community [is described] as the person or group of people with whom my desire for God comes alive and through whom I am supported in honoring that desire.” (Rose Mary Dougherty, Spiritual Community as Intercessory Prayer)
DISCERNMENT
“Desiring spiritual discernment in all things… we seek to be intentionally open to God in each moment as the Spirit guides and co-creates through us.” (Shalem Institute Core Values)
EARTH AWARENESS
“The Earth is suffering and exhausted. We need to deepen our Earth awareness, the awareness that we are utterly connected to all of life, in order to create a new consciousness and to heal our relationship with all living beings. We are given the vision and power to co-participate with God in healing the brokenness of our world.” (Ann Dean, Shalem PSDP Leadership Conference 2010)
SACRED ACTIVISM
“…a contemplative orientation not only draws us to our deepest, truest self in God but also shapes both an individual’s and a community’s way of being in, listening to, and caring for the world.” (Shalem Institute Core Values)
We expect participants, through prayer and dialogue with their spiritual directors and the program leaders, to integrate the program components in a way that will best serve their spiritual deepening. In addition, participants are expected to:
+ Commit to a regular spiritual practice that will honor and nourish their relationship with God.
+ Attend the Opening Retreat, Closing Retreat, and all Saturday Seminars.
+ Meet monthly with their small group.
+ Meet regularly with a Spiritual Director.
+ Pray for the group as a spiritual community.
DATES AND LOCATION
Opening All-Day Retreat: April 16, 2011 / Bon Secours Spiritual Center, Marriottsville, MD 21104.
Saturday Morning Sessions: May 7, June 4, July 9, August 6, September 10, October 15 / 8:30 am to 3:00 pm, at Bon Secours Spiritual Center and includes lunch.
Monthly Listening Circles: May through October / at the home of a participant in your geographical area.
Closing Overnight Retreat: November 5-6, 2011 / Bon Secours Spiritual Center, Marriottsville, MD 21104.
PROGRAM LEADERS
Nicholas Amato: has served over 20 years as a pastor in the Archdiocese of Baltimore and is a graduate of the Shalem Institute of Spirituality in Washington, DC. His full-time ministry includes offering contemplative retreats, parish missions, and days of recollection. He has Master’s degrees in Counseling and Theology, and a Doctorate in Educational Administration and is an associate faculty member of the Shalem Institute.
Stephanie Burgevin: has been a member of the Religious Society of Friends (Quakers) for the past 15 years. She is an associate faculty member of the Shalem Institute of Spirituality and a graduate of their Leading Contemplative Prayer Groups and Retreats program. She is a certified parent educator, has been clerk of Ministry and Counsel at Alexandria Monthly Meeting, and has led numerous groups, both spiritual and secular in nature.
REGISTRATION INFORMATION
Tuition: $650
Deposit: $100 with Application
Registration Deadline: APRIL 15, 2011
To Register or for questions call or write:
Email FatherNicholasAmato@gmail.com
Or call: (443) 850-0794
WHAT DOES SHALEM MEAN?
Pronounced Sha-LAME, Shalem is a Hebrew word related to Shalom, the familiar greeting of peace. Shalem speaks of wholeness: to be complete.
About Shalem
The Shalem Institute for Spiritual Formation provides in-depth support for contemplative living and leadership—a way of being in the world that is prayerfully attentive and responsive to God's presence and guidance.
For more than 30 years, we have offered a wide variety of programs and resources for individuals who want to open themselves more fully to God in their daily lives and work.
Shalem programs are uniquely experiential in approach and are grounded in our understanding of classic contemplative wisdom. All offer a rich variety of practices, teachings and leadership styles. Program leaders and program design seek to create a sense of sacred space that fosters authentic spiritual community and spiritual growth.
At Shalem, we honor each individual spiritual path and welcome anyone who would seek to learn from the contemplative way.
Shalem Institute for Spiritual Formation
www.shalem.org
PERSONAL SPIRITUAL
DEEPENING PROGRAM:
Living in God
Bon Secours Spiritual Center, Maryland
To be present to God and the world in love and trust, surrendered to ever-deepening spiritual awareness and joining God’s presence/action in the world according to our gifts and calling.
WHO MIGHT BE INTERESTED IN THIS PROGRAM?
This program is for anyone who feels drawn to contemplative spirituality and who:
+ Desires a deepened relationship with God and to live out of that relationship;
+ Wishes to develop or deepen a consistent spiritual practice;
+ Wants the regular guidance of a spiritual companion for daily contemplative living;
+ Seeks authentic spiritual community and support;
+ Is eager to learn within a broad ecumenical Christian framework, enhanced by the wisdom of other traditions;
+Longs to be a transforming presence in the world.
PROGRAM COMPONENTS
The Personal Spiritual Deepening Program (PSDP): Living in God is comprised of experiential learning, contemplative prayer practices, assigned readings, spiritual community, and opening and closing retreats.
Seminar Topics and Readings will be focused on the following themes:
LISTENING AND TRANSFORMATION
“How do we cultivate that attention, that listening to the Beloved, the God who seeks us? …Transformation happens when we experience God in our hearts; God invites and we respond.” (Patience Robbins, Shalem PSDP Leadership Conference 2010)
SPIRITUAL COMMUNITY
“Spiritual community [is described] as the person or group of people with whom my desire for God comes alive and through whom I am supported in honoring that desire.” (Rose Mary Dougherty, Spiritual Community as Intercessory Prayer)
DISCERNMENT
“Desiring spiritual discernment in all things… we seek to be intentionally open to God in each moment as the Spirit guides and co-creates through us.” (Shalem Institute Core Values)
EARTH AWARENESS
“The Earth is suffering and exhausted. We need to deepen our Earth awareness, the awareness that we are utterly connected to all of life, in order to create a new consciousness and to heal our relationship with all living beings. We are given the vision and power to co-participate with God in healing the brokenness of our world.” (Ann Dean, Shalem PSDP Leadership Conference 2010)
SACRED ACTIVISM
“…a contemplative orientation not only draws us to our deepest, truest self in God but also shapes both an individual’s and a community’s way of being in, listening to, and caring for the world.” (Shalem Institute Core Values)
We expect participants, through prayer and dialogue with their spiritual directors and the program leaders, to integrate the program components in a way that will best serve their spiritual deepening. In addition, participants are expected to:
+ Commit to a regular spiritual practice that will honor and nourish their relationship with God.
+ Attend the Opening Retreat, Closing Retreat, and all Saturday Seminars.
+ Meet monthly with their small group.
+ Meet regularly with a Spiritual Director.
+ Pray for the group as a spiritual community.
DATES AND LOCATION
Opening All-Day Retreat: April 16, 2011 / Bon Secours Spiritual Center, Marriottsville, MD 21104.
Saturday Morning Sessions: May 7, June 4, July 9, August 6, September 10, October 15 / 8:30 am to 3:00 pm, at Bon Secours Spiritual Center and includes lunch.
Monthly Listening Circles: May through October / at the home of a participant in your geographical area.
Closing Overnight Retreat: November 5-6, 2011 / Bon Secours Spiritual Center, Marriottsville, MD 21104.
PROGRAM LEADERS
Nicholas Amato: has served over 20 years as a pastor in the Archdiocese of Baltimore and is a graduate of the Shalem Institute of Spirituality in Washington, DC. His full-time ministry includes offering contemplative retreats, parish missions, and days of recollection. He has Master’s degrees in Counseling and Theology, and a Doctorate in Educational Administration and is an associate faculty member of the Shalem Institute.
Stephanie Burgevin: has been a member of the Religious Society of Friends (Quakers) for the past 15 years. She is an associate faculty member of the Shalem Institute of Spirituality and a graduate of their Leading Contemplative Prayer Groups and Retreats program. She is a certified parent educator, has been clerk of Ministry and Counsel at Alexandria Monthly Meeting, and has led numerous groups, both spiritual and secular in nature.
REGISTRATION INFORMATION
Tuition: $650
Deposit: $100 with Application
Registration Deadline: APRIL 15, 2011
To Register or for questions call or write:
Email FatherNicholasAmato@gmail.com
Or call: (443) 850-0794
WHAT DOES SHALEM MEAN?
Pronounced Sha-LAME, Shalem is a Hebrew word related to Shalom, the familiar greeting of peace. Shalem speaks of wholeness: to be complete.
About Shalem
The Shalem Institute for Spiritual Formation provides in-depth support for contemplative living and leadership—a way of being in the world that is prayerfully attentive and responsive to God's presence and guidance.
For more than 30 years, we have offered a wide variety of programs and resources for individuals who want to open themselves more fully to God in their daily lives and work.
Shalem programs are uniquely experiential in approach and are grounded in our understanding of classic contemplative wisdom. All offer a rich variety of practices, teachings and leadership styles. Program leaders and program design seek to create a sense of sacred space that fosters authentic spiritual community and spiritual growth.
At Shalem, we honor each individual spiritual path and welcome anyone who would seek to learn from the contemplative way.
Shalem Institute for Spiritual Formation
www.shalem.org
PERSONAL SPIRITUAL
DEEPENING PROGRAM:
Living in God
Bon Secours Spiritual Center, Maryland
Monday, March 28, 2011
Weekly HOMILY for April 2, 2011: The Nameless Man Born Blind
4th Sunday of Lent, Cycle A
Archdiocesan Deacon Retreat
Bon Secours Spiritual Center
April 3, 2011
The Nameless Man Born Blind
By (Rev. Msgr.) Nicholas P. Amato
I AM NAMELESS
Did you notice that the gospel writer, Saint John, never tells you my name?
In the entire story that you just heard, John only refers to me as “the man born blind.” He never uses my name.
I want to tell you why he doesn’t but first, I want to make two observations about what happens here. After all, I’m the one at the center of the story.
OBSERVATION 1: SEEING SPIRITUALLY
First, did you notice that Jesus says that my blindness is not due to any sin, either my parents’ sin or my sin?
It just happened. Period.
So, you are probably not responsible for physical blindness whether it is in yourself or in someone else. But you may be, in fact you and all of us are probably responsible for spiritual blindness in ourselves.
When I look in this story at my religious leaders and my neighbors and even my parents, I think they are afraid: afraid that they will have to change the way they think about Jesus, or afraid that their status will be threatened, or afraid of what others will think about them. That’s why they are unable to see and to say that Jesus healed me.
They remain spiritually blind and they are responsible for that. So, please don’t let that happen to you.
Maybe you are afraid that if you really listen to Jesus, you will have to face up to some habit in your life, like talking negatively about people or a substance abuse problem.
Or maybe you are afraid that you will have to deal with your part of the marriage problem.
You know, this sort of spiritual blindness diminishes who you are and doesn’t make you feel any better about yourself. Jesus is so insightful when he says: “I came to make the sightless see and the seeing blind.”
What Jesus means is: don’t be so certain that you are really seeing, because then you may end up spiritually blind.
Instead, admit that you are blind to some extent, and then allow Jesus to help you to see – spiritually.
OBSERVATION 2: SEEING MORE
And then, did you notice that I did not see fully, all at once?
Oh yes, I instantly got my eyesight, my physical sight. But my spiritual sight – that was another thing.
At first, I saw Jesus (1) As just another person; (2) Then as a prophet; (3) Then as one sent from God; (4) Then as the Son of Man or Messiah; and finally, (5) As Lord or God himself.
It took me a while to see him for all that he is and it’s a process. Do you have a similar sense of being in a process of coming to see?
There’s a good lesson here for you. I suspect that you too need to grow in your faith – to keep seeing more and more. In fact, you never stop growing or seeing more.
So, don’t get stuck into thinking that your understanding of God or of the Mass or of Catholic traditions has to be the way it was when you were a kid. Keep your mind and your eyes open and trying to see more.
I’m telling you: it’s a lot more exciting to keep growing and to keep seeing more and more. And it will lead you, as it led me, to a much fuller relationship with Jesus – and that means with God.
WHY I AM NAMELESS
Okay! I just had to make these observations about (1) Seeing spiritually and (2) Seeing more and more.
Now, I want to tell you why John never tells you my name. He does not do this because he wants each of you – you, you, you and you – to realize that you are me.
So, you – Michael, Marie, Pam, Patrick, Roger – you are “the man/woman born blind.”
And Jesus also wants to give you sight, and he will do this (1) If you are willing to admit that you may be spiritually blind and that you want spiritual vision and (2) If you are willing to keep trying to see more and more for as long as you live.
Archdiocesan Deacon Retreat
Bon Secours Spiritual Center
April 3, 2011
The Nameless Man Born Blind
By (Rev. Msgr.) Nicholas P. Amato
I AM NAMELESS
Did you notice that the gospel writer, Saint John, never tells you my name?
In the entire story that you just heard, John only refers to me as “the man born blind.” He never uses my name.
I want to tell you why he doesn’t but first, I want to make two observations about what happens here. After all, I’m the one at the center of the story.
OBSERVATION 1: SEEING SPIRITUALLY
First, did you notice that Jesus says that my blindness is not due to any sin, either my parents’ sin or my sin?
It just happened. Period.
So, you are probably not responsible for physical blindness whether it is in yourself or in someone else. But you may be, in fact you and all of us are probably responsible for spiritual blindness in ourselves.
When I look in this story at my religious leaders and my neighbors and even my parents, I think they are afraid: afraid that they will have to change the way they think about Jesus, or afraid that their status will be threatened, or afraid of what others will think about them. That’s why they are unable to see and to say that Jesus healed me.
They remain spiritually blind and they are responsible for that. So, please don’t let that happen to you.
Maybe you are afraid that if you really listen to Jesus, you will have to face up to some habit in your life, like talking negatively about people or a substance abuse problem.
Or maybe you are afraid that you will have to deal with your part of the marriage problem.
You know, this sort of spiritual blindness diminishes who you are and doesn’t make you feel any better about yourself. Jesus is so insightful when he says: “I came to make the sightless see and the seeing blind.”
What Jesus means is: don’t be so certain that you are really seeing, because then you may end up spiritually blind.
Instead, admit that you are blind to some extent, and then allow Jesus to help you to see – spiritually.
OBSERVATION 2: SEEING MORE
And then, did you notice that I did not see fully, all at once?
Oh yes, I instantly got my eyesight, my physical sight. But my spiritual sight – that was another thing.
At first, I saw Jesus (1) As just another person; (2) Then as a prophet; (3) Then as one sent from God; (4) Then as the Son of Man or Messiah; and finally, (5) As Lord or God himself.
It took me a while to see him for all that he is and it’s a process. Do you have a similar sense of being in a process of coming to see?
There’s a good lesson here for you. I suspect that you too need to grow in your faith – to keep seeing more and more. In fact, you never stop growing or seeing more.
So, don’t get stuck into thinking that your understanding of God or of the Mass or of Catholic traditions has to be the way it was when you were a kid. Keep your mind and your eyes open and trying to see more.
I’m telling you: it’s a lot more exciting to keep growing and to keep seeing more and more. And it will lead you, as it led me, to a much fuller relationship with Jesus – and that means with God.
WHY I AM NAMELESS
Okay! I just had to make these observations about (1) Seeing spiritually and (2) Seeing more and more.
Now, I want to tell you why John never tells you my name. He does not do this because he wants each of you – you, you, you and you – to realize that you are me.
So, you – Michael, Marie, Pam, Patrick, Roger – you are “the man/woman born blind.”
And Jesus also wants to give you sight, and he will do this (1) If you are willing to admit that you may be spiritually blind and that you want spiritual vision and (2) If you are willing to keep trying to see more and more for as long as you live.
Thursday, February 24, 2011
Weekly HOMILY for February 27, 2011
8th Sunday in Ordinary Time, Cycle A
St. Michael the Archangel Church, Overlea
February 29, 2011
First Things First
By (Rev. Msgr.) Nicholas P. Amato
WORRY
Worry ranks as one of our most uncomfortable emotions, and, with all the things we have to worry about, it is also one of our most constant companions.
The more complex our life becomes and the more responsibilities we have, the more we have to worry about.
It’s not that worry helps us to live more effectively. On the contrary, it drains us of the energy we need to take care of ourselves as we should. But how can we avoid worrying?
JESUS AND WORRY
In the gospel reading today, Jesus tells us bluntly, “Do not worry.” What a beautiful suggestion, and what an achievement, if we could only manage it.
Can he be serious, though, about not being anxious about what we eat, or drink, or wear?
