Feast of the Holy Family

Dear Parishioners,

It’s not unusual for siblings to have problems with one another, for children to have attitude difficulties with their parents, and spouses to have disagreements over different issues. It’s part of our DNA to behave in unattractive ways from time to time; it’s the residual of original sin. While these things are normal, they are not good; they are not how God wants us to behave. On this Feast of the Holy Family, we should be mindful of how important our families are to us. After all, they are the ones who take us in when nobody else will. Therefore, today is an excellent opportunity to reflect on how we contributed to our own families. Have we added flavor and zest to the family stew, or have we poisoned the pot with our selfish behavior and know-it-all attitude? We might remember the words of today’s gospel (Luke 2:41-52) where it is stated that Jesus was obedient to Mary and Joseph. And He really did know it all.

- Father Carl

What’s in it for me?

Dear Parishioners,

“What’s in it for me?” More and more, that question is the question of our society and culture. It certainly wasn’t the attitude of Jesus who humbled himself to come to earth in difficult circumstances to work, suffer, and die for our salvation. Nor was it the attitude of Mary as we see in today’s gospel (Luke 1:39-45). Mary, although she is with child, goes out of her way traveling over rough ground to help her cousin Elizabeth. She didn’t ask, “What’s in it for me?” because she wasn’t self-absorbed, thinking only about herself. Instead, she focused on the need of Elizabeth. Mary is still willing to help those in need; she is our loving mother as well as Jesus’. Let us never forget her and turn daily to her in prayer: “. . . holy Mary, mother of God, pray for us now and at the hour of our death. Amen.”

- Father Carl

Rejoice in the Lord always! I say it again. Rejoice!

Dear Parishioners,

“Rejoice in the Lord always! I say it again. Rejoice!” these words of St. Paul in the second reading (Philippians 4:4-7) remind us that the underlying attitude of the Christians should be joy. Today, on Gaudete Sunday, the readings and prayers focus on joy. And so we light the rose (pink) colored candle and wear rose-colored vestments as a sign that we are called to be a people filled with joy. But how can we be that way when we see so much pain, suffering, and injustice in the world around us and even among our loved ones and even in our very own lives? The answer lies in God who never abandoned his people in spite of their rebelliousness toward Him.

As the prophet Zephaniah says today (Zephaniah 3:14-18a), “The Lord your God is in your midst a mighty savior; he will rejoice over you with gladness and renew you in his love…” And if God was with his people before Jesus, how much more is He with us now through the seven sacraments, especially the Blessed Sacrament? Finally, He comes to be with us in our parish community as we pray, socialize, and work together. As Jesus himself said, “Wherever two or three are gathered in my name, there I am in their midst.” It doesn’t get any better than that; therefore we must “Rejoice always.”

- Father Carl

Make ready the way of the Lord

Dear Parishioners,

It’s that time of the year again. No, I don’t mean Christmas shopping, decorating, buying trees, or mailing cards. No, it’s the time when John the Baptist makes his annual appearance (Luke 3:1-6). We need him and his annual reminder of repentance. Our lives become so very busy that we tend to drift away from God and into sin. John lived a very simple and austere life dining on locusts and wild honey. While his wild appearance may have attracted people at first, it was his life style that made people listen to his message, “Make ready the way of the Lord.” The best way for us to do that is the Sacrament of Penance whereby we level the mountains of our pride and arrogance and fill up the valley of our spiritual laziness.

Holy Trinity Parish will be having a penance service on Tuesday, December 11th at 7pm in its church. Of course, confessions are held here each Saturday from 3:30 – 4:30pm and also by appointment in the rectory.

I can’t think of a better way to prepare and put Christ into Christmas.

- Father Carl

Be on watch! Stay awake!

Dear Parishioners,

As my driver’s license was due to expire in a few weeks, I decided for once in my life, not to wait until the last minute. I heard MVA at Annapolis was quicker than Glen Burnie, so I went there. I discovered that if you go in late morning it’s going to be slow no matter where you go. So if you go, go early! As I waited, I paid attention to the numbers being called casually at first, because there were many others before mine. And as my number approached, I watched very intently as I didn’t want to miss my turn. I was very watchful, awake, and alert. In today’s gospel (Luke 21:25-28, 34-36), Jesus reminds us to do the same “Be on watch! Stay awake! You do not know when the appointed time will come.” Of course, Jesus is talking about being ready for the coming of the Lord at the end of time or the end of our lives. If I had missed my number at the MVA, it would have been most annoying and inconvenient, but if I’m not ready when Jesus comes, it would be tragic. That’s why I go to the sacrament of Penance at least once a month and say my prayers every morning and night. I want to be ready. How about you?

- Father Carl

The Feast of Christ the King

Dear Parishioners,

Christ the King is the crucified and risen Lord, our Savior and the One who is alive forever and ever. He holds the keys to life and death. In him, the most brutal suffering can be infused with meaning, unspeakable loneliness becomes companionship with God, and our fear of death is transformed into hope. The foundation for all Christian worship in every season of the year is knowing and being known by him who is Christ our King.

- Deacon Robert

In the Meantime

Dear Parishioners,

In the Meantime... So what does it mean to live in the meantime? It means many things, depending on where you are in life’s journey and what you believe life’s circumstances are calling from you. If we believe as Daniel and Jesus believed that heaven and earth will one day pass away (Daniel 12:1-3; Hebrews 10:11-14, 18; Mark 13:24-32); if we believe there is coming a day when days will be no more and God's Kingdom will be our great hope and home, then we believe what we do and how we live matters in the meantime.

Be of good courage. See with eyes of faith that God’s coming Kingdom is as certain as green leaves in the spring time opening up from tiny buds. And in the meantime, as we await that coming day, be a person celebrating life and living your faith. For when you do, you bear witness to this age that a new day is coming in God's Kingdom.

- Deacon Robert

How Generous Have We Been?

