Heart Rhythms - Week 5
A Heart Fit for God
Dear Spiritual Family,
We have been on quite a journey with James during this series, Heart Rhythms. It is not too late to pick up the Letter of Saint James and hear the wisdom of that Bishop of Jerusalem. Key to our reading is the biblical concept of the heart, which is far more than feelings. For people of the day, feelings were felt in the gut. When they spoke of the heart, that included feelings, but the heart was really the center, the place of integration and harmony.
This week, we read one of the times James uses the word “heart.” Heart occurs five times, in most English translations (1:26, 3:14, 4:8, 5:5 and 5:8). Just take one instance, “If anyone thinks he is religious, and does not bridle his tongue but deceives his heart, this man's religion is vain” (1:26). We see here that what is in the core/heart and what comes forth from the mouth must match, else religious practice is without merit. James calls out hypocrisy and encourages his people to have their actions align with their deepest core. We have noticed his clarion call multiple times during these weeks.
Heart Rhythms - Week 4
Alignment of Heart
Dear Friends in Christ,
We continue with the Letter of James this week in our message series Heart Rhythms! If you have not yet set aside time to read the small letter, please do so this week.
One key aspect of our theme involves engaging our whole being (our heart and deepest core) in living out the Gospel. We are not called to be merely hearers, but doers. Our faith needs to come alive through a life of good deeds. The key word here would be engagement!
The other aspect of our theme is alignment: how well is my heart aligned with the heart of God? We are created in the image and likeness of God. We are, therefore, meant to be reflections of God Himself. Paul says, “Be imitators of me as I am of Christ,” and he means it. We are meant to imitate, not by merely mimicking or copying what Jesus did. We are not all called to be itinerant preachers and carpenters who die on crosses for the salvation of the world. And yet, we are all called to align our hearts and the whole of our lives to the heart of God and the Gospel He set forth. That is why we need to bend the ears of our hearts to listen to the rhythm of God’s heart, and so align our hearts and lives accordingly. Saint John Henry Newman’s definition of prayer, heart speaks to heart (cor ad cor loquitur), illuminates my point with intimacy.
Heart Rhythms - Week 3
A Lively Faith
My Dear Friends,
Our section (James 2:14-26) of the Letter this week caused quite a stir, historically. Not early on, but during the sixteenth century, Martin Luther placed the letter, among others, at the end of his New Testament translation, calling it an epistle of straw. Luther questioned the authority of the text since he could not integrate the text with his take on Paul’s notion of justification. James was relegated precisely due to our passage today and the assertion: “faith of itself, if it does not have works, is dead” (Jas 2:17). Or perhaps we might prefer James’ blunt manner, “Do you want proof, you ignoramus, that faith without works is useless?” (Jas 2:20). Bishop James goes on to relate how Abraham and Rahab lived out their faith through good works.
First, we may say and agree that faith saves. Works do not save, but faith does. And faith is a gift from God that the believer receives. Yet, as soon as we receive the gift of faith, we are participating in our own redemption. We are engaged. And James would say that is a “work” - a deed that involves our will (or our heart), which shows that we are open to be transformed by God’s grace. That cooperation itself is a gift from God. (Check out Joint Declaration on Justification to see how Lutherans and Catholics have come to agree!)
Making Memories
As we come to the end of August, I reflect on what has been and what is to come in these final weeks. I consider myself a big family man, as many of you have probably come to know.
Everything that I have experienced growing up and everything that I have done as a father was always about making family memories.
Heart Rhythms - Week 1
Be Doers of the Word
Dear Friends in Christ,
We are kicking off the Fall season with a new message series Heart Rhythms. If you are new(ish) to our parish, a message series is a block of “homilies” that develop a particular theme or topic. This structure allows us to delve deeper into an issue and it gives you a sense of what is coming.
Using the Letter of James, the second reading over the next five weeks, we are seeking to be more attuned to God’s rhythms. Although short, the work is rich with wisdom. Something new strikes me each time, so please spend a portion of your time praying with James. (Just read a paragraph and ask: God, how are you speaking to me through your Word? Then listen…)
Heart Rhythms - Week 2
A Living Gospel
Dear Friends in Christ,
Last week, we began our study of James, called Heart Rhythms! I have been praying with the Letter of James over the past several weeks and I encourage you to do the same, since it is a wealth of wisdom and practical advice. The inspired Word of God is a mine of endless riches. Each word and phrase offers a unique wealth composed by the human author but inspired by the divine author.
James uses a somewhat spiral pattern, first introducing a topic and then returning later to offer greater depth. For example, in James 1:19 we read, “Let everyone be quick to hear, slow to speak, slow to anger…” counsel related to the listening and speaking. Later, James gives an in-depth reflection on the need to take care in speech (Jas 3:1-12). In part noting, “The tongue is a small member and yet has great pretensions. Consider how a small fire can set a huge forest ablaze. The tongue is also a fire… but no human being can tame the tongue.” These verses are a huge help for anyone who struggles to bridle their tongue.