It’s very poetic talking about the birds of the air and the flowers in the field, but aren’t our needs more substantial, significant, and sophisticated than those of birds and flowers?
Is not anxiety a given for anyone trying to live a responsible life in a very worrisome world?
Jesus is not trying to engage us in wishful thinking, however. Nor is he trying to make light of the difficult circumstances of life. What he offers us is a specific formula for reducing worry and anxiety.
REDUCING OUR WORRY
As we pursue our needs in life, Jesus tells us: “Strive first for the Kingdom of God…and all these things will be given to you as well.”
What Jesus is promoting is that we consciously establish our top priorities – something we generally don’t do.
The great benefit of doing this is that it puts things into perspective. What might be a significant cause of anxiety fades in the face of something more pressing.
A mother, for example, trying to help her child through a serious illness may for the time be unconcerned about some bills that need to be paid or an important meeting she needs to attend.
Building the Kingdom was the essence of Jesus’ ministry. Developing a Kingdom mentality was the chief goal of all his preaching; every other objective in life was subservient to the values of the Kingdom.
SETTING THE PRIORITIES
Jesus taught that if we work primarily to make the Kingdom a reality in our lives, everything else would fall into place for us; everything else would automatically become less worrisome, like the mother tending the sick child and the bills to be paid.
The answer to worry, therefore, is to remember and live out of Kingdom values as the most important concerns of our lives. Those values will be the ultimate antidote for anxiety.
For example, if MONEY is my most important concern, any movement in the stock market is going to set my nerves on edge. But if I move to the Kingdom value of “I’ve got what I need” and not grasping after, “I don’t have what I’d like” the anxiety about money is lessened.
If JOB SECURITY is my most important concern, I could move to the Kingdom value of “I’m going to continue to do my best work and pray for the Lord’s strength.” Then when I feel threatened with being laid off or with losing my job, the moorings of my faith and the assurance of God’s presence and care will assist me.
How about the CHILDREN – young or grown? My concern may be the mischief they’re getting into or how them may turn out. Again, move to the Kingdom values of giving them quality time, sharing your values of faith or family, remembering you have 2 ears and only ONE mouth will be ways to decrease the worries that are part of childrearing.
In case I haven’t included everyone, let’s take AGEING and worries associated with the decrease in mobility, energy, and memory. Here the Kingdom values would be deepening your relationship with God and configuring our lives to the life of Jesus especially as he prepared to pass from this world to the Father, both creating less worry and meaningful goals as a I age.
CONCLUSION
Today’s gospel challenges us to consider our priorities, then.
Is what I hold first and foremost giving me the kind of anxious-free life I want? Probably not or I wouldn’t be listening so intently to this homily!
The simple lesson of today’s gospel is: First things first!
“Strive first for the Kingdom” and you get what you need without having to worry about it.
Does that sound like a plan? Amen? Amen!
LAST ANNOUNCEMENT
One final word: I am preaching at all the masses this weekend as a way of introducing myself to the people of St. Michael’s Parish.
Beginning on Wednesday, April 13 and continuing on Thursday and Friday evening of that week I will be offering a parish mission here at St. Michael’s.
It will focus on building a personal relationship with Jesus Christ, one in which you can, with the proper disposition on your part and the grace of God, physically experience Christ face-to-face.
Out of this extraordinary contact you can be transformed in your outlook regarding prayer, relationships, and job. You can have a life lived more tangibly, walking in God’s presence.
I invite you to keep the lucky number 13, April 13, in your memory and I invite you to bring friends and neighbors to this mission. There will be ample reminders in the weekly bulletin in the weeks preceding April 13th.
St. Michael the Archangel Church, Overlea
February 29, 2011
First Things First
By (Rev. Msgr.) Nicholas P. Amato
WORRY
Worry ranks as one of our most uncomfortable emotions, and, with all the things we have to worry about, it is also one of our most constant companions.
The more complex our life becomes and the more responsibilities we have, the more we have to worry about.
It’s not that worry helps us to live more effectively. On the contrary, it drains us of the energy we need to take care of ourselves as we should. But how can we avoid worrying?
JESUS AND WORRY
In the gospel reading today, Jesus tells us bluntly, “Do not worry.” What a beautiful suggestion, and what an achievement, if we could only manage it.
Can he be serious, though, about not being anxious about what we eat, or drink, or wear?
It’s very poetic talking about the birds of the air and the flowers in the field, but aren’t our needs more substantial, significant, and sophisticated than those of birds and flowers?
Is not anxiety a given for anyone trying to live a responsible life in a very worrisome world?
Jesus is not trying to engage us in wishful thinking, however. Nor is he trying to make light of the difficult circumstances of life. What he offers us is a specific formula for reducing worry and anxiety.
REDUCING OUR WORRY
As we pursue our needs in life, Jesus tells us: “Strive first for the Kingdom of God…and all these things will be given to you as well.”
What Jesus is promoting is that we consciously establish our top priorities – something we generally don’t do.
The great benefit of doing this is that it puts things into perspective. What might be a significant cause of anxiety fades in the face of something more pressing.
A mother, for example, trying to help her child through a serious illness may for the time be unconcerned about some bills that need to be paid or an important meeting she needs to attend.
Building the Kingdom was the essence of Jesus’ ministry. Developing a Kingdom mentality was the chief goal of all his preaching; every other objective in life was subservient to the values of the Kingdom.
SETTING THE PRIORITIES
Jesus taught that if we work primarily to make the Kingdom a reality in our lives, everything else would fall into place for us; everything else would automatically become less worrisome, like the mother tending the sick child and the bills to be paid.
The answer to worry, therefore, is to remember and live out of Kingdom values as the most important concerns of our lives. Those values will be the ultimate antidote for anxiety.
For example, if MONEY is my most important concern, any movement in the stock market is going to set my nerves on edge. But if I move to the Kingdom value of “I’ve got what I need” and not grasping after, “I don’t have what I’d like” the anxiety about money is lessened.
If JOB SECURITY is my most important concern, I could move to the Kingdom value of “I’m going to continue to do my best work and pray for the Lord’s strength.” Then when I feel threatened with being laid off or with losing my job, the moorings of my faith and the assurance of God’s presence and care will assist me.
How about the CHILDREN – young or grown? My concern may be the mischief they’re getting into or how them may turn out. Again, move to the Kingdom values of giving them quality time, sharing your values of faith or family, remembering you have 2 ears and only ONE mouth will be ways to decrease the worries that are part of childrearing.
In case I haven’t included everyone, let’s take AGEING and worries associated with the decrease in mobility, energy, and memory. Here the Kingdom values would be deepening your relationship with God and configuring our lives to the life of Jesus especially as he prepared to pass from this world to the Father, both creating less worry and meaningful goals as a I age.
CONCLUSION
Today’s gospel challenges us to consider our priorities, then.
Is what I hold first and foremost giving me the kind of anxious-free life I want? Probably not or I wouldn’t be listening so intently to this homily!
The simple lesson of today’s gospel is: First things first!
“Strive first for the Kingdom” and you get what you need without having to worry about it.
Does that sound like a plan? Amen? Amen!
LAST ANNOUNCEMENT
One final word: I am preaching at all the masses this weekend as a way of introducing myself to the people of St. Michael’s Parish.
Beginning on Wednesday, April 13 and continuing on Thursday and Friday evening of that week I will be offering a parish mission here at St. Michael’s.
It will focus on building a personal relationship with Jesus Christ, one in which you can, with the proper disposition on your part and the grace of God, physically experience Christ face-to-face.
Out of this extraordinary contact you can be transformed in your outlook regarding prayer, relationships, and job. You can have a life lived more tangibly, walking in God’s presence.
I invite you to keep the lucky number 13, April 13, in your memory and I invite you to bring friends and neighbors to this mission. There will be ample reminders in the weekly bulletin in the weeks preceding April 13th.
Sunday, February 20, 2011
Funeral Mass for February 22, 2011
Funeral Mass for Larry Preller
(Readings #2, #10, #16)
Shrine of the Sacred Heart
February 22, 2011 / 10:00am
The Seed As Kernel, Starch, and Skin
By (Rev. Msgr.) Nicholas P. Amato
CONDOLENCES AND THE PEANUT
To Doris, Larry’s wife of 18 years. To his children Debby and Ed, Rita, Lauren, Joe and Leeann, Adam and Dawn, and Patrick and Amanda. To Doris’ children, Rob and Gail, June and Derry, Janelle and Eric, and Donna and Steve. To his 14 grandchildren and 5 great grandchildren, we offer you our heartfelt condolences on the death of Larry
Larry was a simple man with big dreams and a will that would never quit. I met him the day I came to the Shrine in early September 1989; he was pouring a cement floor in the basement of this very church.
Days later his beloved wife Marie, of 44 years, died. Marie’s was my first funeral here in and over the years Larry and I became very close as I came to know and love his children. After three years, I witnessed his marriage to his new love, Doris at this very altar.
I begin my remarks with a vivid memory I have from elementary school of my science teacher holding a large plaster classroom model of a peanut for all of us fifth graders to see.
As I recall, there were three main parts to that peanut model: the inner kernel that we were told, held the “mystery of life itself.”
Then there was the large massive area that was called the starch. This starch (demonstrate) was to serve as fuel for the growing kernel. And finally, there was the thin outer skin or membrane that kept it all together.
JESUS AND THE MYSTERY OF THE PEANUT
Recall that Jesus says, “Unless the grain of wheat falls to the earth and dies, it remains just a grain of wheat. But if it dies, it produces much fruit.”
My description of the peanut can help us unlock the mystery that Jesus is discussing, namely how life comes out of death.
Applied to Larry, his innermost kernel of faith, fed by his love for his family and Church, grew and grew and finally became so expansive that it pressed beyond a thin outer skin and is now transformed into glory.
HIS FAITH = THE KERNEL
His faith was the kernel. It’s no secret that Larry loved God. He had a longing for God and he nurtured that longing in prayer and regular Sunday worship. He had a great devotion to St. Joseph the carpenter.
How confident he was that St. Joseph understood him even as a fellow-carpenter. On Larry’s last day, he clung tightly to a small statue of the saint.
His love of God was seen in his ministry of taking communion to the sick and dying. At these special times I allowed him to wear a clergy shirt. Doris tells of the day she accompanied him and happened to be wearing black herself and they patients thought they were a priest and a religious sister.
Larry was no rainy day friend of God’s. He was right there either being fed by the Lord, ministering in his name to those in need, or sharing his faith with his children.
His kernel of faith in Jesus Christ enlivened, quickened, and animated him to be there for others and to bring the presence of that very same God he enjoyed to others.
HIS FAMILY = THE STARCH
His love for his family was the starch on which his kernel of faith fed. Now remember Larry was a disciple of Jesus, so whether it was family, friends, neighbors or strangers he didn’t know, you’d get a heavy dose of a faith-filled man loving you as Jesus would.
He was a devoted family man and while he built many beautiful dwellings, his greatest “edifice” was his relationship first for Marie and then Doris, and course, his children.
He captured 25 years of family gatherings on film and made copies for all the kids.
He was happiest when he was with them and surrounded by others. He would use any excuse to get together with them.
Larry’s life was one of sacrifice. The children got the best educations, clothing, food, and homes and he worked hard to provide these. He was a bit of a workaholic, and it was work he would gladly do.
The Preller children had more than their share of family challenges and Larry was always there for them. He was there in ways many parents would not or could not have been.
He listened. He was open-minded. He spoke honestly and lovingly. He did not judge. No matter what personal crisis – and there were many – he was always available to help by a prayerful presence.
Once he knew the problem, he’d help financially, spiritually, or emotionally. He had the uncanny ability to put a positive spin on the darkest of situations. He was good at reminding the children that there was a higher power in charge.
Whenever an issue was more than he could handle, Larry would call in a third party to sit down with the entire family to work things out. These became their regular family meetings and drew parents and children together.
BREAKING THROUGH THE KERNEL
Yes, the kernel feeding on the starch was growing beyond what the skin would allow. Larry was becoming physically challenged.
In addition to spending himself, there were medical issues regarding kidney, prostrate, bladder, and knee replacement.
His nurse noted that his desire to live and serve was strong, in her words, “The strongest she’d ever seen” his body couldn’t contain his spirit.
Larry as a man of faith, feeding on the starch of serving others so sacrificially needed to break through the membrane, if it is to be transformed to another level of life.
And so his life add light and understanding to Jesus’ words, “Unless the grain of wheat falls to the earth and dies, it remains just a grain of wheat. But if it dies, it produces much fruit.”
That moment of passage came on Monday morning at 8:30 and the fruit of his life is now being one with the Lord he so beautifully served.
(Readings #2, #10, #16)
Shrine of the Sacred Heart
February 22, 2011 / 10:00am
The Seed As Kernel, Starch, and Skin
By (Rev. Msgr.) Nicholas P. Amato
CONDOLENCES AND THE PEANUT
To Doris, Larry’s wife of 18 years. To his children Debby and Ed, Rita, Lauren, Joe and Leeann, Adam and Dawn, and Patrick and Amanda. To Doris’ children, Rob and Gail, June and Derry, Janelle and Eric, and Donna and Steve. To his 14 grandchildren and 5 great grandchildren, we offer you our heartfelt condolences on the death of Larry
Larry was a simple man with big dreams and a will that would never quit. I met him the day I came to the Shrine in early September 1989; he was pouring a cement floor in the basement of this very church.
Days later his beloved wife Marie, of 44 years, died. Marie’s was my first funeral here in and over the years Larry and I became very close as I came to know and love his children. After three years, I witnessed his marriage to his new love, Doris at this very altar.
I begin my remarks with a vivid memory I have from elementary school of my science teacher holding a large plaster classroom model of a peanut for all of us fifth graders to see.
As I recall, there were three main parts to that peanut model: the inner kernel that we were told, held the “mystery of life itself.”
Then there was the large massive area that was called the starch. This starch (demonstrate) was to serve as fuel for the growing kernel. And finally, there was the thin outer skin or membrane that kept it all together.
JESUS AND THE MYSTERY OF THE PEANUT
Recall that Jesus says, “Unless the grain of wheat falls to the earth and dies, it remains just a grain of wheat. But if it dies, it produces much fruit.”
My description of the peanut can help us unlock the mystery that Jesus is discussing, namely how life comes out of death.
Applied to Larry, his innermost kernel of faith, fed by his love for his family and Church, grew and grew and finally became so expansive that it pressed beyond a thin outer skin and is now transformed into glory.
HIS FAITH = THE KERNEL
His faith was the kernel. It’s no secret that Larry loved God. He had a longing for God and he nurtured that longing in prayer and regular Sunday worship. He had a great devotion to St. Joseph the carpenter.
How confident he was that St. Joseph understood him even as a fellow-carpenter. On Larry’s last day, he clung tightly to a small statue of the saint.
His love of God was seen in his ministry of taking communion to the sick and dying. At these special times I allowed him to wear a clergy shirt. Doris tells of the day she accompanied him and happened to be wearing black herself and they patients thought they were a priest and a religious sister.
Larry was no rainy day friend of God’s. He was right there either being fed by the Lord, ministering in his name to those in need, or sharing his faith with his children.
His kernel of faith in Jesus Christ enlivened, quickened, and animated him to be there for others and to bring the presence of that very same God he enjoyed to others.
HIS FAMILY = THE STARCH
His love for his family was the starch on which his kernel of faith fed. Now remember Larry was a disciple of Jesus, so whether it was family, friends, neighbors or strangers he didn’t know, you’d get a heavy dose of a faith-filled man loving you as Jesus would.
He was a devoted family man and while he built many beautiful dwellings, his greatest “edifice” was his relationship first for Marie and then Doris, and course, his children.
He captured 25 years of family gatherings on film and made copies for all the kids.
He was happiest when he was with them and surrounded by others. He would use any excuse to get together with them.
Larry’s life was one of sacrifice. The children got the best educations, clothing, food, and homes and he worked hard to provide these. He was a bit of a workaholic, and it was work he would gladly do.
The Preller children had more than their share of family challenges and Larry was always there for them. He was there in ways many parents would not or could not have been.
He listened. He was open-minded. He spoke honestly and lovingly. He did not judge. No matter what personal crisis – and there were many – he was always available to help by a prayerful presence.
Once he knew the problem, he’d help financially, spiritually, or emotionally. He had the uncanny ability to put a positive spin on the darkest of situations. He was good at reminding the children that there was a higher power in charge.
