Diakonia - Deacon Pat Kearns

A Catholic Men's Retreat!

2012-01-29T20:49:00.001-08:00

The Farm

2012-01-15T20:19:00.000-08:00

Sean and Mackenzie take our neighbor's kids to the Farm today.

Private Faith vs Church

2012-01-15T11:24:00.000-08:00

......How Jesus and religion are on opposite spectrums

See, one’s the work of God, but one’s a man-made invention

See, one is the cure, but the other’s the infection

See, because religion says “do,” Jesus says “done”

Religion says “slave,” Jesus says “son”

Religion puts you in bondage while Jesus sets you free

Religion makes you blind, but Jesus makes you see

And that’s why religion and Jesus are two different clans.....

.....So for religion, no, I hate it; in fact, I literally resent it....

I am proud of the Family (Religon) that I belong to: The Roman Catholic Church.

Catholic Humor

2012-01-14T20:22:00.001-08:00

Pope Benedict

2012-01-14T20:09:00.000-08:00

Although the particular inclination of the homosexual person is not a sin, it is more or less strong tendency ordered to an intrinsic moral evil, and thus the inclination itself must be seen as an objective disorder.

An Adult faith does not follow the waves of fashion and the latest novelties.

Dear brothers and sisters, after the great Pope John Paul II, the cardinals have elected me - a simple, humble worker in the vineyard of the Lord.

Having a clear faith, based on the creed of the church is often labeled today as fundamentalism. Whereas relativism, which is letting oneself be tossed and swept along by every wind of teaching, look like the only attitude acceptable to today's standard.

I leave from where the apostle arrived.

I too hope in this short reign to be a man of peace.

Not all moral issues have the same moral weight as abortion and euthanasia. There may be legitimate diversity of opinion even among Catholics about waging war and applying the death penalty, but not... with regard to abortion and euthanasia.

Our Christian conviction is that Christ is also the messiah of Israel. Certainly it is in the hands of God how and when the unification of Jews and Christians into the people of God will take place.

The fact that the church is convinced of not having the right to confer priestly ordination on women is now considered by some as irreconcilable with the European Constitution.

The fact that the Lord can work and act even with insufficient means consoles me, and above all I entrust myself to your prayers.

The new pope knows that his task is to make the light of Christ shine before men and women of world - not his own light, but that of Christ.

Today, I, too, wish to reaffirm that I intend to continue on the path toward improved relations and friendship with the Jewish people, following the decisive lead given by John Paul II.

We must have great respect for these people who also suffer and who want to find their own way of correct living. On the other hand, to create a legal form of a kind of homosexual marriage, in reality, does not help these people.

We were looking for a 'good shepherd,' and instead we got a German shepherd.

Marriage

2012-01-13T19:28:00.001-08:00

Today’s first reading began by stating that “It is not good for man to be alone and that God wanted to make a suitable partner for him.” God initially created animals to be man’s companions but none proved to be a suitable partner. So God created woman. But He didn’t just create a woman out of nothing as he could have; He took a piece of the man and created her.

The man replied to the creation “This one, at last, is bone of my bones and flesh of my flesh.”

Jesus teaches us that they are no longer two but one flesh and speaking of the Sacrament of Marriage, “What God has joined together, no human being must separate.”

We all know that over 50% of marriages end in divorce, I believe that most of these were thought of as more of a “Contractual Marriage” (an agreement) than a Sacrament. A Sacramental Marriage is a Covenant by which a man a woman establishes between themselves a partnership for the whole of life. Usually we think of this covenant in a rather personal and individual context. It exists for the good of the spouses and the good of their children.

We sometimes think of the wedding ceremony, which establishes this covenant as belonging to the Bride and Groom, as if it were their wedding alone. They can invite whomever they want, sing their favorite songs, and arrange the ceremony as they please. However, the Second Vatican Council reminds us that the Marriage covenant exists not only for the good of the partners and their children, but also for the good of the church and the good of society at large.

Marriage is a Sacrament.

In each of the sacraments a window opens and we can glimpse the mystery of God and God’s plan for the salvation of the world. In a Christian Marriage we see that God was not content to be alone. Out of love God created us and all that is.

