Posts by Fr. Rich

This is 4th Of July Weekend: Independence Day. Our nationc elebrates 250 years of Independence. On this date, many celebrations will be held. There will be Fireworks, military services and get-togethers, and of course picnics and social gatherings of all kinds. But let us remember the freedom and independence we share was gained through the dedication and sacrifice of our veterans. Remember those who sacrificed and died for our nation’s independence. Respect the veterans that we see today with an…

Everyday we’re faced with making decisions, some very important and some trivial. These decisions show where our life is going. As we listen to today’s Scripture readings, we are reminded to put our trust in God and place Him first in our hearts. In the first reading, we hear of a woman who welcomed the prophet Elisha into her home. Her kindness was rewarded with the gift of a son. This shows how God blesses those who open their lives…

Today’s Gospel speaks to us about fear and trust. God stays with His people in times of fear and trouble. Jesus tells His followers not to be afraid because God cares deeply for them. Through Jesus, grace and new life overcome sin. Reflecting on this reading, and celebrating Father’s Day this weekend, I reflect on some memories of my father growing up. I guess you can say I feared my dad at times, because (I know this is hard to…

The focus of today’s readings is God’s love and mission. God chooses His people and cares for them with love. The Gospel shows Jesus being merciful to the crowds that gathered to hear Him and then sending His disciples to help, heal, and share the Good News. The challenge for us is to recognize that God calls everyday people to serve Him and share His love. We are invited to see our role in God’s plan. We are chosen, loved,…

There is a very old and much-repeated story about St. Augustine of Hippo. He was walking by the seashore one day,  attempting to conceive of an intelligible explanation for the mystery of the Trinity. As he walked along, he saw a small boy on the beach, pouring seawater from a shell into a small hole in the sand. “What are you doing, my child?” asked Augustine. “I am emptying the sea into this hole,” the boy answered with an innocent smile.…

Has anyone ever made a request of you by beginning with the caveat “if you love me?” Many times when people prefaces a request with these words, it is because they are preparing to ask for something beyond a reasonable or agreeable request. Jesus uses these words in today’s Gospel, but all he asks for is to keep the commandments. It is not an impossible or unreasonable request but one that truly guides our lives on a path of faith…

To all women who fulfill the sacred role of “mom” either by the birth or adoption of a child or by fulfilling that role in a different way in someone’s life, may the Lord bless you abundantly in your vocation. And for all the moms who have gone before us in faith, may they know light, joy, and peace forever in heaven.  Happy Mother’s Day to all our Moms and may the peace of Christ enlighten your hearts!

In today’s Gospel, Jesus invited his disciples (and us) to follow him. Thomas responded to Jesus by saying how can we follow you? We don’t know where you are going, so how can we know the way? Is that our response to Jesus as He calls us to be His presence in today’s world? So many have asked me, how do I know what Jesus wants of me? My response is that Jesus only asks us to do good, for…

Today is called Good Shepherd Sunday, and, appropriately, this day is also the World Day of Prayer for Vocations. Today, the Church calls us to reflect on the meaning of God’s call for each of us and to pray for those who are called to the priesthood, the diaconate and the consecrated life, may responded with a wholehearted ’yes’. All Christians need to share in the responsibility of fostering vocations to the Church. As parents, you are asked to encourage…

Today’s Gospel story, “The Way to Emmaus” is my favorite story in the Bible. I even have this picture in my living room. Whenever I think of this passage or read it, I always ask myself, would I recognize Jesus and what would I ask Him? The two disciples in the story were perplexed as they have been talking about Jesus and his death. They were wandering aimlessly on the road. So much so, that when Jesus came up to…

We just finished a beautiful Holy Week. We were reminded of all that Jesus did for us, sacrificing His life on the Cross. We have much for which to be thankful. But as your pastor, I have much to be thankful here at OLV. I won’t mention people by name because I would run out of room in this bulletin. I thank Fr. Tom who has covered for me so often and is truly an important part of our parish.…

Easter, the feast of the Resurrection, gives us the joyful message that we are a “Resurrection people.” This means that we are not supposed to lie buried in the tomb of our sins, evil habits, and dangerous addictions. It gives us the Good News that no tombs can hold us down any longer – not the tombs of despair, discouragement, doubt, or death itself. Instead, we are expected to live a joyful and peaceful life, constantly experiencing the real Presence…