Venture of Faith

Of Mice and Men

2012-02-02T05:19:00.000-08:00

Two drifters, one a gentle but slow giant, try to make money working the fields during the Depression so they can fulfill their dreams. That is the summary of John Steinbeck's novella entitled, Of Mice and Men. The title comes from a poem by the Scottish poet Robert Burns called "To a Mouse." Originally written in a Scottish dialect, the poem contains a few lines that best translate as, "The best-laid schemes of mice and men often go awry." This is appropriate, in that Of Mice and Men contains Lenny and George's scheme that goes tragically awry — that is, off track.

It is a parable about what it means to be human. Steinbeck's story of George and Lennie's ambition of owning their own ranch, and the obstacles that stand in the way, is also about the nature of dreams, dignity, loneliness, and sacrifice. Ultimately, Lennie, the mentally handicapped character, who ultimately makes George's dream of owning his own ranch worthwhile, ironically also becomes the greatest obstacle to achieving that dream.

Of Mice and Men is one of the only published novels written from an obscure point of view called, the objective third-person. In contrast to the omniscient third-person perspective, from which the author, and thus the reader, can read the minds of all the characters, the objective point of view doesn't allow readers direct access to any of the characters' thoughts and feelings. We can deduce those thoughts and feelings only by means of what the characters do and say.

This is how I have come to view the tragic situation in the Archdiocese, that has again been thrust into the limelight at the death Anthony Cardinal Bevilacqua. We can only try to discern their true intent by what they do and say, because no one allows us access to their real feelings or thoughts; their collective heart.

David O'Reilly, Philadelphia Inquirer staff writer, recently wrote, “The clergy sex-abuse scandal that so dominated the last decade of Cardinal Anthony J. Bevilacqua's life may well dominate public perception of his legacy…” I am not sure how it cannot.

And, to be honest, while I have been in deep prayer for all concerned, even the leadership, as I know they, too, must be in pain over these issues, I have been more concerned that we keep our eye on the ball: those who have been harmed and find being part of this ‘play’s scenery’ only adds insult to their obvious injury.

For instance, a parishioner said of Bevilacqua, "He was a great man, saintlike." Really? I am not so sure. Not knowing him personally, I couldn't describe his true character, and while I also cannot know his thoughts, pains, and desires on this matter, I can tell you that beyond a doubt, those of us in positions of clerical authority are bound to a higher duty to protect the lives of the innocent. Yes, even at the peril of our own office. We need to protect the lives of the vulnerable. Always. If we fail, there is nothing saintly in that, it is simply required.

Yes, it's easy for us to judge to from the outside. Lord knows I have learned firsthand what people can say when one is in the public eye! And, I know that I have done many things wrong in the past, but as the song says, I would not have 'missed the rain' if I could go back because I learned so much, and changed my life. But when we are never permitted to come inside, it is difficult to find compassion. Yet, as Christians, it is what we must strive for, but to say that the Cardinal has less of a duty simply because he is now dead, is hurtful to victims. It betrays a sacred trust even further.

Daily News Columnist, Ronnie Polaneczky, recently spoke of a photo of her daughter and Bevilacqua that ‘captured a sweet moment that symbolized how the church can make us feel safe in a world that seems irrational and full of danger.’ She is right. That is what we are called to do as clergy. That is where my dreams still reside in the darkest recesses of the night. That is where many have failed. That is why I am always cognizant of where the vulnerable are located within my parish – at all times – and sadly, how I must limit my affection and care for some of them. How sad that I must limit my hugs in a world that needs them all the more?

I will remain in prayer for all. I pray, too, the Cardinal peace, light and refreshment. And I will hope – as I always have done – that we will find a way to reconcile the Church to the world, and the world to the Church, and that compassion and love will finally triumph by the last scene of this play.

In the meantime, we now have another parable about what it means to be human. And a system that has gone tragically awry — that is, way off track.

The best-laid schemes of mice and men [do] often go awry…

The Deep End of The Pool

2012-01-30T08:50:00.000-08:00

So I have a friend who is an Anglican Priest, and he is mighty fine one, too, I might add! He has a wealth of experience, in several countries, and is dedicated and proficient at his Pastoralia (the often arduous art and craft of being a priest!)

Well, anyway, he has been under fire lately by a few of his parishioners for wanting to change the liturgy to fit the dynamics of the changing parish demographic and to use everyone’s time a little better. Good ideas, huh? Well, not to a select few who have taken to publically maligning him.

I feel for him, I really do. I remember growing up that we dare not challenge the pastor under any circumstances (even when they were obviously delusional!). Today, all of us in ministry have learned to involve the laity – and fellow clergy - in very special ways. But, they must also honor the role of the priest and pastor. They must give some credence to, and rely on, their learning, education, experience, and life skills. It then becomes a win-win for all parties!

This week, I, too, have been spoken of in some less-than-flattering ways. We announced a member of our ministry team leaving for personal reasons and right away the rumors started. I was walking through the Fellowship Hall and overheard one lady say to another, “I wonder what Father Jim did!” How sad I was. How demeaning to me as pastor and someone who has proven himself time and time again.

So today I wonder aloud why it is that when someone makes a life transition do we need to always think the worst? Why do we need to assume that someone is at fault? Or someone else is to blame? Is there no personal responsibility anymore? What does that say about us as a people, as Christians?

I know that I have given a lot of myself. I have dedicated countless hours and lots of my own funds, and a tremendous amount of skill and knowledge to building the parish. I have been at her helm for almost 5 years now and I think that I have been there for others in their life transitions many times. I have shown myself to be dedicated and loving and eve-present. I have cared for all who have asked me to and did so without prejudice and often without an external reward. So, why would anyone automatically assume the worst? Why would anyone look to my friend, the Anglican, or myself and not say, “Thank you for staying in the ministry!”

The fact remains that there are many who enter ministry and find it to be ill-suited to them. The ideal of ministry is far different than its reality. That is not a negative. It is simply mere fact. Some wade into it and find the water to be too cold and leave. Some enthusiastically jump in headfirst and quickly find the water to be over their heads and get out fast! Still some others simply get tired of treading water and decide to sit on the beach for awhile. All of these are simply choices and no one is to blame.

So why do we look for blame when none exists? And why do we choose to engage in innuendo and gossip and hurt those of us who have decided to stay in the deep end of the pool?

Abandon Ship!

2012-01-25T05:14:00.000-08:00

There has been a lot of press around the tragedy in Italy, off the coast of the island of Giglio, 'Isola del Giglio', where the Costa Concordia, a 4,300-passenger cruise ship, ran aground this month. At least 16 people are confirmed dead, and still some 15-plus remain missing. And, to add insult to all of this injury, it seems that the ship’s captain abandoned ship pretty much first!

The Italian newspapers, who have recently dubbed him "Captain Coward”, have reported that Captain Francesco Schettino had steered the vessel too close to the island of Giglio to give a thrill to the islanders, and had once told a magazine he enjoyed diverting from standard navigational procedures. Why the parent company, Miami-based Carnival Corp, did not remove him from command is beyond me. And, even if it is true that many in the company encouraged him to go closer to try to gain more passengers in the business, what he did as the tragedy unfolded was simply unconscionable.

But none of these revelations can compare to the outrage that was generated when a recent recording was released last week of a conversation between Capt. Schettino and an Italian Coast Guard commander who demanded that the captain return to his ship to oversee the rescue. Imagine that! They had to ask him repeatedly to go back to help his ship full of scared passengers?

English professor Robin Miskolcze, in her book, Women and Children First: Nineteenth-Century Sea Narratives and American Identity, chronicled the origins of our present maritime evacuation priorities. Until the second half of the 18th century, it was widely believed in England and America that God decided who would survive a shipwreck, so no one criticized men for climbing over whoever stood between them and safety.

However, as Enlightenment thinkers began to emphasize human agency, and women came to be viewed as the holy protectors of the family, news reports grew critical of men who survived shipwrecks while women and children perished. The rules changes after that and the image of Captain William Lewis Herndon, who lost his life in a gallant effort to save his ship, and as many as 600 lives during a cyclone off Hatteras in the Carolinas in 1857, calmly smoking a cigar as he went down with his ship became a symbol of American seagoing bravery.

So, why am I thinking of this now? Well, over the last few years I have witnessed firsthand many people ‘abandoning their ships’. In particular, my fellow priests who have left ‘their watch’ when the going got too tough. The water got too cold so they simply left to find warmer climates while their ship full of passengers sailed on without them. This has enraged me. No, on second glance, it has more saddened me than any emotion of anger.

You see I believe that as priests we have a duty to God and to those God brings to us. God never promised that life would be easy for us as priests. And doing priestly work is often lonely and unrewarding, and even sad. Yes, we often find ourselves alone in the ‘deep end of a very cold pool of water’. (Please see my last blog entry if you need further proof.)

I think sometimes many go through seminary and training with this proverbial ‘glow of things yet to come’ attitude. It is in many ways akin to the young upstart who after watching countless hours of Law & Order attends and then graduates from a fine law school only to find that there are many more hours spent in lonely preparation and arduous meetings than in front of that ‘cool hung jury’ pleading a great case!

I will admit: there have been many days that I felt like quitting. I thought of how nice it would be to wake up and find myself in regular “9-5 job” where I get to come home at the end of a moderately busy day and care for my dog, and myself, and leave the rest of the world behind me until the next morning. But then I thought of all those moments that only occur in the wrappings of my priestly life – the hand holding, the crying, the baptisms, the solace, the helping, the transitions, the joys and sorrows of life, the witnessing of some of the greatest - and the most monumental moments within a person’s life - that I have been privileged to help - and bear witness to – all because of my priesthood. So, suddenly I realize that I would have missed it all if it were not for honoring my call. It would have been terribly selfish for me to abandon my post.

So, I think I’ll stay with my ship! I will take all of my cracks and imperfections with me (all of them!) and I will honor my God-given gifts to help as long as people want me to stay. Then, when God is ready, I will simply lie down and finally rest. And on those terrible days when I find myself thrown into the cold, deep water. I will reach out to others for a life ring and haul my ass back on board to continue my ministry. God will fill in the needed rest.

So in the end what made the tragedy of Capt. Schettino so damn tragic is that he cared more for himself than for the lives of others entrusted to him. Come to think of it, that is the tragedy of those who leave a life of service to care more for themselves.

I’m not sure quite yet who is telling the whole truth. But I can tell you that the good Captain’s story simply doesn’t add up. If he was in fact catapulted into the water, as he stated, he still had the inherent obligation to get back on board that vessel. We all have been catapulted into slime now and then; wading deeply into places we dare not go willingly. But, when it is part and parcel of our calling…well, there simply is no choice. You go. Or, in this case...you simply stay.

So, what’s going to happen to that capsized cruise ship after the salvage and bodies are pulled from her? They will simply move her off the reef, very slowly. A salvage company will then have right to the remains of the Costa Concordia; they will patch it, and pump out the water, all before attempting to tow what’s left of her carcass away.

I wish it were so simple with the broken lives left behind in the wake of those priests who abandoned ship.

Saying Goodbye to the Debutante of the Week

2012-01-16T13:46:00.000-08:00

I have learned that saying goodbye is part of being a priest. It is the loneliest part of my life, really. I find myself saying goodbye so often, and with each one, I grieve a little piece of my soul. I say goodbye to friends, to family, to the dead, the ill. I say goodbye to parishioners who move away and the ill as they are whisked to the hospital or hospice. I say goodbye a lot. Perhaps too much some days. Yes, saying goodbye is part of my life now.

I have recently learned to say goodbye in new ways. In addition to my parish ministry, I serve as a part-time chaplain at a local nursing home facility. It is a very large, multifaceted center over a beautiful sprawling campus. And, while it is a very good facility, I never have been particularly drawn to chaplaincy within a geriatric population.

My sojourn began as a kind of favor to fill in for a departing chaplain. I was asked to do two services weekly on different units within the nursing center. When I asked what to do, or how to run these services, there I was faced with the directive, “just do whatever you want to do, Father.” I remember trying to think what I would say or do at a service within this facility, let alone two of them weekly!

Well, the first two were rather awkward, but I soon hit my stride and I found myself rather enjoying the residents. And, they soon looked forward to my arrival with great anticipation! Some would even wait by the door and would inquire of the staff as to when I would arrive that day. (Many times, it wasn’t even my day to come, which presented a whole new dilemma for the staff!)

One such resident was Madeleine. She was a rather thin, flamboyant character of a woman. You could tell upon meeting her that her life was colorful and that she came from a good upbringing. But, the years had begun to rob her of her mind as dementia set in. But, despite the illness, she and I soon became fast friends.

I looked forward to seeing her, and even on her ‘down days’ I would sit with her at her bedside and we would share stories. I learned of her late husband and her special needs son and her children living far away. I learned of her life of the past and how she missed her spouse beyond imagining. I knew that promptly at 4:30 she needed to be seated in the dining room for her daily glass of wine! I journeyed through her memories – one moment a time – for months. I enjoyed every moment. She trusted me and would wait by the elevator to find me. We even had a’ date’ once over tea!

Last week I found her alone and pacing in her room. She was agitated and we explored what was going on. She told me she missed her son and her husband and shared with me a small photograph album. With every photo she tuned a page of her life. She shared with me her family and her emotions; she shared with me her soul.

When our visit was ending she asked if I had anything for her to read? I asked if she wanted a bible and she said, "No, I want something that you wrote. I want to hear your voice. I soooo enjoy your stories!” I reached in my pocket and handed her my homily from that week and she relished in joy! She beamed from eye to eye and thanked me profusely. You would have thought I had given her life itself! Then, she leaned into me, and with our ceremonial kiss goodbye, she whispered, “Now I will be ready!’

Those words meant nothing to me at the time. But today, I received a call that Madeleine had died. She went quietly in her sleep and found the home she so dreamed about; the one with her husband and son and family of old. The one where her mind was sharp again and there was no illness or partings. Madeleine found paradise. She found peace. I simply mourned as I said goodbye yet again.

When I found out about her death, I pulled my car over to the side of the road. It took a moment to sink in fully and then I wept like a baby. In such a short time she had become an integral part of the fabric of my life. And now, in an instant, she was gone. I grieved her loss. I needed to say goodbye.

Today is the day I do my services. It wasn’t the same without her voice and her sharing. But even though she was gone, I still saw her there today in many ways; sitting in her favorite chair in the center of the sunroom, legs crossed with one of her famous brooches on over an extravagant sweater of some sort. (Last week’s featured a large Martini glass filled with green olives and read: I Olive Christmas!) She would purse those lips with that bright lipstick and smile as her over-sized earrings fell to frame her gentle, aging face. She hung on my every word. I hung on her every expression.

I went to her room today and found the bed all rolled up; her stuff – her life – still hanging on the walls. That famous sign I used to joke with her about hung neatly on the wall, next to her bedside, “Madeleine’s Room!” I sat quietly and cried some more and then I began to journey though my memories of her and even laughed a little.

During one of my last visits she showed me article that hung on her wall, to the right of her bed. She was once named the “Debutante of the Week”. She was so beautifully striking. I snapped a quick photo with my iPhone and she squealed with excitement! We laughed and I left, never giving it another thought…until today.

Goodbye my dear friend. I will miss you and always hold you close. Today God gained a debutante, and me? Well, I learned to how to say goodbye once again.

New Year's Prayer...

2011-12-31T17:21:00.000-08:00

Tonight I performed my 7th wedding on New Year’s Eve! Each of the ordained years of my life, first as a deacon, and then later as a priest, I have had the honor of bestowing my favorite sentence: “Ladies and gentleman, it is my highest honor and privilege as a priest to bring to you publicly for the very first time, Mr. & Mrs.….”

I love that line! (almost as much as, 'My Priest is Here!') I love being a priest! I love weddings, and I love them especially on New Year’s Eve! There is something magical about them and the people so filled with joy. Something that reminds me as to why I became a priest to begin with; to share the joy of God through us, His created.

Weddings seem to bring out the best in people. I love seeing the joy, the hope, the wonder, and the expectation of a life together yet to come in the couples I am so honored to officiate. I consider it an honor and a joy, and as I looked over the City of Philadelphia - from high atop the Marriott tonight - I marveled at what God has done. Not just in the lives of the newly minted Mr. and Mrs. James Burke, but in all of us for another year.

So tonight, I, too, look to the future with a longing, wonder, and an expectation of great joy. I will gently pack my old year later and say goodnight to it. Then, I will rise tomorrow and celebrate Mass with my parish family and know that God is still good. There is much yet to come!