God is faithful no matter what. Whether we are faithful or faithless, God is faithful; whether we wander away in sin or remain in the embrace of love, God is always there and is ever ready to embrace us. This Sacramental Sign, which the husband and wife give to each other, they also give to the entire community of witnesses.

I am guessing that most of us have never personally seen God, however the Sacramental Marriage and the love and relationship that flows between a husband and wife is one of the closest things we have on this earth that represents God’s relationship with us.

The fidelity of Christian husbands and wives represents that love and that relationship that God offers to us. This relationship is a mystery, a mystery for sure……

I was given one of the greatest gifts a child could every receive. I was given two parents who understood the sacrament of marriage. By no means were they perfect, rather imperfect in many ways and they knew it. But their marriage was sacred. They endured trials, disasters, and enjoyed delight, all while having 7 children and raising 6 boys, at times very unruly boys. That was a trial within itself. I am sure that there were times when they felt that they had grown apart, I know there were times when one or both had felt betrayed and hurt beyond imagination, yet they endured, forgave, loved, and understood. They knew that a Sacramental Marriage was much more than a personal endeavor, that it was holy, and it was intimately connected to God’s love for us.

We live in a culture that in many ways has forgotten the holiness and permanence of marriage. Almost all of us have had some connection with a divorce. Divorce always brings hurt, pain, and can leave scars that last a lifetime, if not for the spouses, often for the children.

I am saddened to say that many have left the church, or neglect the communion of Jesus due to a divorce and remarriage, yet they have not taken any steps to resolve this issue with the church. There are many misconceptions regarding what can and cannot be repaired. Neither God, nor the church would ever want to push anyone away, rather just the opposite. Mercy and Love are God’s greatest gifts. If you or someone you know, has endured a divorce and remarried outside of the church, and has a desire to return to full communion, please don’t hesitate to contact one of the Priests or Deacons and begin the process of repair. It is our greatest desire and would be our honor to assist you with reuniting with the church and the Sacraments.

In closing – and returning to today’s message of love.

We as Christians should understand that God does not desire for us to be alone. He desires communion between us, with Jesus, and ultimately with Him. There is no greater want in this world than the desire to be loved. However, to be loved, one must love. To be forgiven, one must forgive, to be understood, one must understand.

God has given Us much more than we could ever give in return.

This understanding of God has been given to us as a guide for earthly living and earthly marriage and we should be eternally grateful. Of all the great obstacles in marriage today, not unlike the obstacles identified in history, these struggles usually have at their roots a common theme of pride or entitlement. Pride and entitlement only creates division and hurt.

Yet one cannot feel grateful and entitled at the same time.

If we could only view life and our relationships through grateful eyes, pride and entitlement would never be our burden. Gratitude and entitlement cannot share the same breath, nor thought.

Think about this for a minute.

Gratitude and Entitlement are opposites; they cannot share the same breath, nor thought.

Marriage is a Journey, where two individuals through God’s grace, travel together, assist each other while growing in holiness, help pick each other up, support each other, forgive each other, love each other, and serve each other in the same manner as God does for us.

That is what a Christian marriage is.

That is what a sacramental marriage is.

Trials, temptations, and obstacles are a part of every marriage, but if we focus our attention on God, seek our God for answers, strengthened by the Sacraments, and can transcend our own self-will, imitate God’s love, mercy, and permanence, our marriages will be fruitful beyond belief.

Our Sacramental marriages will be fruitful beyond belief!

The Epiphany

2012-01-08T14:59:00.001-08:00

Is 60:1-6, Mt 2:1-12

The Gospel today is rich with symbols:

• The Journey,

• the Personalities from distant lands,

• the star, its disappearance and reappearance,

• the gifts,

• the difficulties,

• the dream….

All have a unique meaning, especially for Christians, and if contemplated can lead us to where it led the Magi:

To Faith in Christ.

Faith is indeed a long journey, a life-long one. This Faith journey leads us from the security of the “Lands” we are familiar with, to a far-off place where the rules of the game are very different. It requires courage to set out on such a journey when we could stick to the comfort and security of home and “do just what everyone else does.” It requires us to persevere and continue the journey, especially when it is not clear where we are going…. because with all real journeys of faith, more often than not, the specific route and destination is unclear.

