Posts by Fr. Rich (Page 9)

Today we celebrate the Feast of the Epiphany, the manifestation of Jesus to the world as witnessed by the Magi following the star to where Jesus was born and then presenting their gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh to him. I often wonder what kind of gifts could we bring to Jesus? Maybe we can give the gift of friendship with God which we offer through wholehearted love and devotion. A second gift can be friendship with others. This may…

In today’s Gospel, we hear about the Shepherds coming to see Jesus and sharing what has been told to them by the angel. Then we’re told, “Mary kept all these things, reflecting on them in her heart.” Just what was she reflecting on? Some thoughts: the shepherds’ stories, greeting Elizabeth and the baby leapt in her womb, the appearance of the angel Gabriel, Joseph wanting to divorce her, the Magi soon to arrive. It’s a lot to think about! What…

Today we celebrate Christmas, the birth of the Prince of Peace. Traditionally, it has been a day when we gather as family to share greetings, gifts and a spirit of love and peace around a dinner table. Historically, It has been a day where wars paused and enemies became friends. It has always been a day when generosity showed forth as gifts and greetings are exchanged. My prayer for all of you today is that the peace of Christ we…

In today’s Gospel we hear that Joseph is about ready to divorce Mary. But through the message of an angel, about the child Jesus to be born, Joseph stayed the course and took Mary into his home as his wife. Joseph is unsure of what will happen next but he believed God would provide. He lived his life following the words of scripture: “Trust in the Lord, and do good…” (Ps 37:3) Like Joseph we too can trust in the…

From a cat owner: You’ve probably seen funny videos on social media of cats climbing and sometimes destroying Christmas trees. Luckily, my cat doesn’t knock my tree over or break ornaments. She is fascinated with Christmas decorations though. Cats are creatures of habit—in the extreme. They don’t like change in their surroundings or deviating from their daily routine. I’m kind of the same way, so I get it. My cat has the adorable habit of insisting that she look at…

Behold the Lord will come, prepare His way, make straight His path. . . John [the Baptist] knows that God is preparing something very great, something for which he is to be the instrument; and he himself points in the direction that the Holy Spirit shows him. We know much more now about what it was that God had in mind for humanity. We know Christ and His Church, we have the sacraments. The doctrine of salvation has been perfectly…

We wish to extend  our congratulations  to Steven Miller  who will be  ordained a  Permanent Deacon  in the Diocese of Scranton this Saturday at St. Peter’s Cathedral. Steve, and his wife Karen, serve the parish as lectors, Eucharistic Ministers, members of the  Contemporary Choir, and the various societies. We welcome Steve into the clerical state as he will continue to serve in our parish as a permanent deacon,  joining Deacon Len Jinselli. Steve will serve at all the Masses on…

The Christophers have a saying: “It is better to light one candle than to curse the darkness.” Today we begin the season of Advent and we light one candle – the candle of Hope. It is a small dim light against a world that often seems forbidding and dark. But we light it because we are a people of hope. It is a hope that we can spread through the actions of our lives. As we watch commercials and see…

A teenager got mad at her parents because they never gave her the things she wanted or needed. So she decided to leave home and go out on her own. She packed her bags. Her parents saw her and said the suit case is theirs, the phone is the daughters but the service will now stop, hope you have a place to stay and plans for meals. She decided to stay home. Do we realize the blessings and graces God…

When Mother Teresa had to make a speech, she did not use notes or read from a prepared text. To get ready, she would simply withdraw to a church or chapel or other quiet place for a few minutes and pray. Then, when the time for her talk came, she always found the words she needed—in fact, her brief and simple words usually went to the heart of the matter and displayed great spiritual depth and wisdom. “Remember,” Jesus told…

This past week we celebrated the Feast of All Saints and the Commemoration of All the Faithful Departed. These two celebrations together remind us of our own destiny, the promise of eternity, and the hope of enjoying the blessed vision of God’s presence forever in heaven. During November, as the earth itself seems to be dying all around us, we take time to remember those who have gone before us “marked with the sign of faith.” We offer special Masses…

Today’s Gospel tells us about Zacchaeus, a wealthy tax collector, who was curious to see Jesus. He was short in stature and knew he would not be able to see over the crowds. So he went out of his way to climb a tree just to see Jesus who then said I must stay at your house. That meeting changed his life. What would you do to see Jesus? Well, you don’t have to climb a tree, just come to…