Thursday, May 28, 2015

Pentecost Homily

Jesus said to his disciples:
"Everything that the Father has is mine; for this reason I told you that the Spirit will take from what is mine and declare it to you.”

The Holy Spirit has declared to us that we have been given everything that the Father has given to Jesus.  Just as Jesus is the Beloved Son of the Father, we too are the Beloved Sons and Daughters of God and His Favor rests on us.

Each one of us is Precious in God's eyes.  It is a gift given to us out of great Love.  The world is constantly trying to convince us that the burden is on us to prove that we are worthy of being loved.

God says, no proof needed - I just love you.  I have been trying to find you more than you have been trying to find me.  I know you need Me, but I want you to know that I need you as well. 

All you have to do is to become the Beloved Son or Daughter that you are.  Everything the Father has is yours as well.

I send you my Spirit so you can know and feel my love and truly Become my Son or Daughter.  Become like me the Father - Love like me, show Mercy like me, Forgive like me.

Listen to the voice within you that says: "I have called you by name.  You are mine and I am yours.  You are my Beloved, on you my favors rests.
I look at you with infinite tenderness and care for you with a care more intimate than that of a mother for her child.

My Dear Friends, The mystery of God is that God is a Lover, who wants to be loved.

Becoming the Beloved of God means letting the truth of our Belovedness become enfleshed in everything we think, say, or do.
We are called to trust so much in God's love:

True Story:
More than 100 years ago, a great sailing ship was stranded off the coast of South America.  Week after week the ship lay there in the still waters with not a hint of a breeze.  The captain was desperate; the crew was dying of thirst.  

And suddenly, a steamship appeared, headed directly toward them.  As it drew near, the captain called out, "We need water!  Give us water!"  The steamship replied, "Lower your buckets where you are."  

The captain was furious and called out again, "Please, give us water." But the steamer gave the same reply, "Lower your buckets where you are!"  And sailed away!

The captain was filled with anger and despair, and he went below.
A little later, when no one was looking, one of the sailors lowered a bucket into the sea and then tasted what he brought up: It was perfectly sweet, fresh water!

For you see, the ship was just out of sight of the mouth of the Amazon River.  And for all those weeks they had been sitting right on top of all the fresh water they needed!

My Brothers and Sisters, What we are really seeking is already inside us, waiting to be discovered, waiting to be embraced by the Holy Spirit of God Who has been living within us from the moment of our Baptism.

The Holy Spirit is saying to us at this very moment from deep in our heart, "Lower your buckets where you are. Taste and see!"
Come, Holy Spirit - Open The Eyes Of My Heart
The Gifts of the Holy Spirit enable us to live as the Beloved and a holy Christian life. Which one of His Gifts do you need most right now in your life? 
1.       Wisdom
2.       Knowledge
3.       Understanding
4.       Right Judgment
5.       Courage
6.       Reverence
7.       Wonder and Awe
Ask for it at this Mass and your daily prayer.

Praise Be God, The Father, The Son, and The Holy Spirit, Now and Forever, Amen Alleluia, Alleluia.

Monday, May 25, 2015

Remembering on Memorial Day

God of power and mercy,
you destroy war and put down earthly pride.
Banish violence from our midst and wipe away our tears,
that we may all deserve to be called your sons
      and daughters.
Keep in your mercy those men and women
who have died in the cause of freedom
and bring them safely
into your kingdom of justice and peace.
We ask this though Jesus Christ our Lord.
R/. Amen


Tuesday, May 12, 2015

Ascension Thursday Schedule...

As I announced this weekend the Mass times in the bulletin for Ascension Thursday are incorrect. Here are the correct times...

Vigil for Ascension Thursday

Confessions from 4 pm - 5 pm
Mass @ 5:30 pm

Ascension Thursday

Mass @ 8:30 am 
Confessions from 11:30 am - Noon
Mass @ 12:15 (quiet Mass)
Confessions from 5:30 pm - 6:30 pm
Mass @ 7 pm