Deacon Tom Stonecipher

Three Steps to heaven

2010-04-25T21:04:00.000-04:00

The Fourth Sunday of Easter
John 10:27-30
Three Steps to Heaven

I want to focus your attention on the first two sentences of the gospel reading.
My sheep hear my voice. I know them and they follow me.
The gospel reading for the fourth Sunday of Easter focuses on the relationship between a shepherd and his flock. A subject many of us find unfamiliar, but very familiar to the gospel writers audience.
Familiar or not there are several lessons for us today living far from the tranquility of a pasture filled with sheep and a shepherd.
My Sheep Hear My Voice
God constantly speaks to us trying to get our attention. The problem is that the world is seeking our attention as well. In addition to the numerous voices trying to get our undivided attention the sights and sounds become jumbled and confusing.
The world screams at us to try this or that while God whispers I love you. Do you hear God whispering your name? To give ourselves a chance to hear God we need to shut out the noise of the world and spend a few moments each day in silence.

I Know Them
A shepherd and his sheep have a special relationship. The sheep know the voice of the shepherd and respond only to him.
God knows his children better than they know themselves. The question is not how well God knows us but how well we know him. Are we so familiar with our shepherd that we are not fooled if a false shepherd speaks to us?
They Follow Me
To me this is a natural response. We hear the shepherd’s voice he knows us we know him and follow.
It may be natural for sheep to follow a shepherd but we lose our way from time to time. God has provided physical signs for us to follow. The sacraments immediately come to mind. By definition a sacrament is an outward physical sign instituted by Christ to provide grace. But I want to expand the signs to include things we see every time we attend mass.
The holy water font is a sign of the beginning of our faith journey.
Pictures of the Holy Father and the local Bishop we are members of a global Church.
The presence of the priest at mass is a sign for us to follow. This is the year of the priest and today is the world day of prayer for vocations.
The tabernacle is a sign of Christ’s true presence for us and a reminder for us to follow our shepherd.
My sheep hear my voice. I know them and they follow me.
Our prayer this week to hear his voice, get to know him better and to follow him.

Avent - A new year begins -

2009-11-29T11:55:00.001-05:00

Advent marks the beginning of a new church year. A new beginning a clean slate. My first response to a new beginning is to look back. Where was I this time last year? What was going on in my corner of the world?
Well last year was a medical challenge, prostate cancer surgery December 2nd followed by outpatient surgery in April. And endless days of one step forward and two steps back. Oh and pneumonia twice this year I really am a lucky guy.
I am a lucky guy for a number of reasons one I mention here. I would not be where I am today without the constant care of my wife. She had a difficult year dealing with a difficult patient. Through her efforts I found God each day in all she has done and continues to do for me.
Well a look back can be an eye opener. But what we do with the information is the key to our future. For example I have had two PSA tests that indicate I am cancer free. So looking back will hopefully push us forward to a new place.
We have a clean slate to work with, what we choose to write or draw is up to us.
Advent is a time to look back to the birth of Christ. God became man to die for the sins of all to bring redemption. We must keep the incarnation active and alive in our hearts so the message is not lost.
The world is trying to silence the message with political correctness. Happy holidays instead of Merry Christmas. Holiday trees no Christmas trees allowed. And on and on the assault to the message of God’s love continues and many Christians are guilty of silence.
Advent is a time to discover how many times and ways God comes to us today. Advent has a past and future but many times the presence of God with us in this moment is lost. Advent is a season of not only past and future but present. Seek to discover God in today.
Advent offers an opportunity to look to the future and the second coming of our Lord. Scripture makes very clear that no one knows the moment or the hour of the coming of the son of man. But scripture is also clear on two other points. Jesus will return and we need to be prepared for his coming.
The season of advent is a time of anticipation and expectation. Past present or future the season is your opportunity to find Christ around every corner.
My prayer for you is a blessed Advent as you find the Lord in your world.

From the horses mouth part II

2009-01-02T10:18:00.001-05:00

Today is thirty days post surgery. The surgery was performed on December 2, 2008 as planned.
All went well with one exception; my colon was nicked during the removal of the prostate gland. A specialist was called and the repair was made. This extended my hospital stay an additional three days.
The pathology report of the prostate gland indicated cancer on the left and right side of the gland as expected. There was no cancer in the seminal vessels or four lymph nodes.
A PSA test will be performed the end of February or early March. The result should be a low reading .02 or so. A low reading would indicate that the cancer has been removed.
I am recovering slowly but making progress each day. I plan to return to work on a limited schedule next Monday.
Thanks for all the prayers, cards, notes and calls. Please keep me in your prayers.
A special thanks to my wife for all she has done to help me recover. I cannot begin to tell you the extent of care she has provided but without her I would not be in the place I am today.
I wish everyone a blessed and happy new year.

The Trinity for Dummies

2008-11-05T20:50:00.000-05:00

At the request of my wife I have read The Shack. I did not read any reviews but I did run past several reviews and noticed that they were over the top in the positive column. I noticed a few reviews that let’s say were less than five stars. So I thought I would add my two cents about the shack.
I found several positive thoughts set forth in the book.
1. God loves me beyond my ability to understand.
2. God desires a relationship with me.
3. The intimacy of our relationship is mine to cultivate.
4. The trinity is active in our world.
5. All things work together for good.
6. We need to discover ways to live in the moment.
I am not going to elaborate on these thoughts but I think all of us would do well to spend time contemplating the richness of each thought.
I of course found several items in the book that I cannot put a positive spin on. You had to know I would find something.
1. First we must keep in mind that this book is a work of fiction.
2. It is not well written.
3. The trinity is pictured as way to human.
4. When we find no answer or confront a situation we don’t understand we have a tendency to bring God down to our level.
5. When we humanize God we set aside his divinity.
6. We lose the awe factor or reverence that God deserves.
Some might say if it helps to view God as portrayed in the shack what is the harm. Well we spend a great deal of time trying to justify our actions and putting God on our level is harmful if we twist and turn the nature of God to suit our needs.
The book by the way is about the trinity. Maybe a better title would have been The Trinity for Dummies.

Prostate Cancer -

2008-10-26T16:47:00.000-04:00

From the Horse’s Mouth
Eleven days ago I sat in a doctor’s office waiting for him to come in and give me the results of my prostrate biopsy. The door opened and before he reached his chair he said your test was positive. I have prostate cancer.
A journey I had walked with many others has now become my journey. The conversation was filled with rapid fire options, terms, and questions posed without much time to absorb what was being said. This was not the fault of the doctor he answered my questions and provided many options most of which I had learned about on the internet. I did contact the doctor several days following my diagnosis for clarification and he graciously answered all my questions and addressed my concerns. Then the ultimate question what do you want to do?
I wanted him to leave the room and return a moment later and tell me I did not have cancer. Short of that nothing he could say would make me happy. Based on my Gleason score 3 + 4 and the grade of T1a I made the decision to have my prostrate surgically removed. The surgery is scheduled for December 2nd.
Let me speak to the guys for a moment. Many cancers caught early present the best chance for a positive result but there are always exceptions. Putting the exceptions aside early detection through the PSA test and DRE (digital rectal exam) are the key to early detection. So men get the PSA test as often as your primary care physicians recommends and don’t skip the recital exam.
Consider my case. A normal PSA test range is less than 1 to 4. My latest test was 3.8 still in the normal range. The digital rectal exam was negative. But my last three tests went from 1.8 to 2.7 and finally 3.8. So a biopsy was ordered and the rest is history. In some cases a rising PSA though normal can indicate cancer.
So if you have any questions or concerns about your test results talk to your doctor. If you are still not satisfied get a second opinion. My doctor recommend additional testing and consequently it appears my cancer was caught early.
Please keep me and my family in your prayers. Remember there are exceptions when you talk about cancer and cures. Prostate cancer has a high cure rate 85 % in my case. So pray that I don’t fall into the 15 % category.
I will post as soon as I am able after surgery. Thanks again for the prayers.

Lessons from a sock drawer

2008-07-05T19:50:00.002-04:00

My wife has had both of her knees replaced one six years ago and the second three years ago. In preparation for the first replacement she turned to the internet to gather as much information as possible. She found a web site she calls the knee board.

The board was not only a place to find much needed information but she discovered two unexpected blessings.

First she found that sharing her experience was a comfort to those who were days from knee replacement and had many more questions than answers.

Second she found many new friends, a relationship built on a common experience more often than not runs its course as the need for comfort or information diminishes. But in her case one friendship has stood the test of time.

She has kept in touch with Eddie and his family for six years. Email, instant messages phone calls and cards have moved the relationship from a common experience based on a common need to a friendship.

Over the year’s getting together popped up in conversation from time to time. Eddie and his family live in the Midwest we live in Atlanta. So they would promise to get together neither believing it would happen.

Well you guessed it Eddie called and said they were on the way. A short four day visit had been planned. They are far from strangers on one hand but on the other had we had not met in person.

I figured if I could tolerate family getting along with Eddie and his wife Lorna would be a piece of cake. After all we would be on our best behavior. I am happy to report all went very well.

We picked them up at the airport and for three days Beckey and I did our best to show them Atlanta as only a life time resident can. In the short time we had together we had the opportunity to share our life stories. They learned about us and we learned about them.

Having had long distance information sharing for six years we discovered we had the job and kid thing settled, so we moved to sharing thoughts and concerns that good friends feel comfortable sharing.

For example Eddie told me about his sock drawer. You need to know that Eddie has OCD obsessive compulsive disorder. No he is nothing like Monk on TV. He just has a need to have new socks in a drawer that he never uses.

I have reflected on their visit and I found Eddie taught me a thing or two when it comes to maintaining a sock drawer. Understand that Beckey washes and dries my socks and puts them in the clothes hamper for me to match up. They may stay in the hamper a couple of weeks before I get around to matching them up. It drives Beckey crazy I think it would push Eddie off the deep end.

Things I have learned from Eddie’s sock drawer:

1. I need to do better with my sock drawer.

2. Being a bit compulsive is a wonderful gift.

3. Looking to the past can provide a clear picture of the future.

4. Little things often forgotten can be priceless if the need arises.

5. There is nothing wrong with being prepared. The boy scouts live by this motto.

6. I have gone to the sock drawer to find the cupboard bare. My friend Eddie has never had this problem.

I discovered many things over our time together none more important than this - I found a new friend and if I need a pair of socks I know who to call.

Lazarus Come Out!

2008-03-09T14:18:00.001-04:00

Fifth Sunday of Lent John 11:1-45

Homily: Lazarus Come Out

Two weeks ago the woman at the well found living water. Last week the blind beggar receives his sight. This Sunday’s gospel reading relates the raising of Lazarus from the dead.

Mary and Martha send word to Jesus that their brother Lazarus is sick. Jesus remains where he was two more days before returning to Judea.

When Jesus arrives he discovers that Lazarus has been dead for four days. The Jews believed that the spirit remained with the body for three days. There was no doubt that Lazarus was dead.

Martha tells Jesus that if he had been there their brother would not have died. Jesus tells her that her brother will be raised. She replies that she understands that he will be raised on the last day.

Martha projected her faith into the future. But Jesus was not talking about the last day. He was going to raise Lazarus from the dead this very day.

We project our faith into the future. We believe that if we are faith full we will find eternal life at the end of our journey. But many are in desperate need of conversion and the freedom conversion brings today.

For we find ourselves trapped in tombs of our own making. The key to freedom is Jesus setting us free. His words are life giving.

Consider our self imposed tombs.

1. SIN – We live each waking moment trying to satisfy the desires of the flesh. The world would like for us to believe that sin is not a problem. That in fact sin no longer exists. You can do as you please as long as we do not harm others.

2. SELF INDULGENCE – The Hollywood crowd are the poster children for living a life of self indulgence. Seems we can’t get enough no matter how much we spend.

3. ADDICTION – Drugs alcohol imprison us in a world of darkness and misery.

4. FEAR – There are many today who fear tomorrow to the point of losing today. The joy of today is lost in what might happen tomorrow.

Jesus asks those present at the grave site to roll away the stone. He was moments away from raising Lazarus from the dead. He did not need help removing the stone. But this request points us to the ministry of the Church. We are to assist the Lord in setting people free.

The stone rolled away Jesus calls Lazarus to come out. Lazarus appears bound hand and foot with a cloth over his face. Jesus instructs those present to set him free.

Jesus called Lazarus to come out. He was bound hand a foot. He faced a challenge and struggle to respond. It was not easy. But he did what was necessary to find life and freedom. The Church stands ready to help one and all who seek true freedom but the first step must be theirs. They must desire to step out.

Have you found yourself imprisoned in a self made tomb today? Jesus wants to set you free. Not only on the last day but today. The stone has been rolled away. He is calling your name.

Step out of the darkness into the light of Christ.

I've been a Deacon for a year! Ordination Anniversary

2008-02-22T20:20:00.000-05:00

Time Flies When You’re Having Fun

It seems these days time flies weather you’re having fun or not. People say the older you get the faster time seems to pass. Well I can attest that this past year has past in a bluer. February 10, 2008 marked the first anniversary of my ordination as a permanent deacon. I don’t know where the time went. It seems like yesterday we were preparing for ordination.

It has been quite a year, marked by many firsts. Homilies funerals penance services adult education classes to name a few. Did I learn any thing during my first year? Yes, here are a few lessons that come to mind.

1. I could not have been faithful to my calling without the loving support of my wife.

2. My pastor is a patient wise man.

3. The mistakes I’ve made have been acknowledged and forgotten by a loving parish.

4. I have grown spiritually by helping others.

5. Serving communion to the people of God is a privilege.

6. I cannot believe that God called me to serve his church but I am glad he did.

7. I cannot be all things to all people. But all deserve my respect.

8. Preaching is a privilege that must be taken seriously the parishioners deserve my best.

9. Keeping a balance between work, family and church is a challenge.

10. Prayer is an ingredient that must be cultivated for success.

11. God loves me when I succeed or fail.

These are but a few thoughts on my first year as a deacon. I have gone from feeling like a deer caught in the head lights to I still can’t believe I am a deacon.

God willing year two will be just as wonderful as my first but I don’t know how that can be.

Please keep me and my wife in your prayers as well as all of my deacon brothers.

God Bless you and yours as you strive to serve our Lord.

Baptism of Jesus

2008-01-12T15:47:00.000-05:00

Sunday: The Baptism of Jesus

Waist Deep in Confusion

Advent and the Christmas season have come and gone. I trust everyone had a blessed holiday.

My reflection experience this year centered on the cast of characters God called to bring Jesus into our world. I found some similar characteristics in their calling as well as their response to God’s call.

The first person I considered was the blessed Mother. Her yes was the first step taken to bring about the salvation of the world through her son Jesus. I don’t think we have a full understanding of the difficulties Mary faced by her response to the angel.

She faced the disappointment of Joseph her family and the community. Divorce was a real possibility at the very least, death was also an option. Joseph in a dream learned the truth and took her into his home. She struggled with the unknown her yes did not provide answers to all of her questions or concerns. But she said yes anyway.

Next I considered the wise men. They traveled untold miles from their home to the town of Bethlehem. They came seeking the king of the Jews. They followed a star and found a stable. My pastor suggested in his homily last week that they may have been disappointed finding not a palace but a stable.

But they were not deterred they entered gave homage and presented the child with gifts. The length of their journey and the origin of the journey are unknown. What is known is that they followed through with their calling. They set out on a journey without knowing where they were going. Their reward they found the Son of God.

Today we celebrate the Baptism of the Lord. My attention centered on John the Baptist. He was the forerunner of Christ and we find him waist deep in the Jordan river baptizing those seeking repentance.

All seemed to be going well and John was fulfilling his mission and calling. Than Jesus shows up and John finds himself waist deep in a river of confusion.

Jesus asked John to baptize him. John protests saying you need to baptize me. John has been waiting for the Lord to appear. He had it all worked out in his mind as to how things would go. But God’s ways are not our ways.

Mary said yes not knowing what lay ahead, the wise men set out on a journey not knowing the destination. John the Baptist finds himself in a state of confusion.

How are we to respond when we find ourselves in a river of confusion?

Follow the example of Mary the Wise men and John the Baptist.

John listened to the words of Jesus. We also need to listen to the word of the Lord. We find those words in Holy Scripture. The daily readings offer in site for us as we seek to find our way.