But where does such faith come from? I think we all understand that it can’t be purchased, or even earned. Faith in Christ is a grace; or rather it is the grace of all graces.

A gift given to us. But this gift is not to be kept for ourselves, it comes with responsibility. I was once told that to whom much had been given, must is expected. We are all called to share this gift. And in sharing this gift, this gift of faith, our primary responsibility is to be a personal witness of what it contains. We are responsible for doing what we can in the sphere of our own lives so that the light of Christ shines through us to others.

• However, someone who is constantly bad-humored, or self-centered, or continually sad, is not a sign that God lives within them.

• Nor someone whose behavior and conversation is coarse and lewd and who profanes everything he sets his eyes upon or turns his tongue toward, he is not a sign that the sacredness and the beauty of God is within him.

• Nor someone who destroys her neighbor’s reputation on a daily basis; She will not inspire others to say, “Look how they love one another.”

• Nor will someone who lives only to have more of the “stuff” of this world, be likely to make people catch a glimpse of the world to come.

We must honestly ask ourselves: “What or who do I represent to those around me? And am I, a transparent window into what can be seen as the City of God?”

Today’s readings also show us that Christ is for all, for everyone. And that the church must be a city placed on a mountain top so all can see and all can come. This church involves each of us. Every Christian, and more so, every Catholic, Is this church. Each one of us is the church in the sense of being the place where Christ dwells and is to be revealed to those who do not know him.

So let us ask ourselves,

“Do I really believe that I am the dwelling place of God?”

“Do I have such faith?”

Many of us were born into a Christian family and it is difficult to appreciate how great the gift of “Faith” actually is. It is easy to take for granted, and we often fail to exercise it. And as we fail to recognize and utilize this gift, it can grow weak, and then we are only capable of short journeys with few or no difficulties.

Perhaps we can’t even travel past the everyday obstacles to find Christ our Lord.

Whether it is due:

• to a health problem,

• or that difficult sister-in-law,

• or the way that particular priest celebrates mass,

• or that particular habit my wife or husband has,

we have such little “strength of faith” that we lose our way. Many people think of the New Year as a time for a new start, and for some it is, but in reality, we have all been on a journey for years,

• and we choose who or what we are searching for,

• who or what we follow,

• and who or what we desire.

The Magi have shown us through example, that when Christ calls, and we focus on him rather than on ourselves, we can persevere. Even at times when the star seems hidden, with faith, it will reappear, and as we journey in faith, we will, come upon –

“The Savior of the World.”

So in conclusion……this gift of faith that has been given to each one of us awaits a response. And like the Magi, God speaks personally to us as well, if only we will listen and believe!

Rise up in splendor, Jerusaelm! Your light has come, the glory of the Lord shines upon you. See, darkness covers the earth, and thick clouds cover the peoples; but upon you the Lord shines, and over you appears his glory.

Happy New Year!

2011-12-31T14:39:00.000-08:00

The Annunciation – Mary Our Model and Ultimate Disciple

2011-12-20T22:34:00.000-08:00

The Annunciation – Mary Our Model and Ultimate Disciple

Luke 1: 26-38

When I find myself in times of trouble,

mother Mary comes to me,

speaking words of wisdom:

“Let it be.”

And in my hour of darkness,

she is standing right in front of me,

speaking words of wisdom:

“Let it be.”

Those famous words from a Beatles song are open to many interpretations. But at least one interpretation can serve as a key to unlock today's gospel. Mother Mary comes to us in a scriptural scene which is the greatest moment of her life.As she stands before the Angel Gabriel, Mary changes the course of history by agreeing to become the mother of Jesus.

This is Mary's greatest moment

· greater than giving birth in Bethlehem,

· greater than standing at the foot of the cross,

· greater than being assumed into heaven.

For in this moment, Mary utters the greatest prayer ever offered. Her prayer is “Let it be.” “Let it be done to me according to your word.” In this moment, Mary reveals herself as the first and greatest disciple and provides a model that all subsequent disciples must follow. Mary's prayer tells us that the foundation of the Christian life is accepting the will of God.