Faith & Footprints in the Sand
The dog days of summer are now upon us. The heat becomes unbearable, the humidity wears us down and we feel that we cannot muster up enough energy to make it through another day. Every chore becomes a monumental task. Yet we push on, we move forward, somehow, someway.
The same can be said about living out our faith. We have periods of time where everything is going our way, and nothing can stop us. God is on our side, so we feel invincible. However, we sometimes face different periods of time in our lives, a type of dog days of summer. Everything we do and everything we touch just drains the energy right out of us. We feel like God has abandoned us and we are here to face the dog days of summer alone. Yet we push on, we move forward. How? Through the power of prayer. Sometimes when I feel like this I turn to one of my favorite prayers, Footprints.
Conversations with God
Last week we read in the first reading about Elijah praying for death because he could no longer go on his journey. How often have we in our own lives faced these types of situations? How many of us face these types of circumstances, and unlike Elijah, feel that we can control the outcome, we can overcome whatever obstacles we might face in our journey? Sure, we might pray, but do we pray with a total sense of abandonment like Elijah and rely on God to provide us with what we need.
For me, although I did not pray for death when I was diagnosed with epilepsy, I did not pour myself out to God at first like Elijah. You see, I thought I was in control.
CCD Sneak Peak
CCD - Sneak Peek
Last week many NFL teams started their training camps for the upcoming season and our catechists came together to meet for the second time this year to discuss our upcoming season, if you will, in Building Up the Body of Christ. Just like in sports, players get pumped up for their games because the fans are excited, and they bring their energy to their team to play. I can tell you that our catechists are ready to teach. They are pumped!
I was so energized by our team of catechists after our meeting last Monday, that I only slept about 4 hours that night. Their enthusiasm for their love of Christ and eagerness in teaching of our faith was invigorating. The love for the journey they are embarking on for this upcoming year was transparent. I am extremely excited to be working alongside them in evangelizing our youth, instilling a moral compass so that they may face the various challenges that life throws at them.
Stewardship Campaign - Second Quarter Report
Time flies! These extraordinary hot days remind us that summer is a time to refresh and renew and prepare ourselves to continue our journey in our life commitments
We are so grateful to those of you who made a stewardship commitment last fall, to financially support our parish through 2024.
So far, 61% of you are on track to fulfilling your 2024 commitment to our parish. Two of our families have far exceeded their commitment! How fantastic it is to see this level of stewardship in our mission of Building Up the Body of Christ through sustaining our parish financially. In total, we have received 46% of the financial support that was committed to us in the fall.
Take Time to Rest & Listen
A couple of weeks ago I mentioned this is the time of year that people begin to get away from the day-to-day grind to recharge their batteries, and refocus on one’s time and energy to what’s most important to them, especially, their relationship with God and reconnecting with their families by being present.
For myself, my family vacation was a couple of weeks ago. Like most people, I know when it is time. The little mouse upstairs in my head is not going so fast, it takes all of me to muster up the energy to get through that last week and everyday seems like Friday!
Convent Update & Garden Opportunities
Ahhh… The lazy, hazy days of summer are upon us. Thoughts turn to beach days and pool time. This is a time of year where we tend to take time off for rest and relaxation. Some people travel, while others just spend more quality time in their gardens.
Here, in the life of the parish, the work towards preparing our parish campus for the future continues! We are moving closer to saying farewell to the convent that has served our parish well in the past, but no longer provides for our parish needs.
Summertime is here!
Summertime is here! Graduations, anniversaries, vacations, time to get out and enjoy the warm weather, although these past weeks might not be the warm weather that we prefer. I do not know about you, but my ideal vacation is getting away to go hiking with my family and taking in the beauty of God’s creation of nature. As I look around, I see life in everything around me. The trees are alive, the flowers are in bloom, birds are flying everywhere, and we have the beauty of extra daylight to drink it all in, although I could deal without the mosquitos and gnats.
I also like this time of year because it is a wonderful way to disengage and get away from it all, recharge, reenergize, and refocus. While enjoying the time I spend in nature, I often think of what the Garden of Eden looked like as God’s first creation. How perfect that must have looked before bulldozers, blacktops, and pollution. When I pass by a lake, I often ask myself, “Was the water as clear as the island's beaches or did it always look this way?”
OLPH Feast Day Fun!
Dear Parish Family,
Last weekend we celebrated the Feast of our Patroness, Our Lady of Perpetual Help (officially June 27th). We gathered for a wonderful liturgy to worship God together. We shared fellowship downstairs in Nolan Hall, and at the conclusion of the evening, we prayed a decade of the Holy Rosary, asking Our Lady’s intercession, for all our parish and for all the intentions we have been entrusting to her care.
I heard many wonderful stories about our parish. More than one family expressed enthusiasm to be back at OLPH and engaged in our mission of Building up the Body of Christ, in this corner of the world. I hope and pray that those who were able to participate felt renewed and lifted up in spirit to go forth from campus and make disciples. In fact, that is my hope each week - that gathering together as “church” in “church” provides people with nourishment of mind and spirit to live out the Gospel message in their lives for the coming week.