Prayer offers opportunity to present our needs to the Lord. In addition prayer offers time to listen to God. We seem to spend a great deal of time asking God for the things we need. We spend little time listening. A one sided conversation to be sure.

Our journey is a winding one to be sure with many twists and turns. John the Baptist may not have had all the answers but that did not keep him from completing his mission. He was obedient and baptized Jesus.

Confusion and questions abound for all who seek to follow the Lord. But confusion and questions are no excuse for disobedience.

Follow the example of Mary John and the Wise men, and in time you will find Jesus at journeys end.

Happy New Year's -

2007-12-28T20:21:00.000-05:00

Happy New Year!!!!

A new year holds more fascination for me than the Christmas season. We wish those we meet a merry Christmas knowing full well that not everyone we meet will have a merry Christmas.

I spoke with a business acquaintance who shared that her sister had been shot by her husband who then took his own life. Her sister survived the attack. A co-worker lost his dad yesterday the funeral is Saturday. A friend related in a blog that some years ago her mother attempted suicide on Christmas Eve many years ago. She stated that the attempted suicide had stripped the tinsel off the Christmas tree for her.

Unfortunately I could go on relating stories that at the very least put a real damper on Christmas.

But the New Year is a bit different in that it has an element of hope. We can say without reservation Happy New Year. There is no pressure to come up with the perfect gift or traveling from place to place with little or no time to relax and spend quality time with family.

I must interject here that Christmas this year for me was wonderful for many reasons. I do have a problem with the commercialism of the season. But my Christmas is made special because I am married to my best friend. My children are healthy and happy and our daughter was home for Christmas. Having her here was a special treat that I will keep with me forever.

I have no idea what the New Year has in store for me and mine but I know and believe the following:

1. God loves me and I love him.
2. My wife will be there for me no matter what.
3. I am proud of my children.
4. My wife knows I love her more than life itself.
5. My children know I love them.
6. My dog reminds me to be loyal to my friends.
7. I don’t have a large number of friends but the friends I have are an inspiration.
8. Books are important to me.
9. Sickness and suffering are not necessarily bad they teach us to lean on others.
10. I would have enjoyed having lunch with John Paul II.
11. I see the future in the face of my grandson.
12. I have lived long enough to know the end is closer than it was.
13. Not knowing seems to be better than knowing.
14. Our faith has elements of mystery accept it.
15. One person can make a difference.
16. Getting old is getting old.
17. Wide eyed wonder does not have to disappear with age.
18. My parents in large part made me who I am and I miss them.
19. This past year went by to quickly.
20. I suspect this year will pass even quicker.

The list is not in order of importance. I hope you will take a moment to reflect on your past year.

I am not big on New Year resolutions but for those of you who are let me offer this advice.

Resolve to lose weight – Wonderful no gym membership required save your money. Simply stop eating so much and move around every now and than. Going to the fridge to get a snack is not exercise.

Resolve to break a bad habit – Well if you know it’s a bad habit than that ought to motivate you to stop _________ fill in the blank.

Resolve to - you name it – Most resolutions don’t last much past January 2nd.
Is it due to lack of will power or resolve? No failure has much more to do with unrealistic expectations. We resolve to lose 25 pounds in two weeks. Set a goal to lose 25 pounds in twelve months.

If you must make New Years resolutions. How about resolving to set realistic goals in your life, that will make 2008 your best year ever.

May God Bless You and Your Family. Happy New Year

Advent

2007-12-01T16:52:00.000-05:00

First Sunday of Advent
Matthew 24:37-44

Sunday marks the beginning of Advent and a new Church year. Advent provides an opportunity for reflection. Our focus centers on three areas, the birth of Christ, the second coming of Christ and discovering ways to invite Christ into our daily lives during Advent and through out the year.

We are familiar with the persons place and circumstances surrounding the birth of Christ. So familiar in fact that we may not see the benefit of reflecting on this wondrous event. But consider just a few topics that come to mind, Mary’s role in salvation history. Jesus is the son of God and son of Mary. The star, shepherds and wise men led to the stable. A king set on derailing God’s plan of salvation. The birth of Jesus provides a wealth of opportunity to reflect on how this single event has changed our lives.

Our scripture reading from the gospel of Matthew centers on the second coming of our Lord. Jesus used the days of Noah as a back drop to explain his return to earth. Advent encourages us to reflect on our spiritual readiness for the return of our lord. Are we ready if the Lord were to return today? The good news as long as there is life there is hope. If you find your spiritual life has gotten off track Advent offers a great opportunity to get back on track.

Inviting Christ into our daily lives sure sounds simple enough but trust me it’s not. The invite is easy enough but seeing Christ and finding ways and having the courage to let him control all aspects of our lives is not. Advent if we take the time to reflect can help us find the Lord in nature people and the events of every day life. Can you see him in the suffering of others? Is he visible to us in natural disasters? How about when we experience a job loss? Seems easy to see Christ in the good times of our lives. Consider this Jesus suffered should we expect less? I think not. We need to see Christ in all things. What better way to spiritually train than spending time during Advent reflecting on the birth and seconding coming of the Lord and making room for him in our lives.

Remember there was no room for him in the Inn the Savior of the world was born in a stable. Are we guilty of not making room for Jesus? The liturgical year provides us with the method and means to celebrate the Advent and Christmas seasons to the benefit of our souls.
Tomorrow is the first Sunday of Advent a new beginning a fresh start, make a commitment to attend mass each Sunday throughout Advent. Make time to reflect on the true meaning of the season. God will honor your commitment and you will experience the Lord’s presence in a fuller way.

Have a blessed Advent

Merry Christmas

2007-11-30T21:21:00.001-05:00

This That and the Other…….

Ringing the Bell for Pizza

I am not a pizza fan but on occasion I pick up a pie on my way home so I don’t have to go out to eat. Well tonight I stopped at a local pizza place no names but it starts with D and ends in O. I parked and walked to the front door to pick up my pizza and found the door locked. They were busy taking orders and putting pizza in boxes. There was no instruction on the door no clue as to what I needed to do to get in. I found a key pad but no secret code. I knocked and then saw a button on the key pad that said bell, now we are getting some where. I rang the bell nothing happened. I rang again and finally someone pushed a button and I gained entry.

To be honest while I was locked out it crossed my mind to let them keep their pizza. It actually crossed my mind several times. But hey it’s the season to be jolly not going to let a lock ruin my day. But what has the world come to when a place of business must keep the door locked. I could understand if we were talking about jewelry store. But a pizza joint give me a break. What do they think will happen? If someone was going to rob the place if they are smart they will hide the gun and ring the bell. Hey maybe they will take some pepperoni hostage.

Bah Humbug

Well maybe not this year. I have resolved to have a Merry Christmas. In an earlier blog I indicated that my problem with Christmas was the commercialization of the holiday. Well I am sure you have noticed that retailers have not in unison put Christ front and center this season. So what has changed? Quite simply I have. I cannot turn the tide of commercialism but I choose to participate in a limited way. I will spend time with family and friends. Attend mass and do my best to put Christ first during Advent and through out the year.

I have purchased my wife’s gift and she has made travel arrangements for our daughter to celebrate Christmas with us this year. Our oldest son will be home our youngest son will not be with us but we will get together by phone. First and foremost our grandson will celebrate his third Christmas. And you can’t imagine how much fun it is to watch him open his gifts. You can bet he is no scrooge. And he has reached the age where he knows what Christmas is about from a child’s perspective. Imagination is a wonderful gift.

I cannot control what others choose to do but I can make my holiday what I believe it should be. So if I choose I can have a Merry Christmas. I know the pressures placed on parents this time of year to provide for their children. The hustle and bustle in and of itself will ruin a holiday in a heart beat.

It is my prayer for myself and for you that this year Christmas will be a peaceful joy filled season. And may you be surrounded by the love of Christ and those dear to you.

Merry Christmas one and All

Wondering about heaven - Thirty Second Sunday Ordinary Time

2007-11-11T09:04:00.000-05:00

Thirty Second Sunday Ordinary Time

Luke 20:27, 34-38

Wondering about Heaven

The Sadducees a religious sect in Jesus day did not believe in the resurrection. They came to Jesus and proposed a scenario followed by a question. The scenario and question were an attempt to discredit Jesus teaching about the resurrection and life after death.

The scenario is about a young childless widow. Following her husbands death she is given to her husband’s brother in marriage as prescribed by law to provide descendants for her husband. The first brother also dies as well as the second third until all the brothers were dead leaving a childless widow. The wife also dies. The question proposed, following the resurrection whose wife will she be?

Jesus response affirms his teaching of a bodily resurrection and provides insight about what heaven will be like.

1. There will be no marriage in heaven.

Why, because there is no death in heaven. There are many benefits to marriage two of which I want to mention here. The first is children. Children ensured the continuing of the human race. Secondly marriage produces a bond between a husband and wife that does not exist outside the marriage bond. Sex outside of marriage reduces the sex act to one of passion and lust. No bond exists and a mockery of made of the marriage bond.

2. God is the God of the living not the dead

We live on through out all eternity. This is our hope. The apostle Paul said we sorrow not as others who have no hope. God is the God of Abraham Isaac and Jacob. They are physically dead and yet live awaiting the resurrection.

3. Heaven is not an extension of this life

The Sadducees painted a picture of life after death much like this life. Who will her husband be?

We have a tendency to do the same. Heaven is much like this life only better. No death, taxes, tears or pain. All of which are true. But we carry the idea a bit further saying that golfers will play golf. Fisherman will fish and numerous other activities are noted that loved ones enjoyed in this life and will enjoy in heaven. These thoughts bring comfort during a difficult time but have no basis in scripture.

4. We are equal to angels

Angels are immortal and we like them will experience immortality. I don’t have a clue about what type of body we will have in heaven. Wings or no wings take your pick.

5. We are sons and daughters of God

We have the opportunity to have a relationship with God on earth by accepting his gift of salvation. We have a relationship with God in heaven. We fall asleep in death and awake in the presence of God. Quick note here Vatican II did not set aside the Churches teaching on purgatory.

Heaven is not about what we do but who we are. Heaven is about relationship. We experience a relationship with God on earth and that relationship carries on in heaven.

No relationship with God on earth, none in heaven. This life is about preparing for eternity. Are you getting ready for heaven?

Heaven is about experiencing God in a way not possible in this life.

Santa Is Already in town!

2007-11-06T19:03:00.000-05:00

Santa Claus is Coming to Town

I am probably the only person concerned with Santa’s early arrival. I don’t have an issue with Saint Nick but it seems Santa arrives earlier each year. A local mall is proudly announcing Santa’s arrival on November 10th.

You have got to be kidding me. Maybe we should celebrate Christmas on the fourth of July. I think combining these two holidays could be a boost to both days. Not much patriotism these days and Christmas is not what it used to be. It’s no longer the celebration of the birth of Christ. Celebrating the savior’s birth is no longer politically correct. In stead of merry Christmas and happy New Year it’s happy holidays. Happy holidays give me a break.

Well we must be considerate of others beliefs and be careful not to offend. I wondered today if anyone was even slightly concerned with my feelings or faith. The answer is no.

I have never been called and asked by a TV pollster what programs I watch on a regular basis. Or which programs I think should be cancelled. I have never been questioned about my political views. And I have never been asked if I have been offended by the fact that Christmas has been reduced to happy holidays.

Well you bet I am offended, and tired of the birth of the Lord being used to set the cash registers humming for a commercial holiday. No religious symbols in schools, no merry Christmas.

And sad to say we Christians have done very little to stem the tide of political correctness. We are guilty of saying happy holidays instead of merry Christmas. We get caught up in the hustle and bustle of the holiday season.

So where do we go from hear. Well may I suggest we start by putting Christ back in Christmas? Celebrate advent preparing for the coming of the Lord. Teach your children the true meaning of Christmas. Santa has his place, but keep in mind Santa cannot forgive sin. Santa brings gifts but the gift of eternal life is not in his bag.

My prayer for all this Christmas is that we find the peace joy and love only Christ can bring.

Merry Christmas

2007-10-13T20:14:00.000-04:00

A Card Carrying Curmudgeon

Webster’s defines a curmudgeon as a crusty ill tempered and usually old man.

A co-worker called me a curmudgeon can you believe it? She was kidding of course; honest she said she was kidding. By definition I am not guilty. Well ok I can be crusty and I guess ill tempered at times but I am not and old man.

Those that know me would say if you look up curmudgeon in the dictionary you would find my picture. And if I am honest I am guilty as charged from time to time.

That begs the question have you wondered how others see you? Many will stop here and proclaim I don’t care what people think of me or how they see me. Yes you do and the more you protest that you don’t care are signs that you really do.

We all want to be loved and accepted by others. We seek approval and praise for a job well done. Yes even an old curmudgeon needs a hug now and then.

I have another question: From a Christian perspective should we be concerned about how people see us? The answer of course is YES.

As Christians we are to be Christ like. We are to be a reflection of Jesus to others. When people see us do they see the Lord? Of course this reflection of Christ filters through our personality and we are who we are projecting an image of Christ.

Please note that I am not talking about physical appearance, way too much emphasis is placed on our outward appearance. My father in law used to say if the barn needs painting paint it. Looking your best is one thing obsession is another.

Do you live your life mindful of the fact that you are a Christian? Can others see Jesus in you?

As for me I am striving and at times struggling to be a light in this dark world. At times I maybe a curmudgeon but my goal is to be a Christian and a reflection of Christ 24-7.

2007-10-13T20:09:00.000-04:00

Time Does Not Heal All Wounds

Case in point Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas. Justice Thomas has a book on the best sellers list “My Grandfather’s Son. I have not read the book but I have seen two interviews on television and listened as Justice Thomas spoke about his upbringing in Savannah Georgia, his education and his confirmation hearings.

To this point Thomas has suffered in silence, the book opens the door to the heart and mind of this witty, intelligent man who paid a huge price for a chance to be all he could be.

Thomas indicated in one interview two reasons for the Anita Hill accusations. First they were an attempt to keep him in his place and second his confirmation might tip the court to set aside Roe v Wade and abortion would no longer be the law of the land.

After all these years Justice Thomas is still a polarizing figure. Those that opposed his confirmation still do, the black community has issues with his stance on affirmative action.

The interviews were of course designed to promote the book. But they opened the door for the first time to the mind set of Justice Thomas.

My first thought was this guy is still hurting after all these years. He suffered the injustices of Jim Crow laws. His degree from Yale in his mind is tainted his words not mine. I believe he said his law degree resides in the basement.

His confirmation hearings which he said were an electronic lynching were staged to keep him off the highest court in the land. According to Thomas the underlying issue was abortion. Many feared he might tip the balance of the court and over turn Roe v Wade.

Hindsight is 20/20 and looking back Thomas had to face the issues anew to write a book about his journey from humble beginnings to Supreme Court Justice.

Just a couple thoughts about what we may learn from the interviews and the book.
When we are hurt by others the effects can be life long.

Injustices aimed in our direction are not always seen for what they really are.

Defending ourselves is not always successful.

We cannot rely on others to determine our happiness or final destination.

One person can make a difference.

There is nothing a determined individual cannot accomplish if given an opportunity.

Well I am off to read Thomas book, Stay Tuned.

Ghost Walk - - - - -

2007-10-01T20:30:00.000-04:00

A Ghost Walk on St. Simons Island

My wife and I returned home yesterday from a wonderful vacation on St. Simons Island Georgia. Come to think about it all my vacations have been wonderful with only a couple of exceptions. The first exception was a trip to Graceland (Our daughters idea) it was memorable I don’t think I will ever forget the green shag carpet in the jungle room.

The second exception was a trip to Washington DC with our children in tow. I know it’s a great place for kids but not my kids. They all had moments they seemed to understand where we were and why we were there. But for the most part they were miserable and guess what I was not happy. Go figure.

Our children are grown so my wife and I have discovered we vacation very well on our own. Last week while on vacation our daughter joined us for a few days, yes she crashed our vacation. But I must confess her presence made a great vacation even better.

It was her first time visiting St. Simons and it was great as she discovered all the things we love about the island. Since it was her first trip we pondered doing tourist stuff. I work at not being a tourist; we have been visiting the island a couple times a year for over twenty years. But to some locals you are forever a tourist.