She is our model because to believe we too must surrender to God's purposes. Now following the example of Mary is not easy, because all of us want to be in control. We want to call our own shots in life. We want to determine how to move from A to B. With the best of reasons, we want to bring about good things for ourselves and for those that we love. Therefore, when things happen that we cannot control, when hurts occur that we cannot heal, when troubles come that we cannot escape, our life is thrown into turmoil and confusion. We loose sleep; our stomach churns; we beat our head against the wall. All because we cannot determine what we should do . Mary tells us that what we should do is surrender, surrender to God.

To follow Jesus we must accept those things in life that we cannot control or change. Surrender is truly the foundation of the Christian life. Yet it is important to understand that surrender is not neglect. Surrender is not “letting God do it” and avoiding our own responsibilities. For whenever in life a clear path is shown to something that is good, we are obliged to follow it.

Whenever there is an opportunity for reconciliation, healing, growth, or understanding, we know that it is God's will for us to act. We must take responsibility and do what is right. But we also know how often things are not clear, that there is no viable option to take, that there is nothing we are able to do. It is in those moments that we must surrender. So surrender is not neglect, nor is it giving up.

Surrender is not throwing in the towel in a desperate act of frustration. Surrender is not giving up, it is handing over, handing over to God. As believers, we understand that there are things that we cannot do, but God can. There are things we do not understand, but God does. There are many times where we are not in control, but God is.

Believers hand over to God;

· what is impossible,

· what is unclear,

· what is painful, realizing that God will do what we cannot do.

In the end, surrender is trust. So if there are troubles and divisions in your family, which you cannot heal, surrender them to God who can.

If there are people in your life, that you cannot change or protect from harm, entrust them to God who will not abandon them. If you wake up yet another morning, with a pain that you cannot relieve, hand it over to God who will carry that burden with you.

When you find yourself in times of trouble,

mother Mary comes to you,

speaking words of wisdom:

“Let it be.”

And in your hour of darkness,

she is standing right in front of you,

speaking words of wisdom:

“Let it be.”

Mary points to a truth

which only faith can see:

There will be an answer,

Let it be.

Mary and her Perpertual Virginity

2011-12-18T13:28:00.000-08:00

As I was greeting parishioners after Mass last evening a man approached me and asked "explain to me how Mary was and remained a Virgin?" I thought to myself....WOW - how do I explain this in 30 seconds or less as the parishioners were beginning to line up and as they were exiting the church. I did my best by giving the consolidated version, however there was so much more to be said.

Here is an article my Mark Shea as follows:

For most of Christian history, Mary’s perpetual virginity was a commonplace belief, even well into the Protestant Reformation. But in our hyper-sexualized culture – and, like it or not, this is the culture in which Christians and non-Christians are now submerged like fish in the sea – people find it extremely difficult to contemplate the possibility of a life of virginity as anything but one of unbearable deprivation. So before we ever get to discussing what Scripture says about the perpetual virginity of Mary, we’ve got a gigantic cultural hostility to virginity to overcome.

Click here for the rest of the article.

Merry Christmas

2011-12-18T09:00:00.001-08:00

Say "Merry Christmas"

2011-12-11T21:44:00.001-08:00

Happiness Through Faith

2011-12-11T18:01:00.001-08:00

Advent is a time in which we prepare for the coming of the Lord:

• His coming to us Sacramentally at Christmas,

• His coming to us individually at the end of our lives,

• and His coming to us collectively at the end of time.

And today, within the season of Advent, it is the 3rd Sunday of Advent known as Gaudete Sunday. Gaudete is Latin for “Rejoice”. It is a reminder that as Christians, we are to be joyful people.

The joyfulness seen in Catholics, and in their relationships with others should be a witness to the world of the Love of God and the transforming power of His grace to those who embrace Him. This radiating Joy should inspire others to seek the source of such peace. Yet, in our current culture, for many, this joy seems to be lost.

• Why?