Happy Feast Week & THANK YOU!
Dear Parish Family,
Happy Feast Day Week, everyone! Our Lady of Perpetual Help’s Feast Day is June 27th. It has become our custom to honor her on the best weekend nearest the actual day. And for me, it is a beautiful sign of life and vibrancy that many families take the time to worship God together and share fellowship at the feast. “Share fellowship and above all worship God,” is how our vision statement concludes, and I dare say that these two activities are some of our favorites!
Thank you for the wonderful outpouring of support for my upcoming bike ride for the Anchor House. With a bulletin blurb and social media, together we have been able to raise over $4,000 dollars. This is quite a testament to your generosity and goodness. Helping unhoused youths and teens is such a needed and worthy cause. Thank you for sharing some of the blessings that God has shared with you! If you would still like to donate, please use the website here, OR send a check made out to “Anchor House Foundation.” I will pass along these checks when we are ready to depart on July 13th.
Building Up the Body of Christ, part 2
Two weeks ago, I talked about “getting in the game” and how getting in the game can influence the outcome, especially when it comes to living out our faith. I mentioned different options on how each one of us can do our part to fulfill our mission of “Building Up the Body of Christ.”
Our mission of Building Up the Body of Christ encompasses our goals and values, values on how Jesus wants us to live out our lives. It is an action statement. An action statement where there is no end yet has meaning. Jesus told His disciples to go and make disciples of all nations, not just a few or when you reach fifty you can stop. When Jesus ascended into heaven, He did not say I will be with you until 5:00pm on June 16th, 2024. He told them He will be with them until the end of time. We must continue Building Up the Body of Christ because Jesus wants us to make disciples of all nations. He wants us to fulfill our mission just as He had a mission for His first disciples.
Building Up the Body of Christ
At Our Lady of Perpetual Help, our Mission Statement is to “Build Up the Body of Christ.” Over the past two months, I could not help but notice the numerous ways we as a parish continue to live out our mission.
In the middle of April, we concluded another successful year of our PREP classes with our family catechesis being the catalyst for the growth of our youth and their families. Building Up the Body of Christ is not just teaching our youth about their faith and the love of God, but participation by the family as a whole.
Starting off in May, we celebrated our catechists who take time out of their lives to pass along their faith and what it means to them. Their dedication and tireless efforts make our PREP program what it is today.
Rest & Recreation
Dear Parish Family,
Memorial Day Weekend often marks the beginning of the Summer season. It is time to spend more relaxing moments outside and seek to recharge our spiritual batteries. As we shift into Summer Mode, setting some personal goals can help us to take advantage of the season and the time. Rather than letting life happen to us, by setting goals we stake our claim on how we want to grow, what we want to get out of the months ahead. Begin in conversation with God and ask the Lord how He seeks to encourage you on your journey.
As a parish staff, we are setting three goals for the summer in each of three personal areas: body, mind, and spirit. Won’t you join us in discerning how God would like for you to grow through the Summer? With all the sun and warmth, it is a great season for gardening and cultivating all the plants to grow. How is God’s grace seeking to be active in your life?
Contagious Fellowship
Dear Friends,
Over the course of the next few weeks, the Church invites us to focus on the Divine Persons of the Trinity. The Solemnities of Ascension, Pentecost and Trinity are great opportunities to meditate on the Who God is and His role in our lives.
Last week in the homily, I joked that the Ascension of Jesus and the descent of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost should not be thought of like a moment in tag-team wrestling, where the Second Person retreats to the corner of the ring to tag in the Third Person. Hyperbole for sure, but how should we conceive of this transition between when the Son of Man walks the earth and the Spirit descends at Pentecost?
First, let us consider that the human body is a limitation. A physical presence, even Jesus’ glorified body, is limited to a time and space location. He cannot be everywhere at once. Second, Jesus’ mission is to be the mediator between God and man, the uniter of what was broken, and in particular to make a perfect offering to the Father in and through our shared humanity. Now that work is accomplished; Jesus is victorious; we are invited to share in that victory.
Mother's Day Memorare
My Dear Parish,
Last week we crowned Mother Mary at noon, with the beautiful children in their first Holy Communion regalia joining in the procession. This weekend, we shall honor Mary at all the Masses. And for the month, Mary holds pride of place. If you please, bring flower arrangements for Mary during the month. What a splendid outpouring of affection for Mary that would be! For she truly is our Mother.
Mary is our Mother, our model and our lady. She holds the highest honor of mankind, which is why it is so powerful to seek out her intercession. Mary’s intercession is both potent and sweet. I love the words of the Memorare:
Remember, O most compassionate Virgin Mary, that never was it known that anyone who fled to your protection, implored your help, or sought your intercession was left unaided.
Inspired by this confidence, I/we fly unto thee, O Virgin of virgins, my/our mother; to you do I/we come, before you I/we stand, sinful and sorrowful.
O Mother of the Word Incarnate, despise not my/our petitions, but in your mercy hear and answer me/us. Amen!