As I leave every wedding, I say a little prayer just for the couples I marry. Tonight, I say it for all of you:

“Be well in your life, be joyful in love and high in expectation, soft in demands, and embrace all with an eye to the God who will hold you all the length of your days. “

God bless us all. Welcome 2012…

My stalker...Seattle Girl Opines

2011-12-18T12:03:00.000-08:00

[Blogger's Note: This is a copy of the sermon I preached today on the occasion of the baptism of Lindsay Conk. I wanted to try to tie in how I felt about my stalker. This was the prefect opportunity! You may listen to an longer audio version here (this means you, too, Seattle Girl!, on our parish website. Enjoy. Well, all of you except the stalker, of course!]

So, I have a stalker. No, not one that follows me like a celebrity. (Well, at least I don’t think so!) But one that writes about me, listens to my sermons and responds, and most likely follows my blog (they will have something more to hate about me very soon if that is the case!). Whoever it is, stretches the truth, or at least manipulates facts, shadows others, or adds innuendo with an obvious lack of knowledge. But whatever they do, it is obviously done in hatred.

You see, every time I teach, preach, or blog about something in my past, or whenever a reporter interviews me, or publishes anything about me, this person - who lately goes by the pseudonym of “Seattle Girl Opines” – (don’t ask me…I have no idea what that means) writes about me and says horrible things. She normally starts her rant (I say ‘she;’ because of the ‘Seattle Girl’ thing, but who knows if it really is a girl!) – any way, as I was saying, she normally starts her rant about how I never graduated from college, was never abused by a priest, was dishonorably discharged from the Navy, thrown out of seminary for lying, not a 'real' priest, and then goes off on some diatribe about how I glorify all my faults and how my past is replete with so many imperfections that somehow I should not be a priest. Well, all of ‘her’ facts are wrong. There are shades of truth, of course, but her basic facts are simply wrong; her assertions completely false. But, she has one thing right in her twisted logic and her obvious disdain for me: I should not be a priest.

Yes, I have a past and no, I am not proud of most of it. And, I should not be a priest because I am not worthy. But, somehow, God has called me to just that lot in life. Oh, I argued and tried to dissuade God many times. I even ran away a few times just like Jonah. And, I guess you might say – to carry the metaphor a little further – I sat in the belly of the whale for a while, too. Oh, ya, and then came the naysayers. You know the ones: those who look at my past mistakes and point to them and call me names…all the while they somehow think of themselves as Christian. I think I would disagree. Sorry.

But you see, to be a Christian means that we honor Christ and the Grace we received; the forgiveness and the mercy. But, alas, Grace and Mercy are not so easy when you are on the other side – the giving side. So, instead, we lob rocks and call names and wound all in the name of this loving God who came into the world to bring joy and peace and love. Not much of that grace stuff around here anymore, huh?

Well, that is why I remain. Even when I cry so hard at the reading of all of this stuff. My friends and parishioners who are close to me say, “just don’t read that stuff, Father.” I know that I shouldn’t, but I do. And, it hits me deep in my soul where self-doubt still lives. It opens old wounds and deep feelings of being unworthy.

Then it comes to me. That is what is supposed to happen. It shows the world that God can use the most unworthy of us to bring about God’s reign. God can use the most broken; God can use the most illegitimate; God can use the most unworthy among us to show the rest of the world that no one – absolutely no one – even me - is beyond God’s love and redemptive activity. That Grace and mercy still abound. That joy and peace come when we lay down our fists and words of hatred, and embrace and love and care.

So, what does of all this have to do with little Lindsay today? Well, everything actually. You see we built a church, a true Church, from the ground up. We honor our Catholic roots and traditions, just like the One we follow, named Jesus; we embrace everyone right where they are. We show them that God loves them, even in their brokenness and with their imperfections. And yes, even with their sordid past.

Yes, no matter what Lindsay will ever do, or what might ever be said about her, her done to her…we will be there to catch her. To embrace her. To show her that God’s love is without boundaries.

In our Gospel today, which translates, by the way, to the ‘good news of Christ’, we hear of the angel coming to lowly Mary, a simple peasant girl, and that angel tells her that she will bear and birth her own Creator! And her response is, "How can this be…”

Well, I ask myself the very same thing every day. I have asked my self that very question for years. So to “Seattle Girl Opines” all I can say is continue to live in the shadow of your dark world. As for my parish, and me – well, we choose light.

Welcome to a place of love, Lindsay. Today we welcome you as a fellow Christian, tomorrow we begin to teach you how to pray for people like “Seattle Girl”…Why? Because at Saint Miriam…we’ve learned that God’s light shines brightest through our cracks…

I am not that brilliant a person, but I can smell injustice when I smell it.

2011-12-08T07:34:00.001-08:00

OK, I admit it: I don’t have a clear definition of justice, but I know the smell of injustice when I smell it! I also don't have a clear definition of fairness, but justice does not always fit with what I regard as fair. I have taught Catholic Theology and Justice at the college level for years, and even now it often eludes me as to what to say to a student that asks, “is that really fair, Father?”

The concept of fairness and justice are not well defined. People do not agree on what either means. In A Theory of Justice, John Rawls equates fairness and justice, but his attempt to clarify fairness only succeeds in making justice even more unclear. Justice and fairness must be treated separately so that justice can be as precise as it needs to be.

Yesterday, Rod Blagojevich, the twice-elected Illinois governor, received a 14-year sentence for corruption. Judge James Zagel sentenced Blagojevich on 18 counts of corruption, including his June convictions on charges that he tried to sell an appointment to President Barack Obama's U.S. Senate seat for campaign cash or a top job. The impeached governor must report to Federal prison on Feb. 16.

Then, back on November 7, Dr. Conrad Murray, a Houston, United States-based cardiologist, was convicted of involuntary manslaughter. He was said to have precipitated the death of music icon, Michael Jackson, on June 25, 2009, through the use of a powerful sedative, Propofol, typically used only in hospitals with extensive monitoring.

We all learned that deviant characters, permeate all professions, but must be flushed out to save humanity. Murray’s display of lack of remorse and blame trading is equally reprehensible. It reminds me of the recent sex scandals of the Church and at the university level at Penn State and Syracuse.

The lesson of all of this is that people trusted with human lives should be beyond reproach; they need not sell their services to the highest bidder. They should not harm anyone in their care - ever. But, at the level of Justice (that is Justice with a big "j"), I have a huge problem. How is that a life ended at the hands of another gets 4 years (and the convicted will probably serve far less) and corruption gets you 14?

Now, I am not saying that any of these should be dealt with in some menial way. I think we should be a on high alert that more of this stuff exists. But what I am saying is that to me a human life is always beyond value.

I am not that brilliant a person, but I can smell injustice when I smell it.

The Milton Hershey School; seems that they are all out of chocolate, but full of hate and bias…

2011-12-02T10:35:00.000-08:00

So it seems that The Milton Hershey School, a private boarding school connected with the Hershey chocolate company says it was trying to protect other students when it denied admission to a Philadelphia-area teenager because he is HIV-positive. The AIDS Law Project of Pennsylvania filed a lawsuit on behalf of the unidentified boy in U.S. District Court in Philadelphia on Wednesday, claiming the Milton Hershey School for disadvantaged students violated the Americans with Disabilities Act. My concern goes far deeper. It seems that this school is in need of some education. Today it violated the basic inherent dignity of every human person.

How ironic that they claim superior educational opportunities? How ironic that we learn of this near World AIDS Day? How ironic that a leader in education to the impoverished and disenfranchised would be the arbiter of hatred, bias, and misinformation?

The school educates low-income and socially disadvantaged students for free. It is financed by the Milton Hershey School Trust, which also holds the controlling interest in The Hershey Co. All of this admirable; but my question today is who is financing the hatred?

On Tuesday, Nov. 15th, the school followed a tradition and marked the 102nd anniversary of the signing of the Deed of Trust that established Milton Hershey School with a tree panting ceremony. Today they violated every moral principle it was founded upon. Shame on them.

Their contact information is below for those who would like to voice their disappointment. I did in no uncertain terms.They didn't seem to even care...why would I have assumed tat they would?

Milton Hershey School
PO Box 830, Hershey PA 17033-0830
General Information: (717) 520-2000
mhs-communications@mhs-pa.org

Pray, Give, and Love.

2011-12-01T08:08:00.001-08:00

Today is World AIDS Day. The theme for this year’s, World AIDS Day, is "Getting to Zero." After 30 years of the global fight against HIV/AIDS, this year the focus is on achieving 3 targets: Zero new HIV infections. Zero discrimination. Zero AIDS-related deaths.

I remember that when my family owned a funeral home, we were one of the few that would accept AIDS patients. Many funeral directors were scared of the disease. So was I. But, I also knew that we could never turn away any family, no matter the cause of death. We also knew that we could not, should not, force cremation on them as the only means of final burial. We had to embalm and dress and lay out…just like we would for anyone else. So, as a young funeral director, before I could ask anyone else on staff to embalm an AIDS victim, I had to do so first. And I did. It was liberating. I cared for someone unconditionally who, for the last several months, had no one to care for them.

Sir William Gladstone once penned,

"Show me the manner in which a nation cares for its dead and I will measure with mathematical exactness the tender mercies of its people, their respect for the laws of the land, and their loyalty to high ideals."

I believed that then. I believe it now.

AIDS touched me personally one day when my friend, Patrick, a vibrant young and compassionate Roman Catholic Priest came to me to plan his own funeral. Patrick had AIDS and would soon be dying. The irony was that Father Pat opened the only HIV/AIDS Hospice in the County. Now, its own compassionate walls would claim him soon.

The Diocese found out that he had AIDS and immediately ‘distanced’ itself from him. They refused to even bury him or pay for his final expenses. He was on his own. My family and I…we took him in. We buried him, paid for his funeral, and honored his life – and his death – despite the disease and its stigma. We even fought to have him laid to rest in the ‘Priest’s Circle’ at the local Catholic Cemetery. On that one point, the Diocese relented and allowed him to rest there among his brother priests. He is still there today.

Now, some 20+ years later not much progress has been made. We still ostracize the victims and turn our backs on them. We fund noble cancer research and others ahead of a single dollar toward ‘that gay disease’. We do so despite the fact that it is just that: a disease. We do so despite the fact that most of its victims are not gay and often very poor. How sad of us. Gladstone would be sad, too.

The lesson is clear and the bottom line, too: Pray, Give, and Love. That is how a nation – and its people – cares for those who are ill.

Rest in peace, my dear friend, Patrick. I thought of you today. Always will. Your work is done now. See you soon.

A Prayer for HIV/AIDS

Loving God, you alone know the end from the beginning. We lift up all these HIV/AIDS patients to you. God, where there is pain we ask please remove it, where there is despair God grant them new hope and Father let them never doubt your power to save and heal. God we pray for those involved in the discovery of treatment that God you will fill them with Wisdom and that God you will give them a breakthrough in a cure. Lord, the families of the patients, protect them and give them patience and strength. God provide finances to fund the discovery endeavors and also to the patients for their medicines. God let your will, perfect health, be the portion of these dear ones in Jesus, we pray. Amen.

Ecce Agnus Dei

2011-11-27T16:54:00.000-08:00

So today English-speaking Catholics (Roman Catholics, that is!) stopped using the translation they have known for the past 40 years, and began a new English translation of the Roman Missal, the book that contains the liturgy and prayers used in the Mass. (By the way, it used to be called the Sacramentary, but the Pope wanted people to know the “true” church so they changed the language of that title, too!) Today's Mass sounded different from any they have attended before.

The revisions, enacted today, are the latest chapter in a process started by the Second Vatican Council that led to the Latin Mass being translated into contemporary languages. Now, many believe that these recent changes will strengthen the bonds between the prayers said at Mass and their biblical origin.

The problem is that Latin was not the original language of the Bible. The first human author to write down the biblical record was most likely Moses. And what language did he use? He wrote in his native language, called Hebrew.

Hebrew is one of a group of languages known as the Semitic languages, which were spoken throughout that part of the world, then known as Mesopotamia (located, by the way, today mainly in Iraq.) Their alphabet consisted of 22 letters, all consonants. Imagine having an alphabet with no vowels! Much later they did add those missing vowels, but even that did not always go well and many errors in translated meaning were often incurred.

The New Testament, however, was written first in Greek. This seems strange, since you might think it would be either Hebrew or Aramaic. However, Greek was the language of scholarship during the years of the composition of the New Testament from 50 to 100 CE. So, around 300 BCE a translation of the Old Testament from Hebrew into Greek was undertaken, and it was completed around 200 BCE. Gradually this Greek translation of the Old Testament, called the Septuagint, was widely accepted and was even used in many Jewish synagogues. So the New Testament authors wrote in Greek, not Latin. And, it should be noted that they did not even use “high-class” or classical Greek, but a very common and everyday type of Greek. This was intentional to allow the ordinary folk to harness God’s word.

So where is Rome you ask? Well, Ecclesiastical Latin (sometimes called Liturgical or Church Latin) is the language used all periods for ecclesiastical purposes. The exact language is called sermo humilis, used to preach and otherwise communicate to the people in “ordinary language”. This form of Latin can be distinguished from Classical Latin, too, by some lexical variations, a simplified syntax.

This Latin version, (eventually, The Vulgate) all began in the late 4th Century with Jerome, whose intention was translating into Latin the Hebrew of the Old Testament and the Greek of the New Testament so that ordinary Christians of the Roman Empire should be able to read the word of God. 'Ignorance of the scriptures', he wrote, 'is ignorance of Christ'. By the 13th century this revision had come to be called the versio vulgata, that is, the "commonly used translation" and ultimately it became the definitive and officially promulgated Latin version of the Bible for the Roman Catholic Church.

So, you might have noticed that I used the word “ordinary” many times here. You see, the ideal situation was always to use a translation ‘of the people’ so that God’s word was not some loft exercise in hefty translation, but easily accessible and embraced to sooth their souls.

Erie Catholic Bishop Donald W. Trautman, whom I have never seen eye-to-eye with much at all, recently stated that this new missal is too "elitist and remote from everyday speech."

And, let us not forget the words of the good nun! Sister Joyce Ann Zimmerman, a member of the Sisters of the Precious Blood from Dayton, Ohio, and director of the Institute for Liturgical Ministry. Yes Sister Zimmerman said the translation brings the English more in line with the Latin and therefore with people praying in languages other than English. She also insisted, in an article written in The Times News that, "If the new translation drives people away from the church, they don't have a very deep faith anyway." (Wasn’t that a famous line, too, of another famous princess “let them eat cake?” upon learning that the peasants had no bread.) Really Sister…"ordinary"…remember?

Some of these new changes in the new English translation of the Roman Missal include:

Present text
Priest: "The Lord be with you."
People: "And also with you."
New text
Priest: "The Lord be with you."
People: "And with your spirit."

Present text
Nicene Creed: "We believe in one Lord, Jesus Christ, the only son of God, eternally begotten of the father, God from God, light from light, true God from true God, begotten, not made, one in being with the father. Through him all things were made."
New text
Nicene Creed: "I believe in one Lord, Jesus Christ, the only begotten son of God, born of the father before all ages. God from God, light from light, true God from true God, begotten, not made, consubstantial with the father; through him all things were made."

Present text
Priest: "Let us proclaim the mystery of faith:"
People: "Christ has died, Christ is risen, Christ will come again" or "Dying you destroyed our death, rising you restored our life. Lord Jesus, come in glory" or "When we eat this bread and drink this cup, we proclaim your death, Lord Jesus, until you come in glory" or "Lord, by your cross and resurrection, you have set us free. You are the savior of the world."
New text
Priest: "The mystery of faith."
People: "We proclaim your death, O Lord, and profess your resurrection until you come again" or "When we eat this bread and drink this cup, we proclaim your death, O Lord, until you come again" or "Save us, savior of the world, for by your cross and resurrection, you have set us free."

Present text
Gloria: "Glory to God in the highest, and peace to his people on earth. Lord God, heavenly king, almighty God and father, we worship you, we give you thanks, we praise you for your glory."
New text
Gloria: "Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to people of good will. We praise you, we bless you, we adore you, we glorify you, we give you thanks for your great glory, Lord God, heavenly king, O God, almighty father." (SOURCE: U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops)

In the end, I suppose this is why the leadership of the Old Catholic Church has decided NOT to change. Our Church holds to the voice of the ordinary and the common. We are in need of God in our lives, not an exercise in ideological pursuits. The axiom 'Lex orandi, lex credendi' - ‘What we pray is what we believe’ - suggests that there is a direct relationship between the content of our prayers and the substance of our faith. Yes, and our faith is proportional to our language, which the last time I checked is still English.