Whenever an issue was more than he could handle, Larry would call in a third party to sit down with the entire family to work things out. These became their regular family meetings and drew parents and children together.
BREAKING THROUGH THE KERNEL
Yes, the kernel feeding on the starch was growing beyond what the skin would allow. Larry was becoming physically challenged.
In addition to spending himself, there were medical issues regarding kidney, prostrate, bladder, and knee replacement.
His nurse noted that his desire to live and serve was strong, in her words, “The strongest she’d ever seen” his body couldn’t contain his spirit.
Larry as a man of faith, feeding on the starch of serving others so sacrificially needed to break through the membrane, if it is to be transformed to another level of life.
And so his life add light and understanding to Jesus’ words, “Unless the grain of wheat falls to the earth and dies, it remains just a grain of wheat. But if it dies, it produces much fruit.”
That moment of passage came on Monday morning at 8:30 and the fruit of his life is now being one with the Lord he so beautifully served.
Thursday, February 03, 2011
Weekly HOMILY for February 6, 2011: Becoming Light to Others
5th Sunday of Ordinary Time, Cycle A
St. Mark Church, Fallston
February 6, 2011
By (Rev. Msgr.) Nicholas P. Amato
THE KETTLE
A pastor friend recently told me a story about a group of businessmen who were attending a prayer breakfast. The speaker was emphasizing their duty to do what Jesus says in today’s gospel, that is, to be “the light of the world.”
One of the members said that he had had an experience at home that really helped him understand this passage.
He told of a day last year that he went down into the cellar of his old home and made an interesting discovery. Some potatoes had been placed over in the darkest corner of the cold, dark, damp cellar and they had begun to sprout.
At first, he couldn’t figure out how they had even gotten enough light to grow, but then he solved the mystery.
It seems that his wife had hung a stainless steel kettle from the ceiling near the basement window at the other end of the cellar. The kettle was polished enough that it reflected the rays of the sun onto the potatoes.
Well the individual derived a great lesson from that stainless steel kettle.
He told the group that he might not be a good preacher or teacher of the Bible, but that he could be a stainless steel kettle. That is, he could catch the rays of light from the Son of God and reflect that light to someone in a dark corner of life.
FACING THE SUN
That kettle does preach God’s word quite adequately this Sunday where we are challenged by Jesus to be light to the world.
The kettle gives us at least three important insights into what is involved in our being “the light of the world” to others.
First, notice that the kettle has to be facing the source of light, if it was to have an impact on the potatoes. Because it was facing the sun, it is able to take the light it receives and reflect it onto the potatoes.
We too need to be facing our spiritual source of light and that, of course, is the Lord Jesus.
The best way to be doing this is by regular daily contact with Christ. It comes in the silent reflection on his presence. It is said that our face begins to reflect whatever we focus on most.
It is even said that after decades of marriage, there is a real similarity between husbands and wives in the expression and countenance of their respective faces.
The same thing happens when we take time in silence to be in God’s presence. The more we are face-to-face with the Lord, the more we are able to take 5 or 10 minutes of silence with just a simple phrase of Scripture or a prayer, the more we will be like the one we encounter.
So facing our source of light, we will be heeding the first lesson the stainless steel kettle has to teach us.
SHINY ITSELF
The second lesson is that the kettle has to be able to reflect the light, which it could do because it was nicely polished.
We too must keep ourselves shined in order to be good reflectors of the light of Jesus.
Most of us, myself included, with the passing of days or weeks become are spiritually tarnished.
We’re spiritually dull when we have unconfessed or unadmitted sin in our heart. The best indicator of this is that we find ourselves always needing to be right or well-thought of.
When this is the case, it’s difficult for us to admit our failures and weaknesses even to God or ourselves, much less to someone else. To keep ourselves well polished, we need to admit that we have been impatient or that we have put someone down or whatever our failure at loving is.
We may need to admit things like this to a priest to be reconciled or to the person we have offended. Owning up to our failures, we can experience the strength that comes from God.
Staying shiny through a clear conscience is a great way to heed this second lesson of the stainless steel kettle.
FACING THE DARKNESS
Finally, note that the kettle was also facing the potatoes in the dark corner of the basement. It was because of this that it was able to reflect light on the potatoes and help them to grow.
We too need to reflect God’s light on those around us who find themselves in the dark corners of life.
Jesus tells us in the gospel, “People do not light a lamp and then put it under a bushel basket. Instead, they put it on a stand where it gives light to all in the house. In the same way, your light must shine before others.”
This can be done in many practical ways. We reflect God’s light by talking with our children about their faith and sharing what our faith means to us.
We do it by visiting a relative who is sick. Or we do it by shoveling a frail elderly neighbor’s sidewalk or grocery shopping for them.
Wherever there is darkness, sadness, sorrow, lack of light, we need to be there.
CONCLUSION
A simple lesson from a household kettle – be a light to the dark places in life so that even potatoes can grow.
All it takes is (1) Being in touch with the source of light, Jesus Christ, (2) Keeping yourself right with God, and (3) Finding the dark corners in which to be present.
St. Mark Church, Fallston
February 6, 2011
By (Rev. Msgr.) Nicholas P. Amato
THE KETTLE
A pastor friend recently told me a story about a group of businessmen who were attending a prayer breakfast. The speaker was emphasizing their duty to do what Jesus says in today’s gospel, that is, to be “the light of the world.”
One of the members said that he had had an experience at home that really helped him understand this passage.
He told of a day last year that he went down into the cellar of his old home and made an interesting discovery. Some potatoes had been placed over in the darkest corner of the cold, dark, damp cellar and they had begun to sprout.
At first, he couldn’t figure out how they had even gotten enough light to grow, but then he solved the mystery.
It seems that his wife had hung a stainless steel kettle from the ceiling near the basement window at the other end of the cellar. The kettle was polished enough that it reflected the rays of the sun onto the potatoes.
Well the individual derived a great lesson from that stainless steel kettle.
He told the group that he might not be a good preacher or teacher of the Bible, but that he could be a stainless steel kettle. That is, he could catch the rays of light from the Son of God and reflect that light to someone in a dark corner of life.
FACING THE SUN
That kettle does preach God’s word quite adequately this Sunday where we are challenged by Jesus to be light to the world.
The kettle gives us at least three important insights into what is involved in our being “the light of the world” to others.
First, notice that the kettle has to be facing the source of light, if it was to have an impact on the potatoes. Because it was facing the sun, it is able to take the light it receives and reflect it onto the potatoes.
We too need to be facing our spiritual source of light and that, of course, is the Lord Jesus.
The best way to be doing this is by regular daily contact with Christ. It comes in the silent reflection on his presence. It is said that our face begins to reflect whatever we focus on most.
It is even said that after decades of marriage, there is a real similarity between husbands and wives in the expression and countenance of their respective faces.
The same thing happens when we take time in silence to be in God’s presence. The more we are face-to-face with the Lord, the more we are able to take 5 or 10 minutes of silence with just a simple phrase of Scripture or a prayer, the more we will be like the one we encounter.
So facing our source of light, we will be heeding the first lesson the stainless steel kettle has to teach us.
SHINY ITSELF
The second lesson is that the kettle has to be able to reflect the light, which it could do because it was nicely polished.
We too must keep ourselves shined in order to be good reflectors of the light of Jesus.
Most of us, myself included, with the passing of days or weeks become are spiritually tarnished.
We’re spiritually dull when we have unconfessed or unadmitted sin in our heart. The best indicator of this is that we find ourselves always needing to be right or well-thought of.
When this is the case, it’s difficult for us to admit our failures and weaknesses even to God or ourselves, much less to someone else. To keep ourselves well polished, we need to admit that we have been impatient or that we have put someone down or whatever our failure at loving is.
We may need to admit things like this to a priest to be reconciled or to the person we have offended. Owning up to our failures, we can experience the strength that comes from God.
Staying shiny through a clear conscience is a great way to heed this second lesson of the stainless steel kettle.
FACING THE DARKNESS
Finally, note that the kettle was also facing the potatoes in the dark corner of the basement. It was because of this that it was able to reflect light on the potatoes and help them to grow.
We too need to reflect God’s light on those around us who find themselves in the dark corners of life.
Jesus tells us in the gospel, “People do not light a lamp and then put it under a bushel basket. Instead, they put it on a stand where it gives light to all in the house. In the same way, your light must shine before others.”
This can be done in many practical ways. We reflect God’s light by talking with our children about their faith and sharing what our faith means to us.
We do it by visiting a relative who is sick. Or we do it by shoveling a frail elderly neighbor’s sidewalk or grocery shopping for them.
Wherever there is darkness, sadness, sorrow, lack of light, we need to be there.
CONCLUSION
A simple lesson from a household kettle – be a light to the dark places in life so that even potatoes can grow.
All it takes is (1) Being in touch with the source of light, Jesus Christ, (2) Keeping yourself right with God, and (3) Finding the dark corners in which to be present.
Friday, January 28, 2011
Weekly HOMILY for January 30, 2011: Deacon Preaching Sunday
Father Nicholas did not preach this Sunday at his masses at St. Margaret. Seminarian Steven Roth preached instead.
Friday, January 07, 2011
WEEKLY HOMILY for January 9, 2011: Tattooed and Branded for God
Feast of the Baptism of the Lord, Cycle A
St. Margaret Church, Bel Air
January 9, 2011
Tattooed and Branded by God
By (Rev. Msgr.) Nicholas P. Amato
TATTOOS
Tattoos have gone mainstream.
College student and business professionals alike have subjected themselves to hours of needle pricks to adorn their bodies with colorful designs, flowers and images.
Now those who say stay ahead of the trends are now getting “branded” rather than “tattooed.”
As you can imagine, branding hurts quite a bit, and once you are branded, you are branded for life.
Anyone considering getting a tattoo or being brand is warned to be sure that they really want the mark they are getting and to consider it permanent, for getting rid of them involves painful expensive elective surgery that leaves a scar.
In addition, whatever symbol a person chooses says something about him or her; are marks of identity.
So an Olympic athlete will have a set of Olympic rings, lovers each other’s names, and a Christian a cross.
OUTWARD SIGN; INNER REALITY
In baptism, we are tattooed or branded by God into the very heart and life of God. No, baptism is not simply a ritual or milestone.
Baptism we learned is an outward sign of in inward reality, that is Baptism is an outward, visible, tangible sign, that points to, represents, explains a deeper inner reality that is true of me.
We are all familiar with the words of baptism and each of the three times something is said, water is poured to explain or reinforce the reality of what is happening.
So what’s the reality beneath what’s going on?
"IN THE NAME OF THE FATHER" AND WATER
“I baptize you in the name of the Father” and water is poured. What is real here is that God is invoked as creator of all that is, namely all humans, animals, plants, minerals share in God’s creating power.
We are all made (1) By the same Creator, (2) Of the same cosmic dust, (3) For the same purpose of being one with the Creator. It’s as if we were all different portraits of the same artist, and though different in many ways, we all reflect that same artist.
God the Father/Creator is my brand. It’s the way I come to know myself and it’s the way others come to know me.
It’s out of that reality that I live and so I live with a respect for all of creation: the quality of air, sea, land, and of life in all its forms.
"IN THE NAME OF THE SON" AND WATER
In the Baptismal Ritual we then hear, “I baptize you in the name of the Son” and again water is poured.
What is real here is that I become through my own efforts and God’s grace one with Jesus who has the relationship to me of brother, savior, redeemer, or model.
In living out my life and the choices I make I become more like him in identity.
Of course it will take lots of (1) Denying of myself for his self, (2) Picking up my crosses in life as he picked up his, and (3) Following him as I’d follow the directions of a trusted friend when completely lost.
"IN THE NAME OF THE HOLY SPIRIT" AND WATER
Finally we hear, “I baptize you in the name of the Holy Spirit” and water is poured a third time.
What is real in this final instance is that as the breath of God moved over creation God’s breath continues in another very real sense in our own breath.
The automatic unnoticed presence of a life-giving breath, one after another, keeps us alive and in touch with the divine already within us.
We have only to notice it and experience a sense of gratitude over it to come into God’s presence even more poignantly.
BE ATTENTIVE TO YOUR TATTOO/BRANDING
So we’ve been tattooed and branded by God and for God, “In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.”
The question today at Jesus’ baptism is, “Are we living up to our tattoo, our brand?”
St. Margaret Church, Bel Air
January 9, 2011
Tattooed and Branded by God
By (Rev. Msgr.) Nicholas P. Amato
TATTOOS
Tattoos have gone mainstream.
College student and business professionals alike have subjected themselves to hours of needle pricks to adorn their bodies with colorful designs, flowers and images.
Now those who say stay ahead of the trends are now getting “branded” rather than “tattooed.”
As you can imagine, branding hurts quite a bit, and once you are branded, you are branded for life.
Anyone considering getting a tattoo or being brand is warned to be sure that they really want the mark they are getting and to consider it permanent, for getting rid of them involves painful expensive elective surgery that leaves a scar.
In addition, whatever symbol a person chooses says something about him or her; are marks of identity.
So an Olympic athlete will have a set of Olympic rings, lovers each other’s names, and a Christian a cross.
OUTWARD SIGN; INNER REALITY
In baptism, we are tattooed or branded by God into the very heart and life of God. No, baptism is not simply a ritual or milestone.
Baptism we learned is an outward sign of in inward reality, that is Baptism is an outward, visible, tangible sign, that points to, represents, explains a deeper inner reality that is true of me.
We are all familiar with the words of baptism and each of the three times something is said, water is poured to explain or reinforce the reality of what is happening.
So what’s the reality beneath what’s going on?
"IN THE NAME OF THE FATHER" AND WATER
“I baptize you in the name of the Father” and water is poured. What is real here is that God is invoked as creator of all that is, namely all humans, animals, plants, minerals share in God’s creating power.
We are all made (1) By the same Creator, (2) Of the same cosmic dust, (3) For the same purpose of being one with the Creator. It’s as if we were all different portraits of the same artist, and though different in many ways, we all reflect that same artist.
God the Father/Creator is my brand. It’s the way I come to know myself and it’s the way others come to know me.
It’s out of that reality that I live and so I live with a respect for all of creation: the quality of air, sea, land, and of life in all its forms.
"IN THE NAME OF THE SON" AND WATER
In the Baptismal Ritual we then hear, “I baptize you in the name of the Son” and again water is poured.
What is real here is that I become through my own efforts and God’s grace one with Jesus who has the relationship to me of brother, savior, redeemer, or model.
In living out my life and the choices I make I become more like him in identity.
Of course it will take lots of (1) Denying of myself for his self, (2) Picking up my crosses in life as he picked up his, and (3) Following him as I’d follow the directions of a trusted friend when completely lost.
"IN THE NAME OF THE HOLY SPIRIT" AND WATER
Finally we hear, “I baptize you in the name of the Holy Spirit” and water is poured a third time.
What is real in this final instance is that as the breath of God moved over creation God’s breath continues in another very real sense in our own breath.
The automatic unnoticed presence of a life-giving breath, one after another, keeps us alive and in touch with the divine already within us.
We have only to notice it and experience a sense of gratitude over it to come into God’s presence even more poignantly.
BE ATTENTIVE TO YOUR TATTOO/BRANDING
So we’ve been tattooed and branded by God and for God, “In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.”
The question today at Jesus’ baptism is, “Are we living up to our tattoo, our brand?”
Thursday, December 30, 2010
WEEKLY HOMILY for January 2, 2011: The Life-giving Act of Stargazing
Feast of the Epiphany, Cycle A
St. Mark, Fallston
January 2, 2011
The Life-giving Act of Stargazing
By (Rev. Msgr.) Nicholas P. Amato
LIGHTS OF THE HEAVENS
I imagine that we have all had the experience of just gazing at the moon.
I do this especially when there is a full moon. On a clear night, the moon is spectacular as it is framed in darkness.
It is amazing how much it can light up an otherwise dark night. There is something magnetic about it.
Much the same is true of the stars. Isn’t it a special treat to be in the countryside or the mountains on a clear night?
Isn’t it wonderful not to have house lights and streetlights, car lights and lighted signs invading the darkness? Only without them can look up and really see the countless stars shining in all their splendor.
BOTH LIGHT AND DARKNESS
Experiences like these are something like the experience of the three magi.
They look up into the dark winter sky and see a bright star. They followed the star and it brings them to the newborn Jesus, to the Lord himself.
(1) Have you ever thought that stars like the one the magi saw can only be seen against a backdrop of darkness?