I think for many, it is due to the lack of establishing and maintaining a close relationship with Christ. And also, for some, it is due to their inability to see Christ in those around them.

What if we were told that the Christ whom we have heard so much about, and whom we are waiting for, is already here in our midst as one of us? What possible difference would that make?

I recall a story that can help us understand this question a little better. A certain monastery discoverered that it was going through a crisis. Some of the monks had left, there were no new candidates joining, and people were no longer coming for prayer and spiritual direction as they used to. The few monks that remained were becoming old, bitter, and depressed. Even the relationships between the monks were becoming stressed and unkind. The Abbot had heard about a holy man, a hermit, living alone in the woods and decided to consult with him regarding their problem. The Abbot told the hermit how the monastery had dwindled and diminished and now looked like a skeleton of what it used to be. Only seven old monks remained. The hermit told the Abbott that he had a secret for him. He informed the Abbott that one of the monks now living in his monastery was actually the messiah, but he was living in such a way that no one could recognize him. With this revelation, the Abbott went back to his monastery, summand a community meeting and recounted what the holy hermit had told him. The aging monks looked at each other in unbelief, trying to discern who among them could be the Christ.

• Could it be Brother Mark who prays all the time! But has a “Holier-than-thou” attitude?

• Could it be Brother Joseph who is always willing to help? But who is always eating and drinking and can’t fast.

The Abbott reminded them that the messiah had adopted some bad habits as a way of camouflaging his real identity. This only made them more confused and they could not make any headway figuring out who was the Christ amongst them. At the end of the meeting what each of the monks knew for sure was that any of the monks, excluding himself, could be the Christ. From that day, the monks began to treat one another with greater respect and humility, knowing that the person they were speaking to could be the very Christ. They began to show more love for one another, their community life became more brotherly, and their prayers more fervent. Slowly people began to take notice of the new spirit in the monastery and began coming back for retreats and spiritual direction. Word began to spread and before long candidates began to show up and the monastery began to grow again in numbers as the monks grew in zeal and holiness. All this because a man of God drew their attention to the truth that Christ was living in their midst as one of them, actually, that Christ was present in all of them.

As Catholics, baptized and confirmed, we have the spirit of Christ within us. And through the Holy Eucharist, we have the true body and blood of Christ physically united with our bodies. The source of all Love and Joy resides within each and every one of us.

How can we Not be joyful knowing this! (Pause)

But to rejoice, it also takes Faith.

Many of us are experiencing tough times, have lost jobs, are enduring hardships, personal losses, and what appears as insurmountable obstacles. We are even feeling the pain associated with the separation from our Priest, Father Uriel, and all the emotions surrounding the recent occurrence. And yet we are to shine as Joyful witnesses.

Almost seems impossible doesn’t it?

Yet, this is where Faith comes into play. Haven’t we all heard the scripture that “God will not give us more than we can handle.” And that He will give us all that we really need to life. So hearing this...just how do we approach life when so much around us seems troubled?

We are to have faith!

Faith that everything in life, good and bad, has a purpose, and that purpose will be used to help us grow in virtue and holiness. Faith also directs our attitudes.

I can recall from years ago, the power that a mother had on her family at a time of trial and when all seemed lost. One day the father of the family came home from work and announced that he lost all his money because his business partner tricked him and ran away with the companies funds. The likelihood of poverty seemed eminent and despair just around the corner. Yet, that same evening, the mother of the family went out, sold some of her expensive jewelry, and bought food for a family feast. People criticized her for recklessly spending at a time when poverty was staring the family right in their face.

But she told them "the time for joy was now, when we needed it the most, not next week. And that God would provide." Her courageous act, and deep faith, rallied the family and gave them the hope they needed to face the future with confidence and to trust that God was still in control.

• Do you believe that God is in control of your life?

If so, what do we really have to fear?

Even the severe hardships and trials have a purpose and are used by God for what really is important in life.... Our preparation for eternal life in heaven.