I titled this blog entry, Ecce Agnus Dei, that is, “This is the Lamb of God”… Perhaps the Lamb is being tied up again by the powers that be? I remember that happened before in history and will probably again and again and again.

How sad...well, at least for us ordinary people…

A Matter of a Kiss

2011-11-17T13:28:00.000-08:00

So it seems that Italian clothing company, Benetton, is in a bit of a quagmire with the Roman Catholic Church over its “Unhate” campaign. The company has even recently withdrawn a publicity shot of Pope Benedict XVI kissing a Muslim religious leader following a Vatican backlash.

The photo, which I added to my blog here, is an admitted ‘digitally manipulated’ picture showing The Pontiff locking lips with Mohammed Ahmed al-Tayeb, the grand sheikh of al-Azhar mosque in Cairo, Egypt, as part this unique advertising campaign.

Enter the Vatican muscle: Vatican spokesman Father Federico Lombardi criticized the company for exploiting the pope's image, calling it completely unacceptable. And, they even stated that they would "take the proper legal measures" to stop the use of the photo, even in the media. (I guess I will be getting yet another letter from the Vatican!)

Benetton has since apologized, saying it was sorry the picture "had so hurt the sensibilities of the faithful". The Vatican said that Benetton’s actions are "damaging to not only to dignity of the pope and the Catholic Church but also to the feelings of believers."

But, I discovered (because I am strange this way) that if you ‘Google” the Catholic Church and ask what its mission is, you see this response: The “Catholic Church’s mission is to continue work of Jesus Christ.”

Really? So Jesus would be offended if one religious leader kissed another? Would this be seen by Jesus as yet another ‘Judas kiss’, or would He finally see that all God’s children were trying to live out his ultimate commandants? You know the ones I speak of, right? Love the Lord, your God, with all your heart and strength, and love your neighbor as yourself. Ya, THOSE two! The two no that one cares to remember, let alone do anything about.

Other fabricated photos will remain as part of what Benetton calls a project to foster tolerance and global love. They include doctored images portraying Barack Obama kissing Hugo Chavez, as well as similar embraces between Nicolas Sarkozy and Angela Merkel, and Mahmoud Abbas and Benyamin Netanyahu.

So, as for me, I was kind hoping that Pope would like this photo, digitally enhanced or not. As for my Patriarch and me… I think we will go out and find ourselves a few Muslims, Protestants, and maybe even a Jew or two to kiss this week. Then we will have a few photos put up to cause a new kind of controversy; one that promotes love. After all, we are all God’s children…

“…consubstantial with the Father…”

2011-11-07T08:21:00.000-08:00

You’re kidding, right? ‘Consubstantial’? Yes, that is what will appear shortly in the Roman version of the Sacramentary, and that all ‘good’ Catholics will be expected to use in their recitation of the Nicene Creed effective 1 Advent, November 27th. It should be remembered that the Creed was written during the 4th century C.E. in an attempt to unify the Christian church under emperor Constantine. (I guess those days are finally over!) But, that is just one part of the massive changes when Liturgiam Authenticam, or Authentic Liturgy, (oops, I translated into English, sorry!) which requires translations to be closer to the Latin is implemented. But why?

To date, millions of believers have left Mother Church, and still increasing numbers of our young people are watching from the sidelines in disbelief and dismay. As the struggles of the world are on the minds of so many, could we not find something better to do with our time, and dare I say, our money?

It is expected that this new translation will cost millions of dollars to implement. After all, you have to develop, print, change old ways, train, and let’ not forget the music! OCP (Oregon Catholic Press, the largest Catholic music company) has been in overdrive getting ready with all the required music settings that will need to be changed! Again, I ask, why are we doing this?

The current English version still in use today in most parishes, is from the 1970s, which, in turn, was an upgrade of the hastily made translations following Vatican II in the 1960s. (The prayers were all in Latin before then). The motivation was to bring the people closer to God through language and liturgy. Well, I guess those days are forgotten! (Thank God, who wants those pesky commoners coming closer to God when we, as priests, can gain control and access again!? Next stop: the Inquisition!)

It took a few more years, until 1996, for the English translation, ten years in the making, to be approved by the bishops and finally sent to Rome for approval. But it landed in a quagmire of controversy. The Third Edition of the Missal appeared finally some six years later, in 2002, and the translating began again, now in a climate somewhat different than before.

Shortly after that Third Edition, came an instruction from the Vatican congregation, which oversees translations. In short, the instruction was to, while trying to maintain a good flow of liturgy, preserve exact “word-for-word” translation whenever possible. (Previous instructions, following Vatican II, had put meaning, rather than exact wording, as the guide for translation.) And so here we are again pushing more people away from God, rather than our true job which is to bring people toward their God!

As the Huffington Post reports:

“The new missal grew out of changes in liturgy that started with the Second Vatican Council, the 1960s meetings on modernizing the church that permitted Mass in local languages instead of Latin. Bishops in English-speaking countries created the International Commission on English in the Liturgy to undertake the translation. The panel produced a missal by 1973, but that version was considered temporary until better texts could be completed. As the commission worked to make the Mass more familiar in idiomatic English, some of the language strayed from the Latin. Also in some cases, the commission sought to use language that would be gender neutral.”

This new translation has been revised and revised and revised. Even the most conservative Catholic Bishops, like Donald Trautman, from my hometown of Erie, Pennsylvania, and former head of the bishops' liturgy committee, (whom I almost never see eye-to-eye with!) has pretty much thrown up his hands in dismay and disowned the translation. “In the search for sacred language’, he says, ‘we've abandoned primary concern for the ‘living language’ of the worshipers.” Bishop Trautman recommended that the whole project should be ‘further delayed’ while better translation was sought. Sorry, Bishop, they didn’t listen.

It may seem to most of us that there are other, more urgent and pressing matters that need our attention. We would be correct. For instance: How about making an enormous impact on hundreds of lives? Why not sponsor a clean water well in Africa? You can fund an entire clean water project in the Sudan or Uganda for a total project cost of around $6,500. I wonder…how many wells could the Church have given to an area of the world that needs help? And what about AIDS, Malaria, war, famine? How about genocide and poverty and female mutilation? Or, poor education and lack of health care? Need I go on?

Is the mission of the global Church not to help the world? Do we not all give of our time, talent, and treasure to our parishes so that the Greater Church can then help heal a broken world?

Oh, ya…by the way, consubstantial is defined my Merriam Webster as ‘of the same substance’ and is derived from the 14th century. Even my brilliant iMac thinks the word is spelled wrong and highlights in red! When I was in seminary we learned of the 4th Century argument of homoiousios vs. homoousios…anyone care to take that one on again? Seems like we are heading backwards, my friends.

AOL had an article that described that American Catholics are preparing for the new translation. ‘er, I think we better change the verb to ‘bracing’. That is why I am glad that our Conclave of Bishops decided not to change the translation used in our parishes. Yes, here you will find the out-dated, old, warmly toned, "and also with you."

Take care now...peace be with you and, of ya, and with your spirit!

Of Dungeons and Dragons

2011-10-19T10:14:00.000-07:00

Well, I used to play Dungeons and Dragons. You know the game, right? Many of us played it when we were youngsters and I think some still do! (I know…I’m showing my age now!)

The game is complex, but in a nutshell, players take the role of characters that solve a series of heroic adventures or quests. Though argued to be a rather harmless game, it has attracted a variety of criticism over the years. The game has a medieval theme featuring mythical creatures such as elves, dwarves, and dragons. But, there are also demons.

I also understand that Dungeons and Dragons, the original tabletop role-playing game that I grew up with, is coming to Facebook. Get ready to play! Well maybe not, but you get my point.

Anyway, I thought a lot of this game lately, as Philadelphia has become a hot bed of activity and national notoriety. Sadly, all for the wrong reasons. Last Monday, local police officials gave a tour to the press of a “dungeon" where four mentally challenged adults were held captive by three suspects who stand accused of stealing their disability checks. This space was a cramped, 6-foot-high, 15-foot-wide style “bomb shelter” hidden behind a steel door in a basement of a home in Philadelphia’s Tacony neighborhood. According to those present, it was rank with human urine and feces.

These four, poor souls, were abused and held in this makeshift dungeon since early October. They where given only water to drink and authorities say that they were fed just once a day! Yes, it truly was a dungeon.

The three suspects had a ringleader named Linda Ann Weston. She has a complex history and a violent past. And this scheme may even have been perpetrated against others over several states. Every day we turn on the news we learn more of the horrific events that unfolded against such simple lives by a complex, ruthless, evil group of people.

We are warned in Holy Scripture that we are to care for the orphaned and the widowed, the marginalized, the forgotten, the leper. I’m no scholar, but I think there is no way out of this for Linda and her evil cohorts. Not now. Not in our courts. Not in God’s judgment.

Sadly, Dungeons and Dragons has a whole new meaning for me. Well, now that I learned that demons really do exist.

Never underestimate how far someone will go to end the pain...

2011-10-17T16:02:00.000-07:00

I thought after I posted and grieved over Jamey Rodemeyer and Tyler Clementi, and so many others who are killing themselves over being gay and bullied, that it would stop. I know, naïve of me. But, prayerfully I wanted to believe it and now – already- another one comes into the news.

Jamie Hubley, a Gay 15-Year-Old Ottawa, Canada Teen Commits Suicide as he cites depression and school troubles. Sound familiar? His blog is still active and brought me to tears. I am not sure how much more grief my soul can take. We need to find a solution. We need to save lives. We need to simply be more human and allow others to do the same. Freely. Openly. And be themselves as God created them. Isn’t this enough death? It’s obvious there remains much work to be done.

If you need help, please get to someone who cares. Anyone of us will sit with you until dawn comes in the darkest of your night. We mean it. Why? Because many of us have been there. We know the scorn of hatred and we have learned firsthand that words hurt far more than sticks and stones. We know what it is like to 'come out' of a darkened closet and still have no light. We also know that 'it gets better' and that with a little help, support, and wisdom from someone who has lived what you are living in; endured the hell you are feeling, and survived the depths and pain of isolation that new light will come. Please...give yourself a chance?

I did, and I am still here. I once sat alone in my room for so many nights and thought of many ways to end my life. I cried so hard that tears would no longer come. I prayed that I would never have to go back to 'that school' again. I begged God to help me; to do anything: blow up the school, kill those who hated me, even have the biggest bully of the day, Mike, move to a new school so he could not hurt me anymore. But none of that happened. And, yet, I still made it. But I didn't do it alone, I got help. I reached out to someone who held me and told me that I could make it and that one day I would see things differently if I only gave myself the chance.

Now I affect real lives today by being a priest. I hold the broken of the world and have used my own, often painful experiences, my own pain, to make this world a bit better. You can, too. And if you need me, call me. Go to my parish website and call or email me and I will be there to help for as long as you need me. Promise.

You can also reach out in the U.S., call 1-800-273-8255 for the National Suicide Prevention Line visit www.StopBullying.gov. You can also visit The Trevor Project, or call them at 866-488-7386.

Jamey ended his last blog entry with the following:

"Remember me as a Unicorn :3 x) Maybe in my next life I'll be a flying squirrel :D

I'll fly away."

You are safe now, Jamey. I am sorry we failed you, too.

Lessons of a Driveway

2011-10-13T05:49:00.001-07:00

Do you get angry when you see bad driving? People “cutting you off”, dangerous driving, speeding, rapid and inconsiderate lane changes for no reason, and road rage? Now, I will admit that I drive fast; sometimes too fast. But, I still care about other drivers and always let people merge, pass, and enter the road! All I ask is that they follow the rules and play nice!

I know that I hate people who think bigger cars mean they can cut me off in traffic. Or, the idiot, using a small car, who still manages to take up two large spaces in an overcrowded car park! Or how about the people who think you merging is an invitation to speed up and cut you off? Or, maybe the person on their cell phone who forgets that they have EZ Pass and slammed their brakes on to ‘get a ticket’ only to realize they didn’t need to…all the while I was forced to react abruptly to their stupidity! But, even more than all of those lessons, I hate the sad lesson I learn every day simply leaving my condominium parking lot.

You see our parking lot enters a fairly busy, well-traveled, roadway at one side. And, it is that side which I often use because it has clearest view of the roadway in both directions. Now, you should also know that only about 50 feet away is a traffic light that changes pretty quickly. Inevitably I wait for that light to change to ‘red’ and then stick my nose our far enough for oncoming cars to see me. And they do. But they don’t care! They almost always speed up to cut me off all the while only ending up just a mere 10-15 feet closer to that aforementioned red traffic signal! What was gained? Nothing! Yes, people behind a wheel are just mean!

Why not let me out? Why not slow down when they see me, and that very apparent red light, and say, “Hey, go ahead, let me make this easier for you and wave you ahead of me…after all, it’s only one care length!” But, NO. The majority will cut me off, or worse, block me…sitting directly in front of my car all the while they look around oblivious to the world. Now, some of you will say, “But they probably just didn’t see you!?" Really? Come on, were you born last night? They see me. They see you! These are the very same people who run over small, handicapped children on borrowed crutches in the Super Fresh parking lot all in order to get to their favorite parking spot! Despicable. Sad.

A line from a favorite wedding ceremony I often uses goes like this, “The world is in need of the good, the honest, and the holy...” Well, this includes a few nicer drivers!

Hey, Mister Mean Driver...Your driving instructor is crying today...

I guess the winds of change already stopped blowing…

2011-10-06T04:31:00.000-07:00

In her column posted 19 July 2011 award winning Philadelphia Daily News Columnist, Ronnie Polaneczky, offered comments from many in the form of some advice to the then incoming, now seated, Archbishop Charles J. Chaput of the Archdiocese of Philadelphia. It amounted to this summation: “listen to the people.” But it seems that advice has fallen on deaf ears.

It was reported Monday, (in the same paper) that the new Archbishop, of barely a month, attended an invitation-only dinner hosted by St. Helena Church on Dekalb Pike in Blue Bell, where he received a standing ovation when he intentionally singled out the highest church official in the country to face charges of endangering the welfare of children, Msgr. William J. Lynn. It seems that the Archbishop wanted everyone to know what a ‘difficult ordeal’ this has been for him [Msgr. Lynn] when he stated, "It's really important to me, and I think to all of us, that he be treated fairly and that he not be a scapegoat."

Really? You’re kidding, right? Difficult for him? Scapegoat? What about all those abused victims and their families still suffering from the trauma of a church that turned its back on them when they needed protection? Really? What about the trials and persecutions of those victims who found the strength to stand up against being harmed at the hands of someone who was to care for them? Really? What of those who already lost the battle to alcoholism, drugs, psychosis, and even death, not to mention the loss of their faith? Really? After only a month, this newly installed archbishop is already playing the ‘we are always right game’? Apparently the advice fell on deaf ears. What a shame.

In the September 26th issue of Time Magazine. Barbara Blaine, president of the Survivors Network of Those Abused by Priests, or "SNAP", wrote when speaking of Pope Benedict XVI, “He could take dramatic action that would help protect children…and he refuses.” Well, it seems that he is in good company. Even I once felt that a new day was dawning with a new archbishop; I felt hope! I thought, naively, that he would be a breath of fresh air and new insight. That this archbishop would stop the petty politics of “we are the only church” so let’s get rid of parishes like Saint Miriam, or the doctrinally-unsupported, ‘only Catholics go to heaven” crap, and bring support the gospel-mandated, ‘lesser thans’: the poor, hurt, ill, disenfranchised, the hurting, the lost, the weak, the prisoner, the orphan, the widow, the abused? et al. I guess not. I guess the need to change a broken system is no longer paramount; if it ever really was?

I guess it is better that we protect the weak and the vulnerable only when we make public statements and then go back to business a usual.

Shame on them. Shame on Archbishop Chaput. I guess the winds of change have already stopped blowing…

Schweddy Balls, Ice Cream, and Jesus? Get Real!

2011-09-23T05:27:00.000-07:00

Ok, so the One Million Moms (who started out to stop the exploitation of our children, especially by the entertainment media, but seem to be branching out where they don’t belong at all) an outreach arm of the arch-conservative American Family Association (AFA), posted this recently in response to the newest flavor of Ben and Jerry’s:

“The vulgar new flavor has turned something as innocent as ice cream into something repulsive. Not exactly what you want a child asking for at the supermarket.”

Really? Really? Are you for real? We have poverty and genocide and war and natural disasters and bombs and murder and abuse; we have young people committing suicide because they are bullied relentlessly, and still others being murdered in the name of ‘justice’, and….well, the list is endless and exhausting, but somehow their right-wing conservative “Christian values” demand that you go after ice cream?

