I suspect that most of us have had the experience
of a bit of humor lightening a stressful situation…
or of a gentle word diffusing a difficult moment.
I can recall a painful situation between myself and a friend...
[Ad Libitum…]
When we later met...I expected at the very least a good deal of tension…
if not a long, painful discussion with many apologies…
and perhaps the end of a good relationship.
Instead when we met, my friend simply smiled and said…
“So, are you hungry? Let’s go have lunch!”
Of course I did have to apologize…
we did have to talk about a few things…
and we had to recommit ourselves to one another as friends.
But the anxiety was dispelled by those few words spoken in kindness…
a sign that forgiveness and understanding were already being offered to me.
[PAUSE]
This is the kind of scene presented to us today by Saint John.
We can imagine that the disciples went through a time of despair…
thinking that all their hopes and dreams for a new life with Jesus
were destroyed with His death on the Cross.
Then they must have been filled with anxiety and confusion…
as they find that Jesus…whom they had buried…is somehow alive.
We see them returning to their work of fishing…
trying to keep a sense of normalcy in their lives…
and feed themselves and their families...
all the while trying to make some sense of this Jesus
who has changed their lives…
this Jesus who promised them new life…
then was crucified and is now alive!
Suddenly a figure they do not recognize appears and speaks to them.
He tells them to cast off their net to the other side…
and in the miraculous catch of fish they realize that it is Jesus the Lord!
Surely these days can best be described
as an “emotional roller coaster” for the Apostles.
You can imagine Jesus smiling lovingly…
as He diffuses the confusing and stressful moment…
by simply saying to His friends:
“Bring some fish. Come, have breakfast!”
None of them asked questions…
instead they just enjoyed each other’s company.
Of course…after the meal…
Jesus and Peter had a few things to talk about…
an apology was in order…
and Peter needed to recommit Himself to Jesus’ saving plan.
Notice that the meal and the discussion take place around a charcoal fire.
Recall the last time the Gospels present us with a scene that includes a charcoal fire.
Jesus is inside being interrogated on allegations of blasphemy.
Peter is warming himself outside the house of the High Priest.
The one to whom Jesus entrusted the leadership of His Church…
stood near that charcoal fire and denied Jesus…
…three times…to three separate persons.
He insisted that He did not even know Him!
This time the charcoal fire is not the scene of denial but of joyful reunion.
This time Jesus is the one asking the questions.
In order to make up for the three-fold denial…
Jesus asks Peter three separate times…
“Do you love me?”
Peter is surely filled with remorse for having denied Jesus…
and the sorrow of his heart increases with every repetition of the question…
“Do you love me?”
Peter is visibly upset that the Lord would ask him so many times….
“Do you love me?”
The third time we can hear the anguish in his heart and in his voice as he cries out…
“Lord, you know everything. You know that I love you.”
Each time Peter responds with a profession of His love,
Jesus offers a command…
“Feed my lambs…Tend my sheep…Feed my sheep.”
These words of the Lord are related to Peter’s office as chief shepherd…
whose vocation and mission it is to care for the flock of the Church,
established by Jesus Himself.
[PAUSE]
This past week, the fabric our nation suffered a serious assault…
as the lives of 33 people at Virginia Tech University
were abruptly and violently taken by a gunman intent on destruction.
The victims were students and teachers…
young people in the prime of their lives and dedicated educators.
Such a tragic scene leaves us as bewildered as the Apostles,
who could not at first make sense of their Savior’s death and resurrection.
In a letter expressing sympathy to victims…
Pope Benedict described the events of last Monday as “senseless.”
Senseless, yes.
We know that the killer had two handguns…
and the sheer number of injuries and deaths
meant that he had to reload and deliberately continue firing.
We know that in the two-hour period between the two shootings…
he mailed a video describing his twisted thoughts to NBC News.
Such premeditated violence makes absolutely no sense.
What good could possibly come from such horror?
Perhaps the only effect of such violence that could be called “positive”…
is if in seeing it we are awoken from our own complacency…
and made aware without a doubt
how desperately the world needs Jesus Christ.
And lest we ever think that our community is immune from violence…
let me tell you a story…
When I first arrived at Saint Aloysius…
Father Bernie took me around to some of the places
I would need to know in the area,
including the local funeral homes.
In one funeral home, a funeral director was arranging a body for viewing.
This was nothing I had not seen before,
having worked in a funeral home myself.
However…this time I was really taken aback…
and my heart sank as I saw a beautiful young girl lying in the casket.
I later found out that she was murdered in a shooing involving her boyfriend…
who was a drug dealer.
I am certain that image is one I shall never forget.
There are many circumstances put forth to help us understand what happens
in violent situations…
troubled lives…
poor upbringing…
drug addictions…
peer pressure.
And yet…as those bold enough to take the name “Christian”…
we cannot forget that the troubles of our world
have much to do with the absence of the love and truth of Christ.
In the face of this violence we are left in anguish asking “Why, Lord?”
We cannot repair the lives that have been destroyed.
We can only entrust the souls of the victims…and of the gunman…
to the mercy of God and the care of the Virgin Mary.
And as we recognize that there are so many troubled souls in this world…
who have never known Christ…
we can renew our baptismal duty to preach His Gospel with our lives.
Every moment of life counts.
Every moment is a chance to make Christ’s presence known to another person.
This mission given to Peter to “tend and feed the sheep of Christ’s flock”
in fact extends to the whole Church.
It belongs to each one of us to reach out to
those who have never known real love…
those who may be on the path toward sin or evil of one kind or another…
those who have never heard the Gospel preached to them…
the sheep who have never experienced the Church tending to them…
the lambs who have never been fed by Christ.
Only the words of Christ can bring healing and peace
to anxious, confusing lives and bewildering violence.
Witnessing to Christ is as unpopular today as it was in the time of the Apostles.
Yet, just as they stood strong against the Sanhedrin…
and suffered dishonor for the sake of the Name…
so must we stand strong…
and be prepared to be disgraced for the sake of Christ.
To fail in our vocation is to deny that we even know Jesus.
It is our hope and our constant prayer that…
by fulfilling this sacred vocation…
we will inspire the world to turn to God and not to violence…
to solve the problems of this life.
[PAUSE]
“Lord, you know everything. You know that we love you.”
In your mercy, help us to love you more!
Monday, April 23, 2007
The Sacred Liturgy, Nos. 29-34
29. The Celebrant
The most complete manifestation of the Church is a Bishop, his priests, and the faithful gathered in celebration of the Eucharist. Every celebration of the Mass is under the direction of the bishop, who is represented and assisted by the priests. The unity of the Church is expressed as the priests, helpers of the bishop, and the bishops, brothers among themselves and successors of the Apostles throughout history, all celebrate the same Mass throughout the world, in union with the Pope.
A bishop or priest, possessing the power of ordination to offer sacrifice in the person of Christ the Head of the Body, stands at the head of the gathered faithful. As the celebrant of the Mass, he has a significant role: he presides over the prayer of the assembly, proclaims the message of salvation to them, associates the people with himself in the offering of the sacrifice of the Mass, gives his brothers and sisters in Christ the Bread of Life, and partakes of it with them. His duty is formidable: when he celebrates the liturgy, he must serve God and the people with dignity and humility, and by his words and actions convey the living presence of Christ to the assembly.
GIRM 91-93
30. The Deacon
Second to the priest (or bishop) celebrant, the deacon also holds an important place as a minister of the Mass. The Sacred Order of Deacon has been held in high honor by the Church since the time of the Apostles. Deacons (from the Greek diakonia, meaning “service”) exercise a role of service to the Church.
In the Mass, the Deacon has his own proper role: proclaiming the Gospel, preaching occasionally, announcing the Prayers of the Faithful, preparing the Altar and the Gifts, giving directions to the faithful, assisting the celebrant, and distributing the Eucharist.
The Deacon carries the Book of the Gospels in procession and places it on the Altar. He incenses it before proclaiming the Gospel.
He incenses the celebrant, concelebrants, other clergy, and people at the Offertory. He kneels from the epiclesis (invocation of the Holy Spirit) until after the Consecration. He invites the people to give the sign of peace; instructs them to bow for the blessing; and dismisses them at the end of Mass.
