5th Sunday, Salty Pie

 

Last Saturday, Fr. Ken Schuckman offered the 6:30pm Mass. I went to the Confirmation of Sydney and Kassie Sauer at St. Joseph in McPherson. Last year, they were unable to get confirmed with our group. When you see them be sure to congratulate them.

When I was a seminarian, I was serving at Church of the Resurrection, the parish of Fr. Ken Schuckman. One day, an old lady stopped by the priest house and dropped off homemade cherry pie, that she made for Fr. Schuckman and I. She did a charitable deed for us.

Later that day, after we finished our evening meal, Fr. Schuckman cut the pie and we began to it. But, suddenly, we realized something was wrong with the pie. On top of the crust, bakers sprinkle sugar and sugar is used as an ingredient in the pie. But, not this one.

After swallowing a bit my mouth immediately puckered and I had to spit it out. It was extremely salty. I said, "The pie has a huge amount of salt in it." Fr. Schuckman was slowly chewing it, but he swallowed it. He said, "There is one thing, you must learn, people have good intentions. She must have accidentally used salt instead of sugar when she made it." He said, "Come on, you can eat it. She spent her time and money making this pie. It ain't gonna hurt you." He said, "You should be thankful for what anyone gives." I took another bite of the pie, chewed it, tried to swallow it, but had to spit it out. I said, "I'm sorry, I can't finish it. It upsets my stomach." Fr. Schuckman finished eating his piece with a grimace on his face. He put the rest in the refrigerator and throughout the week, he finished off the pie.

In the Gospel today, Jesus used metaphors of light and salt to explain the importance of living our life as a Christian. Salt seasons (adds flavor), it preserves, it heals, but it can also burn.

Salt Seasons – Christians are called to add spice to life, to bring beauty, joy and hope to the world. Even keeping the Commandments is a source of joy as we experience God’s power to put sin to death in us and bring forth order, self-discipline and holiness. We are to be zesty, passionate, alive and free from sin in Christ. Look at what spicy things our Catholic faith has contributed in the world: Art, music, churches, hospitals, universities, the scholastic and scientific methods.

Salt Preserves – Before refrigeration was invented, people used salt to cure or persevere meat. Salt killed bacteria and other microorganisms that caused rot and decay. As Christians we are to prevent further decay in this sinful world. The truth we proclaim is meant to preserve people from the decay of sin. Chastity, justice, generosity, the proclamation of the truth, and so forth, are like a salt that preserves this world from decay. As Christians we proclaim the dignity of life from the moment of conception until natural death. In a world immersed in promiscuity, we proclaim, purity, chastity and abstinence. In a world which thinks life is worth as to how much a person is useful, as Catholics we believe life is worthy living for the handicapped, elderly, unborn and poor. As the world promotes homosexuality, Catholics proclaim the beauty of marriage is only between a man and woman. The world promotes infidelity, but we proclaim the indissolubility of marriage. The world disregards conscience and religious beliefs, but we proclaim religious freedom is a gift from God, not from man. In a world life is not protected, we proclaim abortion, euthanasia and embryonic stem cell research are grave offenses against God. We proclaim every life is sacred. Our Catholic faith preserves all that is good.

Salt Heals – In the ancient world salt was used on wounds. It helped stop bleeding, it killed bacteria and prevented further infection. So too the Christian faith. Through our doctrinal and moral teaching, and living our faith, we bring healing to this world wounded by sin, strife, war, jealousy, anger, bitterness, retribution, promiscuity, unfaithfulness, greed, and countless errors. The Word of God and His plan is a healing medicine for an ailing world.

Salt Burns –When salt is applied to wounds it burns and causes pain. The truth stings, and the truth of the Gospel can be irritating to a world wounded by sin. But, despite the protests of our world, the sting can heal. It is driving out the bacteria and disease of the world and preventing further infection by proclaiming the healing balm of truth. The truth is-- the pie the lady made was extremely salty and was hard to swallow.

Salt in a salt shaker needs to be sprinkled about. It has to go forth and be scattered. We are to bring Jesus to others, and to help them to know and love Him. But if salt goes flat or is used for the wrong purpose, its hard to swallow.

Christians are called to transform the world bringing the light of Christ to the world by their good deeds, like he lady who made a pie for Fr. Schuckman and I. Our good deeds is a way of proclaiming the Gospel. And those who are homebound and suffering in the hospital are beacons of light. They witness to the beauty of suffering. Pain is powerful when united to the sufferings of Jesus on the Cross. Their gift to the world is to reveal the suffering Jesus to others and that suffering is redemptive. Suffering purifies the soul and can be offered to Jesus for the conversion of souls. How beautiful the souls of those who suffer with Jesus and transform the world by their willingness to embrace their cross. The are hidden sources of light that radiate a spiritual light emanating as a beacon in a world of darkness.

The lady who gave Fr. Schuckman and I the cherry pie, was a light of God's love. Too much salt when doing a good deed can sour the stomach, but the loving action is beautiful in the eyes of God.