I guess they missed the point. Our world is so far flung with disasters and hatred that a little levity now and then is welcomed. But, oh no, not by you One Million Moms! Really? How sad!

Ben & Jerry’s defends its newest flavor (vanilla with rum and fudge-covered malt balls–yum!) which pays tribute to the classic Alec Baldwin sketch on Saturday Night Live. Maybe the One Million Moms should watch a little more humor on television and gain back their soul? Maybe they could use their efforts to, oh I don;t know...how about prevent people from killing children through their vitriolic hatred of so-called moral Christian values (as deigned by themselves!)?

I’m sure that when Hubby Hubby came out – Ben and Jerry’s homage flavor to Gay Rights, all One Million Moms must just have popped a communal vein! Hubby Hubby was in partnership with the civil rights group, Freedom to Marry , where all gathered to celebrate in Vermont (and all the other great states) where loving couples of all kinds are free to marry legally. I could only imagine their reaction to that one! (I wish I were a proverbial fly on the wall in the home of Tom Wildmon, President of the parent group, AFA!)

I’m going to go have pint of my Ben and Jerry's ice cream now and think about what idiots these people are. And, no, I will not pray about it. I’d rather just eat my Schweddy Balls ice cream and dream of a world with little less hate!

A Pray for Troy Davis

2011-09-22T04:23:00.000-07:00

Troy Davis, who was murdered by the State of Georgia last evening at 11:08 PM. I do not not have much more to say in my deep sadness and my horror at what the State of Georgia and the Appellate and Supreme Courts have concluded. That, even in the face of overwhelming doubt, it was better to move toward a legalistic finality of judgment, rather than wait to be sure before executing a human life.

My God...where have we wandered? I, for one, do not have enough knowledge to say whether Mr. Davis was guilty or innocent. Neither do they; that should have been enough to wait. But no, not for any of them.

The Troy Davis case shows us a truth: We have wandered too far from our own best virtues in the nation. We have legalized murder in such instances and we have looked the other way at the Commandments.

If we are to err, let it be on the side of deliberation and mercy, rather than the unsettling finality we have seen in this very sad case. Should we choose those better virtues, we might all sleep better. I know that last night, I did not sleep. Instead, I prayed for Troy Davis. Now, I am going to try to find enough mercy in me and begin to pray for those who murdered him.

A Time for Prayer and Black Armbands

2011-09-20T13:01:00.000-07:00

Today the Georgia Board of Pardons and Paroles issued its denial of clemency for Troy Davis. Shame on them!

The case against him consisted entirely of witness testimony, which contained inconsistencies even at the time of the trial. Since then, all but two of the state's non-police witnesses from the trial have recanted or contradicted their testimony. That is seven of nine! Many of these witnesses have stated in sworn affidavits that they were pressured, or coerced in some way, by police into testifying or signing statements against Troy Davis. And four witnesses are ready to finally testify against the person whom they suspect to be the real killer!

This is no longer about just the death penalty, it is about justice. No matter where you stand on the death penalty, we can all agree that is final and deserves to be meted out only when one is 100% sure of all facts. This case is ripe with injustice and innuendo and hatred, and has nothing to do with the slain police officer, Mark MacPhail, or his grief stricken family, or the country, or court system, or even what is right or wrong. This is about justice!

The Abolish the Death Penalty National Coalition is urging everyone on Wednesday, September 21st, to honor a "Day of Vigil” and wear a black armband, with "not in my name!" written on it. We all need to do something. Pray, call, protest, act out, act up, do something! This is beyond imaginable in this day and age, let alone in this country, that we would rather follow some set of rules and call that justice than wait and seek facts.

A few weeks ago I wrote about my feelings on the death penalty. You can read it here again.

But the pain of this day is the injustice.

Troy isn’t dead yet. There is still time. Please do something! Pope Benedict XVI, Archbishop Desmond Tutu, and former U.S. President Jimmy Carter all call for clemency. Lend your voice now, too.

If this were your son or husband or brother, would you want someone to be sure of the facts before the irreversible is done? A human life is in the balance! Today there is simply too much doubt. Tomorrow there may just be a headstone bearing his name. In the future, we will all answer to God for playing in an area that we have no business.

Today, just for a moment, I was five years old again!

2011-09-10T05:28:00.000-07:00

Today, just for a moment, I was five years old again! I was walking my dog, Tucker, on his daily routine and we turned a corner that we had not often traveled before (the road less traveled?) and there it was! A hedgerow in front of an understated home on the street with these little red-pinkish berries on them! Now, I am sure they have a name, but I do not know it. I am sure that most people think not very much of them, but I do! It took me back to where I grew up. It took me back to being a very small boy in a very new neighborhood where one neighbor’s home, at the end of our block…a block that seemed miles long to a small child, had this very same type of hedge! How fast my mind fluttered back to 40 years ago. How fast tears came over me as I stood there touching these berries. What a spectacle I am sure I was to those who drove by me today. But, I did not care, because for a moment, I was five again!

Tomorrow will mark the tenth anniversary of 9/11. Some 2,985 persons – in New York City, Washington, DC, and Shanksville, PA - lost their lives that day. Sean and I were in DC – he in graduate school and myself in seminary when the Pentagon was struck. Within 20 minutes, there were armed soldiers and Humvees on every street corner – the nation’s capital was a war zone. We had never seen anything like it before; at least not here – not in America. But, it was America and we were terrified.

Now, ten years later, much of the country is terrified again. We are on high alert again for what might happen, while we stand frozen by what did. I am sad as I remember that day. I am sad as I remember the flames shooting high above the Pentagon and the stopped traffic on all the roads and bridges. I am sad as I remember how we gathered in our frightened state to care for the wounded at INOVA Hospital, but none came. Why? Because they were already dead.

I was not five years old anymore then. I won’t be tomorrow on the anniversary as we pray for the dead and we ask God to care for the rest of us left behind. But, just for a moment, this morning, I was! Today, just for a moment, I was five years old again!

All good things must come to an end...So long Harry!

2011-09-07T13:02:00.000-07:00

All good things must come to an end. Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows – Part 2 - is finally in theaters, and it is said to be the last film we will ever see from J.K. Rowling’s fantasy series, which has played a huge role in peoples lives. From adulthood to childhood, Harry has appealed to the masses. With a great story line and a never-ending action, this phenomenon will be strongly missed by many.

But as I sit and pen this entry, my mind is elsewhere. You see, I have witnessed first hand how so many of those who are called by God to a life of service have placed their own needs ahead of God. I am a firm believer that when God calls from the shore those famous words “follow me!” we still have the option of saying ‘no.’ But, if we follow…well, there is no changing our mind.

My Archbishop says it rightly, “when we place our shoulder to the plow, there is no turning back!” Why then do so many feel they can? Why are there so many who enter formation to become a member of the Presbyterate, and then suddenly leave when the ‘going gets tough’ or when their lives become too busy for their mission work? I wonder…does God groan? More specifically, does God groan for us? Or, in biblical language from the gospels, “Jesus looked up to heaven with a deep sigh.” I think I have sighed a lot lately.

I think God sighs heavily, too, when this happens. I think there are far too few workers in the vineyard already. And, I think that the theology of ordination is true: that when one is ordained, an indelible mark is placed upon their very soul. I wonder what those who leave the field and stop plowing tell God when they get there? “Sorry, God, I know I said I was ready, but it was just way too much work; or too heavy a burden; or my spouse got in the way; or my vacations were too important; or…" Well, you get the idea.

Do you think God will agree when someone lost ‘the pearl of great price’ and traded it in on something of far lesser value? I don’t know, I pray that God possesses far more mercy than I do. I am always sad when someone walks away. I am sad for them, I sad for the Holy Church, and I am sad for the world, and I am certainly sad for God.

As humans, we think of groaning as a deep expression of sadness and pain; something that expresses our hurt, but beyond what words can say. So, I guess I groan at these events as a profound expression of my deep sadness. As we grow older, life teaches us the hard lesson that there are many things to groan about. Groaning not in the sense of complaining, but groaning about the real sadness and deep sorrows of life.

I wonder as I sigh if this is the true church, a place sadly just as broken as the rest of our world? A place where people can just walk away when they are tired of a little hard work?

All I know is that I love being a priest! I revel in what I can do for God. I am far from perfect, but I feel a renewed energy every time I help someone in the Name of God. No, not often in big ways, but in simple ways – almost unnoticeable at times – where they, and I, know that God is truly there. And, I know that I have worked very hard to be a better priest, even in my brokenness. And I know that I could never throw it all away, especially since I was denied ordination not once, but twice – in a process of well over 12 years. Prior to that, I reluctantly left the ordination process in the Roman Church because I could not reject others so easily, nor deny myself. But, I never gave up. So would I give up now?

And, there have been many like me in the world. Holy Mother Church has wounded so many of us. So many others we will never know by name because they could not take it any longer and simply went away. Sad, isn’t it? Those called by God were forced to hide themselves because of another who wounded them so deeply?

To those who have been so wounded, I say that I am sorry on behalf of all that is good in our Church. But to those who simply walk away, I will need some time to heal before I can ever be overly kind.

So yes, God does groan. God groans at seeing His creation, which He made to be perfect, now corrupted with pain, disease, and death. God groans to see sin, and how it has hurt and damaged our lives, twisting the once perfect creation into something broken and dying. God groans when those who answer the call, simply walk away.

I do not know what question the deaf man was asking himself in the Gospels as he felt our Savior’s hands place warm mud on his broken ears, or if he was simply too absorbed in the healing to ask any at all, but I do know what he said afterwards… “I do not know whether this Jesus was a sinner. One thing I do know, that though I was deaf, now I hear; though mute, I speak…”

So long Harry. I hope another movie comes along that will intrigue me as much to help balm the misery of this world. But, until then, I think I better get back to work…

Two Paths for the new Archbishop...

2011-08-31T04:56:00.000-07:00

I was interviewed recently by the National Lesbian Gay Journalism Association’s (NLGJA), Nicolaas Kopper, regarding the upcoming installation of Archbishop Charles Chaput, soon to be the new leader of the Archdiocese of Philadelphia.

For 21 years, NLGJA has drawn journalists, public relations professionals, and media industry leaders together for its annual convention. The 2011 National Convention & 8th Annual LGBT Media Summit came to Philadelphia this past week. Over the course of a few short days, more than 300 attendees had the unique opportunity to participate in top-level training sessions, thought-provoking discussions, and social & professional networking events. I was honored to be part of this process.

As I spoke with Nic during my interview time, it occurred to me that my thinking, very much the lives of His Eminence, Justin Cardinal Rigali, and now incoming Archbishop Charles Chaput, has two primary tracks of thought: hope and fear. Once I uncovered how my own mind was working, it became clearer what I wanted to say during this dialogue.

You see, with any major change in leadership you have two primary, and almost antagonistic emotions. Hope: that a new voice and leadership style will be like a breath of fresh air and bring a new cohesion and direction to the team. And, fear, that other ‘things’ may be uncovered; that still others will remain unchanged, or, worse, that a new leader will be somehow ‘shoddier’ than the last.

In my thinking on the upcoming installation of Archbishop Chaput, I find that - much like my thinking - both men came from two very different paths and perhaps this can be a strong indicator of things to come. If so, then hope will win in this quandary.

You see, Cardinal Rigali was basically born in Rome. (Well, it was actually in Los Angeles, but you get my point.) I think, though, that being born in large US city and then being ordained and almost immediately sent off to Rome – where he studied canon law and held a secretariat – certainly changed his worldview. He never really pastored a parish where the broken and marginalized come, he never served with other priests on ‘the front lines’ where ministry actually happens daily and where the pain of life is so easily felt. In fact, by the 70’s, Rigali was already a Monsignor and was globetrotting with the then current Pontiff, accompanying JP2 wherever he traveled. So, in reality, Rigali served at the Vatican until the 90’s when he was then appointed as Bishop of St Louis. (Yes, another large metropolitan area, and yes another position of power.) Finally, in 2003, he became the 8th bishop of Philadelphia and then was elevated to Cardinal.

Paradoxically, Archbishop Charles Chaput was on quite a different path.

Chaput was born in the proverbial and perhaps disambiguos (A great Wiki term!) mid-Western United States, in Kansas.

He became a Franciscan. In fact, a Capuchin, whose hallmarks are a more contemplative life-style coupled with a stricter observance of poverty. They were originally persecuted and always strive to live as ‘brothers among brothers’, committed to prayer and a strong fraternal life. And while the older eremitical idea have been abandoned, their life is to be one of extreme austerity, simplicity, and poverty—in all things as near an approach to St Francis’ idea as is practicable.

Chaput was ordained in the ’70’s and then began to help others with spiritual direction and theology. Then, (unlike Cardinal Rigali) he became a pastor of a parish where he lived within a community that needed him. And, perhaps, where he was also helped with his own needs and growth.

I find Chaput more pastoral in his approach and style. That is huge in my book. We need more ‘pastors’ at the top of the cleric ranks who really understand the people. After all, the Gospel is designed for the people, not the leadership. (We all remember what Jesus said about the religious leaders, right?)

In his early remarks of July, almost immediately following the announcement from the Vatican, he stated, “I’m a poor actor. What you see is pretty much what you get.“

I sure pray so. What would the world be like if this actually is true? What would the Archdiocese of Philadelphia be like? Could we even imagine a place where Catholics of all sorts – in fact, all humans of all sorts - don’t hate one another or spread division, but love and stand united in their common and shared apostolic tradition? Where all are welcomed…just like Jesus mandated?

Chaput reminisced during an interview:

“Back in 2005, Cardinal Rigali very kindly asked me to visit Philadelphia and speak to the priests of the archdiocese. In my comments, I remember using a remark from the scientist Niels Bohr, who said “prediction is difficult – especially about the future.” I thought it was a pretty clever line six years ago. Today I just find it a bit sobering.”

I am sobered, too. And, yes, I agree…prediction about the future is very difficult. But my own Archbishop, ++Julius Licata, is a Franciscan and so I know firsthand of the genuineness of the cloth from which they are cut; the goodness they reach for, and the warmth of their hearts. So, I have hope today that things will change. And, if it means anything, I am praying very strongly for Archbishop Charles Chaput. I am also praying for all of us. I will hope that he is praying for me, too.

“My Priest is Here!”

2011-08-27T05:30:00.000-07:00

I never get tired of hearing that! After all these years now as a priest. Even now after achieving the title of Monsignor. Even now with all my duties as a pastor, a chaplain, a confident, a confessor, Rector to our seminary, and Vicar General for the Diocese. In all of that, the triumph of my day is when someone calls me a priest!

Yesterday was my first day out from home following my surgery. I was feeling a bit better in the morning and so, of course, I overdid it! I cleaned my aquarium, took out the garbage, and then decided that I could go to the store to prepare for the storm so that Sean would not need to when he arrived back home later that night after a long day at work. But, I also had two wedding rehearsals that afternoon and by the time I showered and prepared to leave for the first one, I could barely make it to the car. I reached out to several people for help, but no one could drive me. So, I went - as planned – on my own.

I left the parking area at my building only then to realize that yet another stop was needed: I was almost out of gas! Normally this would not be so much a burden, but today – in my slightly more weakened condition – it was a major tragedy. The gas lines were long at the local Wawa; everyone at the pre-panic Hurricane Irene mode. So, just like the grocery store a few hours earlier, I waited on line and became further depleted. I finally did get the gas needed for my journey and off I went to the highway. A little forgetful planning through it all showed me quite unexpectedly that somehow I had accepted a wedding some 75 miles away! I would drive this distance in my current condition and then, tomorrow, I would need to drive it again for the actual wedding. “How did I ever do this?”, I thought quietly to myself as I slid into the traffic of I-476.

I arrived just on time and we began right on time (a rarity these days). The family and I never met before, and even though we did a lot of planning via telephone and email, for the life of me I could not remember why I even accepted a wedding so far away.

Then, the bride came out. She was rather understated this day, standing in the sunlight with a simple yellow pad in her hands with scrawled notes upon it that I found illegible at my distance from her. She turned to me as I approached and dropped her notepad and ran to me saying, “My priest is here!” It was at that moment that I knew. I accepted this wedding because she needed me. I was…I am her priest!

I found out as we dissolved into the mechanics of the rehearsal that she never thought she would ever get married. And when the day did come, she knew she needed a Catholic Priest, but none would accept her. Her vision was to be married at an old beautiful Inn near her hometown that had romanticized her all her life. That, however, was unacceptable to the local clergy and she began to fall into despair. Then, along with a couple of good Google clicks, there I was! Now I remembered her story. Now I remembered why I came. Now I remembered why I am a priest.