The Deacon is charged with purifying the Sacred Vessels. He receives Communion, and never takes it for himself like a concelebrant. He is properly the minister of the Chalice for the distribution of Communion.
GIRM 94
31. The Acolyte
In rank after the (bishops) priests and deacons, Instituted Acolytes and Lectors also exercise liturgical ministries. Acolytes are instituted to serve at the altar and assist the priest and deacon. They have their own proper functions, which they are to perform personally.
The Acolyte carries the cross, or incense, or candles, in the opening procession. He holds the book for the priest and deacon. If no deacon is present, the Acolyte prepares the Altar, placing on it and arranging the corporal, chalice, pall, purificator, and the Missal. He assists the priest in receiving the gifts, and hands them to the priest. He assists with the incense. He may give Communion to he faithful. He may also assist the deacon in purifying the sacred vessels, or, if there is no deacon, purify himself at the credence table.
In seminaries, men in training for the priesthood are instituted as Acolytes for a time, as a step on the way to priesthood.
In parishes, where there are most often no instituted Acolytes, lay persons are chosen to perform these necessary functions at Mass. Altar Servers serve the Mass and Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion distribute Communion to the Faithful. These two roles fulfill the functions of the Acolyte.
GIRM 98, 100, 187-193
32. The Lector
In rank after the (bishops) priests and deacons, Instituted Acolytes and Lectors also exercise liturgical ministries. Lectors are instituted to proclaim the Readings from Sacred Scripture. They may read the Antiphons, Responsorial Psalm and Prayers of the Faithful. They have their own proper functions, which they are to perform personally.
The Lector, if there is no Deacon, carries the Book of the Gospels in the entrance procession. The Lectionary is never carried. He reads the Readings from the Pulpit (Ambo). He may announce the intentions for the Prayers of the Faithful, if there is no Deacon; and read the Responsorial Psalm, if there is no Cantor. He may read the Introit (Entrance) and Communion Antiphons, if they are not sung.
In seminaries, men in training for the priesthood are instituted as Lectors for a time, as a step on the way to priesthood.
In parishes, where there are most often no instituted Lectors, lay persons are chosen to perform these necessary functions at Mass. They should be well-trained and formed in love for Sacred Scripture.
GIRM 99, 101, 194-198
33. Extraordinary Minister of Holy Communion
The only minister who can validly confect the Sacrament of the Eucharist is a validly ordained priest. Therefore, a priest is the “minister of the Eucharist.” By reason of their ordination, (bishops) priests and deacons are the “ordinary ministers of Holy Communion,” whose duty it is to administer Communion to the faithful. Beyond these, the instituted Acolyte is an extraordinary minister of Holy Communion, even outside of Mass.
In cases of true necessity, members of the faithful may be selected to assist in the distribution of Communion. These “extraordinary ministers of Holy Communion” are delegated by the diocesan Bishop, either for a specific occasion or for a certain length of time. Also, in cases of unforeseen need, the priest may select members of the faithful to assist with Communion on a single occasion.
This function is to be understood as its name implies: “extraordinary.” Such ministers are to be employed in cases of real necessity, such as a vast crowd, and only if there are not a sufficient number of priests or deacons present. They receive Communion only after the priest and deacon, and never with the priest. They may never assist with the fraction of the Hosts.
Extraordinary ministers approach the Altar only after the priest has received Communion. They are not to assist with the purification of vessels, which is reserved to priests, deacons, and instituted acolytes.
RS 154-160, Letter from SCDWDS to U.S. Bishops, October 2006
34. Other Liturgical Apostolates
Singing is an essential aspect of all Liturgy. Thus, those who serve the Church by providing liturgical music have a serious and irreplaceable function in the liturgy. The Cantor, Choir, and Organist, exercise a liturgical function that is proper to them. They ensure that the chants and other music are carried out well, with the full participation of the faithful, whether that participation be in the form of actual singing along, or attentively listening to the choir or organ. Liturgical musicians ought to be properly trained and educated, so that their music serves the liturgy, and is able to lead the minds and hearts of the people into worship of God.
Also exercising liturgical functions are the Sacristan and Master of Ceremonies. Sacristans are those who arrange the liturgical books, vessels, and linens, care for the liturgical appointments, and set-up for and clean up after Mass. A Master of Ceremonies is one who, during the liturgy itself, oversees and coordinates the function of all those who are ministers of the liturgy. They are most helpful functions, especially in major celebrations.
GIRM 102-107
The most complete manifestation of the Church is a Bishop, his priests, and the faithful gathered in celebration of the Eucharist. Every celebration of the Mass is under the direction of the bishop, who is represented and assisted by the priests. The unity of the Church is expressed as the priests, helpers of the bishop, and the bishops, brothers among themselves and successors of the Apostles throughout history, all celebrate the same Mass throughout the world, in union with the Pope.
A bishop or priest, possessing the power of ordination to offer sacrifice in the person of Christ the Head of the Body, stands at the head of the gathered faithful. As the celebrant of the Mass, he has a significant role: he presides over the prayer of the assembly, proclaims the message of salvation to them, associates the people with himself in the offering of the sacrifice of the Mass, gives his brothers and sisters in Christ the Bread of Life, and partakes of it with them. His duty is formidable: when he celebrates the liturgy, he must serve God and the people with dignity and humility, and by his words and actions convey the living presence of Christ to the assembly.
GIRM 91-93
30. The Deacon
Second to the priest (or bishop) celebrant, the deacon also holds an important place as a minister of the Mass. The Sacred Order of Deacon has been held in high honor by the Church since the time of the Apostles. Deacons (from the Greek diakonia, meaning “service”) exercise a role of service to the Church.
In the Mass, the Deacon has his own proper role: proclaiming the Gospel, preaching occasionally, announcing the Prayers of the Faithful, preparing the Altar and the Gifts, giving directions to the faithful, assisting the celebrant, and distributing the Eucharist.
The Deacon carries the Book of the Gospels in procession and places it on the Altar. He incenses it before proclaiming the Gospel.
He incenses the celebrant, concelebrants, other clergy, and people at the Offertory. He kneels from the epiclesis (invocation of the Holy Spirit) until after the Consecration. He invites the people to give the sign of peace; instructs them to bow for the blessing; and dismisses them at the end of Mass.
The Deacon is charged with purifying the Sacred Vessels. He receives Communion, and never takes it for himself like a concelebrant. He is properly the minister of the Chalice for the distribution of Communion.
GIRM 94
31. The Acolyte
In rank after the (bishops) priests and deacons, Instituted Acolytes and Lectors also exercise liturgical ministries. Acolytes are instituted to serve at the altar and assist the priest and deacon. They have their own proper functions, which they are to perform personally.
The Acolyte carries the cross, or incense, or candles, in the opening procession. He holds the book for the priest and deacon. If no deacon is present, the Acolyte prepares the Altar, placing on it and arranging the corporal, chalice, pall, purificator, and the Missal. He assists the priest in receiving the gifts, and hands them to the priest. He assists with the incense. He may give Communion to he faithful. He may also assist the deacon in purifying the sacred vessels, or, if there is no deacon, purify himself at the credence table.
In seminaries, men in training for the priesthood are instituted as Acolytes for a time, as a step on the way to priesthood.
In parishes, where there are most often no instituted Acolytes, lay persons are chosen to perform these necessary functions at Mass. Altar Servers serve the Mass and Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion distribute Communion to the Faithful. These two roles fulfill the functions of the Acolyte.
GIRM 98, 100, 187-193
32. The Lector
In rank after the (bishops) priests and deacons, Instituted Acolytes and Lectors also exercise liturgical ministries. Lectors are instituted to proclaim the Readings from Sacred Scripture. They may read the Antiphons, Responsorial Psalm and Prayers of the Faithful. They have their own proper functions, which they are to perform personally.
The Lector, if there is no Deacon, carries the Book of the Gospels in the entrance procession. The Lectionary is never carried. He reads the Readings from the Pulpit (Ambo). He may announce the intentions for the Prayers of the Faithful, if there is no Deacon; and read the Responsorial Psalm, if there is no Cantor. He may read the Introit (Entrance) and Communion Antiphons, if they are not sung.