Today, let us add flavor to your life, by doing good deeds. Scatter salt and allow the light of Christ to shine through you. May the Blessed Virgin Mary, give us the grace to be faithful Christians by “passing the salt” and to “turning on the light”, so as to give glory to God.

By the way, you will never eat a salty pie made by the Wrights at the Little River Cookie House.

4th Sunday, Confound Strong (David, St. Agnes, Virgin Mary)

 

In the second reading today, St. Paul wrote to the Corinthians saying, "Not many of you were wise by human standards, not many were powerful, not many were of noble birth. Rather, God chose the foolish of the world to shame the wise, and God chose the weak of the world to shame the strong, and God chose the lowly and despised of the world, those who count for nothing, to reduce to nothing those who are something..."

Can you think of anyone in the bible who was weak, but confounded the strong? David was a lowly shepherd. He was short in stature, yet he took 5 stones placing them in a bag as he carried his sling shot. David goes into battle against warrior Goliath, the giant Philistine, who had a large sword.

Archaeological evidence leads to the conclusion that Goliath was between 6 feet 9 inches and 7 feet 8 inches tall. David was probably about 5 foot tall, the average height for Hebrew men during his time.

David prayed to God and then he took one stone, placed it in his sling, and hurled it at Goliath. The stone struck Goliath in his head instantly killing him. David then cut off his head. He used a single stone to kill a giant who came at him with a sword.

How could this be? Truly, the hand of God was upon him. God wanted to show everyone, that the Lord can use weak humble instruments to confound the strong and prideful.

A saint whose weakness confounded the strong was St. Agnes, who was about 12 or 13 years old when she was martyred.

Because she was Christian, and because the emperor hated Christians, a judge sentenced Agnes to live in house of harlots.

Agnes was a very pure young lady. A young man attempted to have his way with her, but she told him she belonged to Jesus alone. After she said this, the young man became suddenly blind.

Because she knew Jesus awaited her arrival in heaven, Agnes was then taken away, to be put to death, but was not afraid to die.

When the executioner attempted to fasten a chain around her neck and hands, she willingly did it herself. What hostile threats came from the executioner to frighten her; what promises made to win her over; what influential people desired her in marriage!

But to all that, she answered: “To hope that any other will please me-- does wrong to (Jesus) my Spouse. I will be His who first chose me for Himself. Executioner, why do you delay? If eyes that I do not want can desire this body, then let it perish.” She stood still, she prayed, and then offered her neck. Then she told the executioner, “Executioner, why do you delay?”

He was shocked at her willingness to die for Our Blessed Lord. Fear could be seen in the eyes of the executioner, as if he were the one condemned; his right hand trembled, his face grew pale as he saw the girl’s peril, while she had no fear for herself. One victim, but a twin martyrdom of modesty and religion; Agnes preserved her virginity, and gained a martyr’s crown.

St. Agnes was a weak young humble girl, but put to shame the emperor, who had tremendous power in the empire. She put to shame the young man, who became blind for looking disgracefully at her. And she put to shame the executioner, the strong man, who was shocked because of her courage to die for Jesus. The young girl was weak, but confounded the strong. Her humility humbled the proud, as she had no fear of death.

The Virgin Mary is the supreme example of humility. She was a weak humble virgin. But by Her immense humility, She confounded the strong.

She is the woman in Genesis who will crush the head of the proud serpent. That is why whenever we have any temptation, we can be like David who hurled the stone to kill a the giant Goliath. Instead of 5 stones, we have 5 mysteries of the Rosary. By praying Hail Marys we hurl stones at the devil.

St. John Bosco had a dream on the eve of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary. In the dream he saw a stranger come to him and asked him to look at something on the ground:

St John Bosco said, "He took me to a meadow alongside the playground and pointed to a huge, ugly snake, over twenty feet long, coiled in the grass. Frightened, I wanted to run off, but the stranger held me back. "Get closer and take a good look," he said."What?" I gasped. "Don't you realize that monster could spring on me and gobble me up in no time?" "Don't be afraid! Nothing of the sort will happen. Just come with me."

The stranger went to get a rope and asked St. John Bosco to slap the snake with it: They snapped the rope on the snake's back. The monster immediately sprang up and struck at the rope, but, as it did, it ensnared itself as in a noose. The snake began to struggle and quickly died. Then the stranger picked up the rope and put it in a box. What happened next was astonishing.

The stranger explained the spiritual symbolism behind what happened: He opened the box. We looked in and were astounded to see the rope shaped into the words Ave Maria. "How did that happen?" I asked. The man said, "The snake is a symbol of the devil, whereas the rope stands for Ave Maria or, rather, the Rosary, a succession of Hail Marys with which we can strike, conquer, and destroy all of hell's demons." St. John Bosco took the lesson to heart and wrote to his students, "Let us devoutly say a Hail Mary whenever we are tempted, and we'll be sure to win."

Today, take into your hands the Holy Rosary, praying it daily. By these humble prayers, She will confound the devil and crush the head of the serpent. She will shame the strong and reduce to nothing those who think they are something.