No matter the weather today, no matter the distance, no matter the event, or the heat, or rain, or any other human or environmental factor… I will be her priest and she will be my bride, if only for a few moments. But those few moments will bind us forever in the arms of a God who gave us both the gift of life, and now the gift of one another for this miraculous day.

Please Stop Coming to Church!!

2011-08-16T07:56:00.000-07:00

In Matthew’s Gospel, (Mat 16:13-20), we find Jesus asking who people say that He is, and in His response we gather the foundation for the eternal Priesthood of Christ. It is what I live into daily. Well, at least I strive to live into that ideal. Do I fail? Always. Am I a good person? Most definitely! Do I serve well? Almost always. You see, I am not perfect. And I have news for you: neither are you! But, if we were perfect, we would have no need for God. And, certainly, no need for the Redemption of Our Christ.

As many of you know, I perform a lot of weddings! It is how I earn a living while we grow Saint Miriam. It is what allows me to sacrifice a salary at my parish, so that we can continue to more easily pay our expenses. But, the selfish part of this story is that I enjoy wedding couples! They are so often young, enthusiastic and optimistic about life (and their life to come together!) It is a healthy dose of joy that I so often need as I trudge through my own ‘stuff’!

Lately, though, I have noticed that some of these couples are burdened. They are burdened by the oppression of the Church. By that I mean that somewhere they learned as children that they were somehow not good enough. Someplace in their youth, some holier-than-thou priest or archaic CCD teacher told them something that now weighs heavily upon their soul years later. In other words, they cannot meet that ‘ideal’ set for them by someone else so long ago.

This is sad for me, but it is also a reminder to all of us why Saint Miriam exists! We have a healthy understanding of the human person, human sexuality, behavior, and brokenness. We do not believe that people are prefect so we accept them right where they are! We model for them how they should look at themselves and at one another! It is our gift to the world! We should be proud of that gift!

Look, folks, we are all broken and imperfect. This is why I so often remind you not to place me on a pedestal, as a priest, or I will fall! The higher the platform, the farther the fall! We all have a past, we all have a present, but thanks to God’s love, we all have a brighter future if we can learn to be kind to one another - and, be even kinder to ourselves. So when you get to a point where you are without sin, please see me so that I can tell you to please stop coming to church and wasting a good seat!

Our psalm for this coming Sunday comes to us from Psalm 138 and reads, "Lord, your love is eternal." Maybe we should believe that for a change?

“Today I feel Hatred!”

2011-08-02T06:17:00.000-07:00

No, not me, but dare I say so many others in this world? But Why? Why do so many hate and feel that God gave them the kernel of absolute truth while leaving the rest of us mere mortals in the darkness of our own frail stupidity!?!

As you can tell, I have been doing a lot of thinking lately. I guess that is why I have not been blogging much! I have been using my ‘downtime’, which is rare lately, to look at the world and to wonder to myself. I often find myself deep in the ‘whys’, which – as we all know – often come back with the very unsatisfying answer of ‘who knows?”

I have watched with great dismay the news of the slaughter in Norway, the way our elected officials in Washington cannot come together on the debt ceiling issues, let alone so much else of the major issues that plague our country and the world at large. Oh yes, I know, we reached an agreement. But at what cost? Will we ever really be the same again? Can we ever be so naive? I have seen the horror of war, and the deep error of famine. I have seen first hand the hatred of religious zealots and homophobic retards that try to justify their lack of education with Holy Scripture while they spew hatred upon another of God’s creation. But even closer to home, I have also watched with sadness as people around me fail to see how important they are to cure all of this. So many look for the ‘easy way out’ and want a life of leisure from their armchairs, rather than a life of working for God.

I have met priests and ministers who would rather sit at home, in the safety of their enclosed spaces, rather than use their hands and feet and voices to change the world, or to stand up for injustice. I have met others who say they are ‘called’, but know not what shared ministry is, or refuse to follow process and protocol; they know not their place at the table. I have met couples who want to be married by a priest who is more open-minded than the current Church, but then say that I am ‘too liberal’!? Yes, there are lots of things today that I am dumbfounded about lately!

Now, don’t get me wrong: I am not troubled by what I do not understand; I am challenged by it, moved by it, amazed, and even sometimes inspired by it! But I am not disturbed by it. But, I am allowed to wonder aloud about it, especially the absurdity of it all!

And I do not reject what I cannot understand, simply because I do not understand it; I do not refuse to believe what I cannot explain, simply because I cannot explain it. I realize that in this world some persons have known how to do things, which I cannot do. And I rather suspect that Jesus was one of these persons. So, I marvel at the gifts they have, I try to emulate them, or get them to help me, but I do not chastise them or run away from them in my own bitterness or weakness like some.

You see, we have learned in small ways to use higher laws to overcome lower ones. And all our discoveries are merely the process of finding out what God has known all along. As the great astronomer (and Lutheran!) Johannes Kepler said after one of his historic discoveries, "I am merely striving to think God's thoughts after Him."

So today I will not try to understand these people. Today I will not try to understand their animosity toward others since it is irrational and not of God. Today I will not be embittered or try to rationalize the hatred of others, or their lack of willingness to serve the very God who created them by harnessing love. Instead, I will pray for them. And, I hope that others will pray for me in my own failing.

I am reminded of Isaiah 8:20 where it states: "If they speak not according to this word, it is because there is no light in them."

Today, I will pray for more light!

Why I Do Not Believe in the Death Penalty…

2011-07-09T08:16:00.000-07:00

The United States, Texas actually, (who by the way has the highest execution rate in the nation, followed by Virginia), executed this week, a Mexican national named Humberto Leal Garcia who was 39 years old. Many, including the White House and the Secretary of State, believe that this action may have violated International Law. I am far more concerned of the violation of God’s law.

The name justice is inherited from the Latin, justitia, to mean that we are to conform with ‘what is right’. For Christians, it is based on the Cardinal virtues, or a hinge; toward the “ideal” of a proper moderation between self-interest and the rights of others. You see, your rights end when they interfere, or end, the rights of another. Yes, even a convicted criminal like Mr. Leal-Garcia.

Now, don’t get me wrong. There is no doubt that Mr. Leal-Garcia was guilty. He admitted so and was remorseful and apologized for his actions. This, in and of itself, did not help the little girl he rape and murdered, but it does show that he is a human being. But, this, in my opinion, still does not remove the wrong-ness to what was done to him by the State.

According to most of the many theories of justice, it is overwhelmingly important. John Rawls, for instance, claims, "Justice is the first virtue of social institutions, as truth is of systems of thought." But, according to many theories, justice has not been achieved: We do not live in a just world.

Most people believe that injustice must be resisted and punished, and many social and political movements fight for justice worldwide. But the number and variety of theories of justice suggest that it is not clear what justice and the reality of injustice demand of us, because it is not clear what justice is. We are in the difficult position of thinking that justice is vital, but of not being certain how to distinguish justice from injustice in our characters, institutions, actions, or in the world as a whole.

The source of justice may be thought to be harmony, divine command, natural law, or human creation, or it may be thought to be based on some more fundamental ethical standard, and less important than we had supposed. The demands of justice are pressing in two areas, distribution and retribution. Unfortunately, most have an eye toward retributive justice. What we have in our system, then, is not really justice as it is retribution. And, that is unfair, and dare I say it, unjust.

The recent Casey Anthony case brought our society to a boil. It is amazing to me how far we will ‘bend’ when outraged in order to see retribution done, even in the absence of true facts. Casey Anthony made my blood boil, too. But, I still could not find enough evidence to put her life to an end. That is, after all, a non-recoverable action.

The U.S. Supreme Court earlier denied a stay of execution by 5-4 in the Garcia case. "We decline to follow the United States' suggestion of granting a stay to allow Leal to bring a claim based on hypothetical legislation when it cannot even bring itself to say that his attempt to overturn his conviction has any prospect of success," said the majority. But, in their dissent, the four justices, led by Justice Stephen Breyer, urged that Leal's execution be delayed. "It is difficult to see how the state's interest in the immediate execution of an individual convicted of capital murder 16 years ago can outweigh the considerations that support additional delay, perhaps only until the end of the summer," said Breyer, who was supported by Justices Ruth Bader Ginsburg, Sonia Sotomayor, and Elena Kagan.

Would a few more weeks really have meant so much? Did any one of us really even know about the acts committed by Mr. Leal-Garcia? Would allowing him to live within the walls of a prison for a few more weeks really impact our lives in such a dramatic way?

As a Catholic, it is incumbent upon me, and other who follow our teachings, that we maintain the dignity of the human person. That means that all life comes from one Source and all life returns to that one Source. Not at our decision, but at the act and command of that Source, God. This is the foundational principle of all Catholic Social Teaching: the sanctity of all human life and the inherent dignity of every human person. Human life, then, must be valued above all else. Yes, even for those convicted of the most heinous of crimes.

That is why I live my life, and teach to my students, that all my decisions are based on two fundamental principles: (1) no one is devoid of all goodness, and (2) no one is beyond the redemptive activity of God.

So, yes, Mr. Leal-Garcia broke that law and must be punished. And, he was being punished. But his eternal punishment is between his soul and his Maker. Not Texas. Not the Justices. Not us.

Reading the arrogant comments from readers at the end of one recent article, I see that we have a long way to go. The lynch mob mentality pervades our society. But I wonder what these ‘lynchers’ would do if they acted and found out that they made a mistake? What would their God do at judgment day? At Columbia University, researchers tracked all capital convictions from 1973 to 1995, nearly 5,800 cases. They found serious errors in 68 percent. Wow, 68 % and yet here we go rounding up those we ‘convict’ and tug on our favorite rope as we gaze upon our favorite high tree…

Shame on the majority of Justices. Shame on Governor Rick Parry and the State of Texas, who is far less ‘great’ today. Shame on the lynch mobs and those who claim Christian values while buying more rope.

We have become a far less civilized and caring society…

Shame on us.

To Everthing Under The Sun...There Is a Season...

2011-06-25T19:10:00.001-07:00

Life is fleeting and sometimes tough. Today it is sad for me. I found out that I lost a good friend and a strong supporter. My dear friend, Nancye is dead.

Nancye Jane Turner Suggs was my and Sean's close friend in Washington and she served as my "canonical sponsor" for ordination. Nancye believed in my call to the priesthood when others doubted it, even me. She mentored me, fought for me, and cared for me as I made my way through the process as a seminarian and then to a deacon. She also proudly presented me for ordination to the Priesthood in Washington DC in 2007 and I invited her to be with me by my side again when I was elevated to Monsignor this year. But sadly, she could not make the trip, but I know she was with me in so many ways. After all, I would not be a priest today if it were not for her. I know God sent her when I needed her most; I know that God is the one who cares for her now.

Nancye was found dead in the offices at All Souls' Parish as she prepared for a meeting. She always worked hard for the Church and for God. A Funeral Mass is pending. She leaves behind a doting and loving husband, Laurence, and so many who love and care for her. A photo of them is included with Bishop Chane.

I am taking the loss rather badly as Sean and I were hoping to see Nancye in our upcoming trip to DC in July. Now, I will make my way there to say goodbye and to find my hope again…somehow.

Please pray for her parish community and all who mourn her loss. Nancye Suggs was a beautiful woman in so many ways. God knows…

Love to you Nancye…I will see you when I get there.

Abington Add (Against Discrimination and Defamation) Remarks

2011-06-18T16:24:00.000-07:00

Editor's Note: I was asked to support Abington Add (Against Discrimination and Defamation) by speaking at their rally today, if I could arrive after my wedding today. I had these remarks prepared. I hope they bring some peace to people who need some light. Please support their efforts at their presence on Facebook.

Last November, iTunes made an exciting announcement when they were able to secure the rights to offer Beatles music digitally. This was quite a coup for Steve Jobs. But, even for those of us who did not grow up with the Beatles, per se, we have been touched by their music and lyrics. Consider John Lennon’s 1971 hit, Imagine:

Imagine there's no Heaven
It's easy if you try
No hell below us
Above us only sky
Imagine all the people
Living for today

Imagine there's no countries
Nothing to kill or die for
And no religion too
Imagine all the people
Living life in peace

Imagine no possessions
No need for greed or hunger
Imagine all the people
Sharing all the world

You may say that I'm a dreamer
But I'm not the only one
I hope someday you'll join us
And the world will live as one

I have been touched by hatred and rejection in my life. I have known the pain of feeling different – so different that I have thought of and even deeply contemplated ending my own life. I know what it is like to live without hope. I know what it is like to live in a world where others tell you if you belong. And since I know it, I know others know those feelings, too. I know what people – good people – like Tyler Clementi must have been feeling before he pushed off the top of that bridge last September. I know that what they seek – and what I still seek – is a world that John Lennon only dreamed of and that still took his life, too.

Each of us is born with inherent dignity and the right to live as we were designed by a Creator no matter what you name that Creator or even if you don’t. I believe that we are all but facets of a single face of a God who loved us so much that he weeps on days when others try to decide which of the created are worthy of life and freedom.

Discrimination is not about just being gay. Its ugly tentacles reach far beyond that simplistic equation. Civil rights are inherent- just like the life given to us – and shame on anyone – elected or private – lay or clergy – who attempt to write into any doctrine or creed or law or constitution or ordinance what amounts to simple hatred and the lack of respect for human dignity of the person.

Mean people breed little mean people. It’s time to stop.

Anthony Stay Put!

2011-06-16T08:19:00.000-07:00

I tried calling Congressman Weiner’s offices – all of them! All five of them! No answer. I was not even able to leave a voice mail! I was sad. I am sure it is because they are overwhelmed or getting ready for the official ‘ten count’. It is a damn shame. I wanted to offer my support, my prayers, and my condolences for the pain he and is family must be going through. It is the Christian thing to do (although the so-called Christians have been rather like Romans lately in their own rhetoric).

I have watched how this has become an ever-engaging drama like on Lifetime TV! With every 'Gloria Allreds' that shows up, I become more and more disenchanted with the society we live in. I am certainly most disenchanted with the politicians who have shown a lack of courage to stay loyal to their friend. For me, this isn’t about what Anthony Weiner did or didn’t do anymore. For the record: I don’t care that he took nude, or semi-nude photos, as they have been touted in the media. (By the way, every guy who works out at a gym can be found taking photos of themselves to gauge progress, or yes, sometimes just for vanity!) And, it amazes me how someone in a towel is now ‘semi-nude’ rather than ‘towel-clad’! It is all about sensationalism. It is all about the story of the day to put someone down. Unfortunately, it is not about truth or justice or what he does or does not do as a Congressman. It is also not about reality.

Again, we are a society that claims promotes ‘traditional moral values’ – whatever the hell that is – and then places the first person we can under our shoe tread and we twist with all our might. Why? To get re-elected and to play to the ‘base’ of conservatives. Those very same conservatives who are sending nude photos, or having sex outside their marriage, or any number of other things they say they don’t do publicly. Again, it’s a damn shame.

And shame on you, Mr. President, for getting caught up the fray. How dare you go after one of your own? How dare you say “that if it were you…” You have no clue what you would do in this situation and neither did President Clinton (did we forget?) Do you not remember how ‘differences’ came into play into your own election? Have you forgotten how many times you have failed to stand up for those who have special needs or are outcast? Perhaps you have forgotten the pain that African Americans have and still endure in this nation simply because some people think less of them? Yes, racism still exists and you should be more careful with who you throw under the proverbial bus.

And don’t run away either Leader Nancy Pelosi! One who endured so much simply because your ‘indoor plumbing’ was said to be less than that of your male counterparts ‘outdoor ‘version. Yes, misogyny still exists and you should be more careful with who you throw under the proverbial bus.

Now we have another high-profile person "going into rehab" for something that everyone has: a sex drive and a sexuality (not to mention a computer!). Dear God, when will we grow up?

I wonder if the people in the Sudan or Burundi or even here in Missouri give one rat's ass about Anthony Weiner's "sexting" with all they have to deal with - should we? Really?

We, as a nation and as a people, have become so filled with hate and self-righteousness that we are no longer compassionate or forgiving. What happened to 'a kinder, gentler nation' that Bush said would come about?

So, I am now considering my vote this next election cycle. Oh no, I am not going to change it. I am going to keep it. After all, why elect another self-righteous liar? I think we have enough of them already.

Anthony Weiner’s Real “Wiener” Moment

2011-06-07T08:21:00.000-07:00

Ok, so I admit it. I have been watching, with great intrigue, this whole escapade regarding Congressman Anthony Weiner (D-NY) and his ‘Twitter-Wiener-gate.’ Me and probably millions of you!