In seminaries, men in training for the priesthood are instituted as Lectors for a time, as a step on the way to priesthood.
In parishes, where there are most often no instituted Lectors, lay persons are chosen to perform these necessary functions at Mass. They should be well-trained and formed in love for Sacred Scripture.
GIRM 99, 101, 194-198
33. Extraordinary Minister of Holy Communion
The only minister who can validly confect the Sacrament of the Eucharist is a validly ordained priest. Therefore, a priest is the “minister of the Eucharist.” By reason of their ordination, (bishops) priests and deacons are the “ordinary ministers of Holy Communion,” whose duty it is to administer Communion to the faithful. Beyond these, the instituted Acolyte is an extraordinary minister of Holy Communion, even outside of Mass.
In cases of true necessity, members of the faithful may be selected to assist in the distribution of Communion. These “extraordinary ministers of Holy Communion” are delegated by the diocesan Bishop, either for a specific occasion or for a certain length of time. Also, in cases of unforeseen need, the priest may select members of the faithful to assist with Communion on a single occasion.
This function is to be understood as its name implies: “extraordinary.” Such ministers are to be employed in cases of real necessity, such as a vast crowd, and only if there are not a sufficient number of priests or deacons present. They receive Communion only after the priest and deacon, and never with the priest. They may never assist with the fraction of the Hosts.
Extraordinary ministers approach the Altar only after the priest has received Communion. They are not to assist with the purification of vessels, which is reserved to priests, deacons, and instituted acolytes.
RS 154-160, Letter from SCDWDS to U.S. Bishops, October 2006
34. Other Liturgical Apostolates
Singing is an essential aspect of all Liturgy. Thus, those who serve the Church by providing liturgical music have a serious and irreplaceable function in the liturgy. The Cantor, Choir, and Organist, exercise a liturgical function that is proper to them. They ensure that the chants and other music are carried out well, with the full participation of the faithful, whether that participation be in the form of actual singing along, or attentively listening to the choir or organ. Liturgical musicians ought to be properly trained and educated, so that their music serves the liturgy, and is able to lead the minds and hearts of the people into worship of God.
Also exercising liturgical functions are the Sacristan and Master of Ceremonies. Sacristans are those who arrange the liturgical books, vessels, and linens, care for the liturgical appointments, and set-up for and clean up after Mass. A Master of Ceremonies is one who, during the liturgy itself, oversees and coordinates the function of all those who are ministers of the liturgy. They are most helpful functions, especially in major celebrations.
GIRM 102-107
Sunday, April 15, 2007
Homily 15 April 2007 Divine Mercy Sunday
Christus surrexit! Vere resurrexit!
Christ is Risen! Indeed He is risen! Alleluia!
My dear friends in Christ…
two years ago this month…
on this feast of Divine Mercy…
Pope John Paul the Great passed from this life
into the loving arms of our Heavenly Father.
On April 2nd 2005…
a cardinal led the faithful in Saint Peter’s Square
in the recitation of the Rosary…
as the Holy Father spent his last moments on earth
in the celebration of the Holy Mass.
Throughout his papacy, John Paul promoted the beautiful spiritual exercises
revealed by the Lord Jesus to a young nun from his beloved Poland
named Faustina Kowalska.
From her young adulthood…even before she entered the convent…
Faustina experienced personal visits from the Lord,
who revealed to her His longing for souls to trust in Him
and His desire to cleanse them in the immense ocean of His mercy.
The Lord taught Faustina the special prayers called the Chaplet of Divine Mercy…
and the Novena to Divine Mercy,
which many Catholics now pray from Good Friday until today.
He even revealed to her the Divine Mercy image,
which He desired to be painted and venerated.
And He declared to her that He desired that the Second Sunday of Easter
be a Feast dedicated to His Mercy.
The Lord Jesus told Faustina that He desires priests
to proclaim His great mercy towards sinners.
And so Pope John Paul did as the Lord commanded…
he spread devotion to the Lord’s mercy throughout the world…
he established the Feast of Divine Mercy Sunday
in the universal liturgical calendar of the Church…
and he even canonized Sister Faustina a saint.
And so it is not merely coincidental…
but, rather, it is wonderful and beautiful…
that Pope John Paul passed from this life on the vigil of this feast…
the very liturgical celebration he loved so dearly.
The Divine Mercy image before our Altar was first revealed Faustina
on the evening of February 22, 1931…
when Jesus Himself appeared as He desired the image to be painted.
Faustina describes in her diary that she was struck with great joy
as the Lord showed Himself to her in her convent cell.
Jesus was clothed in a white garment,
with one hand laying in His chest…
the other hand raised in blessing.
Two rays were seen coming from his side…
one of them red and the other pale.
The meaning of the rays was not revealed by the Lord until three years later.
He said to her…
“The two rays denote blood and water.
The pale rays stands for Water which makes souls righteous.
The red ray stands for the Blood which is the life of souls…
These two rays issued forth from the very depths of my tender mercy when my agonized heart was opened by a lance on the Cross…
Happy is the one who will dwell in their shelter.”
Recall that, when the soldiers found Jesus dead on the Cross on Good Friday…
one of them thrust a lance into His side…
piercing His Sacred Heart…
and from His Heart gushed forth a torrent of blood and water.
This blood and water is the source of the very life of the Church…
As the woman eve is created out of Adam’s rib…
so the Church is born from the side of Christ
as He hangs on the Cross.
The Blood is His Precious Blood, the food our souls long for…
the very Blood which is made present to us in the Holy Eucharist.
The Water is the water of Baptism,
by which new Christians are given life in Christ.
We recall the words the Prophet Ezekiel uses to describe a vision from God,
words which are sung in the great Hymn of this season…the Vidi Aquam…
“I saw water flowing from the right side of the Temple.”
From the wound in the pierced Heart of Jesus…
the great flood of blood and water bursts forth…
cascading down over the whole Church…
rushing through this holy temple…
and washing over each of us…
the living stones in the Body of Christ.
For the sorrow of the Cross is our joyful redemption.
The wounds of Christ are the source of our healing.
It is into this wound in Christ’s side…
still present in Christ’s glorified body as a trophy of victory…
that the doubtful Saint Thomas gingerly places His hand.
It is this wound which is the source of our new life.
For those among us who were baptized and confirmed last week…
your new life in the Church has just begun…
and the grace of the Easter Sacraments
remains to strengthen you in your journey of faith.
For those of us who have been Catholics our whole lives…
the witness of our new members is a moment to be reminded
that the great gift which comes from the wounded Heart of Jesus…
ought never be taken for granted.
We have never touched this wound as Thomas did.
We are those who have not seen and yet believe!
And yet the Lord does not leave us without a real experience of His presence.
In the Sacraments we experience a tangible sign of the grace of God…
His very divine life at work in our souls.
In Baptism we are reborn to new life.
In the Eucharist Christ is really present and the hunger of our souls is nourished.
In the Sacrament of Penance our wounds are healed
by the infinite mercy of Jesus…
who endured His wounds that we might be saved.
In the Gospel today,
Jesus gives to the disciples the power to forgive sins in His name.
He says to them…
“Receive the Holy Spirit.
Whose sins you forgive are forgiven them,
and whose sins you retain are retained.”
To the priests of the Church Jesus entrusts the ministry
of being instruments of His mercy…
that mercy which is infinite and ever loving…
that mercy which He longs to bestow on us…
if only we come to Him, humbly confessing our sins and our wounds.
Jesus gives to us the Sacrament of Penance because of His boundless mercy…
and the Church continues the ministry of reconciliation.
For where the world has in many ways given up on forgiveness…
…given up on second chances…
Where the world is ready to destroy a person because of a mistake…
Christ and the Church say “I bring mercy.” “We bring healing and forgiveness”
Today Jesus says to us…
“Come, touch my wounds. Trust in me.
Be not unbelieving but believe in my mercy.”
Today we rejoice in Paschal glory…
and our hearts echo the words of the beautiful Easter hymn…
“At the Lamb’s High Feast we sing,
Praise to our victorious King,
Who has washed us in the tide,
Flowing from His pierced side!”
Christ is indeed Risen!
Saint Faustina, pray for us!
Christ is Risen! Indeed He is risen! Alleluia!