We settled on a ghost walk. Saturday night 9:00 PM we gathered at the pier with several other tourists and set out to learn about the spirits that haunt the island.

The first and most memorable stop was the lighthouse. It seems all lighthouses are haunted. Go figure. The story told by the local spirit guide informed us of a murder and the spirit of the keeper who still walks the stairs to tend the light.

Well the spirit named Fredrick did not appear. I was not disappointed though some in the group seemed to be. I don’t know what they expected given the price of admission. Besides if Fredrick had shown up I think those longing for him to appear would have disappeared quicker than he appeared.

I wondered as we walked what place ghosts and spirits have in our world? Yea boy I can really ruin a good ghost walk. I believe in the communion of Saints, but I have a problem believing anyone in heaven would long to return to this life. The answer is they would not return even if they could. St. Simons is a great place but heaven it’s not. But spending time with my wife on a beautiful island is pretty close.

Life's Storms - there is hope

2007-09-12T20:13:00.000-04:00

Hope in the midst of a Storm

Luke 6:17, 20-26

Barak Obama Democrat running for president has written a book titled “Audacity of Hope”.

Apostle Paul admonishes us to “Sorrow not as others who have no hope”.

I meet and talk with people on a daily bases that are on the verge of hopelessness. The storms of life are numerous seemly unrelenting and hope of relief is waning. Where are we to turn how are we to respond when the storms come?

Psalm 1: 1-4 says in part is - Cursed is the man who trusts in human beings, who seeks his strength in the flesh. Blessed is the man who trusts in the Lord whose hope is in the Lord.

Notice the contrast one man is cursed while the other is blessed. As Christians our hope during the storm is not found in our strength but our hope is in the lord.

Luke 6: 17, 20-26 say blessed are the poor, hungry, those who weep. Or we might say hopeful are the poor, hopeful are the hungry, hopeful are those who weep.

Many times people expect bad things to happen to them. And our life experiences have taught us that some times the storms of life do come. The scripture tells us it rains on the just and the unjust. But God uses all things as an opportunity to bless us. We must learn to face difficulties which arise in our lives from a position of faith and trust in the Lord.

So how are we to respond when you face the storms of life?

1. Don’t Announce the Coming Storm

Don’t expect to be devastated by the storm. Don’t let the storm be the defining moment of your life. Jews that survived the Holocaust have been an inspiration for me. They suffered atrocities my mind cannot fathom and yet they did not allow the storm to destroy their remaining days.

The disciples find themselves in the midst of a storm. Mark 4: 35-41 tells us how they responded. They were fisherman by trade and this was not their first storm or their last. So they did what they knew how to do. They rowed for shore bailed water and did the things they learned from previous storms to reach a safe harbor. When the storm comes respond based on past storms.

2. Don’t let your Faith of Yesterday determine the out come of today’s storm

Past failures of faith arise when we responded in our own strength and can ruin our tomorrow. We all stumble and fall from time to time it is part of the human condition. We also seem to enjoy living in the past and respond to a storm today with the faith of yesterday.

The disciples called upon the Lord. They had expectations they saw storm as a man power problem. They thought Jesus would help them row or bail water he would provide the additional man power to get them to shore.

We are guilty of calling upon the Lord and having expectations as to how Jesus needs to respond to our request.

Jesus answered the disciple’s prayer but not in the manner they expected. He did not row or bail water he did not help raise or lower the sail. He simply said peace be still. When Jesus answers our prayers he always exceeds our expectations.

3. Don’t be impatient wait upon the Lord

God does not have a watch and he has no time table. We must have faith and allow God to bring us through the storms of life in his time.

4. Pray

The disciples called upon the Lord and he answered their prayer. During the storms of life we must pray. We must pray even though it seems hopeless. Jesus said I will never leave you or forsake you. Keep in mind we are never alone. I am Alright Jesus is with me.

When you see storms on the horizon follow these four steps:

Don’t announce storm

Don’t let our faith of yesterday determine the out come of today’s storm

Wait

Pray

The same Jesus who calmed the storm on the Sea of Galilee will stand in the midst of your storm and you will hear his words by faith

Peace Be Still

Spiritual Direction

2007-09-09T19:21:00.000-04:00

When you come to a fork in the road take it.
Yogi Berra

As a former Baptist minister the OCIA process provided much needed information about the teachings of the Catholic Church. The initiation process along with practicing my faith as a Catholic Christian for five years led me to accept the call to the diaconate program.

During formation I was confronted with doctrines and dogmas and numerous other concepts that were foreign to me. Not the least of which was spiritual direction. As a Baptist pastor I counseled numerous parishioners experiencing a crisis of faith or a marriage issue. These sessions were not identified as spiritual direction but were simply part of the job.

Entering the diaconate formation program I learned that part of the program included having a deacon mentor and a spiritual director. The deacon mentor is to assist candidates as they move through the program. The mentor knows the ropes and is available to answer any questions and address concerns as they arise.

The spiritual director assists in evaluating the spiritual progress of the candidate. Monthly meetings are required and evaluation reports are submitted to the director of formation.

The concept of spiritual direction was foreign to me and being the counseled and not the counselor was quite disconcerting. I had been the spiritual director for others as well as myself. So adjusting to monthly meetings with my spiritual director was quite a challenge.

I met with my deacon mentor quarterly for five years. I met with my spiritual director monthly, well that was the plan but let’s just say I had to explain on several occasions why my report was incomplete.

Well this does not sound like a rousing recommendation for spiritual direction but let me explain. My background and training made it difficult to get a handle on spiritual direction. I had two spiritual directors over the five year period. I had no frame of reference as to what spiritual direction was and how to get the most out of the sessions. Time and an understanding director helped me to find the purpose of spiritual direction.

So with all that being said I believe having a spiritual director is a tool we can use to make the most of our spiritual journey. The choice of director and frequency of sessions are up to you.

I believe that many Christians don’t utilize the wisdom of a spiritual director for many reasons the foremost being they have no idea what spiritual direction is.

The following article: "What is Spiritual Direction" is found on a website titled Catholic Spiritual Direction. There have been several different types or models of spiritual direction throughout the centuries. Some of us, especially those of us who have read the lives of the saints, have various ideas of what spiritual direction has entailed in the past. There have been relationships of spiritual guidance similar to father/son, teacher/student, master/servant, and confessor/penitent (such as is still common when spiritual advice is given in the confessional). There were also examples in the lives of the saints of spiritual friendships.
Modern spiritual direction most often refers to a relationship which is more like spiritual companionship or friendship where the director is present as a spiritual friend who listens with the intent of helping the directed recognize how the Holy Spirit is leading and working in one's life. The emphasis is on helping the directed develop a good prayer life and relationship with God. The director does not tell the directed what to do in a way that requires obedience. The directed has the final decision as to what to do in her spiritual life. Questions are asked to get to know the directed, her present life circumstances and spiritual life.
The goal is to help the directed to discern how the Holy Spirit is personally leading, recognizing that God has a special and distinct plan for each person's life and everyone is not called exactly the same way. In this sense, there are no better or worse callings or vocations, as the best calling for an individual is God's plan for that person in particular no matter what it might be. Like scripture says, there are many members of the body and all are good and necessary. The idea is to determine and encourage the directed to be the unique person that God made them to be, doing the things that God is personally asking of each of us.
While God has a unique calling and plan for each person and gives individuals different talents, gifts and vocations (and trials and sufferings) as just described, there is also the recognition that God has certain standards and principles that apply to everyone. Jesus gave us a way to know these truths when He founded the Catholic Church to spread his message. Jesus told the apostles, "Whoever hears you, hears me." This still applies today to the pope (and bishops) who are direct successors of the early apostles through the laying on of hands throughout the centuries. He promised to remain with the Church until the end of time and to send the Holy Spirit to lead until all truth. He gave us the Bible which is the inerrant Word of God. He also gave us various saints to teach us how to be closer to God especially saints who have been spiritual directors themselves such as St. Teresa of Avila and St. John of the Cross.
Besides utilizing the teachings of the Church, Bible and Saints for guidance on general principles, there is another dynamic that sometimes happens in meeting with a personal spiritual director. When the director and directed have the intention of prayerfully coming together in God's presence to discern the guidance of the Holy Spirit, it is not only the two people joining together, but Jesus himself there with them. As Jesus said, "For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them.” (Matt 18:20)

Homily: Twenty Forth Sunday Ordinary Time

2007-09-05T20:38:00.000-04:00

Homily: Twenty Fourth Sunday Ordinary Time

Luke 15:1-10

A lost Sheep a lost Coin a lost Soul

The longer gospel reading includes the parable of the prodigal son.

I have chosen to focus our attention on the parables of the lost sheep and the lost coin.

Tax collectors and sinners draw near to listen to Jesus. But the Pharisees and Scribes began to complain. This man welcomes sinners and eats with them.

Note the lack of respect the religious leaders of the day showed Jesus. This man welcomes sinners. This man indeed this man by his death will bring about redemption for all who see him as the savior.

Why would they complain? They were jealous of his influence. The Pharisees and Scribes offered nothing to the sinners the marginalized and the lost. Jesus on the other hand offered a message of hope and love.

Jealousy can over take Christians. They don’t accept the fact that a sinner can become a saint. The church offers a program for Catholics who have fallen away from the church. The program is called Returning Home. Classes are presented and participants are encouraged to discuss the reasons they left the church. In many cases healing of old wounds allow our brothers sisters to return the Church and the sacraments.

I have heard from Catholics that resent the fact that they have been faithful all these years and someone who has been away from the Church for years can take a few classes and all is forgiven.

Today’s gospel and programs like Returning Home are not saying Jesus will not honor our faithfulness. He is emphasizing the joy of conversion. The lost sheep is found the lost coin also is found and the prodigal son returns home.

The Shepard who seeks out the lost sheep is Christ. The second Vatican council applies these verses to priests and how they should approach their pastoral work. They are to seek out and assist believers and non believers, Catholics and non Catholics. Assisting Catholics who have given up the practice of the sacraments. This task is not left to the priests alone. As believers we must share our times talents and treasure to promote the coming kingdom.

The lost coin was probably a drachma a days wages for a farmer. A day’s wages is worth getting out the broom and lighting the lamp and sweeping the house. Is not a soul worth more than a day’s wages?

Have you lost your way? Good news God is looking for you.

Do you have an impediment keeping you from receiving the sacraments? Make a commitment today to do what ever is necessary to remove the impediment and begin again receiving the sacraments.

Have you fallen into sin? God is waiting patiently for your return.

The sheep and coin and a son were all found and the angels rejoiced.

When we make a conscience decision to follow God it makes an angel smile.

Have you made an angel smile today?

Will work for food - - - - -

2007-09-04T19:07:00.000-04:00

Will Work for Food

It is hard to interest those who have everything in those who have nothing. Helen Keller

I am guilty of not seeing Jesus in those who stand on the side of the road holding signs saying they will work for food.

I can justify this position by touting to all who will listen that these folks have no interest in working for food or any thing else. Articles have been written about this cottage industry as to how much money the “will work for food” crowd make in a day. I don’t have the exact figures but the amount is more than I make in a day working eight hours and commuting three.

Well that being said I don’t feel any better. Thomas Merton said writing is prayer. So this is another attempt to pray for the homeless.

This issue comes to the surface of my life from time to time and I am forced to focus on those in our society who have to struggle to survive. I have a difficult time understanding how so many have so little in the country. Do they not have opportunities to climb the ladder? Did they miss the educational train? What happened to them that was not my experience?

In my case family made the difference in my being who and where I am. Education was a must and I was to do my best. My parents both worked and set the example for me, graduate from high school and go to college or work. No sitting at home while my parents worked. I went to seminary and graduated with a bachelor of divinity degree and was pastor of a church at the ripe old age of twenty two.

The key to my struggle with this issue is self sufficiency. I know this because it has been pointed out to me on several occasions by my spiritual director and a monk in a local monastery.

They offered advice and suggestions as to how I might find understanding that self sufficiency is folly. All I have comes from God and his grace in my life. I was challenged to use my rosary to count my blessings. But all of the counseling leads to more questions.

If all I have comes from God is God not interested in the plight of the poor? I know God loves and is concerned for all people. Why am I so blessed and others struggle for their next meal? Jesus said the poor you have with you always. So where and what are we to do with regard to the poor. More specifically what am I to do with the poor?

The key is not to focus on how they wound up where they are. Lack of family support may have contributed to their plight. Maybe adequate education was out of reach. Perhaps they were raised in poverty that has engulfed several generations.

Finding a man in a pond surrounded by alligators we can discuss with this poor creature how and why he is in the pond or we can get a boat and get him out.

You see I really do have an understanding of the issue but to discuss the totality of the issue is not possible here, my struggle is moving from understanding to action. Moving from the head to the heart is a constant struggle.

I have in the past given money to those who requested assistance. But I must be on guard my attitude can ruin a good deed. Money given a dollar at a time is not a sufficient long term answer to the problem but I don’t have the method or means to provide a long term solution. So I am left to determine the best short term response.

I utilize the resources such as Saint Vincent de Paul and local charities and governmental resources but those agencies leave me feeling empty because I find myself at arms length and detached from the process of caring for the needy.

So I have decided a change of attitude is in order. No matter my response or the method if I give begrudgingly it’s in vain. So I will sharpen my vision and give assistance as God makes it available one person as a time.

Please remember me in your prayers as I struggle to see Jesus in the poor and not be judgmental.

Discipleship - Twenty third Sunday Ordinary Time

2007-09-03T18:30:00.000-04:00

Homily: Twenty Third Sunday Ordinary Time

Luke 14:25-33

If anyone comes to me without hating his father and mother wife and children brothers and sisters and even his own life he cannot be my disciple.

The Cost of Discipleship

This theme has pervaded the recent readings. We were encouraged to light our lamps and be prepared for the bridegrooms coming. Jesus statement I have come to set the earth on fire and do not think I have come to establish peace on earth, no but rather division. Gave us pause as we wondered what happened to love peace and joy. Next we were told to strive to enter through the narrow gate. Finally we are instructed to be disciples whose service is marked by humility.

Are we to interpret Jesus words literally? Am I to hate my family and my own life to be qualified to be a disciple of Christ?

Jesus used two examples to illustrate the cost of discipleship.

The building of a tower

The builder before beginning construction counts the costs of building the structure. By counting the cost he eliminates the possibility of running out of funds before the tower is finished.

The king going into battle

The king evaluates his troops and determines the strength of his enemy. If he determines his enemy is stronger he negotiates a peace treaty.

So the question we must answer, What am I willing to pay to be a disciple of Christ?

The answer based on the readings of the last several weeks is EVERYTHING

It is clear from the teachings of our Lord that we cannot be a part time casual disciple of Christ. We must choose Jesus over everything. We must be willing to accept suffering in his name. After all Jesus set the example by leaving his family and giving his all for love of the Father and you and I. His suffering puts any suffering I experience in perspective.

We cannot allow anything to prevent us from being faithful Disciples of Christ. Family and our own lives must not come between us and Jesus. What ever the cost it is not to high Jesus demands our all not a portion of our lives.

Like the builder and the king we count the cost and say yes to Jesus. In light of the gospel everything else is secondary.

We must set priorities. A deacon brother of mine is a huge Michigan football fan. During our formation if Michigan lost a game he would be in a funk for days. Saturday Michigan lost to Appalachian State. I sent him an email wondering if he was in mourning. He responded that since ordination college football though enjoyable was not a consuming activity.

Properly set priorities, counting the cost brings us to the place where we choose serving Jesus over all else. We must count the cost not only for ourselves but for those we serve. If we fail to be of service there is no one else to take our place.

The things of this world family and friends work children and any number of things pull us in many different directions. The cost must be counted and then we must understand that no matter the cost we must follow Christ.

Christ gave his all for us how can we give him less than our all?

Sex - What does God have to do with it?

2007-09-02T12:27:00.000-04:00

The Survey says ….. Part II

Part one the survey says was posted in August of this year. The sex survey completed by researchers at the University of Texas sought to determine why people have sex. The number one reason was because they were physically attracted to each other. The last reason people indicated they had sex was to get closer to God.

