Posts by Fr. Rich (Page 9)

What is the Transfiguration? A revelation of divine glory or fantastic moment of personal insight? Why not both! Do we have to go up a mountain to see God’s glory? It’s a great place, but so is a forest, an ocean, a natural wonder or any beautiful sight. We can experience a transfiguration in a beautiful painting, a paragraph from a book, a conversation, or in a simple detail on a street corner. Suddenly, what we imagined becomes a choice…

On Sunday, March 12th , we will have a parish Eucharistic Day. What does that mean? First of all, we are a Eucharistic Church, that is, our faith is based around the Eucharist – the Body & Blood of Christ. As Catholics we believe that the host consecrated at Mass truly becomes the Sacred Body, Blood, Soul and Divinity of Christ. On this special day for our parish, there will be Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament at the end of…

Over the last couple of years, we have been hearing so much about racism, prejudice, ethnic supremacy and many forms of envy and jealousy, even including hatred. In today’s Gospel, Jesus challenges us on these feelings when He says “Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you.” That’s what I call a real challenge as you look at what’s happening in our society today. What creates these barriers between people that makes these problems hurt our society? What…

In today’s Gospel, Jesus takes the Ten Commandments to a deeper level. Instead of being written on tablets of stone, He wants them written on hearts of flesh. In other words, don’t just focus on the external actions, like murder and adultery, but examine what is in our hearts, like anger and lust. He wants us to take responsibility for our attitudes as well as our actions. But this is not always easy, especially to do on our own. So…

When I read the Scriptures, I try to understand them in a way that is everyday simple. They are not complicated words that Jesus speaks. “Love one another” is His great rule to live by. So are His words to forgive as He has so many times forgiven us. And don’t be afraid, He says, I am with you always. If we practiced those three virtues – love, forgiveness, courage – we’d have marvelous lives. We’d find our hearts free…

In today’s Gospel, Jesus teaches us the Beatitudes. When we hear them, what exactly do we hear. Do words of suffering stand out: blessed are the poor in spirt, the mourning, the hungry for righteousness, the persecuted and insulted? Or do we hear words of hope and peace. In the midst of every dark cloud there is a silver lining, if we believe and look through the eyes of faith. In all our suffering, difficulties, problems and troubles, do we…

In today’s Gospel, Jesus says to Peter and Andrew, “Come after me and I will make you fishers of men.” They dropped everything and followed the Lord. How would we respond to Jesus’ call to ministry? There was this man who works as a missionary in Haiti. He used to have a good office position in a big firm. He had a good salary, nice clothes and a new car. One day he was praying and he heard Jesus say…

John the Baptist saw Jesus and said, “Behold the Lamb of God who takes away the sins of the world.” Jesus takes away our sins. Do we do the same for others. What happens when we don’t forgive? A teacher once told each of her students to bring a clear plastic bag and a sack of potatoes to school. For every person they refuse to forgive in their life’s experience, they choose a potato, write on it the name and…

I just wanted to express my sincere gratitude for your generosity and support in our Christmas collection. The total received was $13,669.00. This collection goes a long way in support of the parish, its mission, programs and activities. Thank You and God Bless You!

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…