My dear friends in Christ…
two years ago this month…
on this feast of Divine Mercy…
Pope John Paul the Great passed from this life
into the loving arms of our Heavenly Father.
On April 2nd 2005…
a cardinal led the faithful in Saint Peter’s Square
in the recitation of the Rosary…
as the Holy Father spent his last moments on earth
in the celebration of the Holy Mass.
Throughout his papacy, John Paul promoted the beautiful spiritual exercises
revealed by the Lord Jesus to a young nun from his beloved Poland
named Faustina Kowalska.
From her young adulthood…even before she entered the convent…
Faustina experienced personal visits from the Lord,
who revealed to her His longing for souls to trust in Him
and His desire to cleanse them in the immense ocean of His mercy.
The Lord taught Faustina the special prayers called the Chaplet of Divine Mercy…
and the Novena to Divine Mercy,
which many Catholics now pray from Good Friday until today.
He even revealed to her the Divine Mercy image,
which He desired to be painted and venerated.
And He declared to her that He desired that the Second Sunday of Easter
be a Feast dedicated to His Mercy.
The Lord Jesus told Faustina that He desires priests
to proclaim His great mercy towards sinners.
And so Pope John Paul did as the Lord commanded…
he spread devotion to the Lord’s mercy throughout the world…
he established the Feast of Divine Mercy Sunday
in the universal liturgical calendar of the Church…
and he even canonized Sister Faustina a saint.
And so it is not merely coincidental…
but, rather, it is wonderful and beautiful…
that Pope John Paul passed from this life on the vigil of this feast…
the very liturgical celebration he loved so dearly.
The Divine Mercy image before our Altar was first revealed Faustina
on the evening of February 22, 1931…
when Jesus Himself appeared as He desired the image to be painted.
Faustina describes in her diary that she was struck with great joy
as the Lord showed Himself to her in her convent cell.
Jesus was clothed in a white garment,
with one hand laying in His chest…
the other hand raised in blessing.
Two rays were seen coming from his side…
one of them red and the other pale.
The meaning of the rays was not revealed by the Lord until three years later.
He said to her…
“The two rays denote blood and water.
The pale rays stands for Water which makes souls righteous.
The red ray stands for the Blood which is the life of souls…
These two rays issued forth from the very depths of my tender mercy when my agonized heart was opened by a lance on the Cross…
Happy is the one who will dwell in their shelter.”
Recall that, when the soldiers found Jesus dead on the Cross on Good Friday…
one of them thrust a lance into His side…
piercing His Sacred Heart…
and from His Heart gushed forth a torrent of blood and water.
This blood and water is the source of the very life of the Church…
As the woman eve is created out of Adam’s rib…
so the Church is born from the side of Christ
as He hangs on the Cross.
The Blood is His Precious Blood, the food our souls long for…
the very Blood which is made present to us in the Holy Eucharist.
The Water is the water of Baptism,
by which new Christians are given life in Christ.
We recall the words the Prophet Ezekiel uses to describe a vision from God,
words which are sung in the great Hymn of this season…the Vidi Aquam…
“I saw water flowing from the right side of the Temple.”
From the wound in the pierced Heart of Jesus…
the great flood of blood and water bursts forth…
cascading down over the whole Church…
rushing through this holy temple…
and washing over each of us…
the living stones in the Body of Christ.
For the sorrow of the Cross is our joyful redemption.
The wounds of Christ are the source of our healing.
It is into this wound in Christ’s side…
still present in Christ’s glorified body as a trophy of victory…
that the doubtful Saint Thomas gingerly places His hand.
It is this wound which is the source of our new life.
For those among us who were baptized and confirmed last week…
your new life in the Church has just begun…
and the grace of the Easter Sacraments
remains to strengthen you in your journey of faith.
For those of us who have been Catholics our whole lives…
the witness of our new members is a moment to be reminded
that the great gift which comes from the wounded Heart of Jesus…
ought never be taken for granted.
We have never touched this wound as Thomas did.
We are those who have not seen and yet believe!
And yet the Lord does not leave us without a real experience of His presence.
In the Sacraments we experience a tangible sign of the grace of God…
His very divine life at work in our souls.
In Baptism we are reborn to new life.
In the Eucharist Christ is really present and the hunger of our souls is nourished.
In the Sacrament of Penance our wounds are healed
by the infinite mercy of Jesus…
who endured His wounds that we might be saved.
In the Gospel today,
Jesus gives to the disciples the power to forgive sins in His name.
He says to them…
“Receive the Holy Spirit.
Whose sins you forgive are forgiven them,
and whose sins you retain are retained.”
To the priests of the Church Jesus entrusts the ministry
of being instruments of His mercy…
that mercy which is infinite and ever loving…
that mercy which He longs to bestow on us…
if only we come to Him, humbly confessing our sins and our wounds.
Jesus gives to us the Sacrament of Penance because of His boundless mercy…
and the Church continues the ministry of reconciliation.
For where the world has in many ways given up on forgiveness…
…given up on second chances…
Where the world is ready to destroy a person because of a mistake…
Christ and the Church say “I bring mercy.” “We bring healing and forgiveness”
Today Jesus says to us…
“Come, touch my wounds. Trust in me.
Be not unbelieving but believe in my mercy.”
Today we rejoice in Paschal glory…
and our hearts echo the words of the beautiful Easter hymn…
“At the Lamb’s High Feast we sing,
Praise to our victorious King,
Who has washed us in the tide,
Flowing from His pierced side!”
Christ is indeed Risen!
Saint Faustina, pray for us!
Monday, April 02, 2007
The Sacred Liturgy, nos. 25-28
25. "Full, Conscious, and Active Participation"
One of the most important principles that guided the liturgical reforms of the Second Vatican Council is that the faithful gathered for worship should exercise "full, conscious, and active participation" in the liturgy." This phrase has become a rallying cry for a variety of liturgical novelties and reforms. It is good to for all Catholics to understand precisely what it means.
The notion of "full, conscious, active participation" did not originate with Vatican II but with Pope Pius X, in the early years of the 20th Century. The fundamental meaning of the phrase is that all the faithful ought to understand the liturgy we celebrate, and dispose themselves properly to celebrate the sacred mysteries. Our interior attitude and understanding is of more importance than words and actions, although these are critical too, since they express our devotion.
Everyone has a role to play in the liturgy, according to his or her status in the Church: bishop, priest, deacon, lector, server, musician, or member of the congregation. These roles are distinct and should not be confused. It is the duty of every Catholic to study and come to understand the liturgy so that all may celebrate it with understanding and devotion.
RS, Ad Limina of JP II October 9, 1998
26. "Full, Conscious, and Active Participation"
The Ad Limina Address of Pope John Paul II on October 9, 1998 helps to clarify precisely what "full, conscious, and active participation" in the liturgy means.
Full participation means that every member of the assembly has a part to play in the liturgy, yet this does not mean that everyone does everything. The liturgy is "hierarchical and polyphonic." There are many roles and each one has its proper place. The roles of clergy and laity are distinct and cannot be interchanged.
Active participation means that the faithful participate in word, song, and gestures, yet they also actively participate in silence and attentive listening. Listening may appear passive but is actually an active element of the liturgy, whereby our minds are raised to heavenly realities when we listen to the readings or music sung by the Choir.
Conscious participation means that all the faithful ought to be instructed in the mysteries of the liturgy, so they are aware of what is happening. This includes Latin and Gregorian chant. This does not mean that the liturgy itself should constantly involve interruptions for instruction. At appropriate times, all ought to be introduced to the deep meaning of the mysteries we celebrate.
Ad Limina of JP II October 9, 1998
27. "Full, Conscious, and Active Participation"
"The celebration of the Mass, as the action of Christ and of the Church, is the center of the whole Christian life for the universal as well as the particular Church [i.e. "diocese"], and also for the individual faithful, who are involved "in differing ways according to the diversity of orders, ministries, and active participation."
"…the participation of the lay faithful too in the in the Eucharist and in the other celebrations of the Church’s rites cannot be equated with mere presence, and still less with a passive one, but is rather to be regarded as a true exercise of faith and of the baptismal dignity."
"…it does not follow that everyone must necessarily have something concrete to do beyond the actions and gestures [proscribed by the liturgical books]."
