It's Catholic Schools Week!

This week we celebrate Catholic Schools. Our own St. Mary's School opened it's doors way back in 1913. I recall when I was here before, During one of the liturgies, Msgr. Schwartz had asked for a show of hands of alumni. The greater part of the congregation raised their hands. Today we have less of the 'native born DeKalb-ers' in the parish, but the fact is that our grade school has been a major part of our parish.

In the beginning the catholic school was so as to maintain the faith, and to remove Catholic children from a hostile environment. Catholics were not treated well in the early part of our nation. Over time they became that bridge of the immigrant children into a new culture. As the suburbs took root in the fifties, it was advised that the parish build the school first, then the church building at a later time. Hence we have a lot of these gym/churches in so many parishes of that era.

The catholic schools continue to be academic high achievers. In standardized tests, the catholic schools will normally out-score the local public school system. To be sure religion is a big part of the curriculum, but there is also an environment that is geared towards learning, respect, responsibility, and stewardship. It is these elements that consistently set the catholic schools apart. This is especially important in a technologically changing world.

Blessed are you

I love preaching on the Beatitudes. This section of Matthews Gospel is becoming very popular for funerals; at least here at St. Mary's. It is understandable since in a very short passage it sums up the values and virtues the Christian should live by. Matthew, as he unfolds his vision of the Church for us, places this near the beginning of Jesus' ministry. Then 20 chapters later the question is asked, "What will the last judgement be like?"

Jesus gives this great description of the Son of Man coming down out of the clouds and separating peoples into two groups. The sheep group and the goat group. Both groups, those who are entering into eternal glory, and those who are not, ask what they did to deserve their placement. And we hear the very well known answer, "When I was hungry, you gave me food; thirsty you gave me drink ... "

While the Beatitudes have a very ecclesial and even eschatological dimension, the practice of the beatitudes allows us, and the Church we minister in, to be a sign and symbol of Christ's grace. The last several times I have been at the nursing care centers I have become engaged in conversation with people who I have no idea who they are. But we start chatting about all sorts of things. It is a good thing to do. Not only do I personally like being around old people but any way the Church can share good news, it is good.

The Beatitudes reminds us that we are already blessed. We must live as holy people therefore. What psalm is it that asks, "What return can I make to the Lord for all the Lord has done for me?" Becoming Beatitude people is our 'Amen,' or our response, to the Holiness of God and the goodness that is within us.

In Matthew chapter 25, the righteous who are welcomed into the Kingdom, do not see themselves as anything unique or special. Goodness is their natural response. The Beatitudes can become such an integral part of our lives, that we do not have to try to be good. We just are because our Father in heaven made us this way.

Faith Seeking Understanding

Today we celebrate the feast of St. Thomas Aquinas. St. Thomas has been called the "Preeminent spokesman of the Catholic tradition of reason and of Divine Revelation." (Delaney, Dictionary of the Saints) Thomas Aquinas taught that faith and reason help us to arrive at certain conclusions. His best known work is the Summa Theologica, in which he 'dissects' salvation history and its application to the nature of men and women. Thomas instructs us that Jesus had to die for us to, first, save us from our sins, and secondly, teach us how to act.

The Vatican II saw a Church in which the clergy and the laity would continue to study and learn together. More so, the leaders at that time understood the benefit of a Church that reflected theologically on its relationship with God, and the world. We saw that somewhat with small groups and lay ministry and the like. But it has basically fallen short of the expectations of the Council. Aquinas recognized the value of 'doing theology' was so to expand our minds with an understanding and appreciation of God, but also to expand our relationship with God.

As a Pastor what I see sometime there is sort of a 'Christmas Card' relationship with God. We all have folks on our Christmas Card list who we never remove, but we also never communicate with them during the year. Failure to continue to study, reflect, and mull over the truths of our faith can relegate God to the Christmas Card list.

St. Thomas shows us this wonderful relationship between Jesus Christ, and God the Father. Through our participation in the life of Jesus Christ, our ongoing study and reflection, we begin to share in that same relationship with God. Again its all about conversion and discipleship. Our sixth grade understanding of the sacraments, Sin and Evil, or scriptures does not help us much with our adult scenarios.

We pray the opening prayer of Mass today, "May we grow in wisdom, by his teaching and in holiness by imitating his faith."

Doing Church

“Christian love of neighbor and justice cannot be separated. For love implies an absolute demand for justice, namely a recognition of the dignity and rights of one’s neighbor.

Justice attains its inner fullness only in love.

Because every man is truly a visible image of the invisible God and a brother of Christ, the Christian finds in every man God himself and God’s absolute demand for justice and love.”

1971 Bishops Conference

As I am browsing through 'Internet-land,' I come across various religious and catholic sites. For the most part they are very good, but the message boards are always embroiled in some sort of controversy. One of the ongoing themes is he separation of church and state. Essentially it becomes the church should not comment on what has become a political issue. I do remember this sentiment growing up, adults protesting that the Church was becoming too socially active. In reality the church and state thing means something different and that might be a topic for another blog. But issues of life, justice, and dignity certainly do have strong religious origins.

The majority of people that come to talk with me do so out of the context of life or lifestyle issues. There are marriage difficulties, end of life matters, and questions about health and health care. A large part of our ministry is the care of the sick and dying, outreach to the poor, and preparing families for marriage. While politicians will speak and even legislate on these concerns, there are strong moral and value orientated roots that draw them into the realm of religion.

Jesus commanded the Church to go out and preach the good news. His only agenda was the Kingdom. I suppose that over the centuries we as Church could have done less orphanages, hospitals, and missionary work. But the corporal and spiritual works of mercy are so very basic to our mission as a Church, and bring the Church more closely into what Jesus did.