September marks the beginning of OCIA classes as well as adult education classes in many parishes. OCIA classes are offered to non Catholics who are searching and inquiring into the teachings and practices of the Catholic faith.

At some point during the inquiry process I present the Catholic teaching on sex and marriage. Marriage is a union between a man and women. This union is developed and enriched through sexual intercourse. In addition sexual intercourse provides the opportunity for the sexual union to provide for the birth of children.

The understanding that only married people are to engage in sex is met with approval if you are discussing teenagers having sex. Adults and parents have no problem saying amen to this teaching. When I tell them that if you are not married you are to abstain from sexual activity no matter your age or station in life they look at me and say you’re kidding? I am fifty years old and you are telling me I can’t have sex?

God has not provided a set of rules and regulations to keep us from enjoying sex. But sex outside marriage is not what is best for us. And God knows and wants what is best for us.

Teens and preteens having sex lead to pregnancy and sexually transmitted diseases. In addition children engaging in sex are not emotionally prepared for a relationship that includes sexual intercourse or the consequences that follow.

Adults in class will occasionally try to convince me that they unlike teens are old enough and emotionally mature enough to engage in sexual activity outside the bonds of marriage.

The sex survey indicates that nothing can be farther from the truth. We have sex because we are attracted to each other. It has been my experience that physical attraction outside the commitment that comes with the marriage bond is fickle. If you are introduced to an individual and discover you are more attracted to them than the one you are currently dating guess what it’s time for a change.

A recent survey indicated that women who date men they found through internet dating services are engaging in sex on the first date about twenty five percent of the time. The survey also indicated the women were engaging in unprotected sex. I can’t believe adults in this day and time participating in such risky activity. So needless to say the argument that mature adults should be allowed to engage in sex outside marriage won’t hold water.

The consequences of such behavior are obvious. The divorce rate is fifty percent. Why? Physical attraction cannot sustain the relationship through the hard times. Children are born into unstable families. Many are raised in single parent homes. Many single parents accept the consequences of their actions and do what is necessary to provide for their child. We need to remember these parents in our prayers. Others it seems are more concerned with what they consider to be best for them. They do not acknowledge responsibility for their acts and continue in a life style which tends to see history repeat itself. We need to remember these men women and children in our prayers. May God’s presence in their life be made know to them and may they be led to spiritual conversion. Lives lived apart from God are not the best choice. As Christians we are called to share the good news with the world so all may know the love of God.

God knows what is best for us, I see this demonstrated each day. The churches teachings are at times not easy to accept. But accepting them can keep us from the pain and heartache we experience when we focus on self.

The survey said the very last reason people have sex is to get closer to God. God being in last place, is it any wonder we have relegated having sex to simple physical attraction.

SEX: Anywhere, with any one, any time can only lead to trouble.

Monks find common ground in prayer

2007-09-01T11:21:00.000-04:00

Monks find Common Ground in Prayer

The Trappist monks who reside at the monastery of the Holy Spirit in Conyers Georgia hosted Tibetan Buddhist monks. The monks offered prayers of thanks giving and fellowship.

The following article appeared in the Atlanta Journal-Constitution news paper. The monks focused on what they share in common a life of prayer. Prayer is a wonderful example for a world that seems to focus on our differences.

At first, the stillness amplified the differences between the monks' prayers.
Soft and light as a whisper, the chants of the Trappist monks crept along the soaring concrete walls of the church. Each note seemed muffled by the thick, moist air at the Monastery of the Holy Spirit in Conyers.
Later, when the Tibetan Buddhist monks began their own sacred song, each tone and vibration seemed to beat back the gray of a rainy Wednesday afternoon. Guttural and bold, each note charged forward and seemed to linger long after the red-robed monks were done.
Yet each group of monks, in its own way, was offering the same thing; a prayer of thanks and fellowship .
It was a mission of fellowship that brought the Tibetan and Catholic monks together. For two years the Tibetan monks have crisscrossed the U.S. and Canada as emissaries of the Dalai Lama, Tibetan culture and to support their monastery in India.
Their Indian place of refuge has a partnership with Emory University, which serves as home base for the monks when they are not on the road. Because of a decades-long relationship between the order of the Catholic Trappist monks and the Dalai Lama, it was only fitting that the Tibetan monks spent an evening at the Conyers monastery.
Despite cultural and language differences, the gesture of ritual united them. Bodies bowed in prayer. All eyes closed tightly in silent reflection. At supper, smiles and nods were exchanged over steaming plates of roasted squash and vegetables.
"The emphasis is what we have in common on a deep level, and that is compassion," said Brother Elias of Holy Spirit. "Today is an era of contention and people are so judgmental. Not to sound New Agey, but it's us joining together to bring positive energy to the world."

2007-08-29T21:19:00.000-04:00

Michael Vick - the dogs have had their day

2007-08-29T20:58:00.000-04:00

Well I Guess the Dogs have had their Day

I have made an effort to distance myself from the Michael Vick mess. But I can’t help myself. It is not a matter of Mike being an easy target and it’s time for me two pile on. I am addressing this issue for two reasons.

I live in Atlanta and can’t get away from constant conversation in the news or around the water cooler at work.

We truly do love a train wreck and Mike has plenty of company. The young Hollywood teen idols absorbed with themselves, going all out to experience pleasure at any cost. Older Hollywood types on entertainment tonight consumed with or just getting over an addiction. One guy who seemed to have it all tried to commit suicide and thankfully failed.

Mike Vick is not alone but that in no way excuses what he has done. The financial cost of his offence is staggering. The enormity of his crime has polarized the city of Atlanta. Sadly his actions to a degree go along racial lines. Some suggest dog fighting is cultural in nature. No matter how you wrap this package it is a crime that people can’t fathom. Mike training dogs to kill, and some how finding entertainment in watching one dog kill another. On top of that the dogs that failed to perform well were put to death. Defenseless creatures dying at the hands of their guardians.

Many are calling for forgiveness for Mike. Some want the harshest penalty possible. I am not passing judgment here it’s not my place. But I am glad the dogs will have their day when Mike Vick faces a judge.

The second reason I was compelled to speak my peace on this subject is the tarnished hero Mike has become to many children. Boys who proudly wore a replica number 7 jersey. Boys who now must try to understand how their hero could possibly be involved in dog fighting. Our sinfulness has a far reaching effect on others.

I wonder and I suppose many of you do to what in the world is going on? We seem to be confronted on every hand with evil. Well that is because we are or are we? I do not think sin is more prevalent but the reporting of sin and evil is constant. The news can be seen 24/7 we have folks with cell phones that have capabilities our grandparents never imagined. Don’t get me wrong there is enough sin to go around and enough people to participate in yes even dog fighting.

As Christians we have much to do to stem the tidal wave of sin. Be the Christians we say we are. Preach the gospel by our living and striving for holiness. Stand up for what is decent and leading others to the peace Jesus promised his follows in a sinful world.

I have no clue as to the sentence the judge will impose on Mike Vick. Many in the news recently have gotten of very light. There is a judgement day coming when God will impose his sentence which will be in accordance to his law.

The dogs will have their day in the Vick case and rest assured God will have his day.

Preparing to preach - A Homily is born

2007-08-27T20:35:00.000-04:00

A Homily is Born Mark 10:46-52

Have you ever wondered how a homily is prepared? I of course can only speak for myself and my homily preparation practices. I am opening this door in hopes it will provide some insight into the preparation required to preach God’s word.

My homily preparation usually follows a well worn path. I begin by reading the first and second readings and noting themes found in both readings. I generally look for words that tie the readings together.

The second step is to read the Psalm and see if it pairs well with the other readings. I make notes here as well.

The third step is to read the readings and psalm together. I leave the homily process at this point and return the next day to continue.

The homily prep continues with the reading of the gospel. I take quick notes as thoughts jump out at me. I read the gospel several times and continue to jot down the themes and thoughts that come to mind.

All my notes are reviewed and a strong sense of a common theme emerges the theme is divided into an outline. The outline is used to compile bullet points that are used to preach the homily.

The process is quite simple but much prayer is required to effectively preach the word of God.

The following homily was prepared and preached by me at my home parish.

A Blind Beggar has a Vision

I want to point out two spiritual lessons found in our gospel reading featuring an encounter between a blind beggar and Jesus.

To spot light these lessons I want to call your attention to a statement Jesus made to his disciples and a question Jesus posed to the blind beggar.

Our story opens with a blind beggar begging on the roadside in Jericho.
He hears Jesus is passing by and begins to cry out Jesus son of David have mercy on me.

The disciples tried to keep him quiet but he cried out even more.

Jesus stopped and told his disciples to call him.

Why didn’t Jesus call the beggar himself?

This statement brings us to our first lesson.

Jesus wants his disciples and his church to be actively involved in bringing people to God.

Evangelism is our first priority. To be successful we all must share our time and talents and treasure to get the job done.

The message: Be of good cheer Jesus is calling you.

The beggar gets up and comes to Jesus.

He cast aside his cloak and the money received from passers by

He left his old life behind

Jesus asks the beggar a question what do you want me to do for you?

This question brings us to the second lesson

We must acknowledge our spiritual brokenness in order to be spiritually healed.

The beggar knew what he needed, I want to see.

If you are praying and your prayers are not being answered you may not have a clear understanding of your needs.

Jesus is still counting on his disciples to call people to him so he can meet their needs.
Let’s follow the blind beggar’s example, after he received his sight he followed Jesus.

To bowl or not to bowl -- that was the question

2007-08-25T21:01:00.001-04:00

Each year during the summer the men in the diocese of Atlanta studying to become deacons are required to attend a retreat. All the men in formation aspirants to seniors are required to attend. The retreat opens on a Friday evening and closes on Sunday.

The golfers arrive early and play golf Friday morning. Over the years the non golfers tried to find an activity that would provide fun and fellowship. In my senior year someone suggested bowling. Little did we know what lay ahead when we agreed to gather on the lanes in Cullman Alabama.

Men being men the competitive nature we possess came to the front almost immediately and the trash talking began. Teams were formed the lanes were reserved and the game was on.

At this point I am sure you are wondering why you should care about men in formation going bowling. Well the answer is not an easy one. As with many things that came up over my years of formation there was never an easy answer. Several events which took place as the retreat approached led to the pondering of a theological question and a paper explaining my answer to the question.

The first sign of trouble came just days before the big match. Two of my classmates announced they would not be able to participate. The first guy dropped his bowling ball on his foot and broke his toe; the other guy came down with pink eye in both eyes.

Emails abounded and it was decided that we would continue as planned. We arrived at the monastery on schedule unpacked and headed to the bowling alley to decide which class was the king of the lanes. As we approached we saw fire trucks police cars and what once was a bowling alley was burned to the ground.

Well being students of theology and all things related to God the conversation at the dinner table was filled with the events related to the great bowling alley disaster. Several men suggested that God had intervened and set in motion the events that disrupted our outing. The broken toe, pink eye and the icing on the cake the bowling alley burned down.
Others disagreed and implied that God had better things to do than disrupt a planned outing to a bowling alley. One of our instructors listened intently and suggested we return to our rooms after dinner and contemplate God’s divine providence in our daily lives.

Upon return for our first class for the evening we were asked to write a paper explaining our thoughts on God’s intervention into our daily lives. Writing papers is a large segment of the formation process. If a question arises more likely than not a paper on the subject will be in order.

Seems silly doesn’t it writing a paper about a bowling match that never took place. But seeking to find a better understanding as to how God operates in our lives is far from silly. The problem was we were limited to a couple of paragraphs. How can you discuss explain or begin to ponder such a question in such few words? I am not sure but my response to the question is written below. Read my answer, ponder the question and if you are so inclined please comment.

To Bowl or not to Bowl

I have searched my concordance from Aardvark to Xylophone.
I find no declaration from God that thou shall not bowl.
But recent events a broken toe, pink eye times two and a bowling alley burned to the ground might lead one to surmise that God would rather have us stay away from the lanes.
But scripture is silent on the issue as well as the catechism, tradition and cannon law.
So if your toes are not broke and your eyes are not pink if you can find a lane and maybe a cool drink.
Then bowl my brother bowl

Dark night of the Soul

2007-08-24T20:30:00.000-04:00

Mother Teresa is in the news. Personal letters revealed that she struggled with her faith to the point she questioned the existence of God. Some are suggesting she should not be considered for sainthood based on her confession.
The Christians I have known who are on a level spiritually that I have yet to attain without exception all experienced dark nights of the soul.
The following is a paper I wrote while in formation expressing where I was spiritually speaking during my second year in a five year process. I decided to share these thoughts and concerns in hopes it might help someone who may be struggling with their faith. Additionally I wanted to share my faith struggle get it out in the open for all to see. My dark night of the soul according to some will eliminate any possibility of sainthood for me. Oh well as a Baptist I never considered sainthood any way. Truth is sainthood is between me and God not a bystander reading isolated thoughts and fears.
Please read on…….. A Dark Night
Deacons are obliged to give priority to their spiritual life. They should integrate family, professional life and ministerial responsibilities. The goal of realigning priorities in our lives is to grow in our commitment to the person and mission of Christ.
My life seems to be one realignment after another. A perpetual discernment process. Having traveled this road from a different direction you may think that this process is a walk in the park for me. In some ways it is easier and in others it is a mountain to climb.
I can say without reservation that God is first in my life. God however may wonder where I am at sometimes. I think alignment of priorities can not be done one time to be set in stone forever.
Last year I heard that the ideal list or order would be work, family then formation. The reality for me is that during formation the formation process is first. As the year progresses formation may get pushed down to last place behind work or family or ministry.
The key for me is to continue to examine where I am determine what the most pressing needs are and address those areas first. My relationship with God suffered when I was in seminary. Seems odd but trying to study, work and maintain a family life left little time to pray and meditate. After graduation the prayer life and bible study came easier because they took priority, pasturing the flock came next and as a result my family suffered.
At this point in formation the squeaky wheel is getting the grease.
The help I am receiving is coming from my family. Beckey has been very understanding when I have gotten up from the dinner table to go study. I could not begin to complete this process if she was not there to help me. In addition I have my Deacon Mentor. He has made time for me. But to be honest it is extremely difficult for us to get together. We talk on the phone from time to time. His insight into this process has been helpful.
My spiritual advisor, a good man with a big heart has not been a great deal of help. It is partly him and mostly me. I am in a different place than the other men in formation I have done many of the things we are preparing to do. My spiritual direction has been my responsibility for my entire Christian live. It appears I do not take direction well, and have a need to do my own spiritual direction. Old habits are hard to break. But I think more than that I don’t share what is on my mind with him. I suppose I still want to do it myself. I am not saying I have not been helped by his advice but I am not getting all I can from this aspect of the process.
My prayer life is much the same as it was during the interview process for formation. I get bored easily and making time for the office is not always easy. The office helps keep me on track but I am still learning to pray the office. I suppose I over look some things and at times do not pray the office properly but I don not think God is concerned with all that.
This year has been one of the most difficult for my family and me. We made the decision to have Becky’s parents move in with us. So we found a house suitable for all concerned, purchased the new house and put the old one on the market. In the midst of all of this Beckey’s Mother was diagnosed with lung cancer. She was operated on and died nine days later, unable to recover from surgery.
Beckey’s Dad moved in and we are adjusting to the new living arrangements. The old house is still on the market, so we now have two mortgage payments. Through all of this I put my family first and my formation responsibility has taken a back seat.
We learned last week that Beckey has to have knee replacement surgery. It is scheduled for August 13. Once again I find myself adjusting and realigning my priorities. My formation has to be placed once again on the back burner. My family must take the top spot for awhile.
Many things have taken place this year; my life has changed and is evolving everyday. Though I may not always pray the office correctly it is a blessing to me. I know all the men in formation, all the Priest and Religious are praying with me. The sense of community I have found in this processes as well as the church is a comfort. I know I am not alone. If I ask for prayers for myself and my family I know my Brothers whisper my name to God.
This year has been a struggle. Just because you commit to formation does not mean life stops and allows you to get off for five years later and jump back on when it is over. Life happens during these five years of formation. Our loved ones die, difficult decisions are made. Life goes on. Hopes, dreams, troubles, trials all come our way. These things make formation more difficult to be sure. But the formation process can be the life line to get us through the hard times. The time we invest in formation can be a blessing or a curse. Our attitudes will have a great deal to do with how we view the things life throws our way.