"Nor is the Eucharistic Sacrifice to be considered a ‘concelebration,’ in the univocal sense, of the Priest along with the people who are present…The community that gathers for the celebration of the Eucharist absolutely requires an ordained Priest…."
Accordingly, such terms as "celebrating community" or "celebrating assembly" are not to be used in this way, as if to say that the community offers the Eucharist, for this requires a priest.
RS 36-42
28. The Orans Position in the Liturgy
The role of the priest in the Liturgy is to act in persona Christi capitis, "in the person of Christ the Head" of the Body, the Church. The priest also stands before the Altar of God as a representative of the people, bringing their needs before God and begging His mercy and blessing on their behalf.
When interceding on behalf of the people in the Liturgy, the priest extends his hands. This position of prayer for the priest is called the Orans position, from the Latin orans, meaning "praying." It is a gesture common to most ancient religions. It is the natural human gesture of pleading with someone, "I beg you, help me." When focused heavenwards, it becomes an outward sign of supplicating God. It symbolizes the priest’s prayer on behalf of the people.
It is not a gesture proper to the Laity within the Liturgy (though in private prayer it is legitimate). Whenever private gestures of some people find their way into the Liturgy, the unity of the assembly is compromised, as is the rich system of symbols defined by the liturgical rubrics. The hierarchical nature of the Liturgy is also confused.
Extending hands during the Our Father is a gesture for the priests; and during the "For the kingdom, and the power, etc…" it is proscribed for the main celebrant alone, since he represents all. Extending hands is a liturgical gesture proper to the clergy, and not to the faithful, who have a distinct role of their own.
One of the most important principles that guided the liturgical reforms of the Second Vatican Council is that the faithful gathered for worship should exercise "full, conscious, and active participation" in the liturgy." This phrase has become a rallying cry for a variety of liturgical novelties and reforms. It is good to for all Catholics to understand precisely what it means.
The notion of "full, conscious, active participation" did not originate with Vatican II but with Pope Pius X, in the early years of the 20th Century. The fundamental meaning of the phrase is that all the faithful ought to understand the liturgy we celebrate, and dispose themselves properly to celebrate the sacred mysteries. Our interior attitude and understanding is of more importance than words and actions, although these are critical too, since they express our devotion.
Everyone has a role to play in the liturgy, according to his or her status in the Church: bishop, priest, deacon, lector, server, musician, or member of the congregation. These roles are distinct and should not be confused. It is the duty of every Catholic to study and come to understand the liturgy so that all may celebrate it with understanding and devotion.
RS, Ad Limina of JP II October 9, 1998
26. "Full, Conscious, and Active Participation"
The Ad Limina Address of Pope John Paul II on October 9, 1998 helps to clarify precisely what "full, conscious, and active participation" in the liturgy means.
Full participation means that every member of the assembly has a part to play in the liturgy, yet this does not mean that everyone does everything. The liturgy is "hierarchical and polyphonic." There are many roles and each one has its proper place. The roles of clergy and laity are distinct and cannot be interchanged.
Active participation means that the faithful participate in word, song, and gestures, yet they also actively participate in silence and attentive listening. Listening may appear passive but is actually an active element of the liturgy, whereby our minds are raised to heavenly realities when we listen to the readings or music sung by the Choir.
Conscious participation means that all the faithful ought to be instructed in the mysteries of the liturgy, so they are aware of what is happening. This includes Latin and Gregorian chant. This does not mean that the liturgy itself should constantly involve interruptions for instruction. At appropriate times, all ought to be introduced to the deep meaning of the mysteries we celebrate.
Ad Limina of JP II October 9, 1998
27. "Full, Conscious, and Active Participation"
"The celebration of the Mass, as the action of Christ and of the Church, is the center of the whole Christian life for the universal as well as the particular Church [i.e. "diocese"], and also for the individual faithful, who are involved "in differing ways according to the diversity of orders, ministries, and active participation."
"…the participation of the lay faithful too in the in the Eucharist and in the other celebrations of the Church’s rites cannot be equated with mere presence, and still less with a passive one, but is rather to be regarded as a true exercise of faith and of the baptismal dignity."
"…it does not follow that everyone must necessarily have something concrete to do beyond the actions and gestures [proscribed by the liturgical books]."
"Nor is the Eucharistic Sacrifice to be considered a ‘concelebration,’ in the univocal sense, of the Priest along with the people who are present…The community that gathers for the celebration of the Eucharist absolutely requires an ordained Priest…."
Accordingly, such terms as "celebrating community" or "celebrating assembly" are not to be used in this way, as if to say that the community offers the Eucharist, for this requires a priest.
RS 36-42
28. The Orans Position in the Liturgy
The role of the priest in the Liturgy is to act in persona Christi capitis, "in the person of Christ the Head" of the Body, the Church. The priest also stands before the Altar of God as a representative of the people, bringing their needs before God and begging His mercy and blessing on their behalf.
When interceding on behalf of the people in the Liturgy, the priest extends his hands. This position of prayer for the priest is called the Orans position, from the Latin orans, meaning "praying." It is a gesture common to most ancient religions. It is the natural human gesture of pleading with someone, "I beg you, help me." When focused heavenwards, it becomes an outward sign of supplicating God. It symbolizes the priest’s prayer on behalf of the people.
It is not a gesture proper to the Laity within the Liturgy (though in private prayer it is legitimate). Whenever private gestures of some people find their way into the Liturgy, the unity of the assembly is compromised, as is the rich system of symbols defined by the liturgical rubrics. The hierarchical nature of the Liturgy is also confused.
Extending hands during the Our Father is a gesture for the priests; and during the "For the kingdom, and the power, etc…" it is proscribed for the main celebrant alone, since he represents all. Extending hands is a liturgical gesture proper to the clergy, and not to the faithful, who have a distinct role of their own.
Sunday, March 25, 2007
Homily Fifth Sunday of Lent 25 March 2007
There is another version of today’s Gospel story…
which is not very well known.
The woman caught in adultery is brought before Jesus.
Jesus says to the scribes and Pharisees and to the crowd:
"Let the one who is without sin cast the first stone."
The stones of the scribes and Pharisees begin to drop… one by one…to the ground.
Jesus is bent down writing on the ground…
Then suddenly…from over his shoulder…
a stone flies by and grazes the woman.
Jesus stands up…whirls around…and in amazement He shouts…
"Mother! Stop it!"
[Pause for Laughter]
Jesus, the Son of God, became a man like us in every way…
except that He never knew sin.
Mary, His Mother, was immaculately conceived…
and so was freed from the reality and the effects of Original Sin.
For the rest of us…sin is something we all have to face in this life.
Take a moment to look around the church at one another…
You are looking at a room full of sinners…
including the one who preaches to you tonight/this morning.
I am a sinner.
None of us is without sin.
None of us is immune from the effects of Original Sin…
what Church Tradition calls "concupiscence…"
that tendency we all feel within us
to do things we know we should not do…
things which displease God…
things which separate us from the Church.
Sin separates us from authentic communion with God and the Church.
When we disobey God’s Commandments,
or the teachings revealed by God through the ministry of the Church…
we turn from God
and break the relationship that was begun in Baptism.
It is easy to talk ourselves into believing that we are mostly good people…
and to think that we don’t really commit any serious sins.
As long as we haven’t committed murder…
or robbed an armored car…
or committed adultery like the woman in today’s Gospel…
As long as we haven’t done anything that serious…
we think we’re doing well in living our Christian vocation.
But what about every time we drop the "G-D Bomb"?
What about the glances we take at another who is not our spouse.
Have we been totally pure and honest in our relationships?
What about the Sundays and Holy Days we missed Mass without a serious reason?
Missing Mass unnecessarily on the Lord’s Day and Holy Days is a mortal sin.
What about the unpleasant things we say about someone behind their back?
For the young people…
what about the disrespect you show toward your parents?
or toward your teachers?
If we are really honest with ourselves, and with the Lord…
we have to admit that we all stumble and fall in our journey of faith.
Sure, we try hard to be good.
But we’re certainly not always successful.
When we have fallen…
we Christians get back up
and once again entrust ourselves to the mercy of God, our loving Father!