This is a simple, perhaps obvious fact, but it is good to recall it and be aware of it.
(2) And isn’t it also true that sometimes we want to have the stars or light without darkness?
Even now, during these 12 Days of Christmas, we may be tempted to say:
➢ “Wouldn’t it be nice if every day were like Christmas?”
➢ “Wouldn’t it be nice if each day of the year were full of such high spirits?”
➢ “Wouldn’t it be nice if there were no bad news, no sadness, no stress, no heartache, no sickness?”
Of course, life is not like that. In the real situations of our lives there is always both sweet and sour, joy and mourning, health and sickness, light and darkness.
I would like to suggest that embracing both the dark and the light can be a sign of wisdom and a way to inner peace, but the wisdom does not end there.
CONTROL YOUR FOCUS
The good news – the added piece of wisdom – is that we have the ability to control our focus and choose what we look at.
We can decide to look at the stars or to look at the darkness.
We know from studies on the workplace that people who are regarded as effective have their share of sorrows and setbacks as anyone else.
What makes them effective, studies have found, is that they generally concentrate on the light rather than on the darkness.
Thus:
➢ If we begin reflecting on all the bad things that take place in our lives, it will soon depress us. But if we focus on the good, we will be uplifted
➢ If we want to find fault with our spouse, friend, children, and co-workers, we will surely find something. But if we look for their good points, we are sure to find them as well
Why choose to live out of misery? Great question!
APPLICATION: SO LOOK TO THE STARS
The point or lesson to be learned from all of this is that life is made or broken by what we consistently look at: the stars or the darkness.
Happiness will most often depend on little more than a simple shift in focus. No, we don’t pretend the darkness does not exist, but like the magi or wise men we can choose to concentrate on the stars.
So the question for us on this Feast of the Epiphany is: “Where is your focus?” “Are you more often than not a star-gazer?”
Do we look for light in any darkness that confronts us? We can take control of where we direct our attention.
CONCLUSION
We can talk more about our dreams of the New Year than our misfortunes this past year.
We can talk more about our hopes in the months ahead, than our disappointments over the past months.
We can notice a storm brewing in a relationship and still look for its rainbow and live out of that.
We get to choose. On this first day of the New Year we’re asked, “What shall it be?”
St. Mark, Fallston
January 2, 2011
The Life-giving Act of Stargazing
By (Rev. Msgr.) Nicholas P. Amato
LIGHTS OF THE HEAVENS
I imagine that we have all had the experience of just gazing at the moon.
I do this especially when there is a full moon. On a clear night, the moon is spectacular as it is framed in darkness.
It is amazing how much it can light up an otherwise dark night. There is something magnetic about it.
Much the same is true of the stars. Isn’t it a special treat to be in the countryside or the mountains on a clear night?
Isn’t it wonderful not to have house lights and streetlights, car lights and lighted signs invading the darkness? Only without them can look up and really see the countless stars shining in all their splendor.
BOTH LIGHT AND DARKNESS
Experiences like these are something like the experience of the three magi.
They look up into the dark winter sky and see a bright star. They followed the star and it brings them to the newborn Jesus, to the Lord himself.
(1) Have you ever thought that stars like the one the magi saw can only be seen against a backdrop of darkness?
This is a simple, perhaps obvious fact, but it is good to recall it and be aware of it.
(2) And isn’t it also true that sometimes we want to have the stars or light without darkness?
Even now, during these 12 Days of Christmas, we may be tempted to say:
➢ “Wouldn’t it be nice if every day were like Christmas?”
➢ “Wouldn’t it be nice if each day of the year were full of such high spirits?”
➢ “Wouldn’t it be nice if there were no bad news, no sadness, no stress, no heartache, no sickness?”
Of course, life is not like that. In the real situations of our lives there is always both sweet and sour, joy and mourning, health and sickness, light and darkness.
I would like to suggest that embracing both the dark and the light can be a sign of wisdom and a way to inner peace, but the wisdom does not end there.
CONTROL YOUR FOCUS
The good news – the added piece of wisdom – is that we have the ability to control our focus and choose what we look at.
We can decide to look at the stars or to look at the darkness.
We know from studies on the workplace that people who are regarded as effective have their share of sorrows and setbacks as anyone else.
What makes them effective, studies have found, is that they generally concentrate on the light rather than on the darkness.
Thus:
➢ If we begin reflecting on all the bad things that take place in our lives, it will soon depress us. But if we focus on the good, we will be uplifted
➢ If we want to find fault with our spouse, friend, children, and co-workers, we will surely find something. But if we look for their good points, we are sure to find them as well
Why choose to live out of misery? Great question!
APPLICATION: SO LOOK TO THE STARS
The point or lesson to be learned from all of this is that life is made or broken by what we consistently look at: the stars or the darkness.
Happiness will most often depend on little more than a simple shift in focus. No, we don’t pretend the darkness does not exist, but like the magi or wise men we can choose to concentrate on the stars.
So the question for us on this Feast of the Epiphany is: “Where is your focus?” “Are you more often than not a star-gazer?”
Do we look for light in any darkness that confronts us? We can take control of where we direct our attention.
CONCLUSION
We can talk more about our dreams of the New Year than our misfortunes this past year.
We can talk more about our hopes in the months ahead, than our disappointments over the past months.
We can notice a storm brewing in a relationship and still look for its rainbow and live out of that.
We get to choose. On this first day of the New Year we’re asked, “What shall it be?”
Wednesday, December 29, 2010
WEEKLY HOMILY for January 1, 2011: The New Year / A Time for Investing
Solemnity of Mary, the Mother of God, Cycle A
St. Mark Church, Fallston
January 1, 2010
The New Year: A Time for Investing
BY NICHOLAS AMATO
86,400 DOLLARS
Imagine for just a minute that your bank credits your checking account with $86,400.
The money is yours to do with whatever you want. The only catch is that the balance does not carry over to the next day.
Whatever money you don’t spend is lost. In other words, whatever is left at the end of the day is deleted from your account.
Then, the next morning your account is again credited with $86,400. So, what would you do?
My guess is that you would quickly discover more and more wonderful things to do with each day’s newly given wealth.
You would quickly learn lots of creative ways to spend or give away every cent every day.
86,400 SECONDS
Okay, now let’s go back to reality. I’m not talking about $86,400 dollars a day but something else we get 86,400 of free every day. Any idea what?
If we do the arithmetic, we easily learn that every day, we are given 86,400 seconds to live. Put another way, God invests 86,400 seconds in each one of us every single day.
Every night, God writes off as a loss whatever of this time we have wasted or not used well.
In the Big Bank of Time, there are no balances that get carried over from one day to the next.
Each day a new 86,400 seconds is poured into our account. Each night at precisely 11:59.59 what remains is lost and gone forever.
No, time cannot be saved for a rainy day. If we fail to make use of today’s deposit, the loss is ours.
SPEND TIME WISELY
The lesson here is that we have to spend our time wisely – a great lesson for today, New Year’s Day.
From an investment point of view, we need to spend our time on items that will hold their value from day to day, month to month, year to year. Regardless of our occupation or vocation, regardless of what we have to do day in and day out, we need to spend our time wisely.
Several ways we can do this include:
➢ Coming closer to God through the Scripture, the Eucharist, and personal prayer and reflection, as we see in Mary in today’s gospel
➢ Tending well the primary relationships in our lives, especially with your spouse or close friend or parents or children
➢ Intentionally working to become more compassionate and more understanding of the situation and feelings of others.
In investing our time on these “things,” we will have no regrets. These items will always hold their value.
In fact, their value will increase and mean more and more to us as time goes on.
Someday we will look back on the time we spent on these investments and say, “That was time well spent.”
CONCLUSION
So, today we begin a New Year – a new and significant segment of time.
The question is: how will we spend our 86,400 seconds each day of the New Year?
St. Mark Church, Fallston
January 1, 2010
The New Year: A Time for Investing
BY NICHOLAS AMATO
86,400 DOLLARS
Imagine for just a minute that your bank credits your checking account with $86,400.
The money is yours to do with whatever you want. The only catch is that the balance does not carry over to the next day.
Whatever money you don’t spend is lost. In other words, whatever is left at the end of the day is deleted from your account.
Then, the next morning your account is again credited with $86,400. So, what would you do?
My guess is that you would quickly discover more and more wonderful things to do with each day’s newly given wealth.
You would quickly learn lots of creative ways to spend or give away every cent every day.
86,400 SECONDS
Okay, now let’s go back to reality. I’m not talking about $86,400 dollars a day but something else we get 86,400 of free every day. Any idea what?
If we do the arithmetic, we easily learn that every day, we are given 86,400 seconds to live. Put another way, God invests 86,400 seconds in each one of us every single day.
Every night, God writes off as a loss whatever of this time we have wasted or not used well.
In the Big Bank of Time, there are no balances that get carried over from one day to the next.
Each day a new 86,400 seconds is poured into our account. Each night at precisely 11:59.59 what remains is lost and gone forever.
No, time cannot be saved for a rainy day. If we fail to make use of today’s deposit, the loss is ours.
SPEND TIME WISELY
The lesson here is that we have to spend our time wisely – a great lesson for today, New Year’s Day.
From an investment point of view, we need to spend our time on items that will hold their value from day to day, month to month, year to year. Regardless of our occupation or vocation, regardless of what we have to do day in and day out, we need to spend our time wisely.
Several ways we can do this include:
➢ Coming closer to God through the Scripture, the Eucharist, and personal prayer and reflection, as we see in Mary in today’s gospel
➢ Tending well the primary relationships in our lives, especially with your spouse or close friend or parents or children
➢ Intentionally working to become more compassionate and more understanding of the situation and feelings of others.
In investing our time on these “things,” we will have no regrets. These items will always hold their value.
In fact, their value will increase and mean more and more to us as time goes on.
Someday we will look back on the time we spent on these investments and say, “That was time well spent.”
CONCLUSION
So, today we begin a New Year – a new and significant segment of time.
The question is: how will we spend our 86,400 seconds each day of the New Year?
Wednesday, December 22, 2010
WEEKLY HOMILY for December 25, 2010: The Challenge and Comfort of an Infant’s Open Arms
Christmas, Cycle A
St. Margaret Parish, Bel Air and Our Lady of Grace, Parkton
December 25, 2010
The Challenge and Comfort of an Infant’s Open Arms
By (Rev. Msgr.) Nicholas P. Amato
OPEN ARMS: CHALLENGE AND COMFORT
I would invite you to turn your attention for a moment to the crib or nativity scene here in church.
Notice especially the infant and the infant’s arms in the manger. Did you know the arms are always outstretched?
It’s as if the infant Jesus is reaching out or even embracing you. I checked nativity sets on the Internet and found open arms most frequently.
Are the arms of the Infant outstretched on your Nativity set?
This Christmas (evening) (morning) I have a number of reflections centered on the infant and how his open arms both challenge and comfort us this Christmas.
MESSAGES OF THE INFANT
First and most obvious, God comes to us and enters our world as a NEEDY INFANT. In this, Jesus in Bethlehem identifies with children and youth and all those growing to adulthood.
He challenges us to do all we can to protect and nurture the life of children and to foster growthful opportunities for our youth.
When we do this, we respond to the challenge of the crib and bring comfort to children. We are at our best as Christians and Catholics.
Then, Jesus’ open arms are extended to the POOR SHEPHERDS attending him. In this, Jesus is identifying with the poor in our midst and throughout the world.
Those open arms challenge us to help feed the hungry and provide shelter for the homeless right here in Harford/Baltimore County, to make sure that families have food and clothing and health care and even gifts at Christmas, in short to care for anyone in need.
When we do this, we accept the challenge of the crib and are providing comfort to those poor. We are at our best as Christians and Catholics.
Jesus’ arms are also open to the WEALTHY MAGI from the East who are drawn to him. In this gesture of love and openness, the Infant in the crib identifies with the affluent, the influential, and the successful of our world.
The challenge of the open arms is to use fully the gifts and talents God has given us and with them to care for the common good. In this way everyone can build on the potentials God has placed in each of us.
When we do this, we are accepting the challenge of Jesus’ open arms and are providing comfort to those in and outside our community. And again, we are at our best as Christians and Catholics.
Finally, when God sends his son Jesus into our world in HUMAN FORM, as one like us, we are comforted by the fact that God has become one with our humanity. In doing so he’s telling us we are good, loveable, worth the trouble.
Because this message is for all people, the challenge of the open arms is not to hold ourselves above others, not to judge or condemn, but rather to take each other where we are, to allow all people to join us in the manger scene that is our life.
When we do this, we’re responding to the challenge and the comfort of the crib and, yes, we are at our best as Christians and Catholics.
CONCLUSION
I end as I began: God comes to us and enters our world in the birth of a child.
What is more approachable, loveable, or responsive than an infant with outstretched arms?
It is in those arms that Jesus welcomes, embraces, accepts, and includes us all.
Let those open arms remind us not to shun or exclude anyone because of differences in faith or way of living, but to accept and include all – as are we – in God’s family.
What a difference a little child with open arms can make to the quality of our living. The challenge this Christmas is to make his is open arms ours.
Merry Christmas
St. Margaret Parish, Bel Air and Our Lady of Grace, Parkton
December 25, 2010
The Challenge and Comfort of an Infant’s Open Arms
By (Rev. Msgr.) Nicholas P. Amato
OPEN ARMS: CHALLENGE AND COMFORT
I would invite you to turn your attention for a moment to the crib or nativity scene here in church.
Notice especially the infant and the infant’s arms in the manger. Did you know the arms are always outstretched?
It’s as if the infant Jesus is reaching out or even embracing you. I checked nativity sets on the Internet and found open arms most frequently.
Are the arms of the Infant outstretched on your Nativity set?
This Christmas (evening) (morning) I have a number of reflections centered on the infant and how his open arms both challenge and comfort us this Christmas.
MESSAGES OF THE INFANT
First and most obvious, God comes to us and enters our world as a NEEDY INFANT. In this, Jesus in Bethlehem identifies with children and youth and all those growing to adulthood.
He challenges us to do all we can to protect and nurture the life of children and to foster growthful opportunities for our youth.
When we do this, we respond to the challenge of the crib and bring comfort to children. We are at our best as Christians and Catholics.
Then, Jesus’ open arms are extended to the POOR SHEPHERDS attending him. In this, Jesus is identifying with the poor in our midst and throughout the world.
Those open arms challenge us to help feed the hungry and provide shelter for the homeless right here in Harford/Baltimore County, to make sure that families have food and clothing and health care and even gifts at Christmas, in short to care for anyone in need.
When we do this, we accept the challenge of the crib and are providing comfort to those poor. We are at our best as Christians and Catholics.
Jesus’ arms are also open to the WEALTHY MAGI from the East who are drawn to him. In this gesture of love and openness, the Infant in the crib identifies with the affluent, the influential, and the successful of our world.
The challenge of the open arms is to use fully the gifts and talents God has given us and with them to care for the common good. In this way everyone can build on the potentials God has placed in each of us.
When we do this, we are accepting the challenge of Jesus’ open arms and are providing comfort to those in and outside our community. And again, we are at our best as Christians and Catholics.
Finally, when God sends his son Jesus into our world in HUMAN FORM, as one like us, we are comforted by the fact that God has become one with our humanity. In doing so he’s telling us we are good, loveable, worth the trouble.
Because this message is for all people, the challenge of the open arms is not to hold ourselves above others, not to judge or condemn, but rather to take each other where we are, to allow all people to join us in the manger scene that is our life.
When we do this, we’re responding to the challenge and the comfort of the crib and, yes, we are at our best as Christians and Catholics.
CONCLUSION
I end as I began: God comes to us and enters our world in the birth of a child.
What is more approachable, loveable, or responsive than an infant with outstretched arms?
It is in those arms that Jesus welcomes, embraces, accepts, and includes us all.
Let those open arms remind us not to shun or exclude anyone because of differences in faith or way of living, but to accept and include all – as are we – in God’s family.
What a difference a little child with open arms can make to the quality of our living. The challenge this Christmas is to make his is open arms ours.
Merry Christmas
Thursday, December 16, 2010
WEEKLY HOMILY for December 19, 2010: Fears: What do we do with them?
4th Sunday of Advent, Cycle A
St. Margaret / St. Mark
December 19, 2010
Fears: What do you do with them?