Dear Parishioners,

What faith, what love, what sacrificial generosity we see in the two widows in today’s scripture readings (Mk 12:38-44). They had so little jet they gave so much; they gave their all. How many of us would have even come close to matching them? During this month, we celebrate Thanksgiving and the many blessings we enjoy in our wonderful country. We are the beneficiaries not only of our American forefathers, but also of the Catholic Church which nourishes our immortal souls. It is a good time to reflect on our response to God. Have we expressed our gratitude through prayer and worship? Have we given our family the time they need? Have we given God time in daily prayer and worship? How have we used our talents to benefit our families, our communities and the church? And finally, how have we shared our treasure with the poor, the needy, and the church? In short, how generous have we been?

- Fr. Carl

P.S. I would like to thank Cub Scout Pack 414 for raking and cleaning up the entrance areas in front of the church. They generously gave of their time and talent on a chilly and blustery Saturday morning to make our grounds more attractive. Thank you!

Actually, That Is NOT A Fact

Dear Parishioners,

“The facts ma’am. Just the facts.” Those of you who remember the 1950’s TV show, Dragnet, remember Sgt. Joe Friday saying those words week after week. In the vice-presidential debate, the Democratic candidate said:

“With regard to the assault on the Catholic Church, let me make it absolutely clear. No religious institution – Catholic or otherwise, including Catholic social services, Georgetown Hospital, Mercy Hospital, any hospital - none has to either refer contraception, none has to pay for contraception, none has to be a vehicle to get contraception in any insurance policy they provide. That is a fact. That is a fact.”

Actually that is not a fact. The facts are these: Catholic institutions ranging from dioceses to Catholic Charities to Catholic hospitals – and non-Catholic institutions as well – are being forced to provide such coverage for their employees. When a company or institution like many dioceses are self- insured, it is being forced to pay for those services directly.

Those are the facts relating to the HHS legislation, and is the reason the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops are against this part of the HHS initiative. It’s also the reason why so many suits have been brought into the courts by dioceses, hospitals, and individual companies.

Let us pray that healthcare may be improved, made more affordable and more available to all. However, pray that that part of the HHS which violates freedom of religion and freedom of conscience may be eliminated.

- Fr. Carl

Feast of All Saints

Dear Parishioners,

On this last Sunday of October, as we look in just a few days to the Feast of All Saints, would that we of faith would learn from this Jericho beggar, who like all the saints of God, sees in Jesus the One worthy of our devotions. And what would that lesson be? That no matter what life kicks up in our faces, all of us are poor and blind and just a bit weary from what life's road has done to us. But Jesus passes by, and if we dare shout his name, he would give us the gift of sight, the gift to “look out” and see a world made new by the touch of his loving hand.

- Deacon Robert

Mission Sunday

Dear Parishioners,

This weekend is Mission Sunday, a time we call attention to those brave men and women who go out of their way to bring the gospel to those living in remote areas around the globe. These missionaries have been responsible in the past for Christianizing so much of Africa, the Americas, and parts of Asia. Today, they face continued hardship and persecution in the Mid-East and China. Nevertheless, they persevere. Today in the U.S., there are still missionaries serving the material and spiritual needs of God’s people. Let us not forget that it was the efforts of missionaries that helped the faith to spread in our country.

We owe a debt of gratitude to the good Irish, German, Italian, French, Polish, and Spanish missionaries from days gone. Since we were blessed by their efforts, let us show our gratitude by praying for our current missionaries and giving them the financial support they need.

- Fr. Carl

What’s in it for me?

Dear Parishioners,

In recent years have you noticed something missing in political campaign speeches? Candidates invariably talk about family values, concern for the elderly, education and poverty. They make extravagant promises, assuring well being, if not prosperity, for essentially everybody. These campaigns of promise-making aim almost exclusively at our wants and desires. What is often missing is a call to service.

“And so, my fellow Americans, ask not what your country can do for you, ask what you can do for your country.” This famous quote for the inauguration of John Kennedy echoed similar words from Oliver Wendell Holmes in 1884. “We pause to recall what our country has done for each of us and to ask ourselves what we can do for our country in return.” Such challenges are seldom heard in political speeches that promise everything and ask for nothing but a vote. You have to be suspicious, because even our gracious God is not all promise! What should concern us most is the likelihood that such speeches merely reflect the culture to which they are appealing for support.

When the only question is, “What’s in it for me?” aren’t we suffering from arrested development spiritually? Jesus pointed his eager disciples away from the immaturity of “It’s all about me, my possessions and the clutter in my life” toward the maturity of the person who has developed a heart to serve.

- Deacon Robert

Marriage Is In Trouble

Dear Parishioners,

This week the scripture readings deal with the topic of marriage (Genesis 2:18-24; Hebrews 2:9-11Mark 10:2-16). How timely it is that these particular readings, which only occur every three years, are being read this election year. As most of you know by now, our legislature has enacted a law redefining marriage so that two members of the same sex may be  married. Society has always, even before Christianity, seen marriage as the union between a man and a woman, as the basic cell to stabilize families, generate and raise children, and help civilization to grow and flourish. The current legislation will threaten the basic welfare. Recently, in Australia, the government, including the Prime Minister, overwhelmingly defeated the concept of same sex marriage. I encourage you to read the inserts you’ll find in the bulletin in the weeks ahead, along with the green pamphlets found at the doors of the church. Marriage is in trouble, and as a result, so is our culture. Please become informed so that you may vote to protect marriage as society and the church have defined it since the beginning of time.

Nevertheless, in our defense of authentic marriage, we cannot detract or demean those who disagree with us. Instead, we must be civil, courteous, and charitable while standing tall for what we believe and the church teaches.