Our Father who art in heaven ----------

2007-08-23T19:42:00.000-04:00

Any understanding we have of who God is comes through Divine Revelation.
“It pleased God in His goodness and wisdom to reveal Himself and to make known the mystery of his will”.
The image of God seen in the Old Testament seems far from that of a loving Father: yet he did not abandon Adam and Eve after they fell into sin.
“But God did not abandon our first parents after the fall, God brought them up with the hope of Salvation”.
The love of the Father is seen in God’s actions to redeem mankind. We may have to look past the flood of Noah’s Day, the thunder and lighting, the tablets of stone at Mt. Sini. Yet who but a Father would love a simple people this much? When I read the Old Testament I admit it is at times difficult to see God as Father or understand His divine will as that of a loving Father, when judgment seemed to rule the day. But it was in fact the Father who called Abraham to prove his faith by sacrificing this son. The type and picture of the sacrifice the Father would make with His only son Jesus.
Then God said “Take your son your only son Isaac whom you love, sacrifice him there as a burnt offering.
God has in every age revealed Himself as a loving Father. Revelation comes to us from many sources which transcend time. Creation in an of itself is the beginning and foundation of all Gods works. My parents in partnership with God created me, my mother the vessel allowed the grace of God to bring me to life. Not a distant angry God, but a Father who sought to have a relationship with me.
“For you created my inmost being: you knit me together in my mother’s womb”.
The Nicene Creed in its opening statement affirms God’s role as Father: “We believe in one God, the Father, the Almighty, maker of heaven and earth”. There can be no doubt that the church from its inception had a perception of God as Father through creation.
Looking back to the creation of our first parents and forward to my creation, God the Father has been the divine source of love that set our world and my world in motion. The church has an understanding of God as Father in redemption, as well as creation.
By calling God “Father” the language of faith indicates to main things: That God is the first origin of everything and transcendent authority; and that He is at the same time goodness and loving care of all his children.
God’s greatest expression of Himself as Father is though Jesus Christ. The revelation of God as Father in an unheard of sense. He is not only creator but he is eternally Father in relation to the Son.
“No one knows the Son except the Father, and no one knows the Father except the son.”
Following this apostolic tradition, the church confessed at the first ecumenical council at Nicaea (325) that the Son is consubstantial with the Father, that is, one only God with Him. Jesus said, “if you have seen me you have seen the Father”.

Jesus the second person of the trinity as the Nicene Creed proclaims “Through Him all things are made”. We see the love of the Father though the creation of the Son. Jesus was the manifestation of all the attributes of the Father.
A father watches over his children, even with a passing glance at the life of Christ we cannot miss the unconditional love Christ expressed for all His creation. The sacrifice of his own life to redeem all of mankind is the perfect example of the Father’s love.
Creation, redemption and the second person of the Trinity has given the church ample understanding of God’s father image.
The liturgy of the Church expresses our understanding of God as Father. The disciples came to Jesus and said: “Lord Teach us to pray.” He said to them, “When you pray say: Father, Hallowed be your name, your kingdom come. Give us this day our daily bread. Forgive us or sins, for we also forgive everyone who sins against us. And lead us not into temptation” The disciples had an understanding of God as Father.
From its inception the Church has incorporated the Our Father prayer into it liturgy. Together we as a church, Christian, sons and daughters of God express our belief that God is our Father.
On some level the early church experienced God as Father. As time passed our God experience has evolved to a greater appreciation of this image. Creation, redemption, Jesus and the liturgy are all evidence that God is seen as Father by the church.
Though the working of the Holy Spirit we are all given divine revelation. The path we take to come to a personal relationship with God is different for everyone. Yet together at the same time, we seek a very intimate relationship with our God. We are seeking to fill a void in our lives with a relationship with God. Not the God far way, all powerful and knowing, but a relationship with Father God, Abba, Daddy. It seems beyond our very imagination that he would set world in motion would desire to love me as Father.
The New Testament, the words from the mouth, lips of God bring us to understand God as Father. The Church experiences God and His love through the reading of scripture at Mass. The church understands and experiences God as a Father though our imperfect earthly fathers. Though imperfect many Dad’s exhibit the love of God. The care and concern for those placed in their care. Placing the needs of their family before own. The church has ample opportunity to know the love of a father as they walk with their earthly fathers. The sacraments, in particular the Eucharist shows us God as Father. The Father providing for the needs of his children.
The children of Israel experienced God providing for them as they journey through the desert. God provided manna. “He gave you manna to eat in the desert something your Father had never known”. Food from Heaven provided by the Father. The nation of Israel gathered the heavenly bread as instructed. They had no part in providing the manna, they did not produce it. It was a heavenly gift from their Father.
The lives of the Old Testament people serve as guidepost to the church. God provided the divinely inspired written history for our edification. The Eucharist our heavenly bread is provided by God. (Manna was a type or picture of Eucharist.)
God provides for this children the body and blood of Christ at each mass. It nourishes our souls. He provides exactly what we need. He knows what we need even before we ask. He knows us better than we know ourselves.
Which of you, if his Son asks for bread, will give him a stone? Or if he ask for a fish will give him a snake? If you then through you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in Heaven give good gifts to those who ask Him?
If we miss the Father image in creation, or in redemption though I don’t see how, if we miss him though the roll of Father though the Son and prayer or scripture, we must surely see him as Father in the Eucharist. As a Catholic for six years I wonder at times how I ever grew as a child of God with out communion. I received communion (crackers and grape juice) but not the body and blood of Christ. The spiritual food provided by the Father through the Son. I am jealous of the cradle Catholics who have been blessed to have received this gift of grace for so many years.
The question; what is the churches understanding of God as Father? I don’t think of the hierarchy of the church when I read the question, I think of the individuals who make up the body of Chirst.
That being said, I can see God’s revelation of Himself as Father, but I think the churches understanding of God as Father ebbs and flows. At times I can see we get it, but there have been times when the light of revelation was dim. As I mentioned the Israelites wandering in the wilderness probably had a tough time seeing God as a father figure. The church pre-Vatican II, I don’t believe experienced God as Father. Their experience of God for the most part was less personnel. The parable of the talents would express their God experience rather well. The master gives one servant five talents another two and the thirds servant one. Then he went on his journey. The servant who received five talents put his talents to work and gained five more. The one with two talents gained two more. The servant with one talent went off dug a hole and hid his master’s money. When the master returned he rewarded the first two servants. The third said to his master “I knew you were a hard man harvesting where you do not sow.”
The scale of God with our sins on one side and good works on the other. At the very least we pry for balance. The image of scales and being weighted in the balance and found wanting. Thank God for Vatican II, post Vatican II the image of God has drastically changed. I think the parable of the prodigal son found in Luke Chapter 15.
A young man took his share of his Fathers Estate, squandered it in wild living, came to his senses and returned home. But while he was a long way off his Father saw him and was filled with compassion. Of course we don’t all walk the same path at the same time but the church as the body of Christ understands the term father as it relates to our God. The Father aspect of the first person of the Trinity is seen in all the ways I have mentioned. Creation, redemption, Jesus, the Holy Spirit. The scriptures with all the rich images of father. The liturgy, Eucharist and our prayer. Through all these things the church understands God as Father. God’s prayer and desire for us I believe is that all of His creatures would have the confidence to address Him as Father, Abba – “Daddy”.

How many commandments did you break today?

2007-08-22T20:37:00.000-04:00

The First Commandment comes on the scene without much fan fare not unlike the opening declaration of God’s Existence found in Gen. 1:1 “In the beginning God created the Heaven and Earth”.
The First Commandment declares our God is one God and demands our love and attention. No explanation of who God is, or why we should be concerned with Him. But because He is … is all the explanation required to demand our undivided attention. The creator has no need for His creation. The creation however is dependent on the creator.
Three things come to mind as I have reflected on the First Commandment.
God created a covenant with Israel with the commandments
All sin is the result of the breaking of the First Commandment
God has provided the means through the sacraments and the indwelling of the Holy Spirit for us to keep the commandments
The Ten Commandments are God’s love letter to this creation. But they are much more that a love letter they are a covenant relationship between God and Israel. As a protestant I have viewed the dialogue from the negative “Tho shall not” position. But the commandants and in particular the first commandment declare God’s love for us. I am the Lord found in scriptures and at the beginning and end of his commandments.
You shall worship the Lord your God and him only shall you serve. Hear, O Israel …
God reached out, God expressed his love first. This action requires a response. The writings of the Old Testament reveal the nation of Israel’s response to God from the exodus the prophets, kings and finally to His son. The love God requires that we accept existence.
Atheism is a denial of the existence of God. I have met several atheists and I am not convinced by their arguments or actions that they actually deny God’s existence but rather use the argument to ignore God.
If my assumption is true our world has as abundance of people who choose to ignore God, call them what you will. We are called to love God and many ignore the call and the God who is calling.
We are to love with all out heart and soul and strength.
Many people who acknowledge God’s existence are guilty of ignoring Him. Calling upon Him when a need arises. Sickness, death or a natural disaster bring calls for God’s immediate assistance.
God is asking a great deal more from us. He is seeking a deep devotional love and relationship from His creation. But we continue to serve the gods of this world.
Materialism a desire to have or accumulate possessions and wealth. This attraction to things causes many to work instead of worship. Malls and stores open on Sunday without regards to God’s call to worship and rest.
We can elevate the most mundane of possessions to the place of prominence. How God must grieve over our choices of things to take His place.
Our moral life has its source in faith in God who reveals his love to us. The greatest hindrance to putting God first and that is what he expects is ME. The face reflected back at me in the mirror is the biggest hindrance in placing God first.
We are to nourish and protect our faith with prudence and vigilance, and reject everything that is opposed to it .
Rejecting everything opposed to faith. I will either reject the things that keep me from God or the God who has provided all the possessions I hold so dear. The unemployed pray for gainfully employment and then work day and night, forgetting the God who provided the work.
We seek the love and companionship of others, family, spouse and friends. Only to allow the love expressed toward them to take the place of the creator of love. Rest, vacation and leisure time are all valid and required to live a balanced healthy existence. But we must reject the notion that these activities take the place of worship and time devoted to God.
A place on the lake visited on Sundays, a golf course packed with people seeking quiet and relaxation. We need to set our priorities and goals with God in His proper place. Seek Ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness and all these things will be given to you as well. What things will be given; Food, clothing and drink.
The present sinful condition of the world can be attributed to the godlessness of those who profess to know God and don’t follow Him. God is calling us to place Him first to love Him with all our heart and soul.
All sin is the direct result of the breaking of the first commandment. If God had His proper place in our hearts the sin that haunts us would be diminished.
God has challenged us to put Him first. It is plain to see we have not in mass headed God’s call. What do we need to do to comply with the first commandment?
Acknowledge God’s existence and proper place in our world.
Love God above all things.
Love our neighbor as ourselves.
Consider a world where these three statements were true even if only for a few hours.
If God had His rightful place we would be good to ourselves and others. My mind would be free from sin, doubt and fear.
What one thing would I be able to do for God if I was not afraid? God never intended for us to be live in fear. But we are fearful due to sin in our lives.
To love God with all my heart, and mind; the words imply completeness. No small corner saved from Gods influence. No hiding place or secret room. So God must be master of our very being. We must surrender our hearts to Him without reservation.
Let’s consider the complete surrender of our hearts and minds to God. What does it mean? What does it look like?
A changed world must begin with one person, loving and serving God in their corner of the world. The church has been commanded to go into the entire world and preach the Gospel. We are the catalyst God uses to save the world one soul at a time.
The calling of the disciples in the gospel of Matthew impresses me in its simplicity. Jesus called and one by one these unlearned fishermen responded. They had a profound influence on their world and that influence has reached out over thousand years to me in my world.
A long line of the faithful is to witness to the need for and the availability of God’s love.
As a convert to the Church I appreciate the loving sacrifice made by many to proclaim the truth found in scripture and tradition of the Catholic Church.
The deposit of faith held by the faithful down through the years. The salvation of the world, salvation of the soul is found in the Catholic Church. Truths concerning God and salvation are found in all religions. But the truth from Peter to John Paul II has been entrusted to the Catholic Church. The celebration of the Mass is a moment frozen in time when we experienced the love of God as intended from the beginning. We if only for a moment surrender ourselves; we see God as He is. We say AMEN at the consecration of the Host. We receive the body of Christ, His divinity, we are Christ like. We love God with all our hearts, minds and souls and our neighbor as ourselves.
This transformation is possible through the reception of the body of Christ. The sacrament of the Eucharist, and outward visible sign of the application of inward grace. A physical sign of an invisible reality.
The First Commandment is fulfilled in our lives through the sacraments, specifically the reception of Holly Communion.
I have reflected many times on the last six years. My reception into the Catholic Church. What was it specifically that brought me to Mass, the OCIA process and the Easter Vigil? Desire to love and serve God? The opportunity to experience the symbols so prevalent in the Catholic Church? Finding a spiritual power through the Holy Spirit in the Sacraments? When I narrow my search it is the power of God in the Sacraments that help me succeed in living out the First Commandment.
The commandments are not negative stop signs on my faith journey but green lights to experience Gods love as I turn from things that separate me from God and say “yes” to God, to love Him with all my hear and soul through the Sacraments.
The power of the Eucharist has been and is being revealed to me on a regular basis. The Eucharist enables me to say yes I love God and my neighbor. Because I am full of the divinity of Jesus Christ. At this time I cannot fully understand all the theological implications of the Eucharist but I know the difference it has made in my life.
I am not capable in and of myself to meet the demand of God in the First Commandment. But God had provided all I need to succeed. God has provided the sacraments, the Church, the Scriptures and the people of God to assist me, encourage me as I strive to meet the demands of the First Commandment.
To keep the commandment is to correspond to the wisdom and the will of God as expressed in His work of creation. When I keep the commandments I respond to the wisdom of God. It is this wisdom that created the commandment in the first place. God desired a relationship with His creation. He does not need or require such a relationship but wants what is best for us. A relationship with the Creator – what could be better!
Jesus acknowledged the 10 Commandments but he also showed the power of the Spirit at work in the letter of the law. He preached a righteousness which exceeds that of the Scribes and Pharisees as well as that of the Gentiles, He unfolded all the demands of the commandments. “You Shall Love your neighbor as yourself.” Love does no wrong to a neighbor; therefore love is the fulfilling of the law.
If you love the Lord your God, by walking in his ways, and by keeping His commandments, then you shall love and multiply. God gave the commandments for our edification. The ten words sum up and proclaim Gods law. They also proclaim that God loved us first. The Ten Commandments have occupied a place of predominance since St. Augustine.
The commandments deal with loving God and neighbor. The first three deal with Loving God the last seven with loving our neighbor. “From the beginning God had implanted in the heart of man the precepts of the natural law. Then He was content to remind him of them. This was the dialogue. We are obligated to comply with the Law of God. The commandments are engraved on our hearts.
Apart from me you can do nothing. God makes demands and then provides the means for us to meet His obligations. Adoration is the first act of the virtue of religion. TO adore God is to acknowledge Him as God, as creator and savior, the Lord and Master of everything that exist, as infinite and merciful love.
All men are bond to seek the truth, especially in what concerns God and His church and to embrace it and hold on to it as they come to know it.
The revelation of the reality of Christ sharing His body and blood with the Church is the one doctrine that brought me to Catholicism. The fact that God is intimately involved in revealing the truth through the church was also important to my conversion. A Baptist sole source of authority is the Scripture. Thank God for tradition and on going revelation. The Bible is God’s revelation of Himself to mankind but it is not the only revelation.
The commandments push us to seek the truth, who is my neighbor? And once found we embrace it and live it. The scripture tells us of men and women of faith who followed God and loved their neighbor.
We gain insight and strength from reading about Abraham and his only son Isaac. Father we have wood and a knife but where is the sacrifice. Abraham responded “God will provide”. People caught in the snare of sin, the woman about to be stoned, Jesus said
“He who has no sin cast the first stone”. Then to the woman “GO and sin no more”. Truth revealed must be embraced and taken to heart.
God had placed his servants in my path to reveal truths to me with love and compassion. Truths that the commandments are expressions of love straight from the heart of God and not a list of Thou Shall Not's to make me miserable when I fall into the misfortune of sin. But valentines expressing God’s love for me.
Is the law valid in our day and time? Of course it is. The precept of loving God and our fellowman never goes out of date, but we are in the dispensation of Grace aren’t we? True we have been in a Grace period from the moment of our birth. The law points to our need of salvation and the inability of the law to save us.
We must love God with all our heart, mind and soul. We must love our neighbor as ourselves. Jesus said “Let not your heart be troubled” don’t be concerned with the concerns of day to day living.
God demands a great deal from his creation, but He has given so much more. I love God and my neighbor not out of obligation but from heart felt gratitude for all the blessings I have received. Not the least of which is the opportunity to receive Christ in the Eucharist and to worship and serve God in the one Holy and Apostolic Church, the Catholic Church.
If God’s revelation to me would cease today I am blessed by His body and His church. When I return to my seat after receiving communion and kneel down and pray I lift my head and watch my brothers and sisters receive Christ. As they make their way to their seats I see Jesus in them as they pass my pew. At that moment the Church is filled with the Love of God and His people are prepared to leave the mass to present Jesus to the world.
“This Mass has ended let us go forth from this place to Love and serve the Lord”, and the people respond –
THANKS BE TO GOD

Do you shop on Sunday ........