Strengthening Purity Boys

"But, I say to you, everyone who looks lustfully at a woman, as already committed adultery in his heart." (Matthew 5:28)

The Virgin Mary told Saint Jacinta Marto, one of the three children who had visions of the Virgin Mary, “More souls go to Hell because of sins of the flesh than for any other reason.” She issued a direct warning saying: “Let men avoid greed, lies, envy, blasphemy, impurity.”

“One study found that 90% of children ages 8 to 16 have viewed pornography online.” (Covenant Eyes)

To regain purity can take a long time, but some saints, like Augustine, by a single act of grace received it immediately and maintained it the rest of their life.

Why do some statues of St. Joseph depict him holding a staff in his hand with a lily blossoming out of it? There is a tradition that when it came time for the Blessed Virgin Mary, at the age of 14 to be married, there were several suitors seeking Her hand. Each had their own staff and at the request of the priest, wrote their name on their staff. During the prayer service offered by the priest, Joseph’s staff immediately burst into bloom with fragrant white lilies, indicating he was the one chosen by God. St. Joseph is known for his purity. "The just man shall blossom like the lily" is applied to St. Joseph in the liturgy for his feast day, March 19, St. Joseph, Spouse of Mary. Praying to St. Joseph, the most chaste spouse of the Virgin Mary, will greatly give strength to overcome impure temptations. The book Consecration to St. Joseph by Fr. Don Calloway has helped many men to become pure.

For those who would like to break the habit of pornography and/or impurity, here are some helpful suggestions:

1. Confess your sins once a week. Don’t wait until you commit a mortal sin to go to Confession, rather confess lustful thoughts, temptations to do actions of impurity (the thought occurs to do an impure action, and the mind begins to embrace the thought is when the temptation becomes a sin). If one turns away from the temptation and doesn’t fall, it is important to confess the venial sins of lust, and desire to to do an impure action, etc… Come to confession immediately after a fall. Don’t wait. The longer you wait, the more you will be tempted to not go to Confession and maybe tempted to do another impure action. Confession first and foremost washes away the sin, but Confession also gives the penitent graces to over come sins. So the more frequently one confesses, the less one will commit mortal sin. If you commit a mortal sin, don’t receive Communion, unless you first go to Confession. Saint Padre Pio suggested that everyone go to Confession weekly. Confession helps us to overcome sin, to grow in virtue and to be more sorry for having committed sins. Despite frequent falls, keep coming to Confession, manly take up your Cross and persevere. Don’t give up. If you fall, don’t lose heart. Jesus understands how difficult it is for you to pull out of a long habit. Over time, and with His help and grace, Jesus will slowly free you. It took time to develop the habit and it will take time to give up the habit. You can be free and you will someday be free. Trust Jesus. It takes work and you can do it!

2. Trust Jesus! The devil will first try to convince you to do an impure action, then he will make you feel shameful after you have committed it. He will try to get you to lose hope and by shame will try to keep you from trusting Jesus and try to prevent you from going to Confession.

3. Attend daily Mass and receive Holy Communion as often as possible. Receive Jesus in the Eucharist only in the state of grace. Pray a weekly Holy Hour or daily Holy Hour if you are able. Come and spend time in the church praying before Jesus in the tabernacle.

4. Wear a Crucifix, Scapular, Miraculous Medal and St. Benedict Medal. Have them blessed by a priest.

5. Every night before retiring, pray three Hail Marys in honor of Mary’s purity and ask Mary for the gift of purity. St. Alphonsus Ligouri said those who keep this devotion will always become pure.

6. The quicker one turns away from the temptation, the easier it is to overcome it. When a lustful thought first enters the mind, or as soon as the idea begins to tempt one to look at pornography or to do an impure action, immediately turn your mind on something pleasurable, but non-sinful (such as ice-cream or chocolate cake), and simultaneously pray audibly, an Our Father or Hail Mary. You will see the thought immediately vanish, because most likely it was an evil spirit tempting you.

7. Regularly avoid eating sweets and drinking pop. Stay away from foods and drinks labeled “sugar free”, but actually have alcohol sugars in them. For some men, chocolate can cause impure thoughts.

8. Deny yourself instant gratifications. When a thought for pop or candy first come to mind, don’t have them. Eating snacks can cause the will to be weakened and so one can’t turn away from sin as easy as one who mortifies his or her desires. When thirsty, make yourself wait a few minutes before drinking water, or when it is hot, wait to turn on the air conditioner. Make yourself wait for things. These small non-sinful self-denials can be very helpful in not following through with sinful gratifications.

9. Fast on bread and water (or however you are able fast) twice a week. By fasting regularly, it is much easier to overcome sinful temptations. Our Lord said, “...this kind can only come out through prayer and fasting.” (Matthew 17:21)

10. The primary motivation for growing in purity is love. First, we love Jesus so much, we want to avoid hurting Him. By meditating on His scourging at the pillar, we can see how we participated in it. Second, we are to love our neighbor, by seeking what is best for those who have allowed their bodies to be used in an impure way. We should view girls who have allowed themselves to be photographed immodestly as sisters in Christ. We refuse to look at their bodies for our own pleasure, and will pray and fast for them regularly, because we truly love them and want them to be in heaven someday.