- Fr. Carl

A Year of Faith

Dear Parishioners,

Pope Benedict XVI has called the Church to a Year of Faith starting October 11th – the 50th anniversary of the beginning of the Second Vatican Council. We are all invited, young and old alike, to grow deeper in our knowledge and practice of our faith. If we are to do what Jesus calls us to do, evangelize, we must grow in our understanding of the Catholic faith. There will be many opportunities to do that starting on Monday, October 1st at 7:30 p.m. in the Muth Room, with our RCIA (Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults), a series of talks and explanations about our beliefs and practices.

Beginning Thursday, October 11th at 7:00 p.m., and Saturday, October 13th at 9:00 a.m., we will present the conversion story of Tim Staples, “Jimmy Swaggert Made Me a Catholic” followed by Rev. Robert Barron’s series, “Catholicism,” which appeared on PBS last year.

Finally, if you want to do some home study, I recommend subscribing to Our Sunday Visitor or getting a copy of The Catechism of the Catholic Church. After all, the answer in the old Baltimore Catechism to the question of why God made us was “to know Him, to love Him, and to serve Him in this life so as to be happy with Him in the life to come.” It all starts with knowing Him.

- Fr. Carl

Are You No. 1?

Dear Parishioners,

Jesus tells us that greatness is not something one seeks, but a gift that seeks the person (Mark 9:30-37). History's most effective leaders have often been men and women who had greatness thrust upon them by events not of their own making. Rather than positioning themselves to be number one, they served others well, faithfully and generously only to discover they were the leader all along. Let's not miss the child being held in our Lord's arms. What if being number one boiled down to living in such a trusting naive relationship with Jesus Christ that we could freely serve others knowing that our needs have already been met? What if winning in life actually meant making others number one because we knew in our soul that God had already claimed us all for his very own?

- Deacon Robert

Who Do You Say That I Am?

Dear Parishioners,

Thirty miles north of the Sea of Galilee in the northern part of the Tetiarchy of Philip, lies the area called Caesarea Philippi. It was a town with an amazing history. It had once been a great center of worship to pagan god Baal. It had also been said to be the birthplace of the Greek god Pan and the source of the Jordan River. Furthermore, Philip had built a gleaming temple to the godhead of Caesar, the Roman emperor, who was regarded as a god. It was amazing with all these claimants to divinity that the Son of God should ask who his disciples thought him to be. And it was even more amazing that Peter got it right – “You are the Messiah.” But then Peter got it wrong when Jesus revealed what lay in store for him. We, like Peter, get it right when we look upon the promises of God with great joy and enthusiasm. But then we get it wrong when we try to avoid the hardships along the way. Later on, Peter would accept his cross. May we do the same as we remember Jesus’ words “whoever loses his life for my sake and the gospel’s will save it.” (Mark 8:27-35)

- Father Carl

What Can God Do For You?

Dear Parishioners,

What could happen in our lives if we would simply, humbly let God do for us what only God can do for us? If we would, if we dared to let God be God in our lives, dreams might become reality. All the silent, deaf, lonely places in our lives could hear, and for the first time, we might have a tongue made new with words worth speaking. God has a dream for us. Would you let Jesus do the work only he can do? And what dream would come alive in you today and in all the days to come if you would simply say “yes”? Loving God, release our fears, assure us of your healing gifts, open our ears, loose our tongue and let the dream come alive.

- Deacon Robert

Are we a “wise and intelligent” nation?

Dear Parishioners,

As Americans, we cherish our freedoms. We especially don’t like it when we think our freedoms are being restricted or limited in some way. But the good Lord gave us freedom to be used for good and not evil. When we use freedom in this way, we find balance and peace in our lives. However, we can make mistakes in judgment, and so God gives us guidance. In today’s first reading (Deuteronomy 4:1-2, 6-8), Moses talks to the people about this heavenly advice; it’s called COMMANDMENTS. Moses tells the people that those who follow them will be thought to be “wise and intelligent.” In the gospel (Mark 7:1-8, 14-15, 21-23), Jesus criticizes the Pharisees and scribes for twisting the commandments to suit themselves. It’s a trap we too can fall into if we are not careful. When we pick and choose which moral teachings we will follow and which ones we will ignore, we become hypocrites. Let us follow Moses’ advice about the commandments and be thought of as “wise and intelligent.”

- Fr. Carl

Whom Will You Serve?

Dear Parishioners,

Joshua addresses the tribes of Israel (Joshua 24:1-2a), “Choose this day whom you will serve.” This statement suggests that the choice is always a “this day decision.” Every day and perhaps every moment throughout the day brings with it choices. The fact is that none of us make excellent decisions all the time. We take wrong turns, say unkind things and act in inappropriate ways. If you made a bad decision yesterday, make a better one today.

Today, this day, right now set your heart to follow Jesus. Today, this day, choose to align your values with his values, your way with his way, your attitude with his attitude, you future with his future. When you do, when you choose Jesus today, you choose the person who will empower all the choices your make now and as long as you live.

- Deacon Robert

My flesh is real food and my blood real drink

Dear Parishioners,

It’s fascinating to see how some Christians struggle with this week’s gospel (John 6:51-58). Our fundamentalist Christian brothers and sisters who believe in the literal interpretation of the bible have great difficulty with this week’s passage. When Jesus says, “my flesh is real food and my blood real drink,” it is rather certain that he means what he says. Yet in this instance, some will say that Jesus is only speaking symbolically. Unfortunately, our fundamentalist friends are not the only ones mistaken. In a survey several years ago, many Catholics said that they did not believe in the real presence of Jesus in the Eucharist. How sad!

If the Eucharist was not really the body, blood, soul, and divinity of Jesus, why would St. Paul be so severe in his letter to the Corinthians? He says, “This means that whoever eats the bread or drinks the cup of the Lord unworthily sins against the body and blood of the Lord. A man should examine himself first; only then should he eat of the bread and drink of the cup. He who eats and drinks without recognizing the body eats and drinks a judgment on himself.” (1Cor 11:27-29) In other words, the person is committing a sacrilege or mortal sin by receiving Holy Communion while not in the state of grace.