2007-08-20T19:56:00.000-04:00

Work is a foundation for the formation of the family life, which is a natural right and something that man is called to do.
We are called to work and we reap the benefits of our labor to a point.
We are also called to rest and if we focus on remembering the Sabbath and resting it becomes clear that work and labor have seen drastic changes. The compendium of the social doctrine of the Church calls these changes new things in the world of work.
A new form of property has appeared capital and a new form of labor – labor for wages. In this way labor became a commodity to be freely bought and sold on the market more over the worker was not even sure of being able to sell his own commodity continually threatened as he was by unemployment.
If you are not willing to work overtime, double shifts or Sundays there are people will to sacrifices freedom and family for a pay check.
The Catechism of the Church states: God’s action is the model for human action. If God rested and was refreshed on the Seventh Day, man too should rest and let others especially the poor be refreshed.
The Sabbath is a day of Rest against servitude of work and the worship of money.
The Scripture admonishes us to observe the Sabbath and keep it Holy. Deut. 5:12
The Seventh Day is a Sabbath of solemn rest Holy is the Lord. Ex. 31:15
God has set an example with regards to man and work that we have ignored. There are those who out of necessity must work on Sunday but are provided rest during the week.
Sanctifying Sundays and Holy Days require common effort. Every Christian should avoid making unnecessary demands on others.
Sunday has become like any other day with regards to commerce. The shopping malls are open; restaurants stand ready to serve – from fast food to fine dinning. Sunday appears to be just another day. It was not always this way. There was a time in our history when Sunday was as God intended – a day of rest. What happened – what has changed that has relegated Sunday to being JUST ANOTHER DAY?
The repeal of Blue Laws. Blue Laws restricted certain activities, particularly shopping hours on Sunday. It had its root in accommodating Christians Sunday worship. Though it persists to this day more as a matter of tradition.
In recent years 40 states including Massachusetts have scaled back those laws. MIT Economist Jon Gruber just finished analyzing the effect of those changes. He says “it is quite a sticking response, they go to church less and give to church less”.
One of the main reasons given to discontinue the Blue Laws is that they are out of date for today’s society. Nothing is further from the truth. If anything they are more compatible and necessary today than at any other time in history. Sunday closing laws are compassionate legislation that is pro-family, pro-environment and pro-labor.
It is highly likely that all Blue Laws stem from the first such statute set down by Emperor Constantine.
“Let all Judges and all city people and all tradesmen rest upon the venerable day of the Sunday.”
Blue Laws date back to the Colonial Period, starting with the first Blue Law in 1610 that required the citizens of Jamestown to keep the Sabbath day holy.
But it was not until the early twentieth century that such statute became common. Church groups and some merchants association supported these measures, auguring that society would benefit if citizens were required to take a day of rest.
In 1961 the U.S. Supreme Court ruled that Sunday closing laws were Constitutional, since such laws were Civil and not religious in Nature.
Police found the strict enforcement was impractical and the Virginia General Assembly enacted twenty one exemptions to the Blue Laws. In 1974 the Legislation allowed each city and county the right to suspend or retain closing laws. Finally in 1988 a group of Virginia Beach businessmen initiated the case that ended Blue Laws in the state of Virginia.
One of the last remaining Blue Laws in the United States that covers virtually all selling is found in Bergan County, New Jersey. Grocery stores are allowed to operate.
Repeated attempts to lift the laws have failed. As many locals see keeping the laws on the books as a protest against increasing hours and days of commercial activity.
Texas as well as Colorado, Illinois, Indiana, Michigan and Minnesota continue to operate car dealerships under Blue Laws prohibitions in which an automobile may not be purchased or traded on Sunday.
Many unusual features of American custom such as the fact one can buy groceries, office supplies and house wares from a drugstore are the result of Blue Laws. Drug Stores were allowed to remain open on Sunday to accommodate emergency medical needs.
The simple fact of supply and demand led to the repeal of the Blue Laws. People were ready and willing to shop and merchants were willing to open their doors, (even on Sunday) to take their money.
Will we ever see the Blue Laws in affect again? The answer is NO.
Commerce, retailers, consumers have become accustom to buying and selling on Sunday.
It is possible for a retailer to succeed in business today and close his business on Sunday? Yes, we have an example of a retailer in Georgia who from the beginning refused to cave in to the worship of money and has closed the doors to his restaurants on Sunday. Despite his loss of Sunday revenue his business has thrived. Who is this man that has taken a stand against conventional wisdom which says “closing on Sunday is folly”?
Truitt Cathy, founder and CEO of Chick-Fil-A. Chik-Fil-A motto is - “We exist to glorify God by being a faithful steward of all that is entrusted to us and to have a positive influence on all who come in contact with Chick-fil-A.”
The Family Christian Book Stores chain has enacted a policy of opening their doors on Sunday. As a Christian bookstore, they should feel especially obligated to close their stores on Sunday. Instead, they appear to have made a conscious decision to seek profit at the expense of others. By opening their stores, they are contributing to the weakening of the church's witness, the decay of our society and the lowering of standards.
Will we ever see Sunday as a Holy Day and an opportunity to rest? Not as long as Christians do not set the example. We leave our churches and race to our favorite restautant for Sunday Dinner. It used to be that the favorite place for dinner on Sunday was at home with family and friends. Now we rush through a Sunday service so we can get to the Piccadilly before the Baptist, who are trying to get there before the Methodist.
If we as Christians make a collective choice and honored the Lords Day by staying home we might turn the tide of supply and demand and force the closing of restaurants and stores for one day a week.
If no one enters the shop on Sunday the business owner would have no choice but to close shop. We can complain about no one horning the Lords Day but maybe a better choice of action is to honor the Lords Day ourselves and encourage others to do the same.

Blessed Mother and a Baptist Preacher

2007-08-16T20:50:00.000-04:00

The Blessed Mother and a Baptist Preacher

My years as a Baptist minister were filled with study, prayer, countless sermons and all the duties related to being a pastor.

Theological differences led me to seek answers to a number of questions. My presentation detailing why I joined the Catholic Church culminates with a one word answer: the sacraments. Sifting out all the fringe issues it repeatedly came back to the sacraments, specifically Holy Communion.

Well it has been eleven years and Holy Communion still remains the number one reason I became Catholic. Over the years I have discovered numerous additional reasons to become a part of the Catholic family.

I will spare you a mundane list and focus on one treasure. It took me several years to uncover this wonderful gift and still several more years to appreciate it.

This wonderful treasure was not hidden but I focused on other things and almost missed this gem the Blessed Virgin Mary.

As a Baptist minister my knowledge of Mary was limited to the virgin birth. I never questioned the concept of the virgin birth after all it’s in the Bible.

As I began to study in earnest the dogmas surrounding Mary I was quite surprised to find I was in agreement with the assumption of Mary her perpetual virginity and the fact she was born without original sin.

I don’t claim to understand how these things can be but in my limited knowledge they made sense. The chosen one who would bring the Son of God to the world would need to be a vessel without blemish. The ever virgin dogma eliminates all possibility that Joseph was the father. And the assumption completes Mary’s yes to the angel as she surrendered to the will of God.

I was profoundly moved by a lecture given by a priest instructor during my deacon formation classes. The title of the class was Mary’s Yes. Mary set an example for all to follow giving ourselves without reservation to God and his divine will.

I began to examine my motivations and actions in light of Mary’s example and instead of feeling like I was very inadequate I discovered her example to be encouraging.

If I respond to God with a resounding yes to follow him the same Holy Spirit which filled Mary is available to me as well. The same grace is mine the same hope for the future is mine.

From a very limited knowledge of Mary to being the spiritual director for the legion of Mary is quite remarkable. As I continue my spiritual journey I am amazed by the means and methods God uses to bring me to a deeper relationship with him.

There are many hidden treasures in the Catholic Church. I encourage everyone to consider the treasure beyond price The Blessed Virgin Mary.

Hail Mary full of grace blessed are you among women and blessed is the fruit of thy womb Jesus. Holy Mary Mother of God pray for us sinners now and at the hour of our death.

Twentieth Sunday of Ordinary Time

2007-08-13T21:16:00.000-04:00

Twentieth Sunday Ordinary Time
Luke 12:49-53

Jesus said to his disciples:
I have come to set the earth on fire, how I wish it were already blazing.
Do you think I have come to establish peace on earth? No I tell you but rather division.
From now on a father will be divided against a son and a son against a father.
Mother against daughter and daughter against mother.
Mother in-law against daughter in-law daughter in-law against mother in-law.

OK what did they do with the real Jesus? My friends this is the same Jesus who uttered from the cross Father forgive them for they know not what they do.

So what are we to make of these statements that seem out of character for our Lord? First of all they are not at all out of character but very much in line with the teachings of Christ.

We are disturbed by these statements because they don’t agree with the gospel we have fashioned around our own interpretation of the teachings of Jesus. Many today choose to practice a gospel of ease and comfort.

Many protestant ministers are preaching a prosperity gospel. Jesus was rich and he wants us to be rich also. The only one getting rich preaching this gospel are the preachers.

Catholics are not immune from following the teachings of Jesus and his Church that meet their needs and leaving the difficult choices to others. This cafeteria style gospel picking this leaving that is akin to allowing a toddler to choose to eat candy for dinner each evening and skipping the vegetables. Our bodies cannot function on a diet of sweets. Our souls can survive on a diet of doing what we think is right.

There are numerous self serve gospels available none of them have received the imprimatur of our Lord.

The gospel Jesus preached brought about division. Jesus calls us to take up our cross and follow him. We don’t see much division brought about by the preaching of the gospel today. We have become politically correct in our preaching. How long has it been since you heard a homily about the devil? Or a homily condemning the prevalent sins of our society today?

Jesus teachings by their very nature bring about division. So if we don’t see or experience division brought about by the preaching of the gospel maybe we are hearing a gospel Jesus never preached.

The Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary

2007-08-12T19:01:00.000-04:00

The Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary

August 15 marks the solemn feast celebrating the dogmatic belief that Mary upon her physical death was assumed body and soul into heaven.

The Church has held this belief from around the 5th century. Pope Pius XII declared as a dogma revealed by God that Mary the immaculate perpetually virgin mother of God after the completion of her earthly life was assumed into heaven.

There are traditions regarding the place time and date of the physical death of the blessed mother. But no definitive knowledge of her death exists.

St. Gregory of Tour provided an explanation for the tradition of the assumption which is related to her having been preserved from original sin. It is inconceivable to think Mary’s sinless body should decay in the grave.

For Christians death is not extinction. Unlike Mary all ordinary mortals the Christian faithful and saints must wait for the second coming of Christ to receive glorified bodies.

You maybe thinking “All of this sounds good but what’s in it for me?” The assumption of Mary into heaven is important to the Church and to each of us individually for the following reasons.

We find hope in Mary’s assumption. One day known only to God we will experience the death of our physical bodies. The only exception will be the second coming of Christ to earth. Death is thought of as an end or maybe an unpleasant experience by some. Our angst will be lessened by the hope Mary’s assumption provides.

The second reason the assumption is important to us has to do with the care and concern Jesus shows to his followers. He said I go to prepare a place for you and I will come again and receive you unto myself that where I am you will be also. We have scripture and the tradition of the assumption to provide hope and peace as we journey toward the end of this life and the hope of heaven.

I greeted a parishioner after mass this morning asking how things were going. He said the golden years are not what they are cracked up to be. Our bodies as the result of the aging process don’t function as they once did.

This brings me to the third reason the assumption of Mary needs to find a special place in our lives. We like Mary will receive a glorified body. I have no idea what this new body will be made of or how it will function. But I will take a new body sight unseen over the one I have now. My present body has served me pretty well to this point but I have noticed some subtle and not so subtle changes. And I know by observing others that the older I get the subtle changes won’t be quite so subtle. So the thought of a new body is quite a comfort.

Comfort is a good thing to have as the day’s race by. I suppose that is one element of Mary’s assumption we all need to consider. I find a great deal of comfort in this ancient tradition of the Church

19th Sunday of Ordinary Time

2007-08-11T17:21:00.000-04:00

Ready or not here he comes

The gospel reading for this Sunday seems out of place. The reading has an Advent flavor.

Advent is a time in the liturgical year the church reflects on the first coming of Christ. It is also a time of anticipating the Lords second coming. And a time for Christians to discover the many ways God enters our lives on a daily basis.

The first and second readings have all the ear marks of the Advent season.

The first reading taken from the book of Wisdom speaks about the awaited salvation of the just. The key word awaited reminds us that we must wait until the time is fulfilled for our Lord to return.

The second reading from Hebrews speaks to us about faith, specifically the faith demonstrated by Abraham. By faith he obeyed God. By faith he sojourned to the promised land. By faith he had a son in his old age.

Our spiritual journey is much like that of Abraham. By faith we wander the land in search of the promised land we call heaven. At times our hearts are heavy and our burdens are almost unbearable.

We long for the day we meet Jesus face to face. We long for the day when we will be reunited with loved ones. We long for the day when we can feast at the Lords table for all eternity.

So why are these readings placed in ordinary time? We need to be reminded that our spiritual journey is made up of anticipation waiting and preparation. These tasks are to be undertaken year round not just during Advent.

We must be ready

The scripture tells to gird our loins. The dress of the day for men was a flowing robe. They hiked up the robe and tucked it in and went to work. We must be prepared for the journey.

We must light our lamps. Our master might return during the third or fourth watch. Our lamp allows us to see any one who might approach. Our light will be a sign to our Lord that we are vigilant.

We must be Vigilant

The word vigilant means to be alert to watch and to stay awake. We don’t want the Lord to find us asleep when he returns. Remember Jesus praying in the garden in agony. He returned to the disciples to find them asleep. How many Christians will Jesus find asleep when he returns?

We must be prepared

For at an hour you do not expect the son of man will come. The church has provided all we need to prepare ourselves for his return. The sacraments of Reconciliation and Holy Communion received on a regular basis will provide for our spiritual needs.

If Jesus returns today will you be glad to see him?

Will he be glad to see you?

Vanity Vanity all is Vanity - - - -

2007-08-05T19:17:00.000-04:00

Vanity Vanity all is Vanity….

The first reading taken from the book of Ecclesiastes sets the theme and tone for the readings this 18th Sunday in ordinary time.

Vanity is defined as excessive pride in ones appearance or accomplishments. Excessive pride in our accomplishments is vanity Ecclesiastes continues “All his days sorrow and grief is his occupation. Even at nights his mind is not at rest”.

Have you ever spent sleepless nights wondering how to maintain a life style that your current income cannot support? Keeping up with the Jones family who has what appears to be a perfect life.

It might surprise many to learn that this seemingly perfect family is trying to keep up with the Smith family. The average family is carrying a credit card debt of about $9,000.00. Vanity all is vanity.

Today’s second reading taken from the book of Colossians continues the excess theme. Put to death the parts that are earthly immorality impurity passion evil desires and greed.

Excessive focus on our desires wants and supposed needs are vanity. As Christians we are new creatures in Christ. We are to put to death vanity laden excesses.