11. Consecrate yourself and your purity to the Hearts of Jesus and Mary and consecrate yourself to St. Joseph, Mary’s most chaste spouse. Develop a tender love and devotion to the Blessed Virgin Mary, Virgin Most Pure.

12. Avoid occasions of sin. Stop watching television. Avoid movies and YouTube videos with improper content. Install image blockers on your phone and computer. Use Covenant Eyes for the protection of yourself. https://www.covenanteyes.com or www.catholicinrecovery.com or

https://www.opendns.com/home-internet-security

13. When an addiction has developed, evil spirits can use our emotions to convince us to sin. But, we can pray deliverance prayers and cleansing prayers to protect us. Daily pray the St. Michael prayer and the Guardian Angel Prayer. These prayers as well as the Our Father and Hail Mary should especially be prayed when we are tempted. Daily pray a deliverance prayer and Cleansing Prayer.

14. Daily pray the Holy Rosary as many as you are able in one day, perhaps 3 or 4 rosaries. Several men including Gabriel Castillo and Fr. Don Calloway say that those who pray 3 or 4 Rosaries a day will become free of pornography and impure actions. The frequent praying of the Rosary, especially the sorrowful mysteries, will lead to greater holiness and leave behind sin and impurity. The Rosary is THE weapon against evil and temptation. Mary will enter the battle for us and crush the head of the serpent.

15. Accountability Partner. “For some it is helpful to ask a friend to help you to be accountable. In Proverbs 27:17 we read “Iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another.” I believe this refers to the value of support and accountability. In my work I with men struggling with pornography, I usually recommend they find accountability partners. This is needed to help achieve and maintain healthy sobriety. Many ask me who can be a suitable accountability partner.” Dr. Peter Kleponis

3rd Sunday - Fisher of Men (Eucharist)

 

"The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light; Upon those who dwelt in the land of gloom a light has shone."

The four individuals in our Gospel today experience the light of Jesus: Peter, Andrew, James, and John, when they were called by Jesus beside the Sea of Galilee. These four apostles were invited by Jesus to turn from fishing fish to fishing for people. They left careers and family to follow Jesus, not just mediocre careers but careers that were giving them a good income.

Jesus called the apostles, “Come after me.” It was a call first to spend time with Him. Jesus called them, not because they were better than others, but because He loved them. And the apostles responded because they loved Jesus, and because they loved Him, they were willing to leave everything at His words “Come after me.”

Isaiah’s prophetic text about the people of Galilee seeing the light of God was fulfilled not only eight centuries later at the time of Christ but continues to be fulfilled in our time as men continue to answer the call of Jesus to leave their boats and nets and enter seminary, to turn from fishing fish to fishing people for the Lord himself.

Jesus said, “Come after me.” Seminarians give up a career and spouse by following Him. Sometimes people talk about what seminarians leave behind to follow the Lord and enter seminary. While we know that is true, it is not the full story because when they leave everything, they gain Jesus.

The reason why apostles and seminarians are able to leave everything to follow Jesus is because they loved Jesus. If they did not love Him, they would not have been able to leave everything to follow Jesus. During the Last Supper in John’s Gospel Jesus said that the Apostles love Him, “the Father himself loves you, because you have loved me.”

When one loves Jesus, suffering for Jesus does not even seem like suffering. When the apostles were interrogated by the Sanhedrin for preaching about Jesus after Pentecost, they were beaten but went home rejoicing because they had been found worthy to suffer dishonor for the name of Jesus. They were called by Jesus because He loved them, and their love of Jesus enabled them to do anything for Jesus and would even die for Him.

Our love for Jesus is seen especially by coming to Him through the sacraments. Jesus said, "If you love me, keep my commandments", and therefore, we show our love for Jesus by avoiding sin and confess our sins to Him. We feel bad because we hurt Him, whom we love.

We come to Mass as often as we are able, because we desire to be one with Jesus in Holy Communion. The Eucharist is the Sacrament of Love. During Communion our heart and His heart are intimately united. He pours His love into our hearts. The Eucharist is Jesus. He is the light. He said, "I am the light of the world; he who follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.”

In 1991 I went to Medjugorje for the first time. Our pilgrimage group met Anka Dragan, an interpreter of Fr. Jozo. She said she was born in a Communist family and was raised as an Atheist. She had an inner desire for love and an understanding for her purpose in life. She traveled the world searching for an answer. She studied Eastern philosophy, spirituality, and still wasn't satisfied.

Then one day.... God performed a miracle of conversion in her life. Anka understood that Jesus was real; that she needed Jesus and that miracle led her to become Catholic.