Our Lord loves us so much that on Calvary he allowed his body to be ground into wheat and crushed into wine so as to feed us in the Eucharist. May we express our gratitude by allowing the Eucharist to transform ourselves into the image of Christ here on earth.

- Fr. Carl

Imitating God

Dear Parishioners,

Being a Christian is challenging. To love as Christ loves us is tough, difficult and outrageous. You must choose to forgive others when you do not feel like it, care for others when you may not care to do so. Christianity is a faith that knows little of ease and much of struggle born of conviction. To entertain the thought that you and I could become “imitators of God” defies logic. But Saint Paul says we can.

- Deacon Robert

“God, the Blessed Virgin, the angels and
saints are about our path; they are at
our side and see all we do.”
- The Cure D’Ars

Exercise… Good for the Body and Spirit!

Dear Parishioners,

These days, many of us are watching the Olympics, as they are so popular. However, back in 1908, Rome renounced the Olympic Games which were then held in London! At that time in history, less than 1% of the people engaged in any sporting activity. The people at that time didn’t understand the importance of exercise. One person who did was the Pope. Pope Pius X, in a speech to the youth on October 8, 1905, said, “I admire and bless with all my heart all the games and pastimes, gymnastics, cycling, mountain climbing, jogging, competitions and academics to which you dedicate yourselves. The exercise of the body affects wonderfully the exercise of the spirit. Because these activities require more work, you take away sloth, which is the father of vices, and finally because of the same friendly matches will be in you an image of emulation in the exercise of virtue.” Later on, speaking to one of the cardinals about exercise, he said, “All right, if it is impossible to understand that this can be done, then I, myself, will exercise in front of everyone so that they may see that if the Pope can do it, anyone can do it.” Perhaps it would be good for us to get back into the routine of exercise not only of the body, but he mind and spirit as well.

- Fr. Carl

“It is a strange thing; I have met plenty of people
who repented at not having loved God.
Never have I met one who repented of having loved Him.”
- The Cure D’Ars

Got Bread?

Dear Parishioners,

In statues or pictures of the saints, there is usually a symbol representing their life or death. St. Peter is usually shown with keys, because Jesus entrusted him with the keys of the kingdom; St. Paul is usually holding a sword, because his martyrdom was accomplished by beheading; and St. Philip is shown holding a loaf of bread. Why a loaf of bread you ask? The reason is found in today’s gospel (John 6:1-15) where Jesus asks Philip, “Where shall we buy bread for all these people to eat?” Of course, Jesus knew what he was going to do, but poor Philip was clueless as to how the crowd, with 5,000 men alone, would be fed. Why Jesus asked Philip about bread for the people nobody knows, but ever since, Philip has been depicted carrying a loaf of bread. Of course Jesus’ question to Philip is meant for the Church and by extension to each of us. People hunger not just for bread but for Jesus, the bread of life. Therefore, it is the job of the Church, and us as well, to lead them to Jesus first by example, and then by word. Jesus alone will satisfy their deepest hunger with plenty to spare.

- Fr. Carl

“The martyrs would not have
been martyrs if they had not
refused to disobey the
commandments of God.”
-The Cure D’Ars

Take Five

Dear Parishioners,

One of the main ideas of today’s Gospel (Mark 6:30-34) is to rest. Close the day planner; turn off the cell phone; shut down the computer. Manage your work, give yourself permission to rest, practice meditation, and choose to give shape to your own future.

I am convinced that most of us make our way through life’s journey reacting to what life brings our way. More of life happens to us rather than life tumbling out from us. Because we are so deeply involved in work, family, friendships and church, we rarely take the time to stop reacting and become actors in the story of our own life. So, “take five”… relax and rest. Step away from the demands of life often… even if it’s only for a short time, and in doing so, find new energy and purpose to be the person God created you to be.

- Deacon Robert

“The Devil writes down our sins –
our Guardian Angel all our merits.
Labor that the Guardian Angel’s book may be full,
and the Devil’s empty.”
- The Cure D’Ars

Are You A Missionary?

Dear Parishioners,

Today we are taking up a collection to help the Catholic mission around the world. How appropriate it is to hear today’s gospel (Mark 6:7-13) as Jesus sends his apostles out on the first missionary journey of the Church. Actually, that is the primary function of the Church – to go out and spread the good news. Some of the hearers will accept the message, while others reject it. Jesus tells the twelve to expect different responses—some positive, some negative—to their mission especially when the need for repentance is proclaimed.

The prophet Amos experienced one such negative reaction to his mission when he was ejected from the Northern Kingdom 700 years before the Lord. As followers of Jesus, we may not be called to the missions of Africa or Asia, but rather the home missions—the United States, which is becoming more and more secular and materialistic. By rejecting the pagan culture and living as authentic Catholics, we are, in fact, doing missionary work. All we have to do is follow the words of our Lord—love God and love our neighbor as ourselves.

- Fr. Carl

“This earth is a bridge to cross the
water; it serves only to support
our steps.”
- The Cure D’Ars

Be Great!

Dear Parishioners,

We overlook the extraordinary in the ordinary people and the ordinary places around us. Great things are done on our behalf by people who go unnoticed and unthanked. Public acclaim is never a test of greatness. There are people who are never noticed who accomplish great things among their fellow human beings. Greatness is a matter of doing the best we can with what we’ve got in the place that we are. So don’t count on recognition as the measure of your contribution to life.

- Deacon Robert

“We ought, in the morning on awaking, to offer to God our heart,
our mind, our thoughts, our words, our actions, our whole selves, to
serve for his glory alone.”
- The Cure D’Ars

Fortnight of Freedom Mass this Tuesday

Dear Parishioners,

As part of the “Fortnight of Freedom” prayer effort on behalf of the preservation of religious liberty, St. John the Evangelist Church in Severna Park will be hosting an area Mass celebrated by Bishop Mitch Rozanski on Tuesday, July 3 at 7 PM. All are welcome, and I encourage parishioners to attend!