The gospel reading from Luke for today focuses on a parable of a rich man who demonstrates for us that material excess to the loss of ones soul as vanity.

He has a bountiful harvest and wonders to himself what shall I do? His storage facilities are not large enough to store the harvest. This is what I shall do. He decides to tear down his existing barns and build bigger barns. Today we don’t bulldoze barns we rent storage facilities to store our excess. When he completes his construction project and gets his harvest stored he says now as for you rest, eat drink and be merry. You have goods stored up for many years to come.

But God says you fool this night your life will be required of you. Oops! Just about the time we seem to have every thing in hand God says….

Notice the vast difference between the rich mans view of his circumstances and God’s.

First there is the sudden death that we never seem to take into account. Won’t happen to me, think not glance at the obituaries on any given day and you will see death is no respected of age.

The rich man had not considered death in his near future. He was ready to relax and party. He had a plans that did not include a spiritual score card if you will. He was possessed with a retirement plan.

God poses a question to the rich man about who will own his possessions following his death. No answer is recorded. The rich man had never considered that someone else might enjoy the fruits of his labor.

The second difference between the two opposing views is this attitude. This parable is not simply about the dangers of possessions.

The rich man had a problem, came up with a workable solution and problem solved. Notice no consideration is given to how God might be involved in this problem solving exercise.

Simply put what role dose God play in our everyday lives? Are we willing to allow God to make his presence felt in our lives? Or do we simply go about our business like the rich man thinking and planning for a future that may not ever come. He was rich in worldly things but not rich in what matters to God.

Spend some quiet time today reflecting on what matters to God.

Vanity Vanity all is Vanity…….

Remember all vanities are not dressers.

Faith Family and the FBI

2007-08-03T21:50:00.000-04:00

I wonder from time to time how adversity and change affect faith and family. Change and adversity are part of our life experience. I enjoy reading stories from the Old Testament about the struggles of an ancient people. The insights have helped me in my daily walk of faith. So I want to share with you a major change taking place in my family in hopes it will be a beacon of hope to all who are struggling with change.

My wife and I have three grown children. One daughter and two sons, the boys are married and we have two wonderful daughter in laws. Truth be told I could not have done better if I picked them myself. Our youngest son lives in California and is a youth pastor and very active in his church. Our daughter lives in Florida and is a college professor with a Masters degree in English. I am very proud of all three of our children.

The change in our family centers around our oldest son Bill and his family. We have one grandson Hunter who will be three in October. Those of you that have grandchildren know the joy they provide to a family. Those of you who don’t have grandchildren must think we are a bit possessed. They live about eight miles from us so we see them often.

Bill received a call from the FBI this week and he has been accepted into the FBI. He has worked very hard over the past three years and has passed every test they threw his way. I cannot express how proud I am of him and his accomplishment.

Well as you might have guessed the big change is they will be moving following six months of training Bill must complete.

While I am happy for Bill, he has the opportunity to do something few get the chance to do. On the other hand sadness dampens the joy. The selfish side of we wonders why he could not stay here and things remain just as they are. Yes I know the answer but right now I don’t like it very much. To say the least this is a major change in our family.

Part of the angst is the unknown element which surrounds the change. Where will they go, how often can we visit and so on. You maybe wondering how often we visit our son in California we have been there once in five years. Our daughter we see once a year or so. So what’s the problem? Bill and his family made the absence of the others bearable.

The Old Testament stories I mentioned are marked by situations much more difficult than the change I have shared. Yet until I have a chance to process this change it seems huge from where I sit.

So where do I go from here? Well I trust faith will kick in at some point and rational thinking will have to do until faith breaks through.

Rationally I know that I will see Hunter, Bill and Mont just not as often and who knows where this road may lead our family. I don’t know the destination so I need to focus on the journey.

Along with faith I have the love and support of my wife Beckey. She has walked with me over the years and we have shared the joys and struggles of family and faith. She is my best friend and the love of my life. This is not the first or last change we will face.

Yes I am struggling a bit with this pending change. But my faith, my wife and my family will pull me through.

It is my prayer that those of you facing change or challenges find hope in my struggle.

The Survey Says.......

2007-08-01T21:31:00.000-04:00

Researchers at the University of Texas Austin conducted a survey to discover why people have sex.

The first study asked 400 people to list reasons why they had sex. The follow up study involved 1500 people ranking the reasons they have sex based on the reasons provided by the participants of the first study.

The reasons were compiled and a top ten for men and women were listed. The bottom ten for men and women were also listed.

I noticed a couple of reasons that quite frankly were a surprise. Several reasons were bazaar but I should have expected nothing less from a sex survey.

So why bother writing about a sex survey? Because of the two reasons, that I found very telling, about our understanding of sex and relationships.

1. The number one reason men and women have sex is physical attraction.

Why is that a surprise? I expected as much from the men but the women responding the way they did is I think a change of great proportion. If memory serves me correctly twenty years ago women had sex because they were in love. So what is the big deal? Women apparently have had a change of heart no pun intended. They are not as emotionally invested as in the past.

2. The number ten position of the bottom ten list revealed that men and women agree the last reason people have sex is to get closer to God.

I suppose God getting honorable mention in a sex survey is a shock to most people. But lets be honest God is in last place in the bedroom according to the survey.

I heard this sex survey discussed on Fox news. Much of the discussion was centered on the apparent changes in thinking with regards to why we have sex. But getting closer to God was not mentioned. The fact that God made the survey is less telling than the fact that God is in last place.

Well God in last place in the bedroom is just one more place God has been relegated to last by many in our society.

Our creator the fullness of love created us as sexual beings. We like our first parents Adam and Eve are brought together by God, marry have families and provide a sacramental physical sign of God’s love to our world.

Sex as God intended is a beautiful union between a man and women joined by God in the sacrament of marriage. The children produced by their union are signs of the completeness of their love.

Sex as portrayed in our society today is far from what our creator intended.

Is it any wonder God is in last place, when those responding to the survey are living by sight (physical attraction) and not by faith?

Rapture - the end is near, or not?

2007-07-31T20:31:00.000-04:00

Have you Heard About the Rapture?

Cell Phones Internet Search Engines Blackberry’s I Phones
all this technology and we still have no clue when Jesus will return.

As a Baptist pastor I preached and listened to numerous sermons on the second coming of Christ. For most Baptists the Bible is the source of authority for all doctrinal questions. Well if they are all using the same source why can’t they agree on the return of Christ?

I have never heard a Baptist preach on or off the record that they know when Jesus will return. They do how ever claim to have the inside track on the sequence of events related to the end times.

Terms like rapture, tribulation, angels of death, seals and vials are cast about with abandonment. Scripture taken out of context is twisted and manipulated to weave a magical tale of half truths.

The lynch pin of this amazing tale is the rapture; a belief that Jesus will return unexpectedly and take all the Christians out of this world. Leaving the lost souls behind to suffer through great tribulation.

The rapture supposedly takes place between chapter 3 and 4 of the book of Revelation. The first three chapters deal with the seven churches of Asia Minor. The opening of chapter four deals with the great white throne judgment. Misguided reasoning leads to the belief that the church has been taken out of the world and the judgment is taking place. The rapture has occurred. All the Christians are gone.

What would be the result of the rapture on our world? Well planes piloted by Christian pilots would crash. Cars driven by Christians well you get the idea. Not to mention commerce and life as we know it would be no more.
I confess that I preached this rapture nonsense more times than I like to remember. More out of obligation than honest heart felt belief.

If there is no rapture does that mean that Jesus is not returning to earth? No Jesus made it very clear that he would return and you can count on it. But don’t waste time trying to figure out how and when the Lord will return.

So, as Catholic Christians what are we to do about the end of time and Jesus second coming?

Be spiritually prepared for the Lord’s return and be vigilant, remember the ten foolish and wise virgins?

Be ready for the Lord will return like a thief in the night.

Lord teach us to pray

2007-07-28T13:11:00.000-04:00

Lord Teach Us to Pray….

Our gospel reading for Sunday July 29th is taken from the eleventh chapter of the gospel of Luke.

An unidentified disciple of Jesus observed Jesus in prayer. When he finished praying the disciple approached Jesus and said Lord teach us to pray.

In preparing to read the gospel the following observations came to mind, I pray they may speak to your spirit as well.

Jesus prayed and his example caught the attention of the disciples. Jesus taught by example but he followed his example by providing instruction. In many cases our example is not sufficient to lead others to follow our example. Instruction is required. Parents set the example for their children when the children see them pray. We follow the example with instruction by praying with the children.

Jesus instruction is simple yet profound. We pray the Lords prayer each Sunday during mass. The instruction Jesus provided to his disciples is still teaching us today.

Jesus taught us to call God our father.

The name of God is to be reverenced.

God’s kingdom come, your will be done.

Give us each day our daily bread.

Forgive us our sins as we forgive others.

Lead us not into temptation but deliver us from evil.

The Lords prayer is so profound a life time of reflection would only scratch the surface of the lessons waiting to be discovered.

Jesus uses a parable to teach us about the benefit of persistence in prayer.

A man has an unexpected guest and discovers he has no food to offer his guest. He goes to a neighbor and asks for some bread to share with his guest. It’s late and the neighbor is in bed and refuses to get up. Jesus tells the disciples the neighbor will not be compelled by friendship to get out of bed but will get up and give his friend some bread if the man is persistent in his request.

We must be persistent in prayer. Ask and you shall receive, seek and you shall find, knock and it shall be opened.

For an example of persistence in prayer read the first reading for this Sunday Genesis 18:20-32. Abraham intercedes for the people living in the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah.

We have numerous examples of prayer to choose from found in scripture as well as examples provided by family members and friends. We don’t lack for instruction with regard to prayer, books and CD’s and numerous web pages provide hints and helps with numerous methods of prayer.

We don’t have any excuse we must follow the example and instruction set before us. You may be thinking you might not have an excuse but you have no idea what my life is like. Work family and the pressures of life in general don’t provide a great deal of time to pray.

You are right I don’t know specifically what your life is like. But we are all in the same boat. Circumstances may differ but we are all pulled in a hundred different directions. It is a struggle for me every day to pray the liturgy of the hours. My deacon brothers confess they struggle to find the time to pray. The answer for me is getting up thirty minutes early, driving to work getting a cup of coffee near where I work and using the time saved in commuting to pray.

I don’t have a specific solution for you but I encourage you to find a solution. I discussed my time problem with my spiritual advisor and his sage words of wisdom are still ringing in my ears “We don’t have a problem making time for what we want to do”.

So maybe it’s not a time problem after all but a priority problem.

Just wondering

2007-07-26T21:09:00.000-04:00

Just Wondering Why

Some parishioners get up dress get to mass and leave early.

The priest has no chance (even with a new pair of track shoes) to get back to the gathering space before some folks are pulling out of the parking lot.

So many people can’t get to mass on time.

I asked a good friend of mine what mass he was attending. He said he was going to the eleven o’clock mass. I reminded him that mass started at 10:45.
He said I guess that explains why everyone was sitting down when I came in.

Some folks in the communion line are dressed like they are going to the beach.

I have never been in favor of a dress code but it maybe the only reasonable answer to a very disturbing trend. I am not proposing wearing burkha but a bit of modesty would be appreciated. Oh and by the way teens are not the only guilty parties.

So many don’t know the proper response to the statement the body of Christ.

All together now AMEN! That’s correct, the proper response is AMEN
Not thank you, yea Jesus or I am hip. Or my favorite, SILENCE, no response nothing nada. I fear we have lost the reverence which should be evident during the holy moment of receiving the body and blood of Christ.

The Bible is a number one best seller and the least read.

We all have a Bible some of us own several but we read the paper more often than the Bible. Many have said they don’t understand the Bible. Maybe the opposite is true we know the truths the Bible contains and don’t want to confront them.

When it comes to our Protestant brothers we tend to focus on our differences.

We need to defend our faith practices and traditions. I have no problem explaining our faith but it seems as though recently we are going out of our way to pick a fight.
Jesus started one Church the Pope believes it is the Catholic Church and I agree. Think about it do you really think the Pope would say the Catholic Church is number two. It seems we are proclaiming what we all believe, we know were number one, they know we believe we are number one so why continue to point out the obvious. Are we afraid that if we don’t say we are number one we will slip to number two?

We do some of the things we do during mass.

I am not talking about the liturgy but some of the things I see going on during mass. I have a great seat during mass that allows me a view of the Parishioners. Remember the song Santa Claus is coming to town? He knows when you are sleeping he knows when you are awake. Some Sundays I feel like Santa Claus. Enough said.

Just Wondering Why

We'll keep the lights on for you!

2007-07-24T21:28:00.000-04:00

A phrase made famous by a national motel chain Motel 6.

When I read the parable of the good Samaritan found in the gospel of Luke I am reminded of the Motel 6 phrase we’ll keep the light on for you. I guess an explanation is in order.

The parable of the good Samaritan is one of my favorite passages of scripture and I utilize the passage in my evangelization presentation.

Robbers attack a traveler and leave him lying on the roadside half dead. A Priest sees the man and passes by on the other side of the road. A Levite likewise sees the injured man and passes by. A Samaritan sees the man and stops attends to his wounds takes him to an inn. He pays the innkeeper and instructs the innkeeper to care for the man until he returns.

I have heard numerous sermons and homilies regarding the good Samaritan and without exception the homilist exhorts us to be good Samaritans. Well I have always had difficulty accepting the role of Samaritan, because it requires an aggressive personality.

We all are called to be evangelists but the aggressive style adopted by many evangelicals is not for everyone me included. So what am I to do I am obligated to share my faith. Well I found the answer when I discovered we are not the good Samaritan or the Priest or Levite in the story. We are the innkeeper. Think about it. Jesus is the good Samaritan he finds the wounded and brings them to us to care for.

We don’t have to seek out the wounded Jesus finds them for us. We don’t have to fret about having the required resources to meet the needs of those Jesus sets before us. Why?

Think about the modern day innkeeper, people seeking rest and refreshment stop at the inn present their request and the innkeeper fills the needs of his guest.

The role of evangelist is much less intimidating when we accept the role of the innkeeper.

If we are not out actively seeking people to share the good news of the gospel with how do they find us? How do weary travelers find a place to rest? The motel has a sign that indicates the innkeeper has rooms available it is a Vacancy Sign. Those weary from travel can see the sign glowing in the distance and stop.

Do we as Christians have a sign that leads lost souls to us? Absolutely it’s not a vacancy sign but the Holy Spirit. Christians spiritually prepared to meet the needs of others find they don’t need to seek people out people needing help find them by following the light. We are the light in a dark world.

How do we keep our vigil lamp shining brightly? By reception of the Sacraments specifically Holy Communion and Reconciliation. We must have spiritual food to feed our souls. God will use a broken vessel but he will never use a dirty vessel. When we receive the grace and forgiveness imparted to us by the sacrament of reconciliation our light shines brightly. When we have un-confessed sin in our lives our light is dimmed, un-confessed mortal sin cuts our power connection totally. Our vigil lamp remains dark until we receive absolution.

We are innkeepers in a lost world. For the sake of all seeking rest in a weary sinful world we must proclaim

We’ll Keep the Light on for You

The Gospel according to ............

2007-07-23T19:40:00.000-04:00

The Gospel according to….

Have you noticed that each year around holy week the Christian community and specifically the Catholic Church are confronted with television specials that call into question the beliefs and practices of our faith.

The ideas and questions raised are not new as a matter of fact they are centuries old, but come packaged in wonderfully colored wrapping paper that attracts many.

The gospel of Judas and the Da Vinci Code are examples of Gnostic gospels. Gnostics teach that they have acquired a special knowledge that only they possess. This mystical knowledge attracts many but this secret information lacks one very important element truth.

Gnostic gospels are not the only gospels in our society that keep inquirers from the true gospel. Our society today is inundated with a number of false teachers who garner multitudes of followers.

The Gospel according to Physical Fitness:

There is absolutely nothing wrong with watching our weight and exercising to help maintain a healthily life style. The practitioners of the gospel of physical fitness however are consumed with being fit and ignoring the spiritual well being of their soul.