By (Rev. Msgr.) Nicholas P. Amato
MY FEAR
In my last parish, Our Lady of Grace in Parkton, there was a challenge in the design of the roof on the new education center and banquet hall.
The contractor wanted me to go up on the roof with him so that I could see and really understand the issue. Well, I have a fear of unprotected heights like that and this was about the last thing I wanted to do.
But, I did it. I climbed up the ladder against the side of the building and quickly walked up the peak to the middle of the roof and there I literally froze in place.
I was in such a frozen state I wasn’t even able to consider the problem regarding the roof. My fears had closed off all communication, all considerations. All I wanted was a helicopter to drop down a cage and lower me down.
“Father, are you okay? Realizing I wasn’t, he continued, “Father, you’re going to be alright. I’m right here with you” as he moved slowly closer toward me. His word and presence put me at ease, at ease enough to have him relate the roof problem to me.
When I look back at that incident, I realize that what enabled me to deal with my fear of being on the pitched roof was (1) His reassuring word that I would be safe, (2) His physical presence, and (3) My trust in the contractor.
Let me just say, I never intend to go up on the roof of any church or even my own home. I’ll trust the professional so much that I’ll take his word for the condition of any roof.
FEAR IN SCRIPTURE
In today’s gospel, Joseph is also dealing with the fear factor. He is afraid to take Mary as his wife, given the religious and social laws of his day.
Yet, in a dream the angel of the Lord says to him, “Joseph, do not be afraid.”
Joseph is willing to listen to the angel’s (1) Reassuring word that things would work out, (2) To experience his presence in the dream, and (3) To trust in God’s messenger.
With all three, he realizes that God’s assurance is stronger than his fear and Joseph is enabled to take Mary as his wife.
Throughout the Bible, there are many incidents of fear like this and of God’s (1) Reassuring word that things would work out, (2) The experience of God’s presence in some form, and (3) The dramatic act of letting go and simply trusting God.
Granted, the fear may not be completely removed, but it does enable Joseph, Mary, the apostles and many others to act positively.
In fact, Joseph’s trust enables him to cooperate in the birth of Jesus. His trust in the midst of fear makes him an agent in bringing God’s Son into our world.
OUR FEARS
Each of us is afraid; each of us has some fear at some particular moment in life.
And today’s gospel in those moments invites us to respond as Joseph does. It calls us to trust God and, even with our fear, to act in accord with God’s will.
For example, the fear of not being liked by his peers may lead a seventh grader to join in bullying a classmate. In that situation, even a twelve-year-old is being called to trust that God is with him and will take care of him even if he still has some fear.
That trust can lead him to refuse to join in the bullying and maybe even to take up for the kid who is being picked on. And in that way, he cooperates – like Joseph – in bringing God’s love and concern more fully into this world.
Or the example the other day when I was speaking with a young woman, a wife and mother, who is being treated for cancer. We actually talked about having both fear and trust at the same time.
Her faith and trust in God is strengthening her in this ordeal. And in this way she is showing how uniting our suffering to Christ’s suffering makes him more present to others especially for her family and friends.
Or perhaps we have a fear of certain people who are different from us – in today’s climate it may be Arab and Muslim people. Trusting in the Lord, even with our fear, leads us to read, to listen, and to try to understand their life experience and their point of view without labeling someone a terrorist just from their ethnic background.
Reading, listening and trying to understand set the stage for the possibility of reconciliation, harmony, and peace. It again enables God to enter our world more fully and be experienced as the Prince of Peace.
CONCLUSION
Yes, fear is a real-life, human issue.
It pops up often in the Scripture and consistently God calls us not to be afraid. Maybe more precisely, God reassures us that he is Emmanuel – God with us.
God calls us to trust in him even with our fears and not allow those fears to freeze us into a defensive posture. If we are open to God’s grace and presence, then like Joseph we can also be agents for God’s entering our world more fully at this moment in the experience others will have.
St. Margaret / St. Mark
December 19, 2010
Fears: What do you do with them?
By (Rev. Msgr.) Nicholas P. Amato
MY FEAR
In my last parish, Our Lady of Grace in Parkton, there was a challenge in the design of the roof on the new education center and banquet hall.
The contractor wanted me to go up on the roof with him so that I could see and really understand the issue. Well, I have a fear of unprotected heights like that and this was about the last thing I wanted to do.
But, I did it. I climbed up the ladder against the side of the building and quickly walked up the peak to the middle of the roof and there I literally froze in place.
I was in such a frozen state I wasn’t even able to consider the problem regarding the roof. My fears had closed off all communication, all considerations. All I wanted was a helicopter to drop down a cage and lower me down.
“Father, are you okay? Realizing I wasn’t, he continued, “Father, you’re going to be alright. I’m right here with you” as he moved slowly closer toward me. His word and presence put me at ease, at ease enough to have him relate the roof problem to me.
When I look back at that incident, I realize that what enabled me to deal with my fear of being on the pitched roof was (1) His reassuring word that I would be safe, (2) His physical presence, and (3) My trust in the contractor.
Let me just say, I never intend to go up on the roof of any church or even my own home. I’ll trust the professional so much that I’ll take his word for the condition of any roof.
FEAR IN SCRIPTURE
In today’s gospel, Joseph is also dealing with the fear factor. He is afraid to take Mary as his wife, given the religious and social laws of his day.
Yet, in a dream the angel of the Lord says to him, “Joseph, do not be afraid.”
Joseph is willing to listen to the angel’s (1) Reassuring word that things would work out, (2) To experience his presence in the dream, and (3) To trust in God’s messenger.
With all three, he realizes that God’s assurance is stronger than his fear and Joseph is enabled to take Mary as his wife.
Throughout the Bible, there are many incidents of fear like this and of God’s (1) Reassuring word that things would work out, (2) The experience of God’s presence in some form, and (3) The dramatic act of letting go and simply trusting God.
Granted, the fear may not be completely removed, but it does enable Joseph, Mary, the apostles and many others to act positively.
In fact, Joseph’s trust enables him to cooperate in the birth of Jesus. His trust in the midst of fear makes him an agent in bringing God’s Son into our world.
OUR FEARS
Each of us is afraid; each of us has some fear at some particular moment in life.
And today’s gospel in those moments invites us to respond as Joseph does. It calls us to trust God and, even with our fear, to act in accord with God’s will.
For example, the fear of not being liked by his peers may lead a seventh grader to join in bullying a classmate. In that situation, even a twelve-year-old is being called to trust that God is with him and will take care of him even if he still has some fear.
That trust can lead him to refuse to join in the bullying and maybe even to take up for the kid who is being picked on. And in that way, he cooperates – like Joseph – in bringing God’s love and concern more fully into this world.
Or the example the other day when I was speaking with a young woman, a wife and mother, who is being treated for cancer. We actually talked about having both fear and trust at the same time.
Her faith and trust in God is strengthening her in this ordeal. And in this way she is showing how uniting our suffering to Christ’s suffering makes him more present to others especially for her family and friends.
Or perhaps we have a fear of certain people who are different from us – in today’s climate it may be Arab and Muslim people. Trusting in the Lord, even with our fear, leads us to read, to listen, and to try to understand their life experience and their point of view without labeling someone a terrorist just from their ethnic background.
Reading, listening and trying to understand set the stage for the possibility of reconciliation, harmony, and peace. It again enables God to enter our world more fully and be experienced as the Prince of Peace.
CONCLUSION
Yes, fear is a real-life, human issue.
It pops up often in the Scripture and consistently God calls us not to be afraid. Maybe more precisely, God reassures us that he is Emmanuel – God with us.
God calls us to trust in him even with our fears and not allow those fears to freeze us into a defensive posture. If we are open to God’s grace and presence, then like Joseph we can also be agents for God’s entering our world more fully at this moment in the experience others will have.
Friday, December 10, 2010
Funeral Mass for December 10, 2010d
Funeral Mass for Thelma Blair
(Ecc 3:1-14, 2Cor 1:14-5:1, John 11:17-27)
Shrine of the Sacred Heart, Mt. Washington
December 10, 2010
Prayer → Presence → Practice
By (Rev. Msgr.) Nicholas P. Amato
CONDOLENCES
To Bill and Cathy, Tom and Linda,
To Thelma’s grandchildren: Carla and Stephanie and Shelly, Scott, and Molly,
To her great-grandchildren: Toby and Andrew, Connor and Sean,
And to Susan Cromwell, who was like a sixth grandchild,
Father Vince Conti, the Assistant Principal of Gonzaga High School in D.C., and I join all those gathered here this morning to honor your mother, grandmother and great grandmother.
We offer you our condolences on the occasion of her passing over to the other side of life.
When I think back to my years here as Thelma and Bill’s pastor and their home on Crest Road, I’m reminded of a Currier and Ives Christmas card of a snow covered, warm, snug, little house and opening the front door into a cozy living room with doilies and knick-knacks everywhere.
Thelma used to say that they were all gifts and I used to wonder if there was a single knick-knack that Thelma ever re-gifted? Bill and Tom assure me there wasn’t. Every gift received had a place and there was a ton of them!
PRAYER --> PRACTICE
After ministering as a pastor for 21 years, six of which were spent in this wonderful parish with Bill and Thelma Blair, as of this past July 1st I have been leading contemplative retreats and parish missions full time.
One thing I try to have folks understand when ministering is that there are more people who are contemplative than we might first image.
To pray contemplatively is to move beyond (gesture with right hand) words and images and memorized prayers to a direct experience of God, (gesture with left hand) to have a sort of face-to-face encounter with the Divine.
And once here (hand to hand) one gets “dusted” with the Divine and comes out of that encounter with a new frame of mind, a new way of seeing and acting (gesture right moving away from left.)
I say all this because I believe that Thelma had the gift of divine Presence. Her prayer always began with our standard prayers, and because she did not mind living alone and because she had lots of time for reflection and solitude, she was able to come away to a special place with God.
It was there (show movement of hands and union of both) she was fed and nourished in an extraordinary way. This union was further enhanced by Sue Walker’s regularly bringing her the Eucharist.
You might say her Prayer led her to Presence and her Presence to the Lord led her to Practice, as I said, I new way of seeing and acting.
PRESENCE --> PRACTICE
What were the practices resulting from that Presence?
➢ How about 53 years of great and faithful marriage to Bill and the great relationship they had? Bill who, luckily, was easy going and flexible made a great match for Thelma’s strong will. He learned early it was simply best to follow her – shall we say – lead?
➢ Or how about her attendance at daily mass?
➢ Or raising the two boys?
➢ But there were 5 individuals in the house, not four. Thelma’s mother lived with them from the early years while the boys were growing up
➢ And she was an active member of this parish for all those years
All in all, 96 years of faithful service as a follower of the Lord was her practice, her lifestyle, the lifestyle of one who knew God intimately
SCRIPTURE
In looking over the scripture of her funeral Mass, one might wonder what the insights were that Thelma gained from her experience of God’s Presence to her?
From Paul’s Letter to the Corinthians it may have been secure faith: “We know that the one who raised the Lord Jesus from the dead will also raise us with Jesus”
Or perseverance in times of trial: “Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day
Or not being swept up in material possessions: “So we fix our eyes NOT on what is seen, but on what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.”
Or from the first reading on Living and dying: “There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens: a time to be born and a time to die … a time to mourn and a time to dance.”
Or finally from the Gospel as Jesus tells Martha, Thelma heard those same words: “I am the resurrection and the life; whoever believes in me, even if she dies, will live, and everyone who lives and believes in me will never die.”
CONCLUSION
Fifteen minutes before Thelma passed, Linda went into her room and found Thelma praying the Lord’s Prayer, the Hail Mary, and ending with the old familiar, “Now I lay me down to sleep, I pray the Lord my soul to keep…”
Thelma then told Linda that she saw two figures in white communion dresses, like two angels, coming toward her.
With that lustrous image before her and those last words from Thelma’s lips, “I pray the Lord my soul to keep” she passed ever so gently over to that Lord whose Presence she would now experience forever.
It doesn’t get better than that!
(Ecc 3:1-14, 2Cor 1:14-5:1, John 11:17-27)
Shrine of the Sacred Heart, Mt. Washington
December 10, 2010
Prayer → Presence → Practice
By (Rev. Msgr.) Nicholas P. Amato
CONDOLENCES
To Bill and Cathy, Tom and Linda,
To Thelma’s grandchildren: Carla and Stephanie and Shelly, Scott, and Molly,
To her great-grandchildren: Toby and Andrew, Connor and Sean,
And to Susan Cromwell, who was like a sixth grandchild,
Father Vince Conti, the Assistant Principal of Gonzaga High School in D.C., and I join all those gathered here this morning to honor your mother, grandmother and great grandmother.
We offer you our condolences on the occasion of her passing over to the other side of life.
When I think back to my years here as Thelma and Bill’s pastor and their home on Crest Road, I’m reminded of a Currier and Ives Christmas card of a snow covered, warm, snug, little house and opening the front door into a cozy living room with doilies and knick-knacks everywhere.
Thelma used to say that they were all gifts and I used to wonder if there was a single knick-knack that Thelma ever re-gifted? Bill and Tom assure me there wasn’t. Every gift received had a place and there was a ton of them!
PRAYER --> PRACTICE
After ministering as a pastor for 21 years, six of which were spent in this wonderful parish with Bill and Thelma Blair, as of this past July 1st I have been leading contemplative retreats and parish missions full time.
One thing I try to have folks understand when ministering is that there are more people who are contemplative than we might first image.
To pray contemplatively is to move beyond (gesture with right hand) words and images and memorized prayers to a direct experience of God, (gesture with left hand) to have a sort of face-to-face encounter with the Divine.
And once here (hand to hand) one gets “dusted” with the Divine and comes out of that encounter with a new frame of mind, a new way of seeing and acting (gesture right moving away from left.)
I say all this because I believe that Thelma had the gift of divine Presence. Her prayer always began with our standard prayers, and because she did not mind living alone and because she had lots of time for reflection and solitude, she was able to come away to a special place with God.
It was there (show movement of hands and union of both) she was fed and nourished in an extraordinary way. This union was further enhanced by Sue Walker’s regularly bringing her the Eucharist.
You might say her Prayer led her to Presence and her Presence to the Lord led her to Practice, as I said, I new way of seeing and acting.
PRESENCE --> PRACTICE
What were the practices resulting from that Presence?
➢ How about 53 years of great and faithful marriage to Bill and the great relationship they had? Bill who, luckily, was easy going and flexible made a great match for Thelma’s strong will. He learned early it was simply best to follow her – shall we say – lead?
➢ Or how about her attendance at daily mass?
➢ Or raising the two boys?
➢ But there were 5 individuals in the house, not four. Thelma’s mother lived with them from the early years while the boys were growing up
➢ And she was an active member of this parish for all those years
All in all, 96 years of faithful service as a follower of the Lord was her practice, her lifestyle, the lifestyle of one who knew God intimately
SCRIPTURE
In looking over the scripture of her funeral Mass, one might wonder what the insights were that Thelma gained from her experience of God’s Presence to her?
From Paul’s Letter to the Corinthians it may have been secure faith: “We know that the one who raised the Lord Jesus from the dead will also raise us with Jesus”
Or perseverance in times of trial: “Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day
Or not being swept up in material possessions: “So we fix our eyes NOT on what is seen, but on what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.”
Or from the first reading on Living and dying: “There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens: a time to be born and a time to die … a time to mourn and a time to dance.”
Or finally from the Gospel as Jesus tells Martha, Thelma heard those same words: “I am the resurrection and the life; whoever believes in me, even if she dies, will live, and everyone who lives and believes in me will never die.”
CONCLUSION
Fifteen minutes before Thelma passed, Linda went into her room and found Thelma praying the Lord’s Prayer, the Hail Mary, and ending with the old familiar, “Now I lay me down to sleep, I pray the Lord my soul to keep…”
Thelma then told Linda that she saw two figures in white communion dresses, like two angels, coming toward her.
With that lustrous image before her and those last words from Thelma’s lips, “I pray the Lord my soul to keep” she passed ever so gently over to that Lord whose Presence she would now experience forever.
It doesn’t get better than that!
Monday, December 06, 2010
Weekly HOMILY for December 12, 2010: Waiting to Be Freed
3rd Sunday of Advent, Cycle A
St. Margaret Church, Bel Air
December 12, 2010
Waiting to Be Freed
By (Rev. Msgr.) Nicholas P. Amato
PRISONS
John the Baptist is the perfect Advent figure. He is waiting for the coming – the Advent – of the Savior
In doing so, he is a mentor to us, showing us how to wait from a prison cell.