As an atheist, when she entered St. James church for the first time, she saw people going up to the front and receiving something, but she didn't know what it was. As they were leaving the altar to receive Holy Communion, she saw a light come inside them and they became light. She said, "I saw the miraculous conversion that takes place in us when we receive Holy Communion, the body and blood of Christ. Although I was in the back of the church, I heard a voice that said my name, "Anka" and the voice repeated my name again, "Anka". She said she felt Jesus personally called her by name. She left her career and everything to follow Jesus to become Catholic, because she discovered He loved her. She said, "I know that now it was the unbound-less love and mercy of God for which I am very very thankful for being a convert, for being a witness. I found what I had been looking for and searching in so many places and the entire time it was 100 meters from my home, here in the church was Jesus in the tabernacle. I am happy because I am a witness of Jesus who is God and is alive."

My friends, Jesus in the Eucharist is God. He is King of heaven and earth, and to show our love and respect to Him we now have the opportunity to receive Him kneeling at every Mass.

The Eucharistic revival brought about many graces in our own diocese. A number of parishes now use kneelers or altar rails. Holy Cross in Hutchinson, St. Patrick's in Kingman, Blessed Sacrament in Wichita, St. Joseph in McPherson are just a few that use them with Bishop Kemme's approval. I spoke with Fr. Bob, who said we could use kneelers at all Masses, but to use two kneelers. Austin Neufeld constructed two kneelers and starting today, we will begin to use them.

During Covid, scientists including a researcher in the Department of Biological Sciences at the University of Bergen, Norway, said, "receiving Communion on the tongue and in the kneeling position is scientifically the safest and most hygienic method, which is "unlikely to incur a high risk of infection transmission," the new research shows.

My friends, you may wish to consider kneeling and receiving Communion on the tongue. It shows deep love and respect for Jesus and it's safer, than receiving on the hand.

Jesus in the Eucharist is the light. He wants us to live in the light and when we come before Him in Eucharistic Adoration or during Holy Communion, our soul glows with light and this light spreads throughout a world in darkness.

O Mary, Mother of light, guide us to Jesus the light.

2nd Sunday Year A Confession

 

In the Gospel today, John the Baptist saw Jesus coming, and said, "Behold, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sins of the world." John the Baptist was to prepare the people of his time for Jesus by encouraging them to repent and seek forgiveness for their sins.

When Jesus began His public ministry, He said, “The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand; repent, and believe in the Gospel."

One who acknowledges their sins, repents and confesses them, is open to hearing what Jesus has to say and having a relationship with Him. If we are reconciled with God, we have union with Him.

Jesus Himself instituted the Sacrament of Confession. Our Lord told the apostles, “Receive the Holy Spirit. If you forgive the sins of any, they are forgiven; if you retain the sins of any, they are retained.’” Our Lord also said, “Truly, I say to you, whatever you bind on earth shall be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven.”

From the beginning of Christianity, Christians repented by confessing their sins. St. Paul said, “We are ambassadors of Christ.” An ambassador is who is sent on behalf of another person. He said, “All this is from God, who through Christ reconciled us to himself and gave us the ministry of reconciliation.”

Confession, like all sacraments, is an encounter with Jesus. So when we confess our sins in confession, we are confessing them to Jesus. In our encounter with Jesus, He Himself absolves the sins. The priest says, “I absolve you from your sins.”, but the priest in his own name cannot absolve sins.

St. Basil the Great, in 374 AD, said early Christians confessed to the Apostles. He said, "It is necessary to confess our sins to those to whom the dispensation of God’s mysteries is entrusted. Those doing penance of old are found to have done it before the saints. It is written in the Gospel that they confessed their sins to John the Baptist [Matt. 3:6], but in Acts [19:18] they confessed to the apostles."

St. Cyprian of Carthage in 251 AD, (about 200 years after Jesus) said Christians confessed their sins to priests. He said, "Of how much greater faith and salutary fear are they who... confess their sins to the priests of God in a straightforward manner and in sorrow, making an open declaration of conscience.... I beseech you, brethren, let everyone who has sinned confess his sin while he is still in this world, while his confession is still admissible, while the satisfaction and remission made through the priests are still pleasing before the Lord."

The apostles, bishops and priests of the early Church, and up to today, heard confessions. For 1,500 years, all Catholics confessed their sins and no one questioned it, until the Protestant revolt with Martin Luther. To not confess sins to a priest is Protestant.

Mortal sin causes us to be separated from God and when we come to confession we are reconciled with God. If we commit a mortal sin, we are obligated to confess our sins in confession.

St. Paul said, “whoever eats the bread or drinks the cup of the Lord in an unworthy manner will be guilty of profaning the body and blood of the Lord.” To receive Holy Communion while in the state of mortal sin is an additional mortal called a sacrilegious communion which is a more grievous sin, because it is a direct offense against God.

If we have mortal sin on our soul and if we receive the Eucharist, without going to Confession, we receive absolutely no grace whatsoever from Holy Communion, but rather, deeply offend Our Lord and add many years of purgatory time for us or if we refuse to confess mortal sins, we could lose heaven and go to hell forever.

There are various reasons why some don't receive Holy Communion: For example someone may have accidentally ate something and broke the one hour fast before Communion, or someone may not be Catholic. Or a person may have an upset stomach and fear vomiting. Or if a person's soul is not in the state of grace (due to missing Mass on Sunday or some other serious sin) and needs to go to Confession before receiving Holy Communion. It takes humility to stay in the pew, when we shouldn't receive Holy Communion.

