Dear Parishioners,
In a 1993 film, “Rudy,” Father Cavanaugh gives some sterling counsel to young Daniel “Rudy” Ruettiger, who wanted to play football for Notre Dame. The wise priest told him, “Son, in 35 years of religious study, I have only come up with two, hard incontrovertible facts: there is a God and I’m not Him.”
Isaiah, Saints Peter and Paul… all these champions of faith met the Lord, and were made acutely aware of their own sinfulness. They never got over the awareness that there was a God, and that they were not Him. They were not perfect when the Lord revealed himself to each of them, and they would not be perfect even afterwards. But God can use those who are not perfect, in fact, it is the only kind of people God has been using through the ages.
So can God use you and me, even though we are imperfect? Oh yes, God is the perfect Lord for people who aren’t. Holy are you, O Lord. Unholy are we. But if you ask who will go for you, like Isaiah and Peter and Paul before us, we will find ourselves saying, “Here I am, send me.”
- Deacon Robert
Rev. Stephen Hook is Pastor of the Pastorate of the Visitation which includes the Catholic Churches of Pasadena, Maryland: St. Jane Frances de Chantal (Riviera Beach) and Our Lady of the Chesapeake (Lakeshore). He is assisted by Associate Pastor Rev. John Belinki, Deacon Howard Klohr, and Deacon Rick Clemens. To learn more about our pastorate, please visit www.catholicpasadena.org.
Friday, February 1, 2013
Friday, January 25, 2013
Christ has no body now on earth… but yours
Dear Parishioners,
Christ has no body now on earth… but yours. Some 25 years after our Lord’s resurrection, Paul wrote to the Corinthians words that still apply to us (1 Corinthians 12:12-30): “Now you are the body of Christ and each of you is a part of it.” Being God’s presence in this world is not the sole responsibility of those who have taken holy orders or had hands laid upon them for ordination. Being God’s presence to the poor, the blind, the lame, the captives and the oppressed is ours… our responsibility, opportunity and yes, even our joy.
- Deacon Robert
Christ has no body now on earth… but yours. Some 25 years after our Lord’s resurrection, Paul wrote to the Corinthians words that still apply to us (1 Corinthians 12:12-30): “Now you are the body of Christ and each of you is a part of it.” Being God’s presence in this world is not the sole responsibility of those who have taken holy orders or had hands laid upon them for ordination. Being God’s presence to the poor, the blind, the lame, the captives and the oppressed is ours… our responsibility, opportunity and yes, even our joy.
- Deacon Robert
Friday, January 18, 2013
The Case for Marriage
Dear Parishioners,
In the first chapters of the first book of the bible, Genesis, we see God establishing the marital relationship between man and woman. The purpose is procreation and support of one another which is what the Catholic Church still teaches today. So is it any wonder that John’s gospel (John 2:1-11) has Jesus performing the first of his signs (miracles) at a wedding in Cana? While turning water into wine is awesome, this miracle points to a more important sign. The water (Old Covenant), while good, pales in comparison to the wine (New Testament), which brings joy and spirit to the feast of life.
Still today would be a good time to reflect on marriage because it is under attack from many sides. There are those who think it an old-fashioned concept, so they simply co-habit or live together. There are others who are afraid of commitment. There are still others who have seen the ravages of divorce and don’t want to risk failure or the pain it would cause possible offspring should a divorce occur. Many so-called experts believe marriage is not worth the effort. However, a new book, using a great number of studies, provides statistics that show otherwise. It’s entitled, “The Case for Marriage,” by Linda J. Waite and Maggie Gallagher. The book contends that married people live longer, have better health, earn more money, feel more fulfillment in their lives and have happier, more successful children than those who remain single, co-habit, or get divorced. According to the Wall Street Journal - “Makes the absolutely critical point that marriage has been misrepresented and misunderstood.”
By the way, there is a retreat for married couples sponsored by Elaine & Frank Galeone at Priestfield, WV on the weekend of March 1st. For more information, call Elaine at (410) 252-5355.
Today and this week, let us pray for our married couples at St. Jane Frances.
- Father Carl
In the first chapters of the first book of the bible, Genesis, we see God establishing the marital relationship between man and woman. The purpose is procreation and support of one another which is what the Catholic Church still teaches today. So is it any wonder that John’s gospel (John 2:1-11) has Jesus performing the first of his signs (miracles) at a wedding in Cana? While turning water into wine is awesome, this miracle points to a more important sign. The water (Old Covenant), while good, pales in comparison to the wine (New Testament), which brings joy and spirit to the feast of life.
