Category Archives: Musings

Repurposing churches

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An article online from the Associated Press reported on a phenomena that is sad, concerning, and perhaps a harbinger of things to come in other places and times. The article was reporting on the repurposing of church structures in Belgium. In the town of Mechelen one church is being renovated into a cafe and concert facility. Nearby a former Franciscan church has already been renovated into a luxury hotel. Another has been turned into a climbing club where people use the already-existing hand- and footholds to climb among the stained-glass windows. Continue reading →

Gates, roads and choices

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In today’s gospel, following the conclusion of the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus offers a series of four scenes which accent the importance of a real-world response to what has been heard – and then warns of the consequences of failing to respond. The scenes, each in their own way, draws out the contrast between a right and a wrong response, between the true and the false, the saved and the lost. These verses (vv.13-27) form a conclusion to the Sermon exhorting the hearers to make the righteous response. Continue reading →

Today at Quantico

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As I have written about before, one of the ministries we are privileged to serve is supporting interments at Quantico National Cemetery. We are the Catholic parish located about 1 mile from Quantico National and are called upon quite often. This week alone I served at four gravesides, accompanying families whose loved one served their country and are now laid to rest – perhaps the service member or the spouse who waited for their return. It is always an honor to serve these families. Continue reading →

Whose we are

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Jesus-weptToday is the Memorial of Saints John Fisher and Thomas More, the latter of the two who is more popularly known as he was the central character of the movie, “A Man for All Seasons.” The film depicts the final years of Sir Thomas More, the 16th-century Lord Chancellor of England who refused both to sign a letter asking Pope Clement VII to annul Henry VIII of England’s marriage to Catherine of Aragon and to take an Oath of Supremacy declaring Henry VIII Supreme Head of the Church of England. But St. John Fisher was in the same situation as Thomas More. Continue reading →

The Grace of Generosity:

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In today’s reading from the Second Letter of Paul to the Corinthians, we have a wonderful message about the transformative power of generosity. Paul shares the example of the Macedonian churches, who, despite their own hardships, overflowed with abundant generosity in support of the Church in Jerusalem. The reading is an opportunity for us to reflect on our perception of generosity and its place in our life of faith. Continue reading →

Being a worthy temple

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Today the Church celebrates the Memorial of the Immaculate Heart of Mary. The closing prayer in today’s Liturgy of the Hours offers, “Father, you prepared the heart of the Virgin Mary to be a fitting home for your Holy Spirit. By her prayers, may we become a worthy temple of your glory.” There’s something to contemplate. Are we mindful that we are called to be temples where the Holy Spirit dwells? Are we mindful of the implications of living a life worthy of that indwelling? …. and a whole lot more packed into that short closing prayer.

I thought it might be helpful to provide some background on the symbolism/meaning of Scripture’s use of “temple” and “indwelling” of the Holy Spirit. Continue reading →

Honoring Mary

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Today the Church celebrates the Memorial of the Immaculate Heart of Mary. It is one of many Marian celebrations throughout the liturgical year. At first blush you might wonder what is the difference between this memorial celebration and the Solemnity of the Immaculate Heart of Mary? They are two distinct celebrations that honor different aspects of the Virgin Mary’s life and role within Christian faith. Continue reading →

Most Sacred Heart of Jesus

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This is again posted, copied from last year, but it is a good one to review on this solemnity. I would also note that I was baptized at a Sacred Heart Church, served Parokia Moyo Mtakatifu (Sacred Heart in Kenya) and served the Sacred Heart community of Tampa for many years. There’s a history.

The Solemnity of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus is a celebration that falls 19 days after Pentecost, on a Friday. The liturgical feast was first celebrated in Rennes, France. The liturgy was approved by the local bishop at the behest of St. John Eudes, who celebrated the Mass at the major seminary in Rennes on August 31, 1670. You’ll notice that the first celebration was not situated in the days following Pentecost. St. John Eudes composed a Mass and a set of prayers for outside the Mass (referred to as an “Office”) that were quickly adopted in other places in France.  Continue reading →

Veils

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In today’s first reading St. Paul makes reference to a veil. Here is how St. Paul develops his thought:

To this day, whenever Moses is read, a veil lies over the hearts of the children of Israel, but whenever a person turns to the Lord the veil is removed. Now the Lord is the Spirit and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom. All of us, gazing with unveiled face on the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from glory to glory, as from the Lord who is the Spirit.

Therefore, since we have this ministry through the mercy shown us, we are not discouraged. And even though our Gospel is veiled, it is veiled for those who are perishing, in whose case the god of this age has blinded the minds of the unbelievers, so that they may not see the light of the Gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God. For we do not preach ourselves but Jesus Christ as Lord, and ourselves as your slaves for the sake of Jesus. For God who said, Let light shine out of darkness, has shone in our hearts to bring to light the knowledge of the glory of God on the face of Jesus Christ. (2 Cor 3:15—4:1, 3-6)

Continue reading →

Stingy is as Stingy Does

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With all apologies to Forrest Gump, St. Paul’s message in our first reading might well carry the moniker, “stingy is as stingy does.” In these verses, Paul speaks about the importance of generosity and the blessings that flow from a heart that is open to giving. It starts with a heart that is open to the Word of God and will allow it to guide us in our own lives. Continue reading →