John’s imprisonment, a stone walled room in a cold basement, may be more obvious than ours. I’d like to suggest that our prison is more subtle, but no less real.
Each of us is limited to what our minds and senses can manage. Our families, our promises, our responsibilities, and our situation all in some way limit us.
Even if we enjoy them, these bonds nevertheless specify our movement to the same familiar, deeply grooved surroundings and patterns of behavior.
We are hemmed in by our social and cultural constraints.
LOOKING FOR HOPE
And in the midst of our confinements, like John the Baptist, we look for signs of hope or at least we seek indications of how things could be really different for us.
From the restricted vision inside our cell, we have no way of knowing (demonstrate blinders.) All we can do is look out the narrow slit that is our view of things and wonder.
Within our own personal history we see so many hopes dashed.
➢ Parents who didn’t seem to give us what we needed.
➢ Imperfections and faults that we just can’t seem to overcome.
➢ Not becoming the person we wanted very much to be.
➢ Careers that haven’t met our expectations.
➢ Where did we go wrong with our children?
➢ And the list goes on and on.
THE WAY OUT
We seem to have suffered so many failed saviors and broken dreams that we are tempted to lose hope in any savior, any dream.
Our experience however need not get us down. It can actually help us, for at last we understand some very important things:
➢ That nothing we already know (point to head) can save us
➢ That nothing we can do ourselves (swing arms back and forth) can save us
➢ That nothing within our own power (make a muscle) is strong enough to free us.
If we are to be saved, it must be by someone from outside creation sent into our world and that would be God – God, or someone sent by God with this special mission of liberation.
So with John in his prison of dashed hopes we too urgently ask Jesus, “Are you the One?”
And again with John and his followers, we are as unconvinced by the response they got from Jesus: “The sick are cured and the poor hear good news.”
IS THAT ALL?
That is the only sign we get and, frankly, it just doesn’t seem to be enough. So we think: “Is that all? Is this the great salvation we have waited centuries for: curing a few sick folks and listening to a preacher from Nazareth?”
I would suggest that perhaps our hopes are too small. We are looking for “daily pizza” (palm up cupped hand) instead of the “bread of eternal life” (hand open circling before me), that is, we want a short-term solution, rather than a long-term assurance.
So we may have waited for small saviors because we haven’t recognized our gigantic need.
Jesus did not come to save us from sickness or from failure or from pain. He saves us from the only two things (indicate with two digits) that are ultimately beyond our range of sight:
➢ Sin, which we cannot forgive and
➢ Death, which we cannot avoid.
And that is the Savior whom John and we await, the Savior we expect and hope for, the Savior we direly need.
CONCLUSION
The place to begin with our longing is: First, to recognize our gigantic need to overcome sin and death in our own lives.
The second, is to wait with trust and patience and with only four words on our lips and in our hearts: “Come, Lord Jesus. Come!”
I’d like to conclude with a little Advent exercise and invite you to be still for a moment:
➢ Think of your own sinfulness, things you’ve failed to do or live up to, as well as the things you’ve done to offend others. (Pause)
➢ Think now of your own view of death and what five minutes left to live would have you feeling. (Pause)
From this, our personal prison, let us say those four words twice over slowly together: “Come, Lord, Jesus. Come. Come, Lord, Jesus. Come.”
St. Margaret Church, Bel Air
December 12, 2010
Waiting to Be Freed
By (Rev. Msgr.) Nicholas P. Amato
PRISONS
John the Baptist is the perfect Advent figure. He is waiting for the coming – the Advent – of the Savior
In doing so, he is a mentor to us, showing us how to wait from a prison cell.
John’s imprisonment, a stone walled room in a cold basement, may be more obvious than ours. I’d like to suggest that our prison is more subtle, but no less real.
Each of us is limited to what our minds and senses can manage. Our families, our promises, our responsibilities, and our situation all in some way limit us.
Even if we enjoy them, these bonds nevertheless specify our movement to the same familiar, deeply grooved surroundings and patterns of behavior.
We are hemmed in by our social and cultural constraints.
LOOKING FOR HOPE
And in the midst of our confinements, like John the Baptist, we look for signs of hope or at least we seek indications of how things could be really different for us.
From the restricted vision inside our cell, we have no way of knowing (demonstrate blinders.) All we can do is look out the narrow slit that is our view of things and wonder.
Within our own personal history we see so many hopes dashed.
➢ Parents who didn’t seem to give us what we needed.
➢ Imperfections and faults that we just can’t seem to overcome.
➢ Not becoming the person we wanted very much to be.
➢ Careers that haven’t met our expectations.
➢ Where did we go wrong with our children?
➢ And the list goes on and on.
THE WAY OUT
We seem to have suffered so many failed saviors and broken dreams that we are tempted to lose hope in any savior, any dream.
Our experience however need not get us down. It can actually help us, for at last we understand some very important things:
➢ That nothing we already know (point to head) can save us
➢ That nothing we can do ourselves (swing arms back and forth) can save us
➢ That nothing within our own power (make a muscle) is strong enough to free us.
If we are to be saved, it must be by someone from outside creation sent into our world and that would be God – God, or someone sent by God with this special mission of liberation.
So with John in his prison of dashed hopes we too urgently ask Jesus, “Are you the One?”
And again with John and his followers, we are as unconvinced by the response they got from Jesus: “The sick are cured and the poor hear good news.”
IS THAT ALL?
That is the only sign we get and, frankly, it just doesn’t seem to be enough. So we think: “Is that all? Is this the great salvation we have waited centuries for: curing a few sick folks and listening to a preacher from Nazareth?”
I would suggest that perhaps our hopes are too small. We are looking for “daily pizza” (palm up cupped hand) instead of the “bread of eternal life” (hand open circling before me), that is, we want a short-term solution, rather than a long-term assurance.
So we may have waited for small saviors because we haven’t recognized our gigantic need.
Jesus did not come to save us from sickness or from failure or from pain. He saves us from the only two things (indicate with two digits) that are ultimately beyond our range of sight:
➢ Sin, which we cannot forgive and
➢ Death, which we cannot avoid.
And that is the Savior whom John and we await, the Savior we expect and hope for, the Savior we direly need.
CONCLUSION
The place to begin with our longing is: First, to recognize our gigantic need to overcome sin and death in our own lives.
The second, is to wait with trust and patience and with only four words on our lips and in our hearts: “Come, Lord Jesus. Come!”
I’d like to conclude with a little Advent exercise and invite you to be still for a moment:
➢ Think of your own sinfulness, things you’ve failed to do or live up to, as well as the things you’ve done to offend others. (Pause)
➢ Think now of your own view of death and what five minutes left to live would have you feeling. (Pause)
From this, our personal prison, let us say those four words twice over slowly together: “Come, Lord, Jesus. Come. Come, Lord, Jesus. Come.”
Sunday, December 05, 2010
Weekly HOMILY for December 5, 2010: Unwrapping the Mystery to a “Peaceable Kingdom”
2nd Sunday of Advent, Cycle A
Terranuova Hermitage
December 5, 2010
Unwrapping the Mystery to a “Peaceable Kingdom”
By (Rev. Msgr.) Nicholas P. Amato
CONFLICT
Imagine this scene.
It’s a warm sultry July evening; Tom gets home from work about 6:00pm. His wife Carol is already home and he immediately says: “I’ve got to get ready to meet Bob for tennis at 7:00.”
Carol snaps back: “You said you were going to mow the lawn this evening.” Already, there is a chill in the air, and Tom without any response races to get out the lawn mower and he cuts the lawn in record time.
He then runs into the house to change into his tennis clothes and Carol says: “Aren’t you going to edge?” Tom: “It doesn’t need edging.”
Carol: “I think it does.” Tom: “Look, no one will notice the difference.”
Carol: “You said you were going to mow and that includes edging.” Tom: “No it doesn’t. Mowing means mowing and edging means edging.”
Carol: “Well, I guess I’ll edge then.” Tom: “No! I’ll do it when I get home.”
Tom angrily leaves for tennis with an icy silence between them. He gets home after dark and Carol is there.
“Well, are you going to edge?” and on it goes. The conflict continues for two days.
RESOLVING CONFLICT
About a year ago, I read this book – The Anatomy of Peace. The subtitle is: Resolving the Heart of Conflict.
One of the authors tells this true story on himself and that is precisely what The Anatomy of Peace is all about. The insights in the book can relate to family relationships, to work settings, and even to relations between countries, cultures, and races.
The same dynamics operate on all levels of conflict. I have extracted three insights for our reflection this morning.
1. OTHERS AS OBJECTS
First, the heart of most conflict is treating others as objects.
In the story, Tom is not alert to Carol – to her thoughts or feelings about his commitment to mow the lawn. He is treating her as an object, an obstacle to his playing tennis.
And what happens here is pretty typical. When we come across to another person in that way, when we treat the other as an object, we invite that person to respond in the same way.
So Carol just gets focused on getting the lawn cut. Maybe she really needs some relief from all the stress in her life that day and Tom is the means to that end.
So Carol in turn treats Tom as an object. And there lies the heart of conflict.
They are treating each other as objects, as things. That is the core behavior or dynamic underneath most conflict.
2. DEMONIZING OTHERS
This takes me to a second and related insight.
When we treat each other as objects, we may tend to demonize the other person. We can see a spouse or teenager or anyone as all bad or all wrong and we might even recite the list of their deficiencies to a third party.
We can also do this demonizing and stereotyping with whole groups of people: whites with blacks and vice versa, Christians with Muslims and vice versa, and on it goes. The demonizing flows from treating each other as objects and it leads to conflict.
3. OTHERS AS PERSONS
The third insight is how to avoid treating others as objects and how to avoid conflict.
One simple sentence: Treat others as persons. Treat others as persons.
We need to adopt the mindset that others are human beings like ourselves, with needs, feelings, dreams, hurts, and problems much like our own. And so we are to see each other and all others as persons like ourselves.
To do this, we have to make relationship primary and this involves a number of things.
(1) It means listening, really taking in the words and life experience of the other and putting ourselves in his or her position.
(2) It means expressing myself in a respectful way without bashing or putting down the other person.
(3) It involves asking:
➢ What are this person’s challenges, burdens, or hopes?
➢ What have I done to add to this person’s burden or to relieve it?
➢ What am I feeling I should do and what can I do to assist?
Such an approach can help to bridge the gap between subject and object and create more oneness between two persons or even between two groups of people. It will help to avoid conflict or get us out of it.
PEACE
Working on treating others as persons could well be our response to the calling of John the Baptist this Advent.
These insights can help us avoid or resolve conflict. They can help us experience more of the peace that Isaiah envisions and that the Lord wants for us.
Terranuova Hermitage
December 5, 2010
Unwrapping the Mystery to a “Peaceable Kingdom”
By (Rev. Msgr.) Nicholas P. Amato
CONFLICT
Imagine this scene.
It’s a warm sultry July evening; Tom gets home from work about 6:00pm. His wife Carol is already home and he immediately says: “I’ve got to get ready to meet Bob for tennis at 7:00.”
Carol snaps back: “You said you were going to mow the lawn this evening.” Already, there is a chill in the air, and Tom without any response races to get out the lawn mower and he cuts the lawn in record time.
He then runs into the house to change into his tennis clothes and Carol says: “Aren’t you going to edge?” Tom: “It doesn’t need edging.”
Carol: “I think it does.” Tom: “Look, no one will notice the difference.”
Carol: “You said you were going to mow and that includes edging.” Tom: “No it doesn’t. Mowing means mowing and edging means edging.”
Carol: “Well, I guess I’ll edge then.” Tom: “No! I’ll do it when I get home.”
Tom angrily leaves for tennis with an icy silence between them. He gets home after dark and Carol is there.
“Well, are you going to edge?” and on it goes. The conflict continues for two days.
RESOLVING CONFLICT
About a year ago, I read this book – The Anatomy of Peace. The subtitle is: Resolving the Heart of Conflict.
One of the authors tells this true story on himself and that is precisely what The Anatomy of Peace is all about. The insights in the book can relate to family relationships, to work settings, and even to relations between countries, cultures, and races.
The same dynamics operate on all levels of conflict. I have extracted three insights for our reflection this morning.
1. OTHERS AS OBJECTS
First, the heart of most conflict is treating others as objects.
In the story, Tom is not alert to Carol – to her thoughts or feelings about his commitment to mow the lawn. He is treating her as an object, an obstacle to his playing tennis.
And what happens here is pretty typical. When we come across to another person in that way, when we treat the other as an object, we invite that person to respond in the same way.
So Carol just gets focused on getting the lawn cut. Maybe she really needs some relief from all the stress in her life that day and Tom is the means to that end.
So Carol in turn treats Tom as an object. And there lies the heart of conflict.
They are treating each other as objects, as things. That is the core behavior or dynamic underneath most conflict.
2. DEMONIZING OTHERS
This takes me to a second and related insight.
When we treat each other as objects, we may tend to demonize the other person. We can see a spouse or teenager or anyone as all bad or all wrong and we might even recite the list of their deficiencies to a third party.
We can also do this demonizing and stereotyping with whole groups of people: whites with blacks and vice versa, Christians with Muslims and vice versa, and on it goes. The demonizing flows from treating each other as objects and it leads to conflict.
3. OTHERS AS PERSONS
The third insight is how to avoid treating others as objects and how to avoid conflict.
One simple sentence: Treat others as persons. Treat others as persons.
We need to adopt the mindset that others are human beings like ourselves, with needs, feelings, dreams, hurts, and problems much like our own. And so we are to see each other and all others as persons like ourselves.
To do this, we have to make relationship primary and this involves a number of things.
(1) It means listening, really taking in the words and life experience of the other and putting ourselves in his or her position.
(2) It means expressing myself in a respectful way without bashing or putting down the other person.
(3) It involves asking:
➢ What are this person’s challenges, burdens, or hopes?
➢ What have I done to add to this person’s burden or to relieve it?
➢ What am I feeling I should do and what can I do to assist?
Such an approach can help to bridge the gap between subject and object and create more oneness between two persons or even between two groups of people. It will help to avoid conflict or get us out of it.
PEACE
Working on treating others as persons could well be our response to the calling of John the Baptist this Advent.
These insights can help us avoid or resolve conflict. They can help us experience more of the peace that Isaiah envisions and that the Lord wants for us.
Friday, December 03, 2010
Weekly BULLETIN NOTE for December 5, 2010: Parish Mission and Advent Longing / St. Margaret Parish Bel Air
Parish Mission
And Advent Longing
By (Rev. Msgr.) Nicholas P. Amato
“Desire, once claimed, becomes intention. Intention, given the grace not to derail itself into superstitious control, becomes a willing, honest turning toward the source of life. In and through that love, all you need is already given. You do not need to learn another single thing. Only allow your spirit to fly.” Gerald May The Awakened Heart
Dear Friends at St. Margaret,
Several weeks have passed since I was with you for the parish mission on November 8, 9, and 10 and the feedback we have received indicates it was a good experience. Marie Dekowski, your Director of Religious Education, asked me to provide a follow-up bulletin column to the retreat and I am honored to do so. What I would like to do is take a moment to share my thoughts about contemplative prayer and our Catholic people.
There is within us all a desire to know God and to have an intimate relationship with him. This appetite or hunger should not surprise us. In creating us, we are not only made in the image of the creator, in much the same way that a painting mirrors or images the artist; God’s desire was more. He then planted within us a desire to seek him out and find him so that both God and we could experience the joy of union as individuals. This hunger or desire then is an indication that we are destined for unity with God as creator. You might also say that the fact of this desire within us is already an indication of something divine present in everyone.
Second, the fact that we are “image” and have a “drive” to be one with God would imply that we do not have to wait around till we die and go to heaven. That oneness can be achieved in the here-and-now! Of this Jesus himself has assured us. So the fact remains, how do we accomplish or dispose ourselves so the grace of God may flow and that union is achieved? That takes me to my third point.
All you do as a community of faith here at St. Margaret points you in that direction of unity, whether it is an activity relating to worship (mass), word (faith formation), community (festivals, suppers, socials) or service (caring for those in need.) But frankly, you need more. You need to “come away awhile” as Jesus often did with the crowds and communities to which he belonged to be in silent presence with the Father. And that is where contemplative presence has an important part to play. Prepared prayers, psalms, rosaries, meditation, are all important means of prayer and we have all had a try at them. And, as with the Jewish People in Jesus’ time, the simple recitation of prayers often did not get them very close to God’s presence. If we look to Jesus’ praying it was usually alone and in silent reverential presence to his Father. There was a union of hearts, a deep sharing at a non-verbal level. This is the sort of prayer – call it contemplative prayer – of which I am speaking.