The singular joy of being Christian
is that we have absolute faith in the mercy of God.
The forgiveness of sins won for us by Jesus Christ on the Cross of Calvary
is available to us in the Sacrament of Penance.
It is in this great Sacrament that Christ has chosen to bestow His forgiving grace…
through the ministry of the priests of the Church.
The Sacrament of Penance is a marvelous gift from God…
the splendor of which is beyond what human words can describe.
No matter how often we offend the Lord…
He draws near to us with compassion and love…
not to condemn but to forgive and to bring us back into the fold.
An illustration of the mystery of the Lord’s boundless mercy and forgiveness
is found in the Diary of Saint Faustina,
a polish nun who lived in the early 20th century.
The Lord appeared to her in a vision,
and told her to go to the priests of her town
and ask them to build a shrine there.
One of the priests asked for a sign from the Lord, to be sure it was really Him.
He said: "Go ask Jesus what I confessed in my last confession."
When the Lord appeared to her again…
she presented the priest’s question.
Jesus responded: "His sins have been forgiven. I do not remember."
All we have to do is ask…
and a fountain of incredible love and mercy is opened to us…
and our sins are totally washed away!
There is nothing to fear in the Sacrament of Penance.
As the Lord does not condemn,
so the priests of the Church stand ready as God’s instruments of mercy,
not of judgment.
Though we are only required to go to confession once a year,
it is good for our souls to experience God’s mercy often…
ideally once a month.
Frequent confession is life saving medicine for wounded souls.
Just as we have to take care of our bodies to prevent illness…
so it is critical that we take care of the spiritual well-being of our souls.
The Sacrament of Penance brings God’s mercy into the hearts of His people.
It heals wounds and brings relief to suffering souls.
One of our professors told the story of a priest in a concentration camp.
The soldiers…in order to squash the spirit of rebellion…
prepared to decimate the camp…
that is, to line up the prisoners…select every tenth one…
and send those selected to be executed.
They lined up those about to die along the side, while the others watched.
The captured priest was among the crowd forced to look on.
A few of the prisoners about to die looked the priest in the eye,
indicated that they desired absolution.
He discretely made the sign of the cross and said the prayer to himself.
Though they could only show their contrition and not verbalize their sins…
the Sacrament was celebrated, and God’s forgiveness came to them.
The mercy of God even reached into that horror and evil.
God’s mercy through the ministry of the Church can bring powerful healing…
if only we place ourselves at the feet of Christ and ask forgiveness.
When I was home a couple weekends ago,
the Deacon from parish preached the Homily.
He described Lent as a "second chance" that the Lord gives us…
a special time to wake up and realize where we need conversion in our lives.
How many more chances will we get?
How many more Lents will we have?
It is best if we grab hold of the remaining days of this Lent…
and not put off any more the deep conversion to which the Lord calls us.
Confession is a moment to be freed of the burden of sin,
to unload whatever burdens your heart,
Run to Jesus…
fall down before Him…
and encounter the fountain of mercy
that is available to us in the Sacrament of Penance!
Be not afraid!
Let the Lord love you…
Allow the unending torrent of his love to cleanse you and bring you peace!
which is not very well known.
The woman caught in adultery is brought before Jesus.
Jesus says to the scribes and Pharisees and to the crowd:
"Let the one who is without sin cast the first stone."
The stones of the scribes and Pharisees begin to drop… one by one…to the ground.
Jesus is bent down writing on the ground…
Then suddenly…from over his shoulder…
a stone flies by and grazes the woman.
Jesus stands up…whirls around…and in amazement He shouts…
"Mother! Stop it!"
[Pause for Laughter]
Jesus, the Son of God, became a man like us in every way…
except that He never knew sin.
Mary, His Mother, was immaculately conceived…
and so was freed from the reality and the effects of Original Sin.
For the rest of us…sin is something we all have to face in this life.
Take a moment to look around the church at one another…
You are looking at a room full of sinners…
including the one who preaches to you tonight/this morning.
I am a sinner.
None of us is without sin.
None of us is immune from the effects of Original Sin…
what Church Tradition calls "concupiscence…"
that tendency we all feel within us
to do things we know we should not do…
things which displease God…
things which separate us from the Church.
Sin separates us from authentic communion with God and the Church.
When we disobey God’s Commandments,
or the teachings revealed by God through the ministry of the Church…
we turn from God
and break the relationship that was begun in Baptism.
It is easy to talk ourselves into believing that we are mostly good people…
and to think that we don’t really commit any serious sins.
As long as we haven’t committed murder…
or robbed an armored car…
or committed adultery like the woman in today’s Gospel…
As long as we haven’t done anything that serious…
we think we’re doing well in living our Christian vocation.
But what about every time we drop the "G-D Bomb"?
What about the glances we take at another who is not our spouse.
Have we been totally pure and honest in our relationships?
What about the Sundays and Holy Days we missed Mass without a serious reason?
Missing Mass unnecessarily on the Lord’s Day and Holy Days is a mortal sin.
What about the unpleasant things we say about someone behind their back?
For the young people…
what about the disrespect you show toward your parents?
or toward your teachers?
If we are really honest with ourselves, and with the Lord…
we have to admit that we all stumble and fall in our journey of faith.
Sure, we try hard to be good.
But we’re certainly not always successful.
When we have fallen…
we Christians get back up
and once again entrust ourselves to the mercy of God, our loving Father!
The singular joy of being Christian
is that we have absolute faith in the mercy of God.
The forgiveness of sins won for us by Jesus Christ on the Cross of Calvary
is available to us in the Sacrament of Penance.
It is in this great Sacrament that Christ has chosen to bestow His forgiving grace…
through the ministry of the priests of the Church.
The Sacrament of Penance is a marvelous gift from God…
the splendor of which is beyond what human words can describe.
No matter how often we offend the Lord…
He draws near to us with compassion and love…
not to condemn but to forgive and to bring us back into the fold.
An illustration of the mystery of the Lord’s boundless mercy and forgiveness
is found in the Diary of Saint Faustina,
a polish nun who lived in the early 20th century.
The Lord appeared to her in a vision,
and told her to go to the priests of her town
and ask them to build a shrine there.
One of the priests asked for a sign from the Lord, to be sure it was really Him.
He said: "Go ask Jesus what I confessed in my last confession."
When the Lord appeared to her again…
she presented the priest’s question.
Jesus responded: "His sins have been forgiven. I do not remember."
All we have to do is ask…
and a fountain of incredible love and mercy is opened to us…
and our sins are totally washed away!
There is nothing to fear in the Sacrament of Penance.
As the Lord does not condemn,
so the priests of the Church stand ready as God’s instruments of mercy,
not of judgment.
Though we are only required to go to confession once a year,
it is good for our souls to experience God’s mercy often…
ideally once a month.
Frequent confession is life saving medicine for wounded souls.
Just as we have to take care of our bodies to prevent illness…
so it is critical that we take care of the spiritual well-being of our souls.
The Sacrament of Penance brings God’s mercy into the hearts of His people.
It heals wounds and brings relief to suffering souls.
One of our professors told the story of a priest in a concentration camp.
The soldiers…in order to squash the spirit of rebellion…
prepared to decimate the camp…
that is, to line up the prisoners…select every tenth one…
and send those selected to be executed.
They lined up those about to die along the side, while the others watched.
The captured priest was among the crowd forced to look on.
A few of the prisoners about to die looked the priest in the eye,
indicated that they desired absolution.
He discretely made the sign of the cross and said the prayer to himself.
Though they could only show their contrition and not verbalize their sins…
the Sacrament was celebrated, and God’s forgiveness came to them.
The mercy of God even reached into that horror and evil.
God’s mercy through the ministry of the Church can bring powerful healing…
if only we place ourselves at the feet of Christ and ask forgiveness.
When I was home a couple weekends ago,
the Deacon from parish preached the Homily.
He described Lent as a "second chance" that the Lord gives us…
a special time to wake up and realize where we need conversion in our lives.
How many more chances will we get?
How many more Lents will we have?
It is best if we grab hold of the remaining days of this Lent…
and not put off any more the deep conversion to which the Lord calls us.