At every Mass, the Church reminds us we are unworthy to receive Holy Communion. The priest elevates the Host saying the words of John the Baptist, "Behold the Lamb of God, behold Him who takes away the sins of the world. Blessed are those called to the supper of the Lamb." The people respond declaring their unworthiness, saying, "Lord, I am not worthy that you should enter under my roof, by only say the word and my soul shall be healed."

Confession reconciles us back to God telling Him, “O God, I am heartily sorry for having offended you.” I want to come back to You and once again be one with You. And so when we go to Confession, we are reconciled with Him and He embraces us. When the prodigal son comes back home full of repentance, his father runs to embrace him. We restore our friendship lost due to our sins.

Confession washes away sins and prepares our heart for Jesus. Our soul is cleansed and made pure. Confession is the Sacrament of Mercy. God in His loving kindness, out the depths of His love, forgives us. Though we don’t deserve His mercy, it’s a total gift.

Confession is called the Sacrament of Conversion. It is a turning away from sin and turning toward God. We resolve to never commit the sin again and to “amend our life.” When we confess our sins to a priest, we receive advice on how to overcome our sins. We receive penance to make up for our sins. Just a reminder, we have Confession 30 minutes before every Mass.

My friends, every day we should examine our conscience so as to daily strive to improve our friendship and relationship with Jesus. May the Virgin Mary, refuge of sinners, help us to have a sacramental encounter with Jesus in Confession and receive His mercy frequently.

Baptism of the Lord - Consecration

 

Today is the feast of the Baptism of the Lord. Why did Jesus get baptized since He is God is sinless?

In humility Jesus was baptized to identify with us. He did it as an example for us. His baptism revealed the Blessed Trinity. The Father spoke revealing Jesus is His Son, "This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased." The Holy Spirit appeared in the form a dove.

The baptism administered by John was a sign of repentance from sin, a sign of turning away from sin. Because of original sin and personal sin, we all need baptism to begin our life with God.

In a conversation with Nicodemus, Jesus explained our need for baptism. “Amen, amen, I say to you, no one can see the kingdom of God without being born from above. . . Amen, amen, I say to you, no one can enter the kingdom of God without being born of water and Spirit.

Through Baptism, we belong to God and become a child of God. Original sin, personal sin and punishment due to sin are washed away. Our heart becomes a temple of the Holy Spirit. God comes to dwell within us, we receive gifts and enter into God's divine life.

Baptism is a consecration, which means a person or thing is handed over to God and belongs to God. Our church is consecrated to God and chalices. When a priest is ordained, he is consecrated to God. Religious sisters and brothers are consecrated to God. When anyone is baptized, they belong to God. They are consecrated to Him.

We renew our baptismal promises every year at Easter. When priest asks the questions to renew baptism, the people respond saying, "I do." Let us renew our baptismal promises now.

Do you renounce Satan? I do.
And all his works? I do.
And all his empty show? I do.
Do you believe in God, the Father almighty, Creator of heaven and earth? I do.
Do you believe in Jesus Christ, his only Son, our Lord, who was born of the Virgin Mary, suffered death and was buried, rose again from the dead and is seated at the right hand of the Father? I do.
Do you believe in the Holy Spirit, the holy Catholic Church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and life everlasting? I do.

The first three questions in our baptismal promises concern turning away from evil. The other questions, we profess our faith as a disciple of Jesus. Because we all have a tendency to turn away from God, every year, we renew our baptismal promises and need to confess regularly which helps us be docile to God, to surrender to God, to allow Him to have dominion over us, to live our baptismal promises as disciples of Jesus.

There are consecration prayers in the pews to the Immaculate Heart of Mary, Sacred Heart of Jesus and St. Joseph. We use them for our self, family, our parish, and we can consecrate a particular concern or intention as well.

St. Louis de Montfort developed a 33 day method of consecration, whereby one can consecrate themselves to Jesus through Mary.

Consecrations are really rededicating ourselves to our original consecration to God at baptism because whatever we give to Our Lady She gives to God. So, when we consecrate ourselves to Mary, we are really consecrating and rededicating ourselves to God with Her help and at the same time renew our original consecration to God at our baptism.

Just as we need a father and mother for our life to begin, for the life of God in us-- we need God and Our Lady. As our spiritual mother, Our Lady is with us from the moment of our baptism because that is the moment when the life of God first enters our souls.

St. Louis Marie de Montfort said, "Mary, the beloved Mother of chosen souls, shelters them under Her protecting wings as a hen does her chicks. She speaks to them, coming down to their level and accommodating Herself to all their weaknesses. To ensure their safety from the hawk and vulture, She becomes their escort, surrounding them as an army in battle array."

Those who consecrate themselves to God with the help of Our Lady, receive more protection and care for their spiritual well-being, to live out their baptismal promises.

The closer we are to Our Lady, the closer we will be to God and the more like Our Lady we will surrender to God and the better we will live our baptismal promises as one of His disciples.