At our parish mission we offered four ways or practices that could get us more deeply into God’s presence: namely, poetry, scripture, guided meditation, and review of our day. Make no mistake about it being in contemplative presence is no work of ours. All we can do is dispose ourselves and ask God’s grace to make that presence possible. While it is an august reality, it is very possible to those whose hearts are open and allow their desire to be satisfied by God. The experience makes us more aware of and responsive to Christ’s pervasive and transforming presence to us. Participants also had the opportunity to develop a prayer plan based on the Sunday mass readings.
Jesus’ adult life was not the only occasion for contemplative presence with his Father. So many of the beautiful scenes of Mary in the Gospel of Luke depict her in a Presence in the midst of doubt, confusion, or stress. She “ponders in her heart” and God is with her. This Advent Season can be such a season for us, one where we take a few minutes before the house begins to stir and, over a hot cup of coffee, we try to respond to the real thirst for union with God. All we need at any time of our day can be found in the present moment. We have to be still, be open, and be aware putting our thoughts aside so we can experience a most sublime union. May a savior who has come for you, fill your Advent longing by his presence. He is there waiting!
Fondly,
Father Nicholas
P.S. If you have a follow-up question to the parish mission, I can be reached at FatherNicholasAmato@gmail.com
And Advent Longing
By (Rev. Msgr.) Nicholas P. Amato
“Desire, once claimed, becomes intention. Intention, given the grace not to derail itself into superstitious control, becomes a willing, honest turning toward the source of life. In and through that love, all you need is already given. You do not need to learn another single thing. Only allow your spirit to fly.” Gerald May The Awakened Heart
Dear Friends at St. Margaret,
Several weeks have passed since I was with you for the parish mission on November 8, 9, and 10 and the feedback we have received indicates it was a good experience. Marie Dekowski, your Director of Religious Education, asked me to provide a follow-up bulletin column to the retreat and I am honored to do so. What I would like to do is take a moment to share my thoughts about contemplative prayer and our Catholic people.
There is within us all a desire to know God and to have an intimate relationship with him. This appetite or hunger should not surprise us. In creating us, we are not only made in the image of the creator, in much the same way that a painting mirrors or images the artist; God’s desire was more. He then planted within us a desire to seek him out and find him so that both God and we could experience the joy of union as individuals. This hunger or desire then is an indication that we are destined for unity with God as creator. You might also say that the fact of this desire within us is already an indication of something divine present in everyone.
Second, the fact that we are “image” and have a “drive” to be one with God would imply that we do not have to wait around till we die and go to heaven. That oneness can be achieved in the here-and-now! Of this Jesus himself has assured us. So the fact remains, how do we accomplish or dispose ourselves so the grace of God may flow and that union is achieved? That takes me to my third point.
All you do as a community of faith here at St. Margaret points you in that direction of unity, whether it is an activity relating to worship (mass), word (faith formation), community (festivals, suppers, socials) or service (caring for those in need.) But frankly, you need more. You need to “come away awhile” as Jesus often did with the crowds and communities to which he belonged to be in silent presence with the Father. And that is where contemplative presence has an important part to play. Prepared prayers, psalms, rosaries, meditation, are all important means of prayer and we have all had a try at them. And, as with the Jewish People in Jesus’ time, the simple recitation of prayers often did not get them very close to God’s presence. If we look to Jesus’ praying it was usually alone and in silent reverential presence to his Father. There was a union of hearts, a deep sharing at a non-verbal level. This is the sort of prayer – call it contemplative prayer – of which I am speaking.
At our parish mission we offered four ways or practices that could get us more deeply into God’s presence: namely, poetry, scripture, guided meditation, and review of our day. Make no mistake about it being in contemplative presence is no work of ours. All we can do is dispose ourselves and ask God’s grace to make that presence possible. While it is an august reality, it is very possible to those whose hearts are open and allow their desire to be satisfied by God. The experience makes us more aware of and responsive to Christ’s pervasive and transforming presence to us. Participants also had the opportunity to develop a prayer plan based on the Sunday mass readings.
Jesus’ adult life was not the only occasion for contemplative presence with his Father. So many of the beautiful scenes of Mary in the Gospel of Luke depict her in a Presence in the midst of doubt, confusion, or stress. She “ponders in her heart” and God is with her. This Advent Season can be such a season for us, one where we take a few minutes before the house begins to stir and, over a hot cup of coffee, we try to respond to the real thirst for union with God. All we need at any time of our day can be found in the present moment. We have to be still, be open, and be aware putting our thoughts aside so we can experience a most sublime union. May a savior who has come for you, fill your Advent longing by his presence. He is there waiting!
Fondly,
Father Nicholas
P.S. If you have a follow-up question to the parish mission, I can be reached at FatherNicholasAmato@gmail.com
Friday, November 26, 2010
Weekly HOMILY for November 28, 2010: Advent Hope: A Lesson from the Sunflowers
First Sunday of Advent, Cycle A
St. Mark Church, Fallston
November 28, 2010
Advent Hope: A Lesson from the Sunflowers
By (Rev. Msgr.) Nicholas P. Amato
THE MEDICAL REPORT
A priest friend of mine was told by his doctor that his PSA had increased rapidly over the past year and a half and that the doctor was concerned that it could be cancer.
He needed to have 12 biopsies taken as soon as possible for the doctor was, quote, “very concerned.”
Soon after the biopsies, my friend was going to meet with the doctor to get the results, but he would not let me go with him. He said that it was something he needed to do alone, that is was just between him and God.
From the time of the doctor’s concern two weeks before, to that afternoon he was going in to GBMC for the results, he told me that his only desire was to do God’s will and that he wanted to be able to accept whatever the news was to be.
Not only that, he didn’t want to feel any differently, hearing whether it was cancer or it wasn’t cancer, only that he was embracing God’s will for himself.
THE REVELATION OF THE SUNFLOWERS
I learned later that on the way down to the medical center for the report, he was drawn to stop at the sunflower fields on Jarrettsville Pike and Hess Road across from the Royal Farms Service Station, a site many of us have witnessed.
The gorgeous acres and acres of bright yellow sunflowers he had enjoyed looking at over the summer whenever he passed, had all turned a deep autumn brown and as if in unison were all now drooping. It clearly looked like the end for them.
He believed that what he saw in the dramatic change of flowers was a sign of hope for him, that, though the golden blooms were gone, the hundreds of seeds in each flower would give rise to a crop of a hundred or thousand fold.
After his brief reflection in the sunflower fields, he resumed on his drive to receive the news, now believing deeply that it really didn’t matter what it was, that God had revealed that he would be okay either way.
READY FOR THE SECOND COMING
In today’s Gospel Jesus makes two things are very clear: First, we simply do not know when the Lord will come for us, but we do know that it will be as unexpected and surprising as a thief in the night.
Second, it won’t happen to all of us at the same time for Jesus says, “Two men will be out in the field; one will be taken, and one will be left. Two women will be grinding at the mill; one will be taken, and one will be left.”
He then goes on to challenge his listeners and us with these words, “Therefore, stay awake! For you do not know on which day your Lord will come.” Indeed we don’t know the hour or the day.
What I see in my friend’s way of dealing with the pathology report is that, while lots of things are important in life, only one thing really matters and that is God’s love for me and my love of God, expressed in wanting to do God’s will.
APPLICATION
Life is an Advent: an Advent of constantly waiting to become, an Advent to complete, an Advent to change, an Advent to begin the next phase, an Advent to turn the next corner.
But for us who await the coming of the Lord, we live in hope and wait in joyful expectation.
Every moment we live, with all the imperfections we see so blatantly in ourselves, with all the frustrations at work and all the pain within our family, every moment is pregnant with God’s trying to show us his love for us.
What it takes is prayerful listening to the situations in our lives and awaiting the manifestation of God’s will for us.
CONCLUSION
Jesus assures us that, “Our salvation is nearer now than when we first believed; the night is advanced, the day is at hand.”
Each present moment is an opportunity to seize and in which to act.
Don’t let the trappings of Christmas preparations catch us unawares to the deeper question of meeting Christ in the day-to-day challenges in our lives and doing God’s will.
Be attentive for the signs and seeing them in as simple a thing as a field of sunflowers, and to embrace God’s will and thus find Christ our joy.
St. Mark Church, Fallston
November 28, 2010
Advent Hope: A Lesson from the Sunflowers
By (Rev. Msgr.) Nicholas P. Amato
THE MEDICAL REPORT
A priest friend of mine was told by his doctor that his PSA had increased rapidly over the past year and a half and that the doctor was concerned that it could be cancer.
He needed to have 12 biopsies taken as soon as possible for the doctor was, quote, “very concerned.”
Soon after the biopsies, my friend was going to meet with the doctor to get the results, but he would not let me go with him. He said that it was something he needed to do alone, that is was just between him and God.
From the time of the doctor’s concern two weeks before, to that afternoon he was going in to GBMC for the results, he told me that his only desire was to do God’s will and that he wanted to be able to accept whatever the news was to be.
Not only that, he didn’t want to feel any differently, hearing whether it was cancer or it wasn’t cancer, only that he was embracing God’s will for himself.
THE REVELATION OF THE SUNFLOWERS
I learned later that on the way down to the medical center for the report, he was drawn to stop at the sunflower fields on Jarrettsville Pike and Hess Road across from the Royal Farms Service Station, a site many of us have witnessed.
The gorgeous acres and acres of bright yellow sunflowers he had enjoyed looking at over the summer whenever he passed, had all turned a deep autumn brown and as if in unison were all now drooping. It clearly looked like the end for them.
He believed that what he saw in the dramatic change of flowers was a sign of hope for him, that, though the golden blooms were gone, the hundreds of seeds in each flower would give rise to a crop of a hundred or thousand fold.
After his brief reflection in the sunflower fields, he resumed on his drive to receive the news, now believing deeply that it really didn’t matter what it was, that God had revealed that he would be okay either way.
READY FOR THE SECOND COMING
In today’s Gospel Jesus makes two things are very clear: First, we simply do not know when the Lord will come for us, but we do know that it will be as unexpected and surprising as a thief in the night.
Second, it won’t happen to all of us at the same time for Jesus says, “Two men will be out in the field; one will be taken, and one will be left. Two women will be grinding at the mill; one will be taken, and one will be left.”
He then goes on to challenge his listeners and us with these words, “Therefore, stay awake! For you do not know on which day your Lord will come.” Indeed we don’t know the hour or the day.
What I see in my friend’s way of dealing with the pathology report is that, while lots of things are important in life, only one thing really matters and that is God’s love for me and my love of God, expressed in wanting to do God’s will.
APPLICATION
Life is an Advent: an Advent of constantly waiting to become, an Advent to complete, an Advent to change, an Advent to begin the next phase, an Advent to turn the next corner.
But for us who await the coming of the Lord, we live in hope and wait in joyful expectation.
Every moment we live, with all the imperfections we see so blatantly in ourselves, with all the frustrations at work and all the pain within our family, every moment is pregnant with God’s trying to show us his love for us.
What it takes is prayerful listening to the situations in our lives and awaiting the manifestation of God’s will for us.
CONCLUSION
Jesus assures us that, “Our salvation is nearer now than when we first believed; the night is advanced, the day is at hand.”
Each present moment is an opportunity to seize and in which to act.
Don’t let the trappings of Christmas preparations catch us unawares to the deeper question of meeting Christ in the day-to-day challenges in our lives and doing God’s will.
Be attentive for the signs and seeing them in as simple a thing as a field of sunflowers, and to embrace God’s will and thus find Christ our joy.
Wednesday, November 24, 2010
Weekly HOMILY for November 25, 2010: A Prayer for Thanksgiving
Thanksgiving Day, Cycle C
November 25, 2010
Terranuova Hermitage
November 25, 2010
A PRAYER OF THANKSGIVING
BY (REV. MSGR.) NICHOLAS P. AMATO
This morning, I want to do something a bit different.
This year I want to give a meditative homily for this Thanksgiving Day. I want to guide us in a reflective prayer, a meditation of thanks to God.
And so, I ask us to relax and sit up straight, with our back against the backrest of our seat. Let’s close our eyes if we want, but no snoozing or snoring allowed!
Let’s be aware of God and God’s presence. Let’s be aware of ourselves resting with God.
And now, let’s just be at peace and center ourselves on the Lord. The Lord is with us right now.
Saint Paul begins today’s second reading in this way: “We keep thanking God for all of you and we remember you in our prayers.”
Creator God, we cannot thank you enough. No matter how often we pray or how expressive our words are, we can never match in our prayer what you have done for us.
We thank you, dear God, for the world around us – for things great, like the oceans and mountains, and for things small, like the pumpkins and mums. We thank you for human life – for babies and children, for teens and young adults, for older adults and seniors, and for persons of all colors and cultures.
Paul continues: “We are constantly mindful before our God of the way you are proving your faith, laboring in love and showing constancy in hope.”
We thank you, gracious God, for the richness of our faith and the strength this gives us in troubling times. We thank you for the energy of hope that empowers us to keep on the journey.
We thank you, almighty One, for the power of love that inspires us. We thank you for your divine presence even when we may not feel it.
Again, Paul says: “We know, too, beloved of God, how you were chosen.”
We thank you, loving God, for the blessings of my self, the person who is I – for calling, creating and choosing me into this world. We thank you for protecting me from unknown dangers and for not protecting me when a challenge is needed.
We thank you, God, for salvation – for the mystery of your infinite love and for opening up to me an eternity of life. We thank you for family and friends and relationships – for intimacy and love, for mutual understanding and shared burdens, for secrets kept in love and sorrows shared in silence.
Paul goes on: “Our preaching of the gospel proved not a mere matter of words but one of power.”
We thank you, almighty God, for the power of miracles – for the mysterious ways our pains can be transformed into gains. We thank you for the life that springs up unexpectedly each day.
We thank you, God, for those enlightening bursts of insight and inspiration. We thank you for the eternal wisdom of your truth that guides our minds and softens our hearts.
And finally, Paul states: “Our preaching of the gospel was carried on in the Holy Spirit, out of complete conviction.”
We thank you, dear God, for Jesus Christ – the One who is your Son and our brother. We thank you for him who lived and died and lives again and in whom we have the hope of seeing you.
We thank you, God, for the Holy Spirit – for the energy, courage, peace and comfort of your Spirit. And we thank you for giving us each day so that we in return can give you praise and thanks now and forever. Amen!
Readings: Sirach 50.22-24
I Thessalonians 1.1-5
Mark 5.18-20
November 25, 2010
Terranuova Hermitage
November 25, 2010
A PRAYER OF THANKSGIVING
BY (REV. MSGR.) NICHOLAS P. AMATO
This morning, I want to do something a bit different.
This year I want to give a meditative homily for this Thanksgiving Day. I want to guide us in a reflective prayer, a meditation of thanks to God.
And so, I ask us to relax and sit up straight, with our back against the backrest of our seat. Let’s close our eyes if we want, but no snoozing or snoring allowed!
Let’s be aware of God and God’s presence. Let’s be aware of ourselves resting with God.
And now, let’s just be at peace and center ourselves on the Lord. The Lord is with us right now.
Saint Paul begins today’s second reading in this way: “We keep thanking God for all of you and we remember you in our prayers.”
Creator God, we cannot thank you enough. No matter how often we pray or how expressive our words are, we can never match in our prayer what you have done for us.
We thank you, dear God, for the world around us – for things great, like the oceans and mountains, and for things small, like the pumpkins and mums. We thank you for human life – for babies and children, for teens and young adults, for older adults and seniors, and for persons of all colors and cultures.
Paul continues: “We are constantly mindful before our God of the way you are proving your faith, laboring in love and showing constancy in hope.”
We thank you, gracious God, for the richness of our faith and the strength this gives us in troubling times. We thank you for the energy of hope that empowers us to keep on the journey.
We thank you, almighty One, for the power of love that inspires us. We thank you for your divine presence even when we may not feel it.
Again, Paul says: “We know, too, beloved of God, how you were chosen.”