Confession is a moment to be freed of the burden of sin,
to unload whatever burdens your heart,
Run to Jesus…
fall down before Him…
and encounter the fountain of mercy
that is available to us in the Sacrament of Penance!
Be not afraid!
Let the Lord love you…
Allow the unending torrent of his love to cleanse you and bring you peace!
Youngstown Church Awaits Bishop's Installation
This article appeared in The Youngstown Vindicator
Saturday, March 24th
Since Bishop Thomas J. Tobin was transferred to the Diocese of Providence, Rhode Island, the Catholics of the Diocese of Youngstown have longed for a shepherd for nearly two years. The Church in Youngstown now rejoices at the appointment of Bishop George V. Murry as its fifth bishop, which marks the beginning of a new chapter in our diocesan history. We pray for an abundance of heavenly blessings through the ministry of Bishop Murry.
For the faithful and the clergy, the presence of their bishop – the chief shepherd of the diocese – is a vital part of their living out of the Christian Faith. The bishop is so much more than an administrator, though the work of managing the resources of the diocese takes much of his time. As priest, the bishop oversees celebrations of worship in the diocese; as teacher he is charged with making sure the Faith is passed on completely to all the faithful; and as chief shepherd he is responsible for caring for the needs of the entire diocesan flock.
More than all this, according to ancient tradition the bishop is in a relationship of spiritual fatherhood with his people. The Church’s document on bishops (Christus Dominus) teaches that the Lord’s flock is a family of which the bishop is the father. As the father of children, so the bishop teaches, nurtures, admonishes, and instructs, all for the spiritual well-being of his people.
The bishops are the successors of the Apostles, whom the Lord Jesus Himself chose and sent forth to "go and make disciples of all nations" (Matthew 28: 19). Thus, in the person of the bishops, united with the Pope, the living tradition of Jesus is passed down to us. The Church is clearly visible whenever the bishop, together with his priests and the people under his care, gather for the celebration of the Eucharist.
As he begins his ministry as the father of the diocesan family in Youngstown, Bishop Murry will be installed in special solemn liturgies on March 27th and 28th. The official letter from the Pope announcing his appointment as bishop will be read to all the people gathered in the Cathedral of Saint Columba. The highpoint will be when Bishop Murry is invited to take his place in the cathedra, the presiding chair which symbolizes the office of the bishop.
Bishops in the Church use a variety of vestments and symbols of their office, which each hold particular significance. Whether wearing a suit or dressed in liturgical vestments, the bishop always wears a pectoral crucifix around his neck, a reminder that he is called to lay down his life for his flock, after the pattern of Jesus on the Cross. On his right hand, the bishop wears a ring, signifying the promise of faith and his spiritual marriage to the diocese. During the Liturgy, the bishop wears a miter on his head, and carries the crozier – the pastoral staff. The crozier has the shape of a shepherd’s staff with a crook at the end. As a shepherd must at times prod the sheep along with the point of his staff, and at other times draw them back into the fold with the crook, so the bishop must both encourage and admonish. All the symbols of the office of bishop speak to us of the rich tradition of the Church, which seeks through signs and symbols to make the loving presence of Jesus Christ known to all the world.
The Catholic faithful in Northeast Ohio offer thanks to God for sending us Bishop George Murry, a priest, a teacher, a shepherd – a father to our diocesan flock. As sons and daughters of God our Heavenly Father, we embrace this opportunity to step forward together, as priests, deacons, religious brothers and sisters, seminarians, and faithful united with our bishop, to bring the love and truth of Jesus Christ to the world in which we live.
Rev. Mr. Matthew J. Albright
Saturday, March 24th
Since Bishop Thomas J. Tobin was transferred to the Diocese of Providence, Rhode Island, the Catholics of the Diocese of Youngstown have longed for a shepherd for nearly two years. The Church in Youngstown now rejoices at the appointment of Bishop George V. Murry as its fifth bishop, which marks the beginning of a new chapter in our diocesan history. We pray for an abundance of heavenly blessings through the ministry of Bishop Murry.
For the faithful and the clergy, the presence of their bishop – the chief shepherd of the diocese – is a vital part of their living out of the Christian Faith. The bishop is so much more than an administrator, though the work of managing the resources of the diocese takes much of his time. As priest, the bishop oversees celebrations of worship in the diocese; as teacher he is charged with making sure the Faith is passed on completely to all the faithful; and as chief shepherd he is responsible for caring for the needs of the entire diocesan flock.
More than all this, according to ancient tradition the bishop is in a relationship of spiritual fatherhood with his people. The Church’s document on bishops (Christus Dominus) teaches that the Lord’s flock is a family of which the bishop is the father. As the father of children, so the bishop teaches, nurtures, admonishes, and instructs, all for the spiritual well-being of his people.
The bishops are the successors of the Apostles, whom the Lord Jesus Himself chose and sent forth to "go and make disciples of all nations" (Matthew 28: 19). Thus, in the person of the bishops, united with the Pope, the living tradition of Jesus is passed down to us. The Church is clearly visible whenever the bishop, together with his priests and the people under his care, gather for the celebration of the Eucharist.
As he begins his ministry as the father of the diocesan family in Youngstown, Bishop Murry will be installed in special solemn liturgies on March 27th and 28th. The official letter from the Pope announcing his appointment as bishop will be read to all the people gathered in the Cathedral of Saint Columba. The highpoint will be when Bishop Murry is invited to take his place in the cathedra, the presiding chair which symbolizes the office of the bishop.
Bishops in the Church use a variety of vestments and symbols of their office, which each hold particular significance. Whether wearing a suit or dressed in liturgical vestments, the bishop always wears a pectoral crucifix around his neck, a reminder that he is called to lay down his life for his flock, after the pattern of Jesus on the Cross. On his right hand, the bishop wears a ring, signifying the promise of faith and his spiritual marriage to the diocese. During the Liturgy, the bishop wears a miter on his head, and carries the crozier – the pastoral staff. The crozier has the shape of a shepherd’s staff with a crook at the end. As a shepherd must at times prod the sheep along with the point of his staff, and at other times draw them back into the fold with the crook, so the bishop must both encourage and admonish. All the symbols of the office of bishop speak to us of the rich tradition of the Church, which seeks through signs and symbols to make the loving presence of Jesus Christ known to all the world.
The Catholic faithful in Northeast Ohio offer thanks to God for sending us Bishop George Murry, a priest, a teacher, a shepherd – a father to our diocesan flock. As sons and daughters of God our Heavenly Father, we embrace this opportunity to step forward together, as priests, deacons, religious brothers and sisters, seminarians, and faithful united with our bishop, to bring the love and truth of Jesus Christ to the world in which we live.
Rev. Mr. Matthew J. Albright
Sunday, March 04, 2007
Homily Second Sunday of Lent 4 March 2007
While I was in college seminary at the Josephinum in Columbus…
I used to serve at the celebration of the Tridentine Mass
at Holy Family Parish in downtown.
It was an incredibly beautiful church.
Describe…windows, images, organ, etc…
The church had a unique reredos behind its altar.
The central figure was a statue of Christ in glory,
wrapped in brilliant white robes.
On one side of Him was the statue of Moses,
holding the two stone tablets of the Law: the Ten Commandments.
On the other side was the statue of Elijah.
The Pastor explain to us that it was extremely rare
to have an altarpiece depicting the Transfiguration…
and he was certainly proud of his church.
As we reflect on the beautiful and intriguing story of Jesus’ Transfiguration…
we see the great figures of the Old Testament.
Moses represents the tradition of the Jewish Law.
Elijah represents the traditions of the Prophets.
All the ancient writings and teachings of the Old Testament
prepared the way for the coming of Jesus Christ.
As people of faith, we read the Old Testament
and see in it the great and mysterious plan of God’s saving love,
which reaches its fulfillment in the Paschal Mystery:
the birth, life, passion, death, and resurrection of Jesus.
[PAUSE]
In this awesome and holy moment of the Transfiguration,
all three persons of the Triune God are manifest.
God our Loving Father is present as His voice is heard:
"This is my beloved Son; listen to Him."
Jesus the Son is present as He reveals His glory to the Apostles.
The Holy Spirit is present in the cloud, which overshadows Jesus.