- Fr. Carl

“As a good gardener works from
morning till night to destroy the
weeds in his garden and fill it with
flowers, so let us work every day to
destroy the blemishes of our soul
and adorn it with virtues.
- The Cure D’Ars

Finding Your Voice

Dear Parishioners,

John the Baptist was born into the world with a mission. He would be the one who would use his voice to prepare the way of the Lord (Luke 1:57-66, 80). He would teach the people that they were not to be submissive servants to those who would tell them what to think or that they didn’t know what they wanted for themselves. In John’s time, there were those who believed they were in charge and would dictate to the people what was best for them.

Here we are on this first Sunday of summer, remembering the birth of John the Baptist, wanting to believe we all have a voice worth finding, and then believing God can use our voice to tell the good news that Jesus is the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world. You can find your voice, and we as God’s people can find our voice, and in the finding, in being who God created us to be, find that God has a purpose for us that just might make this world more like what God created it to be. Together, let’s find our voice to God’s greater glory.

- Deacon Robert

“We should daily renew our
baptismal vows.”
- The Cure D’Ars

Fathers

Dear Parishioners,

A mighty oak begins its life as a small acorn in the ground. It takes many years to fully develop. The kingdom of God began the same way. A simple carpenter gathered disciples, preached and taught and healed. Today that kingdom of believers on earth consists of more than a billion men, women, and children, not to mention the billions in heaven and purgatory. For many years, Jesus was guarded, protected, and cared for not only by Mary, but also by Joseph the foster father of Jesus. Today we celebrate Father’s Day and remember those men who are, or were, our fathers or father figures in our growth to maturity. Today, our families need good fathers more than ever. Let us pray to our heavenly Father in thanks for the blessings received from our earthly fathers. Let us also pray for new fathers that they may imitate the virtues of St. Joseph and become strong, loving, and wise.

- Fr. Carl

“You do not know the resources of
God’s providence for those who put
their trust in him.”
- The Cure D’Ars

Corpus Christi (Body of Christ)

A Message from Our Deacon

If we would, perhaps we could genuinely hear what Jesus is saying about his life and our life together with him (Mark 14:12-16, 22-26). We could hear that the breaking of bread and the drinking of wine convey a mystery so profound that all history hangs on its meaning. We could, maybe for the first time or at least for the first time in a long time, hear deeply that God loves us so much, God gave all of who God is to us in Jesus Christ… nothing held back!

What would worship become for you and me if we tried to understand God’s gift to us? Worship would be transformed by wonder and grace that break through the mundane moments of our weary lives with life-changing power. Turn on your gift of imagination.

Today we honor the body and blood of Christ, remembering he gave himself for us. Come to this table and give yourself to him whom to know is the gift of life eternal.

- Deacon Robert

“When we receive Holy Communion,
  we receive our joy and our happiness.”
  - The Cure D’Ars

The Holy Trinity

Dear Parishioners,

Several years ago a priest thought he would be creative during a baptismal ceremony. So he baptized each child, “In the name of the Creator, and of the Redeemer, and of the Sanctifier.” Of course, he should have said, “Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.” When his bishop found out, he was not amused, for the babies were not validly baptized and had to be returned to church and receive real authentic baptism. Why the priest did what he did, I don’t know. Perhaps he wanted to be more inclusive, but he had reduced the Trinity to three functions – creation, redemption, and sanctification. However, the Trinity is much more than that. The Trinity is three divine persons living in perfect harmony and loving relationship with one another so as to be united into one God. The Trinity is a model of who and what we should be. Let us pray for the grace to form more harmonious, loving relationships with one another so as to better reflect the Trinity in our lives.

- Fr. Carl

We should say every morning:
“My God, send me thy Holy Spirit
to teach me what I am and what thou art!”
- The Cure D’Ars

What are you waiting for?

Dear Parishioners,

The Spirit’s coming (Acts 2:1-11) blew the Apostles minds to new insights, their horizons to include a wider geographic scope, and their souls open to a bolder witness to the living Christ than they had ever imagined. All the barriers of language tumbled before them, as the curse of Babel was lifted in a miracle of understanding. The barriers of racial prejudice, gender bias, age discrimination and national pride fell before the rushing wind of the Holy Spirit.

So here is the question for us this Pentecost Sunday. Will we allow the rushing mighty wind of God to blow freely through us, to blow away any hindrance to God’s reign on earth? Will we celebrate and yield to the rushing wind of God rearranging our lives, our plans and our orderly ideas?

There is still too much injustice waiting to be made right. There is too much emptiness waiting to be filled. Isn’t this the moment, isn’t this the power we have been waiting for?

- Deacon Robert

“The Holy Spirit wants to take us to
Heaven; we have only to say ‘Yes,’
and to let him take us there.”
- The Cure D’Ars

God’s Faith in Us

Dear Parishioners,

Before Jesus left the disciples (Mark 16:15-20), he once again reminded them that they had a job, his job, to do (Acts 1:1-11). They were to wait for the Holy Spirit, but afterwards they would continue his work around the world through all the ages, until he returned again in glory. We often remark about the faith in Jesus that the fulfillment of that mission required from the apostles. And indeed, it did require faith from them, as it continues to require faith from us today… to carry out the mission of our Lord.

But just think for a moment about the faith Jesus had in the disciples and in us. After pouring himself into them for three years, after dying on the cross for the redemption of the world, after returning to them in the power of Easter, Jesus left his entire mission to that group of disciples, and by extension, to all of us. Now that is amazing faith indeed!

- Deacon Robert

“The Blessed Virgin loves above all
to see in her children purity,
humility, and charity.”
- The Cure D’Ars

Give Thanks For Our Mothers!