Still today would be a good time to reflect on marriage because it is under attack from many sides. There are those who think it an old-fashioned concept, so they simply co-habit or live together. There are others who are afraid of commitment. There are still others who have seen the ravages of divorce and don’t want to risk failure or the pain it would cause possible offspring should a divorce occur. Many so-called experts believe marriage is not worth the effort. However, a new book, using a great number of studies, provides statistics that show otherwise. It’s entitled, “The Case for Marriage,” by Linda J. Waite and Maggie Gallagher. The book contends that married people live longer, have better health, earn more money, feel more fulfillment in their lives and have happier, more successful children than those who remain single, co-habit, or get divorced. According to the Wall Street Journal - “Makes the absolutely critical point that marriage has been misrepresented and misunderstood.”
By the way, there is a retreat for married couples sponsored by Elaine & Frank Galeone at Priestfield, WV on the weekend of March 1st. For more information, call Elaine at (410) 252-5355.
Today and this week, let us pray for our married couples at St. Jane Frances.
- Father Carl
Friday, January 11, 2013
A Blessing
Dear Parishioners,
“This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased.” (Luke 3:15-16, 21-22) The Father’s blessing was not a reward for good work Jesus had done. At this point in his life, Jesus had performed no miracles, taught no multitudes, called no disciples, cured the sick or cast out demons. All of that lay ahead. The Father’s blessing here is an affirmation of Jesus in front of everyone.
What child does not long for such a blessing from their parents? All too often parents wait for the child to accomplish something before affirming them or bestowing a blessing on them. Surely, Jesus received many blessings from Joseph and Mary during his childhood. At his Baptism, he received it from his heavenly Father as well.
So parents don’t wait for your child to be successful, affirm and bless your children today… because as every child who has received such a blessing knows, it can make all the difference for a lifetime.
- Deacon Robert
“This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased.” (Luke 3:15-16, 21-22) The Father’s blessing was not a reward for good work Jesus had done. At this point in his life, Jesus had performed no miracles, taught no multitudes, called no disciples, cured the sick or cast out demons. All of that lay ahead. The Father’s blessing here is an affirmation of Jesus in front of everyone.
What child does not long for such a blessing from their parents? All too often parents wait for the child to accomplish something before affirming them or bestowing a blessing on them. Surely, Jesus received many blessings from Joseph and Mary during his childhood. At his Baptism, he received it from his heavenly Father as well.
So parents don’t wait for your child to be successful, affirm and bless your children today… because as every child who has received such a blessing knows, it can make all the difference for a lifetime.
- Deacon Robert
Friday, January 4, 2013
Peace… what a great New Year's resolution!
Dear Parishioners,
Cologne, Germany is the site of a magnificent cathedral built by Frederick Barbarosa. After World War II, it was the only building left standing amidst the rubble of the city destroyed by the bombing runs of allies. Why it survived when all else was destroyed only God knows. Why it was built is a different matter, and it is connected to today’s Solemnity of the Epiphany. The word “epiphany” means manifestation or revealing. Today is the first revealing or showing of God in Jesus to the Gentiles as represented by the Magi (Matthew 2:1-12). And so today, we celebrate the fact that Jesus came not just to save the Jews, but the non-Jews or the Gentiles. He came for us as well! Getting back to why the cathedral in Cologne was built. Frederick Barbarosa acquired the relics of the Magi, and erected the cathedral to house them where you can still see them today if you visit Cologne.
However, we have something far better at St. Jane’s. We have Jesus here in the tabernacle, in the church, and in the chapel where you can visit him throughout the day. Perhaps that would be a good New Year’s resolution. If you give him some extra time before the Blessed Sacrament, I’m sure the Prince of Peace will bring some extra peace into your hearts during the coming year.
- Father Carl
Cologne, Germany is the site of a magnificent cathedral built by Frederick Barbarosa. After World War II, it was the only building left standing amidst the rubble of the city destroyed by the bombing runs of allies. Why it survived when all else was destroyed only God knows. Why it was built is a different matter, and it is connected to today’s Solemnity of the Epiphany. The word “epiphany” means manifestation or revealing. Today is the first revealing or showing of God in Jesus to the Gentiles as represented by the Magi (Matthew 2:1-12). And so today, we celebrate the fact that Jesus came not just to save the Jews, but the non-Jews or the Gentiles. He came for us as well! Getting back to why the cathedral in Cologne was built. Frederick Barbarosa acquired the relics of the Magi, and erected the cathedral to house them where you can still see them today if you visit Cologne.
However, we have something far better at St. Jane’s. We have Jesus here in the tabernacle, in the church, and in the chapel where you can visit him throughout the day. Perhaps that would be a good New Year’s resolution. If you give him some extra time before the Blessed Sacrament, I’m sure the Prince of Peace will bring some extra peace into your hearts during the coming year.
- Father Carl
Friday, December 28, 2012
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
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
Friday, December 21, 2012
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
“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
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)