Now, everyone who knows me well knows that I am what you might call a very liberal priest when it comes to the human condition. I am rather conservative sacramentally, but I believe that God knows we are far from perfect and must get a good laugh now and then with all that we ‘pretend’ to be. Enter Anthony Weiner and his wiener ala chapeau (I could not find a French word for ‘clothed’ that was as intriguing!).

And, before I continue, let me set the record straight (so to speak!) on a few fundamental, foundational, issues: (1) I am one who has spent a lot of time in therapy: before and during and after ordination, as I became a certified chaplain in trauma, and as I continue to serve as a pastor. Therapy helps keep ones wits about them and helps to make it clear that the world does not revolve around us! So, in these sessions I have often asked, “Am I liberal because I am so broken that I want to be ‘seen’ as OK? Or, am I liberal because it is what I really believe God wants for us?”

Well, I have come to the conclusion that God is far more forgiving than we are to ourselves, and certainly to one another. (2) Life for me is like Pre-Cana! People come to these pre-marriage sessions out of obligation, or because they want a Catholic Priest to perform the ceremony, not because they really care what we say! And, truth-be-told, Pre-Cana – if not done correctly, which most priests fail at – really amounts to 6 long hours of a couple lying to priest: “No, Father, we don’t sleep together.” “No, Father, we don’t live together!” “No, Father, I never touch myself down there!” Come on, folks…we ALL touch ourselves down there!

Sexuality is by far the most prevalent cause for mental illness, in my humble opinion. When we are but children, our parents warn us that God watches our every move and if we dare touch our wieners we will surely die, or at least be stricken blind! Then, as we grow older, we fail to grow psychosexually, at least in a healthy way. And so we get all these hang ups about our sex and sexuality and well, sex! This causes so many more phobias and ills. It really is a shame. God made us to have a sex-drive. Yes, to procreate, but dare I say also to have fun! Our bodies are shrines, but are also to enjoy. We need more enjoyment outside of the covers. Or at least out-from-under-them!

In the Confessional, I would have to say that 90% of all sins confessed revolve or relate to sex in one form or the other. And, I still have 60 year olds confessing that they ‘masturbated’ and want forgiveness. Come on folks. It is time to grow up. The Church had it wrong on this one. Masturbation and fantasy are what makes us healthy. Just ask Dr. Ruth if you don’t believe me! It is sad that we have so destroyed the inherent goodness of our sexuality that we are not encumbered by unimaginable pain in secret. As someone on the radio said on my drive home today, “while Anthony Weiner was doing it, so was half of America!” How wise, dear friend.

Look, I am not saying that Anthony Weiner is without fault. What he failed at was not his fantasy life. He failed because he lied and hurt others with his lies. That was his real ‘wiener’! Now he needs to apologize and make amends to those he hurt because of those arrogant lies, not because he touched, or photographed his wiener, or even sent it to those who now point and blame him for their lot in life (not to mention their 15 minutes of exploitative fame) and yet they, too, were on Twitter! (Really?!)

Congressman Weiner should have been bold enough – man enough – and comfortable enough to say, “Yes that is me and yes, I sent those photos, and what I do in my fantasy life is no one’s business but mine and my wife...so get lost!” Instead, he was so embarrassed, he turned to a real sin: lying. And, for that, we all need to take a little responsibility...

We need to concentrate on what matters! We need to look around us and see the poverty, the war, the famine, the heartache, the suicides, the need for safer schools and new drugs and better managed health care system. We need to see that life cares little about anyone’ wiener, a Congressman’s, or your’s, or even mine! We need to allow people to have a fantasy life and not be so afraid of it because it makes healthier people! Not spend more millions on an investigation into a congressman’s wiener-gate.

Congressman Weiner is a tenacious representative. He defends the rights of people who need people like him. We need more people like him in Congress. Real people who fight real battles and have real issues. Oh my, we need him because he is human! Imagine that: an imperfect human being with all that entails serving in an imperfect Congress that represents imperfect people like us! Shame on us for being such voyeurs that we watch this stuff and enjoy it. (Oh my…a kinky fetish?)

I just finished a 24-hour rotation at the hospital. In that time we had several deaths, a few Code Blues, and many traumas: I held the hand of a 98-year old woman who departed to her God, and helped a pregnant woman who was the victim of abuse at the hands of her very own husband; I consoled a family who had to say goodbye to their infant daughter and prepared another for the loss of their baby boy who will never grow up, at least not in our world. I also comforted a teenager who wrecked her father’s car, and another who was struck while riding his motorcycle by a boy young enough to be his son, and I sat in a room with a man who had to say ‘until we meet again’ to his wife of 75 years. I baptized, prayed, and anointed so many times I lost count. So, yes, I am sorry, but Anthony Weiner’s wiener is NOT the most important topic in this world.

And, yes, from time-to-time I still play with mine so get over it and don’t come calling or whining to me about anyone’s wiener…life is simply too short.

(image from web search, Google Images, copyright is artist's)

History and God's Voice

2011-05-11T05:09:00.000-07:00

Last evening, at The Presbyterian Church of Chestnut Hill, I had the honor of addressing a nice-sized group of people (even on a splendid, warm Tuesday with a Phillies Games!) on a topic that has daunted the mainstream media: human sexuality and religion. The difference was that last night we intentionally set the tone of a civil conversation. Yes, that’s right! A group of people with differing views, actually got together and sat around and spoke of God and people and honored the basic inherent notion: people are made in the image and likeness of God; all people! Yes, even gays and lesbians.

I was pleased to be joined by Pam Byers who serves as Director of the Covenant Network of Presbyterians (a national group of clergy and lay leaders working for a fully inclusive church that would permit the ordination of gay and lesbian elders, deacons and ministers). And, as we spoke to this group people, we witnessed history being made.

Last night, after 33 years of debate, the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) voted to change its constitution and allow openly gay people in same-sex relationships to be ordained as ministers, elders and deacons (ref: The New York Times).

The Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) now joins a growing community of historic, mainline Protestant churches that have voted to accept gay clergy members and church leaders. This group of progressive churches includes the United Church of Christ, the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) and the Episcopal Church (ECUSA. They now join my Catholic denomination, the Old Catholic Apostolic Church, and we are so very pleased.

I said during our discussion that I had hoped that even if I were not gay that I would be progressive and inclusive enough to stand up for gay rights; that I would be brave enough to challenge intolerance and bias. After all, I am not Black, but I do not look at my African American and African brothers and sisters differently. I am not a woman, and yet I support full inclusion and feel the pain of female persons in the manner in which the Church, throughout its history, has subjugated them.

Last evening’s dialogue was framed by a mutual respect and love even in our noted diversity and complexity against a long history of religious judgment and intolerance -- and on a topic that often breeds hatred and intolerance. But not last night, not at the Presbyterian Church of Chestnut Hill. No, there, we sat together, all equals and relished in the love of our God.

Last night was historic on many fronts. And, Cynthia Jarvis, Minister at The Presbyterian Church of Chestnut Hill has much to be proud of today! Perhaps we are witnessing a renaissance? Perhaps we are helping to usher in a new era? Perhaps God really is still speaking?

On May 21st our church will add its name to a long list of history-makers. At 3PM, on that Saturday, we will ordain our first woman to the Priesthood of Jesus Christ. It has been a longtime coming and not without much of the birthing pains that our brothers and sisters in the Presbyterian Church just endured. But, we shall overcome this strife, too. Because when you are doing the will of God, all things come to good.

I thank all who played such a part in bringing last night’s conversation to fruition: Cynthia Jarvis, Pam Byers, Jackie Yorko, Hillary Mohaupt, and Frank Keel. And, of course, all who attended and prayed!

I could not have said it any better than The Rev. Gradye Parsons, the Presbyterian Church’s stated clerk and its highest elected official. Last night, he said, “I hope that going forward we can stay together and be faithful witnesses to the gospel of Jesus Christ.” [ref: The New York Times]

May it happen…come Lord Jesus!

Human Dignity, Human Sexuality and the People of God: A Conversation

2011-04-24T19:26:00.000-07:00

Join us....

Human Dignity, Human Sexuality and the People of God: A Conversation
7 p.m. – 9 p.m. on May 10, 2011
The Presbyterian Church of Chestnut Hill

What if, against a long history of religious judgment and intolerance, the Christian community began a new conversation about human sexuality from the vantage point of human dignity? What if we began to ask anew after the meaning of Scripture as those who were given eyes to see the breaking in of God’s promised reign where there will be “neither male nor female, Jew nor Greek, slave nor free”? What if we did not need to be afraid of the truth wherever it may be found and so could consider the insights of modern science concerning human sexuality as a gift of God? What if we really believed Jesus Christ were alive, believed that the Holy Spirit still was working to create understanding and community, believed that there is “yet more light” to come from God’s Word? What if a dialogue framed by mutual respect, diversity, complexity and love on religion and human sexuality were to happen in our own community?

Join us for a conversation on human dignity and human sexuality across denominational, theological, generational and ecclesiastical divides with Monsignor Jim St. George, pastor of Saint Miriam in Blue Bell (a Catholic priest of the Old Catholic Church that permits ordination of gay and lesbian priests) with an introduction by Pamela Byers, Director of the Covenant Network of Presbyterians (a national group of clergy and lay leaders working for a fully inclusive church that would permit the ordination of gay and lesbian elders, deacons and ministers). The evening begins at 7 p.m. on May 10, 2011 in the sanctuary of the Presbyterian Church of Chestnut Hill, 8855 Germantown Avenue, Philadelphia, PA 19118. All are welcome.

Home, Hope, and a Little Self-forgiveness: Letting Go of Some Rose-Colored Glasses!

2011-04-15T06:19:00.000-07:00

I am planning a trip home after Easter. I love to say that, “I’m going home!” Although, to be honest, it is never easy to plan a trip home because, admittedly and selfishly, it makes me anxious. The trip is long, I am unsure of the changes I will find in my parents when I arrive, there is much to get caught up on, and when I do get home… as quickly as I arrive, I must painfully depart; all too soon.

I knew when I became a priest that I would not get home for every holiday; I had no idea that I would NEVER get home for ANY holiday! For someone who was raised in a family where every day we spoke, chatted, ate together, knew where the other was, always dined on Sundays together, and holiday meals were a thing to behold, it is a painful time to be away.

I know that holidays often bring sadness for many people. While many celebrate the joy of Easters and Christmases, many, too, simply grieve. Today, more than ever – after all that I have been through over the past two months – I am trying to find hope. Not just that flaccid ‘hope’ of the world, but a deep-seated, ingrained hope that I once had – in myself and in my fellow human being.

But, having hope is often very hard. I once found a definition of ‘hope’ online that really made sense to me: “Hope is an unsatisfactory view of the present, a satisfactory view of the future, and a commitment to change.” I like that image. It does not mean that the present makes us always miserable. Rather, it is just an acknowledgment that we know, deep down, that things could be better. And this definition doesn’t require us to see the future with those proverbial “rose-colored” glasses; it just means that we can see a future that is better than our present.

In the end, all of this requires a commitment to change. Absent that commitment, it isn’t hope we’re dealing with anymore, it’s whining and crying and pity. We can see a future that is better and we must make a commitment to get there by doing something about it!

So, today, I am. I am forgiving those who promised to be there for me and decided to not be. I am also forgiving myself for all that I ever did! I will no longer carry that load for anyone. I am going to carve out more time for God and for my family. I am going to find places in my day where I can dream again. I am going to care for others, just like I always have, but I am also going to care for me. I am going to laugh more, whine less, look in the mirror and enjoy the reflected creature I see! I am going to try to see me as God sees me! Today, I have hope. Today, I make a commitment to help the world do the same.

Lent: A Season of Forgiveness

2011-04-09T12:58:00.000-07:00

Editor's Note: My Op-Ed was published in several newspapers, but some missed it and asked if I would post it in my blog. So, here it is! I wish you a blessed lent.

We are now deep into the holiest season of our Christian calendar, the Season of Lent. Lent offers us all a very special opportunity to grow in our relationship with God and to deepen our commitment to a way of life, rooted in our baptismal covenant. In our busy world, Lent provides us with a wonderful opportunity to reflect upon our patterns, to pray more deeply, to experience sorrow for what we've done and failed to do, to reach out to a loving God, and to be generous to those in need or those being marginalized.

It is a time to make, in a word from the Greek language, a metanoia, a change or turn from where we have been to become what we should be.

Almost every Lent, I find myself sinking deeply into all that has happened in my life. I marvel at where I am and what my life has become, despite the errors of my past. In many ways, I am living proof of the redemptive nature of God, which we honor in this Lenten season. Truthfully, I find it hard to let go of certain of my wrongdoings. I know that, intellectually, I am forgiven, but in my heart, I still grieve in my brokenness as a human.

Recently, my past from more than 22 years ago resurfaced in a very public way. At the young age of 23, I served jail time for foolishly misappropriating funds from a family business I co-owned at the time. The incident was not something I have hidden. In fact, I often use it to illustrate to my college students and parishioners the awesome love, forgiveness, and redemption of God.

Deep down, however, I still hurt. Deep down, I still feel as if I were back in my early twenties, dealing with all the pain and anguish that my actions caused. I do not think that I was a particularly bad person, just one that made a few bad choices. And even though I made them for some good reasons, they were still not good choices.

And here I am now in my mid-forties and having been a priest for several years and serving those whose lives are broken, too. Yet, I cannot find a way to heal myself after all these years. Ironically, I have helped others to find what I seek. I have embraced the dying when their last wish was to hear words of forgiveness from a priest. I have been in a prison cell and touched the hands of someone who felt he was irredeemable. I have blessed unions of couples who felt distant from God, and I have forgiven murderers on their deathbed in a trauma bay. But I cannot forgive myself.

So this Lent, I set out to figure out why. My conclusion was as startling as it was real: it is people. More particularly, it is my fellow Christians. You see, as my prior conviction surfaced, so did vitriol and hate from people who don't even know me. The words that were levied at me stung and wounded deeply. The banter re-opened wounds I thought were long healed. I reflected that sticks and stones would have been more welcomed than barbed words that are never supposed to hurt.

Do we as Christians really know the meaning of redemption? Do we actually embrace forgiveness at our core? Do we truly wish to become more like Jesus and walk in this world in his footsteps? If so, why do we not help those in need, or pay only lip service to our baptismal covenant? Why do we not lead the lost, embrace the leper, call the wrongdoer into the bright light of our God, and help people embrace the love of God? Why do we not use these fleeting moments of our lives to uplift, rather than to land one more kick on someone who's already down?

I finally realized this Lent that the pain of my past is not coming from within my own soul; it is coming from those who cannot forgive. So I sit now in deep prayer and reflection and try to forgive them as I still wrestle with trying to forgive myself. And I pray that consolation will come, and that one day, we will all be better Christians, and hopefully – prayerfully - far more loving human beings.

A Sad Return...In Memory of Ray Leight

2011-03-22T16:15:00.000-07:00

Many of you have noticed that I have been absent from my blog. It has been a trying few weeks. Lent is also a time that, as a priest, is very busy, which is ironic since is also a time for us to slow down, repent, take stock, and see what we can become as we emerge from this Lenten cocoon into the light of Easter.

But, today it hit me that I have suffered a great loss and I needed to write about it. To begin to heal from my sorrow and to share my pain with others. Today it hit me that I lost Ray.

Ray Leight came into my life in a wonderful way: happenstance! We met at Dave and Pam Romeo’s Framing and Art Gallery, Romeo’s, where I went to have a diploma framed and there he was, Ray Leight, sitting with Dave and talking about life! He and I engaged in a deeply theological questions and then he said, “I think I’d like to meet the pastor of your parish!” I replied, “you just did!” He was amazed; after all, I was wearing sweat pants and a t-shirt after having just left the gym. I didn’t look like a priest, and to be honest, I didn’t feel much like one either! But, Ray brought a sense of peace to my life. That was the beginning of a wonderful friendship. Ray has been a member of Saint Miriam ever since.

Since then, Ray and I have been very close. I visited him every week, helped his son, cared about his wife and sister, met his family, anointed him when he was sick, prayed with him when he was downhearted, held his hand when I visited him at the nursing center, and thought of him many times during my day.

My parish, too, cared for him and his family; they have become part of the fabric that makes Saint Miriam, well…Saint Miriam! His paintings grace our walls and his laughter, our hearts. Our CCD room is named after him, The Raymond Leight, Jr. Children’s Educational Room. We are proud to have known him and we all give thanks that God brought us together. I am deeply sad today that I will not hear his voice, or have him again ask me for “one of my ‘super’ prayers"! Yes, many times when I visited him he would hold my hands and tell me how much he needed a ‘super’ prayer. I always gave him my best and he knew it. Why? Because he always gave us his best, too.