In 1991, I was working at Hadley Regional Medical Center in Hays as a Supply and Sterilization manger. Some friends encouraged me to do the St. Louis de Montfort Consecration to Jesus, through Mary which I did on Dec 8th, the Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception. At that time, I felt that God wanted me to become a priest. But, because I owed $6,900 in college loans, it would take years to pay them off.

Several weeks after the consecration, while living in Ellis, Kansas, one night I went into the darkened church of St. Marys. Lit candles guided me to a statue of Mary. I knelt down and prayed, "O Blessed Mother, a few weeks ago, I consecrated myself to you. I gave my self to you, my body, my life, my soul, and all that I am. I feel God is calling me to be a priest, but I owe $6,900. There is one thing I did not give you, my bills. As of now, you owe $6,900. You take care of it!" I got up and walked out of the church.

Two weeks later, the two hospitals in Hays merged and they told us, that if we quit we would receive our pension. I was surprised to learn I had $10,000, which paid off my loans. There is no doubt in my mind, when I did the Consecration, Our Lady took care of my bills, so I could become a priest.

I have a few Consecration books by St. Louis de Montfort. If anyone wants to do the consecration, take one.

We should treat our baptism day as a feast day and celebrate it, like our birthday, with cake and ice-cream. You can celebrate your natural birth day and your supernatural birthday into the life of God through baptism. Look at your baptism certificate and find out your date to celebrate.

Today, let us give thanks to God for our baptism and let us for pray others to receive that beautiful gift. And may you consecrate yourself to Jesus and Mary, often. Partially Taken from Fr. Tommy Lane

Epiphany - Star & Adoration

 

Today is the Solemnity of the Epiphany. We know from Sacred Scripture three wise men followed the star to find Jesus, the newborn King to adore Him and offer Him gifts.

When they arrived in Jerusalem and after visiting with Herod, the star preceded them. "And behold, the star that they had seen at its rising preceded them, until it came and stopped over the place where the Child was." "They were overjoyed at seeing the star, and on entering the house they saw the Child with Mary His Mother."

It states the star stopped over a house, therefore, the Holy Family moved out of the cave and into a house.

Tradition is that the magi didn't arrive the same night Jesus was born, but arrived on January 6th, 12 to 13 days after Jesus was born. Because they arrived on Jan 6th, the universal Church celebrates the Epiphany on that day, while the USA and a few other countries celebrate the Epiphany the 2nd Sunday after Christmas.

Do you recall on Dec. 21^st of 2020, a great conjunction of Saturn and Jupiter appeared in the sky that looked like a star? Of course, two planets don't make a star, but when in conjunction, it looked like a star. The last time this occurred was nearly 800 years ago in 1226. Some suspected this was the star of Bethlehem.

However, St. Ignatius of Antioch, who died about 60 years after the death of Jesus, wrote, “A star appeared in the heavens which eclipsed all other stars; its light was indescribable, and its novelty caused astonishment.” Some who try to explain the Christmas star as a union of planets are ruling out the miraculous nature of the star’s appearance. But, if God sent angels to shepherds to announce the birth of the Savior and sing “Glory to God in the Highest”, He certainly could have made a miraculous star guide the wise men.

The conjunction of Saturn and Jupiter as the Christmas star, conflicts with scripture, that tells us while the Magi were in Jerusalem, the star disappeared. But as they set out for Bethlehem, it appeared again. Then it went forward and halted over the house where the Divine Child was with Mary and Joseph. And when the magi entered the house, they adored the Child and offered Him gifts of gold, frankincense & myrrh.

The star guided the three kings to find the Christ Child, but God illuminated the hearts of the three pagans to understand, the Child was Messiah, God, Savior and King. Inspired by divine grace they fell to their knees in worship of the Infant God. St Augustine said, “Would they have done this, if they had not recognized Him as the Eternal King?”

Balthasar was from Ethiopia in Africa. He brought myrrh. Myrrh was placed on dead bodies of Jews to prevent decomposing. By offering myrrh they desired to testify to the human nature of Jesus, destined for future suffering, death and burial.

Melchior, was from Persia, which is modern day, Iran. He brought Frankincense, which comes from aromatic oil, used by Jews to offer sacrifice. It was Jewish custom to offer incense to God alone and could be burnt only before God. Any human king to whom incense was offered was an abomination. Caesar declared himself a god and wanted all to burn incense before his images. But Christians refused and suffered martyrdom. So when incense was offered to the Child Jesus, the Magi wished to express their worship of God hidden under the lowly form of a child. 

Caspar was from Tarsus. He was European, whose gift was gold. By offering gold, they acknowledged Him as king. Gold is for a king, and symbolizes the Divinity of the Child Jesus, the newborn King. It is believed all three, although from different countries, providentially met on their journey to Bethlehem.