Dear Parishioners,

How appropriate today’s gospel (John 15:9-17) is as we celebrate Mother’s Day. Jesus talks about love and commands us to love one another as he has loved us. He reminds us that real love is sacrificial, “There is no greater love than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.” Mothers are known for their devotion to their children and the awesome sacrifices they make on behalf of their children. Indeed, their love is so intense that they are often incapable of believing anything bad about their children no matter how much evidence to the contrary. Still even the most hardened criminal will have a soft spot in his heart for his mother as he remembers all the love, affection, and discipline she gave to him.

Today, let us remember our mothers, living or deceased, and give thanks to God for the blessings they have been in our lives.

- Fr. Carl

The Vine and the Branches

Dear Parishioners,

The Bible uses many vivid images to describe God and the Church and our relationship with them. It’s a unique and intimate connection. Today’s gospel (John 15:1-8) reminds us that this relationship is like a vine and its branches. Jesus is the vine who provides life and nourishment to us, the branches. May we never do anything to cut ourselves off from this life-giving relationship.

- Fr. Carl

“If you are afraid of other people’s opinion,
you should not have become a Christian.”
- The Cure D’Ars

Pray for More Priests!

Dear Parishioners,

The Fourth Sunday of Easter is traditionally called Good Shepherd Sunday, and the world day of prayer for vocations, and especially prayer for priestly vocations.

The gospel is always from a part of John 10 (11-18); Jesus’ sermon on the “Good Shepherd.” Like the good shepherd, Jesus never abandons his flock, always protects the flock from any and all dangers, and even lays down his life for the good of the flock if necessary.

Today, there is a great shortage of priests in most of the world, especially in the United States, and particularly in the Archdiocese of Baltimore. Currently, 17 of our 153 active priests are over the age of 70. If the current trends hold, the number of active priests will be reduced to less than 100 over the next 15 years.

If you see a young man who you think might make a good priest, mention it to him gently. That seed of encouragement might, with the water of the Holy Spirit, take root and grow into a vocation. At the very least, pray not only today, but every day for an increase in vocations for the Archdiocese of Baltimore.

- Fr. Carl

“To pray well we need not speak much.”
- The Cure D’Ars

Dear Parishioners,

What defines us as followers of Jesus, a people who are Christ-like, Christ-centered, Christian? Memorized words? Regimented rituals? Remembered stories? Those things surely inform our Christian experience, but God help us all if they define it.

To be a Christian is to champion a radical picture of God, made living and lifechanging
through the resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ. To be a Christian is to define our lives by a grace none of us deserve and can never earn. To be a Christian is to live joyfully in this new humanity God is creating… a humanity we call the Church.

- Deacon Robert

“When you hear Mass, do you come in
the same frame of mind as the Blessed
Virgin at Calvary? Because it is the
same God, and the same Sacrifice.”
- The Cure D’Ars

Let's Not Rest On Our Laurels

Dear Parishioners,

What a wonderful Holy Week it was! The different liturgies on Palm Sunday, Holy Thursday, Good Friday, the Easter Vigil, and Easter Sunday, as well as our devotions of the Stations of the Cross and Tenebrae, were all well attended and well celebrated by young and old alike. It was particularly good to see so many of our teens in attendance.

I can’t thank all those who worked so hard to make these services so beautiful – the Decorating Committee, the Choir and our Musicians, the Lectors, Cantors, Altar Servers, Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion, our Masters of Ceremonies, our Ushers, our deacon, Robert Vlcej, and Fathers Brian Nolan, Jack Kelly, and Ray Lelii. It was truly a team effort. And of course, thanks to all of you who came and participated. Your presence and participation helped and inspired us to lead you in prayer. But most all, we need to thank the Good Lord for all he has done in history and whose Holy Spirit was present in the liturgies and hearts of all who participated.

Now there is a temptation to sit back, relax, and congratulate ourselves. However, that would be counter-productive to our Lenten resolve and Easter joy. The Good Lord invites us to continue onward and turn Holy Week into a Holy Year.

- Fr. Carl

“God wills that we should work today
and tomorrow; and after that, an
eternity of joy, of happiness,
awaits us in Heaven.”
- The Cure D’Ars

Happy Easter!

Dear Parishioners,

Every year around this time, the darkness of winter turns into the brightness of spring. Dead branches, bushes, and flowers all spring to life. However, this doesn’t last, because spring turns to summer, then fall, and then back to the darkness of winter. What does last, and what should give us eternal hope, is the joy of the Resurrection we celebrate Easter Sunday and re-celebrate each Sunday of the year. It is a constant reminder that good triumphs over evil; right conquers might; and that we can share in our Lord’s victory through eternity if we are faithful to Him here during our time on earth. May you and your families all have a joyous Easter.

- Fr. Carl

“If I make God to reign in my heart,
He will make me to reign with
Him in His glory.”
- The Cure D’Ars

Passionate About Holy Week

Dear Parishioners,

Today we begin the most awesome week of the year – Holy Week. We used to call this Sunday “Palm Sunday” because of our Lord’s glorious and triumphant entry into Jerusalem. Now it is called “Passion Sunday” because of the greater emphasis on our Lord’s passion, crucifixion, and death.

In shifting the emphasis to our Lord’s passion (suffering & death), we are reminded of his intense love for us. We are also reminded that our love for Jesus and the Trinity should be passionate as well, and not lukewarm. In the last book of the bible, Revelation, we are told what God thinks of lukewarm Christians. “… and because you are lukewarm, neither hot nor cold, I will spew (vomit) you out of my mouth.” (Rev 3:16) That is a very passionate response.

Let us show our passion for God by attending the Holy Week services, especially Holy Thursday, Good Friday, and the Easter Vigil or Easter Sunday. By the way, we are celebrating the Passion of the Lord on Good Friday at the traditional time when Jesus died at 3:00 p.m., and not in the evening as we have done in the past. Passionate Catholics will find a way to get there even if they have to take some time off from work.

I look forward to seeing you all there.