We thank you, loving God, for the blessings of my self, the person who is I – for calling, creating and choosing me into this world. We thank you for protecting me from unknown dangers and for not protecting me when a challenge is needed.
We thank you, God, for salvation – for the mystery of your infinite love and for opening up to me an eternity of life. We thank you for family and friends and relationships – for intimacy and love, for mutual understanding and shared burdens, for secrets kept in love and sorrows shared in silence.
Paul goes on: “Our preaching of the gospel proved not a mere matter of words but one of power.”
We thank you, almighty God, for the power of miracles – for the mysterious ways our pains can be transformed into gains. We thank you for the life that springs up unexpectedly each day.
We thank you, God, for those enlightening bursts of insight and inspiration. We thank you for the eternal wisdom of your truth that guides our minds and softens our hearts.
And finally, Paul states: “Our preaching of the gospel was carried on in the Holy Spirit, out of complete conviction.”
We thank you, dear God, for Jesus Christ – the One who is your Son and our brother. We thank you for him who lived and died and lives again and in whom we have the hope of seeing you.
We thank you, God, for the Holy Spirit – for the energy, courage, peace and comfort of your Spirit. And we thank you for giving us each day so that we in return can give you praise and thanks now and forever. Amen!
Readings: Sirach 50.22-24
I Thessalonians 1.1-5
Mark 5.18-20
Thursday, November 18, 2010
Weekly HOMILY for November 21, 2010: A King? So what!
SOLEMNITY OF CHRIST THE KING, CYCLE C
ST. MARK PARISH, FALLSTON
NOVEMBER 21, 2010
A KING? SO WHAT!
(REV. MSGR.) NICHOLAS P. AMATO
IMAGES OF KINGS
For us Americans, the title King as applied to Jesus may seem rather foreign and even outdated.
My bet is that we associate the title “king” with historical figures like Henry VIII of England. History shows him as a self-indulgent and unprincipled ruler.
Or we might associate the title with King Abdullah of Saudi Arabia. He comes across as a ruler who accrues great wealth for himself while not advancing his country proportionately.
With these negative associations and images, we might well ask: why do we have the title Christ the King in our Catholic tradition? The answer lies in history.
When the title for Jesus was given him, it seemed like the best available word for capturing the truth of who Jesus is.
Now, if we look at today’s Scripture passages, it’s like opening a treasure chest regarding his identity and what his title king can mean for us.
WHO JESUS IS
Saint Paul in the second reading shares some of those powerful insights about Jesus.
First, he says that Jesus is “the image of the invisible God.” “In him all the fullness was pleased to dwell.”
This is to say that Jesus is not just a contrived projection of God, like and image on a screen. Nor is he like the image of a politician that a public relations firm would produce.
Instead, Jesus is the very face and presence of God among us. And if I want to know who God is and what God is like, all we have to do is look at Jesus.
Then, Paul says: “Through him all things were made.” “In him all things were created.”
What he’s getting at here is that Jesus is with the Father from the very beginning of time. Like the Father, Jesus is, always was, and always will be.
With the Father, the Son, who is Jesus on this earth, brings everyone and everything into being. And because of this fact, when the Son takes on our humanity, be becomes “the firstborn of all creation.”
Finally, Paul says: “In him all things hold together.” “He has made peace through the blood of his cross for all – for those on earth and those in heaven.”
Here he is saying that Jesus with the Father is the very ground (stamp feet) of our being. Without him, we would not be (flex knees), and with him, we are (stand tall.)
And, if that’s not enough, because our being gets us into tight spots with other persons’ being, Jesus is also a reconciler or peacemaker. Through him we are made one and at peace with God.
Yes, in and through Jesus we find fullness of life and salvation.
HOW JESUS RELATES
Very powerful insights of Paul into who precisely Jesus is I’d say!
It is for these reasons that our Catholic tradition has chosen the title King to describe Jesus’ identity and today’s gospel goes on to give us some insights into just how Jesus as king relates to you and me.
We see first that Jesus does not rule by sitting on a throne, but instead hangs from a cross.
This clearly shows us that he does not selfishly take life from us like some of the notorious kings of history. To the contrary, he gives his life, God’s life for us on the cross.
Then, we see that Jesus is by no means vengeful or hardened towards others. Again to the contrary, he remains sensitive, compassionate, and forgiving through his gruesome death.
To the one repentant thief who is crucified with him, he responds: “Today you will be with me in paradise.” And of those who were actually crucifying him, he prays: “Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do.”
And finally, in all of this, we see that Jesus does not exclude. He does not shun or push away or refuse to have anything to do with those who are imperfect.
On the contrary, he remains welcoming and inclusive. This is his consistent way of drawing others to God.
CONCLUSION
Our Scripture readings are a treasure trove for knowing who Jesus Christ is as our King.
We see who he is and how he relates to us, and how different that is from the negative images of kings we have known.
This is the Jesus or the Christ the King whom we honor and in whom we believe as the liturgical year ends this Sunday.
The conclusions for our understanding of ourselves and for our behavior as individuals and as an institutional Church ought to be obvious: Jesus, Christ our King will serve as our model.
Amen? AMEN!
ST. MARK PARISH, FALLSTON
NOVEMBER 21, 2010
A KING? SO WHAT!
(REV. MSGR.) NICHOLAS P. AMATO
IMAGES OF KINGS
For us Americans, the title King as applied to Jesus may seem rather foreign and even outdated.
My bet is that we associate the title “king” with historical figures like Henry VIII of England. History shows him as a self-indulgent and unprincipled ruler.
Or we might associate the title with King Abdullah of Saudi Arabia. He comes across as a ruler who accrues great wealth for himself while not advancing his country proportionately.
With these negative associations and images, we might well ask: why do we have the title Christ the King in our Catholic tradition? The answer lies in history.
When the title for Jesus was given him, it seemed like the best available word for capturing the truth of who Jesus is.
Now, if we look at today’s Scripture passages, it’s like opening a treasure chest regarding his identity and what his title king can mean for us.
WHO JESUS IS
Saint Paul in the second reading shares some of those powerful insights about Jesus.
First, he says that Jesus is “the image of the invisible God.” “In him all the fullness was pleased to dwell.”
This is to say that Jesus is not just a contrived projection of God, like and image on a screen. Nor is he like the image of a politician that a public relations firm would produce.
Instead, Jesus is the very face and presence of God among us. And if I want to know who God is and what God is like, all we have to do is look at Jesus.
Then, Paul says: “Through him all things were made.” “In him all things were created.”
What he’s getting at here is that Jesus is with the Father from the very beginning of time. Like the Father, Jesus is, always was, and always will be.
With the Father, the Son, who is Jesus on this earth, brings everyone and everything into being. And because of this fact, when the Son takes on our humanity, be becomes “the firstborn of all creation.”
Finally, Paul says: “In him all things hold together.” “He has made peace through the blood of his cross for all – for those on earth and those in heaven.”
Here he is saying that Jesus with the Father is the very ground (stamp feet) of our being. Without him, we would not be (flex knees), and with him, we are (stand tall.)
And, if that’s not enough, because our being gets us into tight spots with other persons’ being, Jesus is also a reconciler or peacemaker. Through him we are made one and at peace with God.
Yes, in and through Jesus we find fullness of life and salvation.
HOW JESUS RELATES
Very powerful insights of Paul into who precisely Jesus is I’d say!
It is for these reasons that our Catholic tradition has chosen the title King to describe Jesus’ identity and today’s gospel goes on to give us some insights into just how Jesus as king relates to you and me.
We see first that Jesus does not rule by sitting on a throne, but instead hangs from a cross.
This clearly shows us that he does not selfishly take life from us like some of the notorious kings of history. To the contrary, he gives his life, God’s life for us on the cross.
Then, we see that Jesus is by no means vengeful or hardened towards others. Again to the contrary, he remains sensitive, compassionate, and forgiving through his gruesome death.
To the one repentant thief who is crucified with him, he responds: “Today you will be with me in paradise.” And of those who were actually crucifying him, he prays: “Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do.”
And finally, in all of this, we see that Jesus does not exclude. He does not shun or push away or refuse to have anything to do with those who are imperfect.
On the contrary, he remains welcoming and inclusive. This is his consistent way of drawing others to God.
CONCLUSION
Our Scripture readings are a treasure trove for knowing who Jesus Christ is as our King.
We see who he is and how he relates to us, and how different that is from the negative images of kings we have known.
This is the Jesus or the Christ the King whom we honor and in whom we believe as the liturgical year ends this Sunday.
The conclusions for our understanding of ourselves and for our behavior as individuals and as an institutional Church ought to be obvious: Jesus, Christ our King will serve as our model.
Amen? AMEN!
Thursday, November 11, 2010
Weekly HOMILY for November 14, 2010: Father Nicholas did not preach this Sunday
Father Nicholas did not preach this Sunday
Thursday, November 04, 2010
Weekly HOMILY for November 7, 2010: What Is This Hunger for Eternal Life?
32nd Sunday of Ordinary Time, Cycle C
November 7, 2010
St. Margaret Parish, Bel Air
What Is This Hunger for Eternal Life?
By (Rev. Msgr.) Nicholas P. Amato
THE PYRAMIDS
A year ago last summer, I served as the priest chaplain for a large group of people visiting the Middle East.
On the ten-day trip we visited Egypt and saw the magnificent pyramids on the Giza Plateau near Cairo. These pyramids are made of huge blocks of stone and were built almost 4,000 years ago.
The highest pyramid in the world stands at more than 2,700 feet and is considered the largest man-made building in the world. Imagine, and built 4,000 years ago!
At the bottom of each pyramid, there is a burial chamber for the pharaoh for whom the pyramid was built.
Within the burial chamber, along with the mummy of the pharaoh, were placed food, drink, clothing, jewelry, and even the bodies of sacrificed slaves. All of this was to help the pharaoh in the after-life.
So ancients believed that the pharaoh would live on in some way after death. The pyramids are a very dramatic expression of that belief.
HUNGER FOR ETERNAL LIFE
Each of us has this desire for unending life embedded within us. It is part of who we are as human beings.
I would suggest that God plants this hunger in us at the moment of creation as a way of orienting us to one day being one with him forever. Or you might say that this hunger is evidence of the eternal life of God that we already share through the act of being created.
However we understand it, today Jesus responds to this hunger and tells us something more about it. In today’s readings, there are three messages that clarify this hunger for eternal life.
MESSAGE 1: DIFFERENT LIFE
First, Jesus reveals that life beyond this earth will be different from this life.
Picture a line that rises in elevation at the point of death
Some of the religious leaders in today’s gospel pose a ridiculous example to discredit Jesus’ teaching about resurrection. Jesus responds that life “in the age to come” or “resurrection” will be different from this.
It will not just be a continuation of this life so we cannot simply apply our experience of life now to our new life in the world to come.
Resurrection will be a new and transformed way of life, another level of being or living. It will be an experience where God is God and where we clearly and directly will be with God.
MESSAGE 2: ONGOING RELATIONSHIP
And that takes us to Jesus’ second message about resurrection, namely that this life beyond death will happen because of an ongoing relationship that we have right now.
Most of us have experienced the pain of losing a loved one. We know that at death, our love does not end.
We continue to love and because our loved one’s spirit lives on, the relationship is ongoing. Picture a straight line, with death as a demarcation, and continuance of the same straight line.
Well, Jesus’ message is that life beyond death is based on the nature of God who is pure love.
God’s love for us is absolute and complete and it is because of this love, because of who God is, we are sure that our relationship with God will continue beyond death.
That assurance is precisely why the brothers in today’s first reading are willing to die rather than violate their faith by eating pork.
They trust in God and in their ongoing relationship with this loving God. This love will strengthens us as well in times of trouble. It draws us to a new level of commitment in the here-and-now.
MESSAGE 3: PRESENT ENERGY
And this brings us to Jesus’ third message: that this hope of future resurrection offers us in every moment we live, new energy for living.
It energizes us to bring light where there is darkness, to bring love where there is dysfunction, and pardon where there is injury.
This is exactly what it does for Jesus. He is so one-with-the-Father and life beyond that he has energy even in the present moment as he dies on the cross.
He is able to say: (1)“Father, forgive them” and (2)“Father, into your hands I commend my spirit.”
So too with us, the promise of future resurrection gives us a present energy for dealing with all the challenges, complexity and adversities of life.
CONCLUSION
At our Parish Mission this week – Monday and Tuesday at noon and at 7:30pm, and Wednesday at 7:30 – we’ll have the opportunity to (1) Develop our relationship with God through one-on-one encounters and (2) As the grace of divine presence flows to have it energize and animate us as believers.
Big promises? Yes! But come see for yourself how big!
All Middle or High Schoolers, all young adults, adults or seniors of all faiths are welcome.
November 7, 2010
St. Margaret Parish, Bel Air
What Is This Hunger for Eternal Life?
By (Rev. Msgr.) Nicholas P. Amato
THE PYRAMIDS
A year ago last summer, I served as the priest chaplain for a large group of people visiting the Middle East.
On the ten-day trip we visited Egypt and saw the magnificent pyramids on the Giza Plateau near Cairo. These pyramids are made of huge blocks of stone and were built almost 4,000 years ago.
The highest pyramid in the world stands at more than 2,700 feet and is considered the largest man-made building in the world. Imagine, and built 4,000 years ago!
At the bottom of each pyramid, there is a burial chamber for the pharaoh for whom the pyramid was built.
Within the burial chamber, along with the mummy of the pharaoh, were placed food, drink, clothing, jewelry, and even the bodies of sacrificed slaves. All of this was to help the pharaoh in the after-life.
So ancients believed that the pharaoh would live on in some way after death. The pyramids are a very dramatic expression of that belief.
HUNGER FOR ETERNAL LIFE
Each of us has this desire for unending life embedded within us. It is part of who we are as human beings.
I would suggest that God plants this hunger in us at the moment of creation as a way of orienting us to one day being one with him forever. Or you might say that this hunger is evidence of the eternal life of God that we already share through the act of being created.
However we understand it, today Jesus responds to this hunger and tells us something more about it. In today’s readings, there are three messages that clarify this hunger for eternal life.
MESSAGE 1: DIFFERENT LIFE
First, Jesus reveals that life beyond this earth will be different from this life.
Picture a line that rises in elevation at the point of death
Some of the religious leaders in today’s gospel pose a ridiculous example to discredit Jesus’ teaching about resurrection. Jesus responds that life “in the age to come” or “resurrection” will be different from this.
It will not just be a continuation of this life so we cannot simply apply our experience of life now to our new life in the world to come.
Resurrection will be a new and transformed way of life, another level of being or living. It will be an experience where God is God and where we clearly and directly will be with God.
MESSAGE 2: ONGOING RELATIONSHIP
And that takes us to Jesus’ second message about resurrection, namely that this life beyond death will happen because of an ongoing relationship that we have right now.
Most of us have experienced the pain of losing a loved one. We know that at death, our love does not end.
We continue to love and because our loved one’s spirit lives on, the relationship is ongoing. Picture a straight line, with death as a demarcation, and continuance of the same straight line.
Well, Jesus’ message is that life beyond death is based on the nature of God who is pure love.
God’s love for us is absolute and complete and it is because of this love, because of who God is, we are sure that our relationship with God will continue beyond death.
That assurance is precisely why the brothers in today’s first reading are willing to die rather than violate their faith by eating pork.
They trust in God and in their ongoing relationship with this loving God. This love will strengthens us as well in times of trouble. It draws us to a new level of commitment in the here-and-now.
MESSAGE 3: PRESENT ENERGY
And this brings us to Jesus’ third message: that this hope of future resurrection offers us in every moment we live, new energy for living.
It energizes us to bring light where there is darkness, to bring love where there is dysfunction, and pardon where there is injury.
This is exactly what it does for Jesus. He is so one-with-the-Father and life beyond that he has energy even in the present moment as he dies on the cross.
He is able to say: (1)“Father, forgive them” and (2)“Father, into your hands I commend my spirit.”
So too with us, the promise of future resurrection gives us a present energy for dealing with all the challenges, complexity and adversities of life.
CONCLUSION
At our Parish Mission this week – Monday and Tuesday at noon and at 7:30pm, and Wednesday at 7:30 – we’ll have the opportunity to (1) Develop our relationship with God through one-on-one encounters and (2) As the grace of divine presence flows to have it energize and animate us as believers.
Big promises? Yes! But come see for yourself how big!
All Middle or High Schoolers, all young adults, adults or seniors of all faiths are welcome.
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