[PAUSE]
Notice that, while He had many disciples,
and 12 Apostles, who were His close followers,
Jesus takes with Him up the mountain only Peter, James, and John.
For this moment, He includes only his most intimate companions.
These same three are with Jesus
at the moment of His agony in the Garden of Gethsemane.
It is John in particular who remain at the Cross.
It is Peter to whom Jesus entrusts His Church.
These are surely Jesus’ dearest co-workers, students, and friends.
[PAUSE]
Upon seeing the splendor of the transfigured Christ,
Peter is naturally a bit confused,
and does not know what he is saying.
He cries out to Jesus:
"Master, it is good for us to be here!"
We, the servants and handmaids of the Lord,
who this day are privileged to partake
of the Holy Body and Blood of the Risen Christ,
can join our hearts and voices to that of Peter,
the rock on whom our Church is built,
and ourselves cry out in joy:
"Lord, it is good for us to be here!"
In this Mass, the words of the Law and the Prophets are proclaimed to us.
And so, it is good for us to be here!
In this Mass, the Trinity is present as at the Transfiguration.
Our prayer is addressed to the Father,
as the Holy Spirit overshadows the gifts we present,
transforming them into the Body and Blood of the Son.
And so, it is good for us to be here!
In this Mass, we are surrounded by
Jesus’ intimate companions, the company of Apostles,
by His holy Mother,
by armies of martyrs,
and by the choirs of angels,
as our liturgy is united to their ceaseless heavenly worship.
And so, it is good for us to be here!
[PAUSE]
After Jesus reveals the overwhelming splendor of His glory
to the three Apostles,
they go down the mountain together
to resume their ministry among the people.
The time has not yet come for Jesus to be glorified.
Glory awaits Him.
Yet suffering faces Him first.
Before He rises to eternal and everlasting glory,
Jesus will first undergo dreadful and unimaginable suffering.
Before He goes to prepare a place for us in his Father’s kingdom,
He will first obey His Father’s will,
taking our place in the plan of redemption
bearing the weight of every human sin,
and every sorrow to which sin gives birth.
Before He rises to life on the third day,
the Author of Life will be put to death by his own creation.
Before He takes his place on the throne of His glory,
He will first wear a crown of thorns
and a mock robe of purple.
Before He sits at the right hand of His Father,
He will first grant pardon to a thief
crucified on a cross at the right side of His own.
[PAUSE]
So it is for us, who long for the joy and glory of our eternal reward.
Glory awaits us if we are faithful.
Yet suffering faces us here and now.
We endure the daily sufferings of human life…
with our hearts set on our true heavenly home…
where our bodies will be changed to be like Christ’s glorified body.
Notice that Peter wants to build three tents,
so that they may all remain together
in the glory of the mountaintop experience.
We cannot even remain here in the loving presence of Jesus,
who has come to dwell among us…
or, as the ancient Greek and Hebrew literally say…
He who has come to "pitch his tent" among us.
We go forth from this Mass as God’s people
to live the truth of our faith in the world around us…
to toil for the sake of Christ.
In our experience of living our faith,
our reading of Scripture and study of the Catechism,
our daily prayer,
our service to the poor…
in all this…"It is good for us to be here!"
For to be part of the Holy Church…
to be Catholic…
to toil for Christ…
is truly wonderful!
As our Lenten journey will reach its fulfillment in Easter glory…
so may our lives of faith bear fruit in eternal life…
when in Heaven we shall rejoice and say:
"Lord, it is very good that we are here!"
I used to serve at the celebration of the Tridentine Mass
at Holy Family Parish in downtown.
It was an incredibly beautiful church.
Describe…windows, images, organ, etc…
The church had a unique reredos behind its altar.
The central figure was a statue of Christ in glory,
wrapped in brilliant white robes.
On one side of Him was the statue of Moses,
holding the two stone tablets of the Law: the Ten Commandments.
On the other side was the statue of Elijah.
The Pastor explain to us that it was extremely rare
to have an altarpiece depicting the Transfiguration…
and he was certainly proud of his church.
As we reflect on the beautiful and intriguing story of Jesus’ Transfiguration…
we see the great figures of the Old Testament.
Moses represents the tradition of the Jewish Law.
Elijah represents the traditions of the Prophets.
All the ancient writings and teachings of the Old Testament
prepared the way for the coming of Jesus Christ.
As people of faith, we read the Old Testament
and see in it the great and mysterious plan of God’s saving love,
which reaches its fulfillment in the Paschal Mystery:
the birth, life, passion, death, and resurrection of Jesus.
[PAUSE]
In this awesome and holy moment of the Transfiguration,
all three persons of the Triune God are manifest.
God our Loving Father is present as His voice is heard:
"This is my beloved Son; listen to Him."
Jesus the Son is present as He reveals His glory to the Apostles.
The Holy Spirit is present in the cloud, which overshadows Jesus.
[PAUSE]
Notice that, while He had many disciples,
and 12 Apostles, who were His close followers,
Jesus takes with Him up the mountain only Peter, James, and John.
For this moment, He includes only his most intimate companions.
These same three are with Jesus
at the moment of His agony in the Garden of Gethsemane.
It is John in particular who remain at the Cross.
It is Peter to whom Jesus entrusts His Church.
These are surely Jesus’ dearest co-workers, students, and friends.
[PAUSE]
Upon seeing the splendor of the transfigured Christ,
Peter is naturally a bit confused,
and does not know what he is saying.
He cries out to Jesus:
"Master, it is good for us to be here!"
We, the servants and handmaids of the Lord,
who this day are privileged to partake
of the Holy Body and Blood of the Risen Christ,
can join our hearts and voices to that of Peter,
the rock on whom our Church is built,
and ourselves cry out in joy:
"Lord, it is good for us to be here!"
In this Mass, the words of the Law and the Prophets are proclaimed to us.
And so, it is good for us to be here!
In this Mass, the Trinity is present as at the Transfiguration.
Our prayer is addressed to the Father,
as the Holy Spirit overshadows the gifts we present,
transforming them into the Body and Blood of the Son.
And so, it is good for us to be here!
In this Mass, we are surrounded by
Jesus’ intimate companions, the company of Apostles,
by His holy Mother,
by armies of martyrs,
and by the choirs of angels,
as our liturgy is united to their ceaseless heavenly worship.
And so, it is good for us to be here!
[PAUSE]
After Jesus reveals the overwhelming splendor of His glory
to the three Apostles,
they go down the mountain together
to resume their ministry among the people.
The time has not yet come for Jesus to be glorified.
Glory awaits Him.
Yet suffering faces Him first.
Before He rises to eternal and everlasting glory,
Jesus will first undergo dreadful and unimaginable suffering.
Before He goes to prepare a place for us in his Father’s kingdom,
He will first obey His Father’s will,
taking our place in the plan of redemption
bearing the weight of every human sin,
and every sorrow to which sin gives birth.
Before He rises to life on the third day,
the Author of Life will be put to death by his own creation.
Before He takes his place on the throne of His glory,
He will first wear a crown of thorns
and a mock robe of purple.
Before He sits at the right hand of His Father,
He will first grant pardon to a thief
crucified on a cross at the right side of His own.
[PAUSE]
So it is for us, who long for the joy and glory of our eternal reward.
Glory awaits us if we are faithful.
Yet suffering faces us here and now.
We endure the daily sufferings of human life…
with our hearts set on our true heavenly home…
where our bodies will be changed to be like Christ’s glorified body.
Notice that Peter wants to build three tents,
so that they may all remain together
in the glory of the mountaintop experience.
We cannot even remain here in the loving presence of Jesus,
who has come to dwell among us…
or, as the ancient Greek and Hebrew literally say…
He who has come to "pitch his tent" among us.
We go forth from this Mass as God’s people
to live the truth of our faith in the world around us…
to toil for the sake of Christ.
In our experience of living our faith,
our reading of Scripture and study of the Catechism,
our daily prayer,
our service to the poor…
in all this…"It is good for us to be here!"
For to be part of the Holy Church…
to be Catholic…
to toil for Christ…
is truly wonderful!
As our Lenten journey will reach its fulfillment in Easter glory…
so may our lives of faith bear fruit in eternal life…
when in Heaven we shall rejoice and say:
"Lord, it is very good that we are here!"
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