- Fr. Carl

“The Passion of our Lord is like
a great river that flows down from
a mountain and is never exhausted.”
- The Cure D’Ars

Following Your Heart

Dear Parishioners,

A champion high jumper was once asked how he was able to catapult his body across the bar and set the world’s record. Thoughtfully, the athlete responded, “I threw my heart over the bar and the rest of me followed.”

Today’s readings from the prophet Jeremiah (Jer 31:31-34) and John’s Gospel (John 12:20-33) remind us that in the journey of faith, the heart lifts us to a level of living reserved for those who choose to follow Jesus. Simply put, there is no way to follow our Lord on his way to Jerusalem and the cross without doing so from the heart.

In these final days of Lent, no matter where you are on life’s everchanging and challenging journey, know above all else that Jesus, the giver of eternal life, the lover of your soul, longs to be with you. And who knows? Perhaps your longing to follow Jesus and his longing to be with you may become the pathway to the gift of eternal life.

- Deacon Robert

“When the heart is pure, it cannot help
loving, because it has found the source
of love, which is God himself.”
- The Cure D’Ars

Laetare Sunday

Dear Parishioners,

This fourth Sunday of Lent is called Laetare Sunday. Laetare is a Latin word which means “rejoice,” and is the first word in the Entrance Antiphon (Rejoice Jerusalem…). Jerusalem, who suffered destruction in 587 B.C. by the Babylonians and would be destroyed again by the Romans in 70 A.D, would ultimately rejoice in Jesus Christ, for his death and resurrection would bring about a new Jerusalem (the City of God).

On this Sunday, the pope often blesses a “golden rose” which is given as a symbol of papal recognition of some outstanding service to the Church. The flower is the symbol of Christ the King – the gold of His kingship, the red of His passion, and the fragrance of His Resurrection and glory. The pope usually gives a homily on the rose. Its beauty and thorns go together just as do the Resurrection and Passion of Jesus.

- Fr. Carl

“Love is the distinctive mark of
those who belong to God, as the
mark of those who reject him is
hatred.”
- The Cure D’Ars

Anger and Emotions

Dear Parishioners,

Jesus was like us in all ways except sin. Today’s Gospel (John 2:13-25) tells us that he was angry. His anger was in response to the lack of respect and the unjust way the people were treating the Temple. Immediately afterward, however, he continued his ministry of preaching and teaching with calmness, conviction, and clarity.

It’s okay to get angry… as long as we keep our emotions in good control. When you find yourself about to get angry, try your best to link your reaction to good reason, love, and humility. Once you have said your piece or made your point, make sure to resolve the situation by restoring love, calmness, and trust in your relationships.

- Deacon Robert

“Our home is Heaven. On earth we
are like travelers staying at a hotel.
When one is away, one is always
thinking of going home.”
- The Cure D’Ars

My trip to Rome

Dear Parishioners,

I had a wonderful time in Rome at the Consistory when Archbishop O’Brien was given the red hat and became a Cardinal. While there was still some snow on the ground and the temperature was a bit chilly, we had sunshine most of the days. We had Mass with Cardinal O’Brien the first day at St. Mary of the Angels, the Titular Church of Cardinal Keeler, and visited St. Mary of Victory which housed Bernini’s magnificent sculpture of St. Theresa in Agony, and then St. Mary Major, the oldest church dedicated to Mary in the west and also the repository of some pieces of the manger of Jesus.

The next day, we concelebrated Mass with the Cardinal at the Basilica of the Holy Cross in Jerusalem. Although the basilica is not in Jerusalem, the layer of ground on which the church was built was brought back from Jerusalem along with a part of the True Cross. You can see that part along with a nail, a thorn, and part of the INRI in the three languages Aramaic, Latin, and Hebrew.

The next day after Mass at the church of Santa Maria della Vallicella, we attended a lovely dinner at a palace built for Napoleon III’s niece. The furnishings and decorations on the walls and ceilings were magnificent, the food was excellent, short talks by Cardinals O’Brien and Dolan were entertaining, and most of our American Cardinals were in attendance. Saturday we arose bright and early and entered the line to get into St. Peter’s by 7:30 a.m. By the time it was 9:30, I was 20 yards away from the entrance when the gates were closed. Fortunately, there were two banks of chairs set up outside on either side of the main stairs, and I was able to see the ceremony on the jumbo-tron in the warm sunshine and in comfort. Those who managed to get inside were crammed in like sardines into a very cold church with limited visibility. I was fortunate. The last major event was the Papal Audience inside the comfortable Paul VI Audience Hall where the Pope gave a brief address and welcomed the new Cardinals and members of their immediate families. Afterwards, we walked a short distance to the headquarters of the Equestrian Order of the Holy Sepulchre to offer our congratulations to our new Cardinal and partake of a lovely reception with superb food.

The last evening, we attended a Mass of Thanksgiving at the Pontificial North American College where our American seminarians study and live. Then we went out to a restaurant and had another wonderful meal before heading home and preparing for this holy season of Lent.

This week we just finished a wonderful mission conducted by Fr. Nicholas Amato. Hopefully the spiritual energy he imparted will continue to grow as we journey toward Easter. As a reminder, we will have Stations of the Cross on Fridays at 10:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m., and confessions will be heard on Wednesday evenings from 7:00 – 8:00 p.m. as well as Saturdays from 3:30 – 4:30 p.m. May this Lent be fruitful in your walk with Jesus.

- Fr. Carl

Lent.

Dear Parishioners,

The journey of Lent has begun. With the smudging of our foreheads with ashes this past Wednesday, we have set our feet to follow the One who goes before us to a cross. Lent. The very sound of the word echoes off the walls of sacrifice and plumbs the depths of suffering. Lent. A time to witness again our Lord’s faithful journey from Galilee to Jerusalem, a journey marked both by fawning crowds and a sneering mob. Lent. The word weighed down with sorrow yet brimming with promise.