When the Magi and the shepherds found the Baby Jesus, they prostrated themselves before the Divine Infant. It would have taken faith on the part of the shepherds and the magi, to give homage to Jesus, the newborn King. And it takes faith to believe Jesus in the Eucharist is the same Son of God the wise men worshiped as a Child. We believe the Sacred Host is really Jesus. We adore and worship the Eucharist. At Mass, we kneel because we believe God Himself becomes present on the altar in the Host. When the Host is elevated above the altar, we gaze in adoration of Jesus in the Eucharist. As Catholics, we adore and can even prostrate our self before Jesus during Eucharistic Adoration or before a tabernacle.

May the Blessed Virgin Mary and Joseph, the first to adore the infant Son of God, help us adore Jesus in the Eucharist by giving Him not gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh, but the gifts of love from our hearts, good works from our sacrifices, and we offer our prayers which rise like incense before His throne in heaven.

Holy Name of Jesus - January 3rd

 

Today, the Church celebrates the memorial of the Holy Name of Jesus. The name of Jesus reminds us of so many wonderful things about Our Lord and His goodness toward us.

For example, at the annunciation the Holy Name will forever refer Our Lord’s incarnation, Mary’s Motherhood, and that Jesus would save us from our sins.

The first mention of the name of Jesus, was at the annunciation, when the angel Gabriel said to Mary, “You shall conceive and bear a Son and give Him the name Jesus”.(Luke 1:31)

At the incarnation, Jesus became man in the womb of Mary. It was then He took upon our human nature, so that His body would be an instrument of our salvation.

At the annunciation, when the Word became flesh and dwelt among us-- in Mary, She became the Mother of Jesus, and so, became the Mother of God. The Holy Name of Jesus therefore reminds us that Mary is the Mother of God.

When the angel Gabriel appeared to St. Joseph in a dream, we come to know that the name “Jesus” means “Savior” as the angel said, “Thou shall name Him Jesus, because He shall save His people from their sins”. Later, throughout the life of Jesus, He would often forgive sinners to save them from their sins.

At 8 days old, when Our Lord formally received the name “Jesus”, it was then He first shed His blood for us. As scripture states, “When the eighth day arrived for His circumcision, the name Jesus was given to the Child.” (Luke 2:21)

When Jesus would suffer and die on the Cross, during the great act of Redemption, above His head would be nailed His name: “Jesus of Nazareth, the King of the Jews”.

Jesus, the Redeemer of mankind, would give us His body and blood for us on the Cross to free us from our sins and open the gates of paradise. Our Lord cannot help but be moved when we ask Him to forgive our sins. After all, that is why He died on the Cross. Recall the words of the good thief, “Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom.” Therefore, whenever we sin, we should immediately remember to call upon the name of Jesus, asking Him to forgive our sins, and then go to confession to be washed in His merciful blood.

The name of Jesus is also associated with the healing of sickness and disease. For example, at Pentecost, the name of Jesus was used by St. Peter to heal a cripple. He said, “In the name of Jesus Christ the Nazorean, walk!”

St. Peter also gave witness to Our Lord’s name being used to save people from hell. He told the rulers, “There is no other name under heaven given to men by which, we must be saved”. (Acts 4:12). As the one mediator between God and man, Jesus is the only way to heaven. St. Paul told the Philippians, “God has exalted Him, and bestowed upon the name that is above every other name, so that at the Name of Jesus every knee should bend on earth and under the earth.” (Pil. 2:9)

"Above the earth and under the earth" refers to every creature paying homage to Jesus the King. Because Our Lord sits on His royal throne, every principality and power, including 9 choirs of angels, and the devil and his fallen angels bend their knees at the Holy Name of Jesus. The Name of Jesus is the terror of demons, and so when we are tempted, we should call upon the name of Jesus to protect us.

Our Lord also told us that whatever we ask in His name, it will be given to us. We should therefore not be afraid to call upon the name of Jesus in all our needs, whether they be spiritual, emotional, or material needs.

The Blessed Virgin Mary in Her Magnificat, reminds us, God’s name is holy. She said, “Holy is His name”. The 10 commandments, tell us to not to take the Lord’s name in vain. God’s name is so holy, that is seriously sinful to say the name of Jesus in an irreverent manner. If we hear someone take the Lord’s name in vain, we can make reparation for this blasphemy by reverently saying the Holy Name of Jesus aloud.

One of the greatest promoters of the Holy Name of Jesus was a Franciscan saint by the name of St. Bernadine of Siena. Because of his preaching, the name of Jesus was added to the Hail Mary, as we pray, “blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus.” He also promoted the Holy name of Jesus by the monogram IHS.

The first letter of each word-- refer to the phrase, “Jesus, Savior of Humanity”. I is for Jesus, H for humanity and the S for Savior. The IHS letters can also be seen on the back of the vestment I am wearing.

Finally, let us not forget the Holy Name of Jesus refers to a person. Although He can heal us, forgive us, save us and give us whatever we ask, let us remember He loves us, cares for us, walks with us, and is truly a friend who will never abandon us.

As we prepare to receive Our Lord in the Eucharist, may we resolve to keep the name of Jesus on our lips, within our thoughts, and in our heart, and remember to also utter the Holy Name of Mary, for without Her, fiat, we never could have known the Holy Name of Jesus.