The photo at the top of this posting is Ray, Dave Romeo, and me along with the first work of art that Ray gave to our parish community. I will always remember him. Ray now lives where no pain can ever touch, no moth destroy, no thief can steal, no sorrow ever touch…he lives in my heart.

One of my favorite television series is “In the Heat of The Night” that ran from about 1988 to 1994. It features Chief Bill Gillespie, played by the late Carrol O’Conner. It was set in the south in fictional Sparta, Mississippi. In an episode entitled, "First Girl," Chief Gillespie hires the Sparta PD's first female black officer, Officer Christine Rankin. But, her life is tragically cut short in a gun battle. At the end of the show, Bill Gillespie is standing at her graveside and he looks to heaven with his eyes filled with tears and mutters these immortal words, “Dear Lord help me with my sorrow.” I pray the same thing today…

Ray…this 'super' prayer is for you...

Two lawyers walked into a car wash….

2011-02-24T08:16:00.000-08:00

OK, you have to admit it...right behind people beating me up, calling me names, firing me from doing good work, accusing me of being a heretic and worse, saying that not only am I not a priest, but I am not even Catholic, telling people that I am immoral, (N.B. even though I have publicly stated that I am far from perfect and have some, if not many, things that I am not proud of, but I try to do better each day and I do learn from my mistakes.) the best thing we could hope for today might be a good lawyer joke.

Now, no, this isn’t because a lawyer recently is accused of getting me fired. You see, I went and got my car washed today and two lawyers also decided to the same. The difference was that they claim their car was harmed in the car wash. Well, an argument ensued and yes, they called the police! Now, come on folks. The police? For a scratch or dent whatever it was? How about that lizard or the guy that falls from trees instead? Isn’t that their job? Shouldn’t we leave the police alone to do, well, police work? Like catching criminals or those who too often speed (like me?)!

So, ya, we might begin today with an old fashioned joke, “two lawyers walked into a car wash and...” But, can’t we say this about so many of us? Would we rather not fight it out and maim one another than reconcile? I don’t know about you, but the world is getting to be a horrible place, filled with hatred and vitriol. Now, I don’t know how much that scratch will take to get fixed, but the price today was far too high…

Perhaps Mars is looking pretty good these days…

I’ve Been Called a lot of Things…

2011-02-18T15:38:00.000-08:00

Since the very simple article about my parish of Saint Miriam was to be published last week, and then subsequently denied by the Editor, Gar Joseph, at the Philadelphia Daily News, I have been called a lot of things (and told to go to some rather terrible places!)

Seems that Mr. Joseph said: "This guy is using the [Archdiocese] scandal to build membership in his own church!" thundered Gar (a non-Catholic, by the way; I am a recovering one). "He's using other people's pain to his own advantage. It's offensive. We shouldn't be writing about him!"

Well, if he had done what every good reporter is to do and checked his facts, he would have found that the ads were done weeks, if not months ago! It was mere coincidence that the Archdiocese decided to have its most recent ‘outing’ by the Grand Jury. But, none-the-less Mr. Joseph got the ball rolling on the hatred against Father Jim front. I guess that the First Amendment thing in action.

At any rate, since Columnist Ronnie Polaneczky wrote her rebuttal piece, I have been accused of being non-Catholic to bias, scandalous, even that I am not a ‘real’ priest, that I am a show-boater and that I even lied about being sexually abused; also accused of being a ‘preachy fellow’, not to mention sad and pathetic.

Not to be out done, some have even gone as so far to wish me ill will or worse, and one reader even wrote a letter to the Archdiocese and Justin Cardinal Rigali and asked him to get me fired from Chestnut Hill College (it seems that he was upset that I was interviewed by the PGN last year and that the article appeared next to an ‘enema ad’ of some sort! I guess he figures that I somehow have control over article and ad placement now, too? By the way, I never mentioned Chestnut Hill anywhere and I do really good work there where I admire the Sisters of St Joseph and would be very sad to be let go over this non-issue. And, just to be clear, when I read the article, it was Progressive Insurance that was advertised next to the piece. I guess GEICO will be cancelling my policy next?) . Oh yes, they are trying everything they can to do me harm. Christian, huh?

Now, don’t get me wrong, I also had a tremendous amount of support. But I feel sad that so many would say such terrible things, and even worse, that they would wish me such ill. I dedicate my life to help others, I give of my time, my talent, and my treasure to further God’s Kingdom. I am broken and far from perfect; I have made some terrible mistakes in my life. But, learned from each and try to do better every day. And, for the record, I have never harmed a child or a parishioner, but somehow so many think that I deserve a fate worse than death?

I guess that is what being a real Catholic is all about, huh?

Zach Wahls Speaks About Family

2011-02-05T05:15:00.000-08:00

Mentally Unfit Saint: Miriam

2011-01-26T06:58:00.000-08:00

“Mentally Unfit Saint: Miriam”, this is one of the newest creative works of art by Lauren Gardiner in her recent series, Mentally Unfit Saints (Please visit her work here). It is here where Lauren exhibits ‘love of portraiture, gold leaf and historical “weirdoes” all rolled into one.’

Religious Russian icons were the perfect inspiration to create her own collection of a few phony saints, and some real ones, lacing them with a hint of humor and cynicism. “Worship the fake relics to cure all that ails you!” That is her call!

Throughout history, various religious culture have been inspired or supplemented by concrete images, whether in two dimensions or three. The degree to which images are used or permitted, and their functions — whether they are for instruction or inspiration, treated as sacred objects of veneration or worship, or simply applied as ornament — depend upon the tenets of a given religion in a given place and time.

By way of some history: In Eastern Christianity (and other icon-painting Christian traditions) the icon is generally a flat paneled painting depicting a holy being or object such as Jesus, Mary, or any of the various Saints or Martyrs. Icons may be cast in metal, carved in stone, embroidered on cloth, painted on wood, done in mosaic or even fresco work and printed on paper. Creating free-standing, three-dimensional sculptures of holy figures was resisted by Christians for many centuries, out of the belief that daimones, that is ‘good supernatural beings or ghosts’, inhabited pagan sculptures, and also to make a clear distinction between Christian and pagan art. To this day, in obedience to the commandment not to make "graven images", Orthodox icons may never be more than three-quarter bas-relief.

Many would find these works by Lauren Gardiner humorless or sacrilegious. I find them intriguing, and I learned once again that God speaks through the weirdest of places and strangest of people! (like me!)

When I first stumbled upon her work, I couldn’t believe my eyes! Then, as I settled into her themes, I found myself saying, “Yes! That is me!” or rather, “Yes. That is us! A place for the mentally unfit!” My eyes were once again overjoyed that God truly has a sense of humor.

So, the next time you come to Saint Miriam, remember that we are a place where everyone is welcome, even those of us who are very happy self-declared mentally unfit saints!

Praying with my disciples...wherever they are now...

2011-01-17T06:00:00.000-08:00

“Jesus withdrew toward the sea with his disciples.”

That is the opening line for this coming Thursday’s Gospel from Saint Mark.

You see, I begin to prepare for my Thursday and Sunday Masses on Monday morning. Yes, it is the day after I just finished last week’s good amount of work, but it is the rhythm that I have established to get things done and to honor my work, my priestly life, my personal life, and my God. It is a rhythm than helps me, but one that does have intrusions. For instance: when I have to work a long shift at the hospital on those Monday-Tuesday shifts, then I have to weave my prayer and priestly life into the lives of those I am called to serve. That makes me think of this line from Mark because I hope that I am not alone…that I have disciples to help me when I need them. And many times I do: those who care for the parish in my absence.

This line from Mark also makes me think of the families touched by the Arizona tragedy; one that became a national event and a national deep and moving pain. One that we still live with as some heal, and others are buried.

This line also makes me think of the family of Jared Loughner. How isolated they must feel. How isolated they must be. I could not imagine anything worse than they must be enduring: the loss of a son in a way that might even be worse than death, the loss of lives that they must surely take blame in deep down where they weep, the loss of community support and caring. In the end, they did what most parents do: raised a son the best they could and then, mental illness crept in so silently that it stole so much like a thief in the darkest of night.

I watched the memorial service at the University of Arizona. There were so many people there and so many represented. Not the family of Jared Loughner. Not them. They were somewhere else, alone. In isolation. In pain. In a deep sadness that penetrates me here so many miles away.

I have waited to weigh in here on this national event of pain. My thoughts have been many: who to blame, who to change, how to change, how to make an impact, etc. But, I have waited because I needed to see where God wanted me. Today I know. I am sad for all of them, including Jared and his family.

Isn’t it amazing how when we leave his first name there alone, he seems more personable, rather than a monster? I can’t call him a monster. I know he is sick. And, as he becomes more of a leper to the world, I am called to pray all the more for him and those who love him.

This past Sunday I thought we would have a larger crowd at mass. I thought that people would gather and mourn and pray – for all the victims, for the Loughner’s, for one another, for the world. But, the sun was out and so priorities got interfered with. Sad.

Maybe we all need to pray for each other and remember the names that we missed seeing on Sunday. Where would we be without them? Where would we be with God?

In My Humble Opinion...

2011-01-06T07:01:00.000-08:00

This past Christmas, a good friend of mine gave me the gift of a lifetime! The amazing thing is that it wasn’t that expensive a gift. It wasn’t the quintessential gift card, or even money, nor was it diamonds or even jewels. (And, since I am a priest, I would be remiss if I didn’t state that it wasn’t frankincense or even myrrh!) But, what it was is just as priceless to me!

I know that at about now you are simply paralyzed with wanting to know what the gift is: well, it’s a book! Ya, I know what you are thinking…a book? Come on, dude! Get a life!

Well, it’s not just any book. It is a book entitled, “In My Humble Opinion” and is designed to be a journal to vent about why people are like the way they are, and why they do all the stupid things they do, and why these things are so obvious to me, but not to them! Is that a perfect gift for me, or what!? I think it is therapeutic, and fun, and even a little obscene, too! Again, perfect for me!

This wonderful little book also has a quote each day. For instance, the very first one (and no more perfect one could be found for me in the mood that I was the day I received it!) is by Jean-Paul Sartre, “Hell is other people”! Then, on the opposite page, is a full blank page where I got to write, “why people are like that today.”

Now supposedly, according to the Urban Dictionary, "in my humble opinion", is always said before someone makes (and I quote) ‘an asshole comment that is not at all humble. Much like "no offense" precedes an offensive comment.’ And, of course, if you are doing this online, you would make your comment and then end with IMHO. (Some of us would also then use LMAO, but that is a topic for another day!)

Well, I disagree! Sorry Urban Dictionary, but I think you are dead wrong, IMHO! The world needs more people to stand up for their opinion and make their voices heard. That is why Congress gets away with all the BS they do! Who ever heard of a group of about 535 people (some of the wealthiest and best educated in the world, by the way), paid what they are paid, getting together (when not on paid breaks and vacations, of course) and playing partisan politics so well that they cannot even agree to disagree, let alone do the business of the Nation (grateful or ungrateful as we may be!)! It is absurd. And, why do they get away with it? Because many of us sit quietly without giving our opinions! IMHO, of course!

So, no more! I call on us to lift our voices and sing! (Sorry, there is that priest thing again!) Well, you get the idea! That is why just yesterday I tweeted about President Obama’s stupid comment about outgoing Press Secretary Gibbs. Yes, the President said that Gibbs worked for a ‘relatively modest salary’! Well, I checked and Gibbs earns $172,500 annually. Come one…meager? I work about 8 years for that amount! And, IMHO, I work just as hard. I’m sure many of you do, too. So, I told him as much!

And, on my way home from the gym just this morning, when the idiot ahead of me flicked out his cigarette butt to the back of his vehicle and it bounced off the hood of my car. I pulled up next to him and reminded him that “the world is not your ashtray!”

Oh, there are so many more things that I need to vent about. And, thanks be to God and my good friend, I now have a way! IMHO!

Now, off to today’s quote by Oscar Wilde, “I sometimes think that God in creating man somewhat overestimated his ability.” I better go now, I have lots to write on this one!

As We Prepare...

2010-12-23T06:18:00.000-08:00

As we prepare for the gift of Christ and as we ‘green’ our homes, and churches, and our places of work…will you also stop long enough to prepare our hearts? Will we let go of the ‘stuff’ of earth and the commercialization of this season long enough to feel the real presence of Christ within us? Will we endeavor to make the season of warmth, joy, and peace last far into tomorrow, through our hearts, our actions, our deeds, and our words, and the manner in which we care for one another and world?

Now, if we can do that…Christmas is really here!

Blessed Christmas to one and all!

Father Jim+

The Mystery of Advent

2010-12-18T18:55:00.000-08:00

There is a dichotomy to life. Sometimes this overlapping of seemingly incongruence is more apparent than other times. It is very evident for me in Advent.

The glorious Season of Advent, in and of itself is a dichotomy: we wait in joy and we sit in penitence. And, the season comes in the depths of the winter months when the air is chilled and leaves are dead, trees are dormant, flowers slumber in their seed, and the skies are a bitter hue of ashen blue-gray. Life seems to be all but ‘on hold’ and yet we expect with a richness of hues. We sit in a deep anticipation of something wonderful to come: the birth of a child that will save all humanity. And, that child does come…year in…year out, and then we go about our lives and forget until the seasons unfold once again like a well-wound, worn watch.

There are those of us who do get it and understand it. Perhaps not as well as we would like in this life, but we understand the concept of the "thin place". The Celtic Christians speak of the death this way: a thin place between them and us where we can barely feel their presence.

Perhaps this is where we will remain for a few more days until that Christmas morn. Perhaps it is a gift that we need to savor, and not speed through like many this time of year.

Let us join with the artist who created the image I embedded here today, “statua di Maria in attesa” – Mary waiting - and sit in silent, yet joyful contemplation, of the greatest gift that is to come…and already has…

It snowed!

2010-12-15T04:20:00.000-08:00

It snowed!

I woke today to snow! I lifted my arms high and praised God for snow! For blessings! For life! For renewal! For all that God has given to me and to those I love and care for! It has been a good week already with gifts coming, and cards arriving, and people coming to their end-of-year gift-giving rituals to help the world! It is a beautiful time of year! And, now it snowed!

I know that many people pray for no snow, but not me! I love to see it; not for the slippery conditions or the way it affects our traveling, but for the renewal that brings to our streets and lives. Snow is like God in a unique sort of way: it only is feels as good and holy if we stop long enough to see – and feel - the beauty in our own lives.

As a child growing up in Erie, we not only had ‘regular snow’ but also what they called ‘lake effect snow’! This was where you went to bed with no snow at all and awoke to upwards of 5 or 6 feet! There were many days when we found the cars were covered to their rooftops! What glorious days they were to a small child!

I still remember fondly waking to snow and having a cup of hot cocoa in the early morning with my mom and sister in the kitchen while my dad occupied the bathroom to read his then ‘modern blog’, the Erie Times News! Life seemed so much simpler then, perhaps it was just an illusion. But, for me today, as I woke to find the white, cold, beautiful, snowy ice crystals blanket the face of God’s earth today, I feel warm and young and renewed! I pray you the same feeling today…

I end with a poem by an anonymous author. God bless all of us this day…this beautiful snowy day!

See the pretty snowflakes
Falling from the sky;
On the wall and housetops
Soft and thick they lie.
On the window ledges,
On the branches bare;
Now how fast they gather,
Filling all the air.
Look into the garden,
Where the grass was green;
Covered by the snowflakes,
Not a blade is seen.
Now the bare black bushes
All look soft and white,
Every twig is laden,
What a pretty sight!

Fred…are you listening, too?

2010-12-11T06:56:00.000-08:00

I am a priest. I take that very seriously. But lately I have not been unable to forgive much. Perhaps it is because I have prayed for change for some long that when it doesn’t come, I feel abandoned. Lately, too, I have witnessed so much hatred and malice and simple stupidity and self-preservation in the world that I am finding it difficult to believe that God cares anymore. Then, it hit me: that is life.

You see it is easy for us to abandon God when things do not happen on ‘our schedule’, but that is the essence of faith. We are not in control and what we do here is not the end, it is only the beginning. But, we have our job to do and many have forgotten what that job is! Let’s face it, if this were all that life really was ever to be, many of us would simply choose to get off the bus! But, we are told that there is a life to come that we cannot even hope or imagine. So, we wait. And, while we wait, we are called to do good in the world, work against evil, and be a voice for the marginalized, the forgotten, the widowed, the hurt, the outcast. Does anyone really remember to do that anymore?