We really do have much to be joyful about! As Catholics, we have gained access into a holy family and a relationship with God. We have been given this family here at Church and in our community. We have been given the opportunity for everlasting life and the assurance that we are loved and will be eternally cared for. Let us look for and see the holiness in each other. Let us honor and respect each other knowing that Christ lives within all of us. Through our example, let us be that voice crying out in the desert and show the world the Joy that radiates through us. Let our faith radiate the truth, that no matter what trial, obstacle, or discomfort comes upon us, we deeply know that Christ is present, and that he will come again offering an eternal life of joy, love, and peace for those who truly embrace him. This is the source of our Joy and our focus here today, on Gaudete Sunday!

OLM Website

2011-11-25T13:40:00.001-08:00

Our Lady of Mercy Website (My Parish)

Barack Obama - God almost entirely left out of Thanksgiving Proclamation

2011-11-24T08:42:00.001-08:00

THANKSGIVING DAY, 2011
November 24, 2011
A PROCLAMATION BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

One of our Nation's oldest and most cherished traditions, Thanksgiving Day brings us closer to our loved ones and invites us to reflect on the blessings that enrich our lives. The observance recalls the celebration of an autumn harvest centuries ago, when the Wampanoag tribe joined the Pilgrims at Plymouth Colony to share in the fruits of a bountiful season. The feast honored the Wampanoag for generously extending their knowledge of local game and agriculture to the Pilgrims, and today we renew our gratitude to all American Indians and Alaska Natives. We take this time to remember the ways that the First Americans have enriched our Nation's heritage, from their generosity centuries ago to the everyday contributions they make to all facets of American life. As we come together with friends, family, and neighbors to celebrate, let us set aside our daily concerns and give thanks for the providence bestowed upon us.

Though our traditions have evolved, the spirit of grace and humility at the heart of Thanksgiving has persisted through every chapter of our story. When President George Washington proclaimed our country's first Thanksgiving, he praised a generous and knowing God for shepherding our young Republic through its uncertain beginnings. Decades later, President Abraham Lincoln looked to the divine to protect those who had known the worst of civil war, and to restore the Nation "to the full enjoyment of peace, harmony, tranquility, and union."

In times of adversity and times of plenty, we have lifted our hearts by giving humble thanks for the blessings we have received and for those who bring meaning to our lives. Today, let us offer gratitude to our men and women in uniform for their many sacrifices, and keep in our thoughts the families who save an empty seat at the table for a loved one stationed in harm's way. And as members of our American family make do with less, let us rededicate ourselves to our friends and fellow citizens in need of a helping hand.

As we gather in our communities and in our homes, around the table or near the hearth, we give thanks to each other and to God for the many kindnesses and comforts that grace our lives. Let us pause to recount the simple gifts that sustain us, and resolve to pay them forward in the year to come.

NOW, THEREFORE, I, BARACK OBAMA, President of the United States of America, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution and the laws of the United States, do hereby proclaim Thursday, November 24, 2011, as a National Day of Thanksgiving. I encourage the people of the United States to come together whether in our homes, places of worship, community centers, or any place of fellowship for friends and neighbors to give thanks for all we have received in the past year, to express appreciation to those whose lives enrich our own, and to share our bounty with others.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this sixteenth day of November, in the year of our Lord two thousand eleven, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and thirty-sixth.

BARACK OBAMA

George Washinton - Thanksgiving Proclamation

2011-11-24T08:29:00.001-08:00

THANKSGIVING DAY 1789
BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA - A PROCLAMATION

Whereas it is the duty of all Nations to acknowledge the providence of almighty God, to obey his will, to be grateful for his benefits, and humbly to implore his protection and favor - and Whereas both Houses of Congress have by their joint Committee requested me "to recommend to the People of the United States a day of public thanksgiving and prayer to be observed by acknowledging with grateful hearts the many signal favors of Almighty God, especially by affording them an opportunity peaceably to establish a form of government for their safety and happiness."

Now therefore I do recommend and assign Thursday the 26th day of November next to be devoted by the People of these States to the service of that great and glorious Being, who is the beneficent Author of all the good that was, that is, or that will be – That we may then all unite in rendering unto him our sincere and humble thanks – for his kind care and protection of the People of this country previous to their becoming a Nation – for the signal and manifold mercies, and the favorable interpositions of his providence, which we experienced in the course and conclusion of the late war –for the great degree of tranquillity, union, and plenty, which we have since enjoyed – for the peaceable and rational manner in which we have been enabled to establish constitutions of government for our safety and happiness, and particularly the national One now lately instituted, for the civil and religious liberty with which we are blessed, and the means we have of acquiring and diffusing useful knowledge; and in general for all the great and various favors which he hath been pleased to confer upon us.