This holy season is an opportune time to listen carefully for God’s leading, inviting us all to speak a word of hope to a friend who has lost faith, to a co-worker who has lost life’s joy, to a family member who may be struggling with faith itself. So, as we begin Lent’s journey of faith, let’s embrace God’s many gifts of faith, hope and love given to us by our Lord, Jesus Christ.

- Deacon Robert

Humbly serving God

Dear Parishioners,

As you read this, I will be in Rome celebrating Archbishop O’Brien’s becoming a Cardinal. What a great honor for our faithful Archbishop! Yet, the least member in the kingdom of heaven is more honored by God. However, Jesus warns us to be careful about honors and recognition, especially seeking them for ourselves. After all, Jesus said, “He who exalts himself shall be humbled, and he who humbles himself shall be exalted.” (Matthew 23:12)

I know Archbishop O’Brien didn’t become a priest in order to become a Cardinal; he came to humbly serve God. May we try to do the same in whatever our state in life.

- Fr. Carl

“What joy it is to know that when
we go out of the house, we are
never alone en route.”
- The Cure D’Ars

Keeping Secrets?

Dear Parishioners,

Best way I know to get the “word” out is to tell someone to keep it a secret. Had Jesus performed a miracle for you or me, as He did for the leper in today’s Gospel (Mark 1:40-45), by the afternoon, all of Anne Arundel County would have heard about it, and by the next morning, people would be talking about it all over the Archdiocese.

Truth is, all of us experience God’s mercy and healing love in our lives from time to time. Problem is, we haven’t been asked to keep it a secret, and have a tendency to keep some things quietly in our hearts.

When we have those moments that we realize could only be the work of a loving God in our lives, don’t be afraid to share them with others. Like the healed leper, we can allow joy and gratitude to rise up in us, so that we cannot help but share the good news with everyone and so build up the kingdom of God in the world.

- Deacon Robert

“God does not require of us the martyrdom of the body;
He requires only the martyrdom of the heart, and the will.”
- The Cure D’Ars

Energizing with Prayer

Dear Parishioners,

My father was a very hardworking and disciplined man. Every morning he would get up and go to Mass before going to work, and each night he would kneel down by his bed and say his prayers. Part of his discipline was what he did each evening about an hour before dinner. He would go into his bedroom and take a 20 minute nap. Afterwards, he would get us and socialize before eating dinner. He took that nap because he knew that he needed some down time to recharge his energy level. So, too, did Jesus. That’s why we find Him in today’s gospel (Mark 1:29-39) going off to a lonely place to pray. He went to rest in prayer with his heavenly Father. If we are smart, we will follow our Lord’s example of getting away to pray both in the morning and at night. Otherwise, we will be working harder but accomplishing less, because our lives need the energy that only comes as the result of prayer.

- Fr. Carl

“The Heart of Jesus is infinitely good
and loves each one of us, whoever we
are. But we must have confidence in
Him. There is a certain kind of fear
which displeases Him.”
- The Cure D’Ars

Saving Silence

Dear Parishioners,

Your life is full of busy, noisy activities, but not fulfilled by any one of them. Jesus brings a new beginning with a saving silence that creates a space for God.

What happens when the noise turns to silence, when God speaks to the crowded busyness of our lives? The Gospel suggests the silence Jesus brings is not always easy to accept. We pride ourselves with our connections, our full calendars, and our important activities.

Our Lord brings to the silence a gift that no crowded agenda or demanding schedule can match. He brings into the silence the gift of himself. He offers to be the resident manager of our lives, bringing order to chaos, meaning to messiness, and nourishment to noise. He takes up residence within to remind us that saving silence clears a space for holiness to live and grace to grow.

- Deacon Robert

“To love God with our whole mind
is to think of him often, and to
make it our principal study
to know him well.”
- The Cure D’Ars

God Calling

Dear Parishioners,

It seems to me that where we get hung up in saying “Yes” to God’s call is where Jonah got hung up (Jonah 3:1-5, 10). We confuse what God calls us to do… in Jonah’s case, go to Nineveh… with simply who it is who calls us. The disciple’s immediate decision to follow Jesus is our best example (Mark 1:14-20). They had no idea what they were signing up to do, but they trusted the One who called them from the seashore. They said “Yes” to the person and never gave a thought to what our Lord would ask them to do, much less become.

So it is with us. Our best response to God’s call on our lives is to remember who it is who is calling. Whether it be to say a soulful “Yes” to being a follower of Jesus or to serve in some capacity in this congregation or our community, we are wise to remember the One who calls us is none other than the very One who hung the stars in the skies and holds our lives in his loving hands.

- Deacon Robert

“Do not distrust the Providence of God.
He who made your corn to grow will
assuredly help to gather it in.”

- The Cure D’Ars

Glorify God in mind and body

Dear Parishioners,

Today’s second reading (1 Corinthians 6:13c-15a, 17-20) stands out as a rebuke to the pleasure seekers of today who revel in excessive eating, drinking, and immoral sex. St. Paul tells us that we dishonor God when we act in this way. When we use our appetites for food, drink, sex, and recreation in moderation, we glorify God in our bodies as well as our minds.

- Fr. Carl

“A spiritual alms is even more
precious than a material one.”
- The Cure D’Ars

New Year’s Resolutions

Dear Parishioners,

The Solemnity of the Epiphany (Matthew 2:1-12) celebrates the fact that Jesus came to save not just his own people (the Jews), but all others (the Gentiles) as well. How ironic it is that at His birth his own people, with the exception of the shepherds, ignored Him. The Jewish leaders were only a few miles away, but they did not come. Whereas, the Magi (3 Gentiles) traveled a great distance to honor Him.

Quite often, we cradle Catholics are put to shame in the same way by converts to the faith. We remain lukewarm and nonchalant about our faith while they burn with enthusiasm and gratitude for the treasure we take for granted.

As we begin the New Year, let our first resolution be to imitate the wise men in our search for true meaning in our lives – Jesus Christ.

- Fr. Carl

“If you set out to meet God, He will
come to meet you.”
- The Cure D’Ars