The Gospel of Finance:

Being a financially responsible individual is a goal we all should strive to achieve. Being good stewards of our resources helps us maintain a balance between the spiritual and temporal gifts of time talent and treasure.

There is nothing wrong with having money. There is nothing wrong with having a great deal of money. Managing a great deal of money however carries with it a tremendous amount of responsibility.

Followers of the gospel of finance are single minded in their focus. Their focus is to acquire as much money as possible. No it’s more than just having money they want all the money.

They risk family, their health in fact they will risk every thing to make a dollar. Their focus is so singular they are spiritually blind.

The Gospel of Happiness:

Do we have a God given right to be happy? Can we pursue happiness at all costs? We have two misconceptions about happiness. First we think happiness is obtained apart from ourselves (external gratification) happiness equals things. We have so much stuff we have to rent storage space because we can’t get it all in the house. We search and search for the one thing that we think will make us happy.

Secondly we have no idea what constitutes true happiness. Happiness is within not without. Jesus said my peace I give you. To be happy requires that we find peace. Psalm 1 says happy is the man who walks not in the council of the ungodly nor stands in the way of sinners but his delight is in the law of the Lord. If you don’t know what you are looking for it’s hard to find.

Those who are proponents of the gospel of happiness will try any number of addictions in the pursuit of happiness. Only to find that happiness is not found in addiction.

So if the Gnostics don’t have the answer, physical fitness, finance and the pursuit of happiness aren’t the true gospel where do we look.

Well my money is on Jesus, based on the teachings of the Church, tradition and the Bible there is ample evidence that the teachings of Christ is the one true gospel.

Welcome Deacon Greg

2007-07-20T20:35:00.000-04:00

Welcome My Deacon Brother

It is my great pleasure to present to you my Deacon Brother Greg Kandra.
Greg like me is a newly ordained Deacon and like me he has developed a blog page.

Greg’s blog is called the Deacons Bench, I visit often and rumor has it the Pope drops in from time to time. I encourage everyone to visit the Deacons Bench. And to make it easy I have included a link to Deacon Greg’s blog.

Thanks to all who have taken the time to visit my blog and web page. The kind words and visits are an encouragement.

Peace and All Good Things
Deacon Tom

I'm a Roman Catholic deacon serving the Diocese of Brooklyn, New York. When I'm not preaching or serving mass, I'm the editor of "Couric & Co.," a blog at CBSNews.com. A 25-year veteran of CBS News, I've written for projects as varied as the acclaimed documentary "9/11" (Peabody, Emmy, Christopher and Writers Guild Awards) and the prime time news magazines "60 Minutes II" and "48 Hours." My essays have appeared in "America," (Catholic Press Award, 2003) "U.S. Catholic," and "Catholic Digest," as well as two best-selling books, "Deadlines & Datelines" by Dan Rather, and "People of the Century." But I'd rather be praying. My wife and I live in the beautiful borough of Queens, New York.

For Sale the Vatican

2007-07-19T21:08:00.000-04:00

Proceeds from the sale to be distributed to the poor.

This idea was presented to me as I greeted parishioners leaving mass. I did not offer a comment but the proposition has been running around in my head for a week. Have you ever had a song get stuck in your mind that continues to play over and over? Well that’s the position I find my self in, sell the Vatican give the proceeds to the poor. It just sort of lingers waiting for some sort of resolution.

Just suppose the sale of the Vatican became a reality would the proceeds from the sale make a difference in poverty? The answer is No! Why?

Because the government and many agencies have thrown money at the poverty problem for years with limited to no positive results. So it stands to reason that throwing more money will produce the same dismal results.

The war on poverty is the name for legislation introduced by President Lyndon B. Johnson in his state of the union address January 8, 1964. Many programs and billions of dollars later we still have people standing on freeway exits holding signs that read Will Work for Food.

Over forty years later the war on poverty is unfortunately still alive and well. Poverty is much more complicated than a lack of money. There are numerous reasons people find themselves living below the poverty line. Lack of sufficient education, insufficient job training are just two reasons why many can’t get out of poverty.

Jesus said the poor you have with you always. Does that mean we are to throw up our hands and give up on helping those in need? We all know the answer.

So do we sell the Vatican? Money no matter the amount won’t eliminate poverty. But a concerted effort by every Catholic through Catholic Social Services for example can make a difference one soul at a time.

Jesus ministered using a one on one style when ever possible. He addressed the specific needs of those who sought His help. I think a one on one grass roots movement is the answer to elevate the poverty problem.

Local parishes reaching out and addressing the spiritual and temporal needs in the community. Moving up a step the diocese moves in and addresses needs it is prepared to address.

We have the message and the means to address the poverty issue. The task is a daunting one but by the power of the Holy Spirit and the grace of God we can address the poverty issue without selling the Vatican.

Was Jesus a Capricon?

2007-07-18T21:03:00.000-04:00

Based on the song lyrics written by Kris Kristofferson in 1972 many may believe Jesus was a Capricorn.

The first verse goes like this:

Jesus was a Capricorn he ate organic food he believed in love and peace and never wore no shoes, long hair beard and sandals and a funky bunch of friends, recon we’d just nail him up if he came down again.

Well the lyrics might take us back to a place of fond memories but we are not any closer to identifying who Jesus was.

This topic has been pondered by thousands over as many years. As a matter of fact I think Jesus started the whole thing by posing this question to his disciples, “Who do men say that I am?”

Well the answer seems simple enough or does it. I don’t know about you but I would have loved to have been present for the responses by the disciples. Imagine the looks on their faces. The boss was giving a pop quiz and no one wanted to be the first to answer. Remember how you felt as you settled into your desk for first period. Not quite awake, trying to just get through the first class and you hear the dreaded two words Pop Quiz.

Well finally someone says “some say John the Baptist”. Bolstered with courage another offers “Elijah” and someone else throws out “one of the prophet”.

Jesus remains silent, a sure sign that no one has provided a satisfactory answer.

Than Peter steps forward and saves the day. Remember the one kid in every class who no one liked very much but always seemed to take the pressure off the class with the right answer.

Well Peter saves the day please “You are the Christ the Son of the Living God”.

Makes you wonder what all the theological fuss has been about. God revealed the identity of his son through the first Pope of the Church Peter.

Well now that’s settled, oh wait I almost forgot. It’s time for a Pop Quiz.

Who do you say Jesus is?

Closure in 90 Days

2007-07-17T20:12:00.000-04:00

An Update on the Formula Blog

Tony Davis who was scheduled to be executed today at 7:00 PM has received a 90 day stay.

Witnesses who identified Tony Davis as the killer have recanted and now say he is innocent. My heart goes out to the victim’s family. It must seem to them an affront to the memory of their loved one.

As I stated yesterday this bad dream seems to be never ending. 90 more days seems a small price to pay if it might prevent a mistake that cannot be reversed. DNA has saved six Georgians from death. Wonder how many were innocent and ran out of time.

That’s the problem with the death penalty if a mistake is made it cannot be undone. Laws have been passed to limit appeals by inmates. It seems having someone sit on death row for 20 years is a problem. We say we seek justice and closure for the victim’s family. I suspect it has more to do with money than justice and closure. Why should the taxpayer fit the bill for up keep of a stone cold killer. Because the gospel teaches us to be compassionate and merciful to others.

Tony Davis has 90 days it is unclear as to the outcome of this case. It looks like it’s a no win situation.

There is no closure.

2007-07-16T21:14:00.001-04:00

A Formula for Justice, Revenge or Disaster

The Formula: One Condemned Man + The Dark of Night + One Lethal Injection = ???

Last year 53 men were executed in the United States. The state of Georgia is scheduled to put Tony Davis to death tomorrow night 7/17/07 pending the out come of a clemency hearing held this morning.

Based on the aforementioned formula what do we conjure up when we mix a condemned man a dark night and a lethal injection?

Some might say justice, others closure or maybe if we are honest revenge. The formula will provide a different result depending on who is doing the mixing.

The Catholic Church teaches that society has a right to protect its citizens. The method used to provide this protection may include jail time, probation or any number of resources in an attempt to bring about rehabilitation.

The Catholic Church has long been a herald for the right to life. Not only for the unborn but for the elderly and condemned. Life is sacred for all including victims of violent crimes.

When a life is taken it is difficult to bring about a resolution that will satisfy all parties concerned. The sentence is to harsh not harsh enough and expectations are seldom met. Life in prison is far from realty. Parole and time off for good behavior anger many. The answer is Life means life. A life sentence means death in prison.

Putting someone to death might bring about an end to a bad dream for the victims family or does it. It seems to me the bad dream shifts from the victims family to the condemned mans family. In the end the dream continues for both families.

There are a number of reasons given for the use of the death penalty and conversely a number of reasons to abolish the death penalty.

I was a strong proponent of the death penalty for a number of years. After much soul searching I believe the death penalty needs to be abolished.

1. If life is sacred it must be protected.

2. The death of the condemned won’t bring life back to the victims.

3. The execution eliminates any and all opportunities for the condemned to seek forgiveness and redemption for their soul.

The formula no matter who is doing the mixing never brings about the desired result. We don’t find justice or closure but a feeling of loss that seems to linger.

To be or Not to be - there in lies the rub!

2007-07-14T19:55:00.000-04:00

To be or not to be that is the question: To sleep: Perchance to dream: Ay there’s the rub;
For in that sleep of death, what dreams may come, when we have shuffled off this mortal coil.
Must give us pause Hamlet

William Shakespeare remember him? Yes I remember that I did not care when I was younger, then and why after all these years should I care now?

Well because he was relevant then and now. And he was right on with the question “To be or not to be.”

German philosopher Schopanhauer offers these comments regarding Shakespeare’s question to be or not to be.
That our state is so wretched that complete non existence would be decidedly preferable to it. There is something in us however which tells us this is not so. This is not the end of things that death is not an absolute annihilation.

There is the rub indeed!

If death is not an absolute annihilation, the ultimate end if you will, then we must give heed to the words of Shakespeare and give pause.

Human nature may be the reason we push aside any thoughts of our own death but human nature cannot put off the inevitable. So we must give pause to what we know deep in our hearts that death is not the end.

So if death is not an end it must be a beginning. A beginning, that is totally foreign to our current experience. Exploring a concept that we find distasteful and difficult to get our mind around gives us ample reason to think about more pleasant things. But if we procrastinate we run the risk that death we catch us unprepared.

I am not so concerned that we make all our final arrangements, get the will and insurance in order and do what ever is necessary to leave our families financially set. Being financially responsible is admirable in all of us and an obligation as Christians we must take seriously.
But to focus solely on earthly things leaves us little time to reflect on our soul.
We have a God given inclination that tells us death is not the end. When we take the time to listen God uses people and circumstances to bring the realization to us that death is not the end but the beginning.

And there is the rub said Hamlet. We must give pause, to the new beginning all of us must face called death.

It was a dark and stormy life I mean night!

2007-07-12T20:45:00.000-04:00

“It was a dark and stormy night…”

Snoopy began many an unfinished novel with this phrase or similar words, followed by--- and a shot rang out….

Charles Schulz, Snoopy’s creator and others have utilized the phrase or similar words to achieve a mood or effect to get a laugh or make a point.

So not to recreate the wheel I to shall borrow the phrase “It was a dark and stormy night”

My mind quickly gets a glimpse of a tree lined lane with large trees over hanging the lane. A car is parked in the lane and the lone driver is standing in front of the car staring at the hood. That is what non mechanical types do when their cars won’t run. No need to open the hood they have no clue what’s under there any way.
The wind picks up and the trees begin to sway and rain drops the size of quarters begins to fall. Suddenly the driver realizes he is not alone……

For many the phrase “It was a dark and stormy night” is much more than a phrase in a book. It is how they view life. It is their reality.

For reasons far too numerous to discuss here, our world is full of people who suffer from fears and phobias. The term “unhappy” does not do credit to the measure of miserable they experience and often spread to others.

Christians have an obligation to share the good news of the gospel. The good news that God loves us and brings a peace to those who accept His unconditional love.

In an effort to share the message of Christ we encounter people from all walks of life. Some we meet will have issues that we may not be qualified to address. The assistance we offer may be a referral to a professional trained to deal with the problem.

It’s not uncommon for all of us to have occasional days when we are stressed or unhappy. We are after all human and every day is not a parade. As we reach out to the world with the message of hope a simple smile, sharing a box of pop sickles with the residents of a local nursing home, will bring about a smile. It does not take a lot to share the joy and hope of the gospel message.

“It was a dark and stormy night…”

On the first day of the week the Son rose from the dead and dispelled the darkness forever for all who believe.

From a Hero Sandwich to a Saint!

2007-07-10T20:22:00.000-04:00

Once Upon a Time My Favorite Hero was a Sandwich!

How did I arrive at a place and time in my life where a hero sandwich was my hero? Well I am glad you asked.
It’s quite simple really I was raised in a time when Father always knew best and June and Ward Cleaver had the time and took the time to raise Wally and the Beaver to seek the moral high ground and accept responsibility for their actions.

Sports figures played the game for the love of the game, promoted sportsmanship and we were gracious winners and humble losers.

A time when a neighbor was not only a neighbor, but a friend. A neighbor would step into the role of being my parent when they became aware that my parents could not see around corners. Finding role models and hero’s was a simple process. They were in abundance, Parents, Grandparents, numerous family members, sports figures and TV and movie stars. What little boy did not imitate the Lone Ranger or Mickey Mantel?

Then things changed as they often do and not for the better. Finding a hero became more and more difficult.
Parents became consumed with making a living and allowing a daycare center to raise their children.
Extended family members no longer took an interest in raising children outside the immediate family.
Sports figures were swept up in the big business of sports and succumbed to performance enhancing drugs.
Movie and TV personalities fell from grace by the bus load. Many of them are cursed by a past, present or recurring addiction. Yet the youth of today follow these misguided souls into the depths of Hollywood culture, only to run the risk of never knowing a true hero.

So is it any wonder that a hero sandwich was my hero until I came to the Catholic Church. Of course they don’t identify them as heroes they are called Saints. And it’s once again easy to find a hero, role model, Saint because the Church is full of them.
There are Saints for everyday of the year and thousands to choose from. Books have been written proclaiming the accomplishments of these holy men and women.
Today my hero sandwich is relegated to the brown bag lunch and I have so many hero’s to choose from it’s a difficult choice but a nice problem to have.
If your hero has lost their way try a Saint it’s a heavenly choice.

Confession of a Catholic Deacon

2007-07-08T10:27:00.000-04:00

I have a confession to make, this blog was created in a shameless effort to generate hits to my web site deacontomstonecipher.com
After a great deal of reflection I realizied that creating a blog may accomplish a purpose that the website is not designed to do. This blog has the potential to reach an audience vastly different from the web site, and it is my prayer that those who enter may find hope, and opportunity to reflect about our world and life.
There are several reasons that I have resisted blogging, as you can see I am no Hemmingway or Hermann Hesse. And like many others I struggled with the idea that anyone would want to spend time reading my random thoughts.
Along with the confession I want to make a promise to the readers of this blog. I promise that the person represented here is in fact me.
One of the many negative aspects of the internet is that people can create characters and personalities that have no basis in reality or truth.
Sadly the internet fosters an opportunity for us to accomplish what many in real life do every day hide their true self from the rest of the world.
I am willing to share my thoughts concerns and fears hoping that it may encourage others to peak from behind the mask and give the world a chance to see the real you.

God Bless
Deacon Tom

Former Baptist Minister

2007-07-07T21:00:00.000-04:00

In April of 1996 Tom Stonecipher and his wife Beckey became members of the Catholic Church. Tom, a Baptist Minister for 13 years was born in Chicago and raised in Detroit. Tom graduated from Arlington Baptist College with a Bachelor of Divinity Degree. During his time as a Baptist Minister, Tom was pastor of three churches, two in Florida and one in Puerto Rico.

To say that Tom’s journey HOME has been a long and winding one would be to understate the obvious. Tom was baptized Catholic on the day of his birth but was raised in a Baptist home. While attending Seminary Tom continually questioned the truths that were being taught.

Tom’s testimony about his spiritual journey is challenging and encouraging to all who hear him speak. Tom issues a challenge to all Catholics to “Stop Apologizing for being Catholic and learn how to Evangelize”.

Tom and his wife are members of St. John’s in Hapeville, Georgia.