And also that we may then unite in most humbly offering our prayers and supplications to the great Lord and Ruler of Nations and beseech him to pardon our national and other transgressions – to enable us all, whether in public or private stations, to perform our several and relative duties properly and punctually – to render our national government a blessing to all the People, by constantly being a government of wise, just, and constitutional laws, discreetly and faithfully executed and obeyed – to protect and guide all Sovereigns and Nations (especially such as have shewn kindness unto us) and to bless them with good government, peace, and concord – To promote the knowledge and practice of true religion and virtue, and the increase of science among them and Us – and generally to grant unto all mankind such a degree of temporal prosperity as he alone knows to be best.

Given under my hand at the City of New York the third day of October in the year of our Lord 1789.

GO. WASHINGTON.

President Lincoln - Thanksgiving Proclomation

2011-11-24T08:23:00.001-08:00

By the President of the United States of America.

A Proclamation.

The year that is drawing towards its close, has been filled with the blessings of fruitful fields and healthful skies. To these bounties, which are so constantly enjoyed that we are prone to forget the source from which they come, others have been added, which are of so extraordinary a nature, that they cannot fail to penetrate and soften even the heart which is habitually insensible to the ever watchful providence of Almighty God. In the midst of a civil war of unequaled magnitude and severity, which has sometimes seemed to foreign States to invite and to provoke their aggression, peace has been preserved with all nations, order has been maintained, the laws have been respected and obeyed, and harmony has prevailed everywhere except in the theatre of military conflict; while that theatre has been greatly contracted by the advancing armies and navies of the Union. Needful diversions of wealth and of strength from the fields of peaceful industry to the national defence, have not arrested the plough, the shuttle or the ship; the axe has enlarged the borders of our settlements, and the mines, as well of iron and coal as of the precious metals, have yielded even more abundantly than heretofore. Population has steadily increased, notwithstanding the waste that has been made in the camp, the siege and the battle-field; and the country, rejoicing in the consiousness of augmented strength and vigor, is permitted to expect continuance of years with large increase of freedom. No human counsel hath devised nor hath any mortal hand worked out these great things. They are the gracious gifts of the Most High God, who, while dealing with us in anger for our sins, hath nevertheless remembered mercy. It has seemed to me fit and proper that they should be solemnly, reverently and gratefully acknowledged as with one heart and one voice by the whole American People. I do therefore invite my fellow citizens in every part of the United States, and also those who are at sea and those who are sojourning in foreign lands, to set apart and observe the last Thursday of November next, as a day of Thanksgiving and Praise to our beneficent Father who dwelleth in the Heavens. And I recommend to them that while offering up the ascriptions justly due to Him for such singular deliverances and blessings, they do also, with humble penitence for our national perverseness and disobedience, commend to His tender care all those who have become widows, orphans, mourners or sufferers in the lamentable civil strife in which we are unavoidably engaged, and fervently implore the interposition of the Almighty Hand to heal the wounds of the nation and to restore it as soon as may be consistent with the Divine purposes to the full enjoyment of peace, harmony, tranquillity and Union. In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and caused the Seal of the United States to be affixed. Done at the City of Washington, this Third day of October, in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and sixty-three, and of the Independence of the Unites States the Eighty-eighth.

By the President: Abraham Lincoln

The Parable of the "Talents."

2011-11-13T13:08:00.001-08:00

Homily – The Parable of the Talents

33rd Sunday Ordinary Time

Today’s gospel is one of my favorites because I think it represents a truth that so many of us struggle to understand. In the Gospel each person was given a specific amount of talents, and then they either used them completely, partially, or not at all.