The Church is supposed to be counter-cultural. This is a good thing. I think that it is good that we bump heads with society on a regular basis. There are no wallflowers in faith. As a Church I think that we really have to keep evaluating our mission and ministries so that we might be sure that we are doing the right thing. Our Church has to be a sign and symbol of Christ in the world.

Conversion of St. Paul

There was no horse. Whenever we picture the moment of St. Paul's conversion, we talk about him being knocked off his horse. Artists throughout history have depicted him on a horse. But read the actual passage and you will discover that there is no horse. But perhaps it is his "high horse" he is being knock off of.

I think about what it must be like for moms and dads to have that first child. To be sure it has to be an awesome experience. But this new human needs everything done for them, and more so, they cannot communicate their wants and needs. There is this frustration and anxiety, and maybe even a little fear. It certainly makes one humble. A parent will need to reach out for help and will realize their limitations and weaknesses.

To experience Christ Paul maybe needed a bit of humility, to understand his weakness, and dependence on God and others. Once Paul understood that he was not in control he was more able to take note of the graces and blessings that God had given to him.

The opening prayer of the Liturgy today prays for the gift of the spirit in our lives. As a pastor type person, I can see where in the Church we need more Spirit, humility, and even humanness. I have met with married couples who are hyper-organized for the wedding day, but I realize they haven't a clue as to what awaits them. For all of us there is a need of conversion and discipleship.

And really, this is not just a one time deal. On our journey we are going to have a lot of conversions and revelations. It takes a lot of prayer and meditation. It is important to be attentive to the movement of the spirit in our lives on a daily basis. Even in simple ways, "What is God calling me to do today."

If you ever get a chance read, "Seven Story Mountain," by Thomas Merton. It gives a powerful example of conversion and discipleship. God bless you with peace today.

They were fishermen

That line from Matthew's Gospel is amusing. Matthew describes a group of men in a boat, mending their nets, and feels the need to tell us that they are fishermen. I suppose when it comes to the Gospel, and the message presented therein, not everything is as obvious as it seems. Today we have this wonderful narrative by Isaiah, and are presented with Jesus as the fulfillment of the prophets and the Father. Jesus who has been presented as the light who shines in darkness begins his ministry. To start with he calls disciples to follow him.

A college friend of mine, who is a priest in our Diocese, and I have spoken many times of the college seminarians we were with. The ones who saw themselves as one step from ordination, who owned cassocks, perhaps a stole, and were shopping for chalices, rarely went to seminary, or were not ordained. Sometimes the most unexpected guys went to seminary and are now priests.

While sociologists will tell us of the importance of role playing for children, discipleship, following the way of Jesus in whatever vocation, is much deeper than playing a role. A conversion needs to occur whereas we move away from our former ways into a new way of being. If we are a manger, teacher, or a lawyer, at the end of the day we can close the door of our office and go home. Christians who have been baptized and confirmed, and have professed faith, cannot walk away from their Christianity for a short while.

While on pilgrimage in the Holy Land some years ago I remember hearing confessions of other pilgrims who were not in our group. And how many moms and dads might be up all night with a sick child, only to have to go to work in the morning. In an even larger sense our faithful witness is meant to be a source of light and brightness to those around us. "They will know we are Christians by our love." Many a folks my age remember that 60s church song, that bears a lot of truth.

At the end of his spiritual exercises St. Ignatius offers us a Prayer of Abandonment. "Take Lord, receive ..." The Liturgy, prayer and sacraments help us to keep on track. What do I do after I say, "Amen."

Respect For Life

Early on in the pontificate of John Paul II, he referenced our society as a "Culture of Death." To be sure the convenience of abortion and birth control, but our discussion easing the elderly and chronically ill into dying. In addition to these life issues, we hardly flinch any more when there are reports of shootings and killing in our urban areas. Back in the early 80s I had gone to a pro-life workshop in which the speaker suggested that more comfortable we become with abortion, the more we will look favorably on other sorts of killing. And that is where we are today.

The pro abortion people like bringing out the stories of poor woman forced to have children, or into dank back-alley establishments which jeopardize the life of the woman. In actuality it is medium to upper level income woman that are more likely to procure an abortion. Further, they will challenge that abortion should be left as it is, especially for situations of rape and incest. In reality the pregnancies resulting from these scenarios are about 1% of all pregnancies.

We have to go back to the beginning. The Genesis story needs to be burned into our minds. God declares all creation as good. God sends his spirit into all men and women and we need to remember that we are created in His image and likeness. From womb till tomb, we are sacred and filled with God's grace and blessings. All men and women share in the same dignity. I like using the image that we are tabernacles, holding the sacred within us.

Understanding that we are deserving of dignity and respect, that changes how we interact with each other, and respond to the challenges of our lives. Persons from the very moment of conception should be treated with a sense of reverence. This means all of the time and not just when it is convenient or expedient. Look at the holy men and women who have devoted their lives serve peoples who are poor or distressed. Their works help us understand how important it is to honor the human being, in whatever state he or she is in.

In the Gospel for today, the family and friends of Jesus believe that he has had a mental breakdown. As Christians, when we stand for the dignity and respect of all life we are assumed to be a bunch of "crazies." The mission and ministry of Jesus, and the values of sacred scripture, call us to be a counter-cultural people. We continue to pray, work, and speak-up, on the issues of life and respect of life. Our world tends to look at people as commodities. We need to re-assert our humanity into the discussion.

The challenge of our faith is to be that stumbling block for the peoples who abuse or violate the sanctity of life. Our precious gift of life needs to be nurtured as the holiness of God's gift to each and every one of us.