This parable is a direct reflection of the talents or gifts given to each of us. You have probably noticed that God gave each of the men a different amount of talents, just like how God creates us uniquely and give each of us different gifts and in different quantities. Yet – we often forget about our uniqueness. In many ways we want to be like others, or at least possess their qualities. When we were younger, many of us looked up and admired, and wanted to be like an older brother or sister, or perhaps like that popular person at school. And even as we age, we still often find ourselves looking on to others with some degree of jealousy.

You know what I mean:

1. The person who seems so happy, physically fit, and attractive.

2. The person with such musical talent.

3. The person with the big beautiful house... and for us guys.... the guy with all the toys.

4. Or even the person who seems to attract such attention when the walk into a room with their charismatic personality.

Don’t we all find some degree with such struggle?

This reminds me of some wise words once shared with me regarding the awful trap of comparing oneself to others. These wise words, simple in concept, have changed so many lives. It goes something like this: Beware of the trap of comparing yourself with others. Because what we see in others is not the complete person, usually only seeing what the other wants you to see. We are all pretty good at hiding our faults, especially our really bad ones. What we often see in others is the best of their qualities, yet what we know of ourselves includes what I like to say is the “Good, the Bad, and the Ugly.” And if you continually compare yourself, your entire self, only against the visibly good qualities of another, it doesn’t take long and you are feeling pretty unsubstantial. You see, this is not a fair or true comparison, comparing all of you against only the good of another. And what makes this worse; many of us are continually comparing ourselves against ten or even hundreds of others in such a manner. Yet, so many us do this, some of us are doing this right now. No wonder why so many people take anti-depressant medication. No wonder why so many people constantly work through gossip trying to destroy reputations and create scandle... they want others to look less perfect so they can feel better about themselves.

Yet, they miss the whole point. None of us were created to share the exact same qualities, and not in the same amounts. We are not to look externally and try to identify who we are, but we are to look internally, deeply, identifying our unique gifts, then grow and nurture those gifts, and then share those gifts with others. That is how we are to find our purpose in life, to find peace and comfort. It isn’t difficult to see our faults.... we all have them... and we all know them very well.

1. Some of us have difficulty with moderation.

2. Some of us are quick to anger and slow to forgive.

3. Some of us are prideful

4. Some of us have physical disabilities

5. Some of us are shorter than we would like to be, or have less hair than we would like

6. Some of us struggle with learning

7. And some of us have difficulty being around people.

But God isn’t concerned with these faults, he often gives them to us to keep us humble and they help us develop virtue and character. God is more concerned with the personal identification of our gifts and talents.

1. Some of us are especially kind and compassionate.

2. Some of us have the ability to develop and maintain deep and meaningful relationships.

3. Some of us are intelligent and can teach others.

4. Some of us are healthy and can physically work hard.

5. Some of us are creative.

6. Some of us are healers: physically and spiritually.

God doesn’t care about status, popularity, or external characteristics. He cares about your heart and your soul, and how you serve others to the best of your ability with the gifts he has given to you. He wants you to use them for the good of others, not to just burry them or keep them to yourselves. Unlike the misguided saying that “You can be anything you want to be,” this is not necessarily true. God has a special purpose for you and if you only look deeply within yourself, you will see that you were created specifically to be something and someone. Not everyone is destined to be the president, an astronaut, nor a doctor or lawyer. Not everyone has the gift to be a beautiful singer, poet, or artist. But each of us can be something much greater.... A Saint!

All we have to do is use what God has given to us, our unique gift, to develop that gift, and then constantly share it with others. You will quickly find that you are not like anyone else in this world, beautifully unique and special, and have been given a special role to play unlike anyone else on earth. This is the truth, the Gospel and the Good news, shared amongst us today!

Veteran's Day Invocation Prayer

2011-11-06T16:17:00.001-08:00

Health, Happiness, and Holiness

2011-11-05T19:12:00.001-07:00

Amazon.com (Click Here)

Createspace (Click Here)

Prayers of the Faithful (intercessions) October 16, 2011

2011-10-15T18:44:00.000-07:00

29^th Sunday Ordinary Time (Year A)

· That the leaders of the church, in the spirit of Paul, preach the gospel not merely in words but in the mighty power of the Holy Spirit,