So, today to the US Congress whose members readily use the lack of education to their benefit, and yet fail to fund students’ dreams, but do fund bridges to nowhere, shame on you. And, speaking of dreams, then there are those who use immigration as a stepping-stone to some ulterior motive, and make more hate, but fail to provide those who seek the ‘American dream’ with the Dream Act, which would make a legal road to follow. After all, all of our ancestors were born here, right? Idiots! No, let us rather argue on infinitum. That makes more sense. Then, of course, let us not forget how we now wish to extend tax-cuts to those who are the top 1% of earners, and yet own more wealth than the bottom 90%! Yes, that makes sense, right? But, in case we are distracted by just mere politics, then we have all those haters-in-Gods-name. You know, the Quran-burning pastor in Florida, the Fred Phelps and Westboro Baptist idiots, the let-us-fight-against-a mosque-in-NYC-because-we-know-what-is-best people, and worst, the small corner mom and pop ‘churches’ that we rarely hear of, if ever, that take small groups of Christians and ‘radicalize’ them against ‘the other’. And, who are the others? Well, anyone ‘they’ choose to hate, of course!

Just today in the news, in addition to the “God Hates Fags” pissers, (I tried to come up with a better word for &*%holes), we have a dead designer who was probably murdered by her boyfriend, Mexican forces fighting the endless drug war, deaths in Afghanistan, another Vatican scandal, a waiting infant who needs a transplant, and two 16-year old Palestinian boys killed in Gaza in yet another endless-war. But, we would rather focus on Miley and her bong, the prognostications of Sarah Palin, and those idiots we elected to Congress who cannot seem to even grasp how to govern together! Wasn’t that their job and why can’t they seem to remember that we are to ‘balance’ power, not hoard it?

So, ok, now you want to know…what can we do? Should we not just bury our heads in the sand and wait? No! We need to be the voice! We need to gather together in protest to hate. We need to pray. We need to go to church again! And we need to show the world what we really believe in.

Just this week, in a timeless tradition on the steps of City Hall at Oslo, the Nobel Peace Price was awarded to Liu Xiaobo. Of course, he could not be at the award ceremony since he is imprisoned by China. And, in fact, the Chinese, not to be out done, held their own ‘anti-Nobel award ceremony’ in an attempt to distract the world. I think it was Confucius Award, or something like that. At any rate, it was a resounding flop! Why? Because good people failed to be distracted by such foolishness. Perhaps there is the real lesson! Let’s all stop giving a voice, a lens, a printed word, a blog, a microphone, or a platform to the Phelps’ of the world, shall we?

According to Alfred Nobel, the award should be given to someone who:

“...shall have done the most or the best work for fraternity between nations, for the abolition or reduction of standing armies and for the holding and promotion of peace congresses.”

That leaves many of us out, especially our present congressional representatives and senators. The good news? The field is wide open for next year! Let’s get to work, shall we?

PS To the Chinese: Confucius emphasized morality of government and correctness of social relationships and justice. “Me thinks that thee choseth the wrong dude for your award!” But, since you did, I will end with one of his greatest quotes: “Before you embark on a journey for revenge, dig two graves…”

Fred…are you listening, too?

Rest now, Elizabeth

2010-12-07T18:20:00.000-08:00

Irony…it’s God’s way of letting us know that He is still around. Last evening, about 3:30 in the morning, my shift was finally waning down and I got a chance to hit the bunk in my on call room.

I no sooner laid down than my Stat Phone went off and the nurse on the other end informed me that a 97-year old woman was very ill in the emergency Department with her daughter in distress. She then stated that they would be moving the patient to a floor unit ‘within a few minutes’. I asked if I should wait to see her then, or come up to the ED now. Her response, “Well, I don’t know, Father, you know sometimes you think a person will die and they live, and then you think they will live and they die.”

I laid back down and said to myself, “just wait an hour and get a little rest, then go see her in her room once she is settled in…” That was a fleeting notion and up I went and got dressed and went up to the ED to her room. I no sooner walked in, said a prayer, anointed her when she died in my presence. Her daughter was grateful. I said a silent prayer to God thanking Him for allowing me to get up and go where needed.

Fast-forward to my blog post today, time stamped at 0714 (which is actually 10:14 our time since it is based Pacific time) and Elizabeth Edwards already lay dead, or dying, as I penned my parting thoughts. Irony, or God. I choose to believe God. It gives me hope.

God is good. Elizabeth…rest now to your eternal reward…you deserve it.

Of Cigarettes and Angels

2010-12-07T07:14:00.000-08:00

I just worked a 24-hour shift at the hospital. I had a relatively ‘easy’ shift by most standards: limited traumas, only a few codes, and one death. For a hospital the size of LVH that is a mild night!

I left the hospital only to encounter a blast of Ol’ Man Winter! Wow, what a contrast from when I entered into the hospital a short day ago. I traveled home and just after entering the on-ramp for the PA Turnpike extension, the guy in front of me opened his window and coldheartedly threw out a lighted cigarette butt. Man, that normally infuriates me to begin with on a normal day, but when I am exhausted, it almost threw me into a rage! I shook my fist after the butt hit my car hood and yelled at careless and callous driver, “the world is not your ashtray!” Ya, I know, he never heard me and probably wouldn’t care even if he had… but, it made me feel better even though I perseverated on it all the way down the highway. But, the fact remains that depending on environmental conditions the average butt can be resistant to degradation and can take as long as 10–15 years to disintegrate! Think of it: you can almost raise child in the length of time it takes to break down your cigarette butt! And, cigarette butt litter is one of the most commonly found litters on the street. Infuriating!

I was just pulling into our apartment complex when the CNN announcer told us that Elizabeth Edwards had stooped all treatment for her cancer. Edwards wrote, "The days of our lives, for all of us, are numbered. ... The days I do have are made all the more meaningful and precious."

She is a lawyer with a resume that would put most to shame. She raised four children: her grown daughter, Cate, and her son, Wade, who tragically died in a car accident in 1996, and Emma Claire, and Jack, who came much later.

Lately though, she's been identified most with her private battles, first her health, and later her troubled marriage to John Edwards after his heartless affair. This is sad for so many reasons, the least of which is that she deserves better because she was so much better.

In a world that often is so often callous, and one that puts might above right and dirty politics above running a clean race, Elizabeth Edwards stood above it all and maintained her true course. Even in the face of the things in life that would kill many of us, she stood as a light to what true grace is all about.

I stand in awe of Elizabeth Edwards. Her constant glow reminds of an angel. The world doesn’t get to see too many of those anymore and we should all be grateful when we stumble upon one as good as her.

I also stand in prayer for her. I pray for an easy death and a wonderful life to come. Lord knows she deserves it.

So, after all of this, it kind of makes the cigarette butt issue seem almost insignificant, doesn’t it? Perhaps God gave us all another lesson today.

God Bless you, Elizabeth…

The Sadness of My Priesthood

2010-11-15T13:11:00.000-08:00

From the time I was a youngster, ‘playing priest’ in the summer sun in the backyard of my family home, I have always dreamed of being a priest. I looked to the idea, or perhaps it was the ‘ideal’, with great joy. Then, life took over and some mishaps and misadventures, and even some good things came and my direction, and my vocation, all went south. But, God is gracious and kind and used that time in the field to prepare me for a life of service now.

I say this often and I tell you here now: if I had been ordained on time when I first entered seminary, I would be a terrible priest. No, I do not think that I would have harmed anyone intentionally, but unintentionally there would be bodies strewn all over the place in my wake.

So, here I am today. A pastor, a caregiver, a chaplain, a friend, a confident, a giver of new life, and a reconciler of old ones…and I am lonely and sad. The life of a priest is not easy. I earn less money and give more of my time and more of me - more than I ever thought. This past week I have given so much of me that I finally felt today like giving up. I am sad. I am exhausted. I am bewildered and disillusioned. I have cried all day in my loneliness. I am simply lonely.

Loneliness is one of the most painful of all human conditions because it has the potential to disable and limit both laity and religious. Adults in every life state have difficulty serving the world, let alone the Lord, with gladness when powerful wounds of loneliness burn within their hearts. As a result, many people will go to great lengths to deny that they have struggled with this type of emotional pain. This denial is accomplished through the power of the intellect, which is the major defense attempted to control all emotional pain. I am not one of those. I admit it. I am lonely and so often feel alone.

I work hard for a living. Harder than I ever thought I would at this age. I love my parish and the people. I give of my entire self, and my treasure, as meek as it is. I teach the young and hold the aged. I have seen lives changed by the work that I do. I have missed family events and illnesses; I even fear that I will not be home when my parents die. I know that I have not been there when both my mom and dad have been stricken by illness. That makes me feel like a terrible son.

I also work long hours and pray in earnest. I try not to harm others with my words and I think before I hit ‘send’. I sit and listen to others in their brokenness. I free others from their pain and guilt. I try to be more patient. I think that I go above and beyond to care for my parish, my diocese, my Church, my God. No, I am far from perfect, and I fail often at all of these things, but I honor the fact that I do give and give freely. I forgive easily and let go of hurts. But some days, it is simply painful. Today is such a day.

So I sit and ask why am I so sad? Why does this loneliness persist? I think it is because I am in a world that seems not to care. I cry out and try to explain, but few listen. Many don’t even hear. I wonder with every email that discourages, or vomits, or blames, or attacks, or hears with their own ears, rather than the voice sent, why I continue. Today, for the first time in a very long time, I wish that I were not a priest.

A Monkey and My Dad on Veteran's Day

2010-11-11T08:08:00.000-08:00

Today is Veteran’s Day. It is a day of humble reflection and not much pomp or circumstance. Even the laying of wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown in Arlington is somewhat subdued. Intentionally so, I get it.

Today is a day where many of us quietly reflect and remember. Not so much about those of who served in limited ways, but to those who served and gave so much in large ways; especially those who gave the ultimate sacrifice so that we might continue to live and breathe freedom. A freedom that we all have learned comes at a great price and is never free.

I often joke that while I served in the US Navy in San Diego, not one communist got into the county! Of course, I did serve, but such a small way compared to others. I think of my Dad who served in the Army’s 34th Infantry Regiment, 24th Division in the Southwest Pacific and Japan. He never speaks much of his service although I see tears now and then as he turns away in silence. He still has a book of memories that has photos and ribbons earned, etc. But, it sits in a closet and is almost never brought out into the open. He buried many friends and served with many who never made it out of such horrible conditions that he is now doomed to a long silence whenever the topic comes up. I do know that he had one solace, a friend he made while serving in the Pacific, a monkey. The monkey was my dad’s friend and got him through some terrible times because he had something to care for – something that was not of the war. I know that he tried to bring the monkey home. He filled out yards of paperwork and made several pleas, all to no avail. He was told it wasn’t possible. How he grieved for that monkey when he left. Not so much because of what it was, as much as what it represented to him. We still grieve with my dad, too.

Today is Veteran’s Day. Today is a time when all of us who have served can wear our colors and be proud of what we were, no matter when we were in, or what our job was, or where we served. Each of us was a part of a whole and was important. The best of all is that we are a part of a select group of people...we are veterans!

Let's be proud and tell all our stories, there are people who really want to know and to hear. I thank you veterans for not being selfish with your lives and believing in our nation's freedom. I join so many others as we remember the fallen and their families and what they gave to all of us.

And, for those in the tomb of the unknowns, thank you for the historical significance you've made. We will celebrate and honor our unknown American veterans of all wars and for their patriotism, love of nation, and sacrifice you and your families have made for the common good of our nation.

So, on behalf of my dad (see the photo of me and my dad during my last visit home), and our entire family, I pray a Happy and Blessed Veteran’s Day.

A Prooftexting Coward!

2010-10-24T13:28:00.000-07:00

“We must judge ourselves, and judge of our own acts, but not make our word a law to everybody. We must not judge rashly, nor pass judgment upon our brother without any ground. We must not make the worst of people. Here is a just reproof to those who quarrel with their brethren for small faults, while they allow themselves in greater ones. Some sins are as motes, while others are as beams; some as a gnat, others as a camel. Not that there is any sin little; if it be a mote, or splinter, it is in the eye; if a gnat, it is in the throat; both are painful and dangerous, and we cannot be easy or well till they are got out.”

So begins the expository commentary by noted biblical scholar, Matthew Henry. What does this gave to do with cowardice? Everything. You see, on October 1st, I posted a blog post entitled, “A Time to End the Senseless Loss of Life.” (You can still read it below.) And, a few days later, this past week in fact, I received an anonymous letter in a menacing plain wrapper. All I can tell is that it was mailed from around Devon, PA in Southeastern Pennsylvania. There is no return address, no markings of any kind; no ownership from the author. I do know that the person who sent this does not know my parish, or me, very well. Why? Because they listed the addressee as ‘St. Miriam Church’ and anyone who knows me well knows that I am a stickler that we never abbreviate “saint” and we are part of the greater Catholic “Church”, but still a parish! I also know that this person is a hater of people and believes that they somehow have a lock on God and God’s wisdom. How? Because they scrawled in a large orange-colored marker the biblical passage “Mathew 7:3” across a copy of my post that they obviously printed from their home computer. (My imaginative editorial license says while being all alone, and probably late at night in the dark!)

I would imagine they wish to point out that I am gay and therefore have no standing in this debate. Or, that I often live a less-than-moral life. Perhaps they do not like that I am broken or fallible. Or, that I freely admit it. Perhaps they just do not believe that God could love someone like me so why should I have a parish, let alone be a priest? What I do know is that while I cannot know the mind of a crazy person who has access to the internet and my blog site, I do know that people like this are cowards. They hide behind anonymous ranting and send these unidentifiable packages to others in hopes that they will scare them. Or, that they will create a feeling of being superior to the intended recipient. Well, you failed at both…coward!

My blog post said that we all should be ashamed that a young man took his own life because of the shocking and cruel actions (if, albeit, not illegal) of two individuals who were afforded the opportunity to go to a school of higher education to learn, not to kill. I also said that we should pray for the victims and their families of such hate crimes. What of these two items are you referring to with your Matthew 7:3 citation? You see, you cannot even get the biblical passage correct, but somehow you think I should listen to your anger? Coward! If you are going to prooftext, at least get a little closer than Matthew 7:3!

Prooftexting is the practice of using quotations from a document, often the bible, to establish a proposition or to make a point. Using discrete quotations is generally seen as decontextualized. Critics of this technique note that often the bible is quoted in such a manner, when read as a whole, may not in fact support the proposition for which it was cited. Well, here ya go! That is exactly what you have done, coward.

I may not live a perfect life, but I live a life of service. I work 5 jobs to help make ends meet and I give generously to my parish and my Church. I teach youngsters to love God and I teach adults in college to see things clearly, not like you with an evil bent. I help the injured, pray for the dying, and support the living. I take no vacations and barely make it financially each month. But, I have a joy in my heart because I know that I am doing God’s work. So, if I have a choice between following your irrationally scribbled bible quote, or living my admittedly broken life as I serve others…well, it's no contest!

You have taken a passage and tried to apply it to your version of hate. Well, I may not know who you are, but God does.

A Little Conflict...

2010-10-22T05:39:00.000-07:00

"What the world needs now is love, sweet love!" So the pop theology croons…bah humbug!

"Conflict" is a dirty word in most churches. As Christians, we seek to avoid it at all costs and do so in the name of this so-called Christian love. We call it, "seeking the peace, unity and purity" of the church. I say it again, bah humbug!

I have watched with great interest how people in today's world want 'easy'. They want to be handed on a platter 'who to hate', 'who to vote for', 'who to condemn', even 'who to like'. Our world is so complex that they look for the loudest voice and the tallest idiot on the highest mountain proclaiming the worst of rhetoric and they relish it! Why? They don't have to think for themselves. They don't have to get their hands dirty!

And then came Jesus to me in last evenings Gospel passage, where He says (very loudly I might ad!, "I have not come to bring peace, but a sword," or as Saint Luke has it, "I came to cast fire upon the earth; and would that it were already kindled!"

These caustic words send us scurrying for explanations to reduce their corrosive effect. After all, we want a lovely milquetoast Jesus, don’t we? A Jesus that we control! But then a new Jesus (or perhaps the real Jesus!)intrudes into our quiet worship, and our mundane hate-filled lives, and disturbs our Sabbath rest! Who is this Jesus? He is the outlaw, Jesus! The lawbreaker, Jesus! The radical and a revolutionary, Jesus! But the real Jesus who calls us to get up and change the world!

Yes, as much as we hate to admit it, conflict was not a dirty word in Christ's vocabulary. Yet, one of the more popular fantasies nurtured by a radical pietistic spirituality is that if folks could only be more loving, the world would be a better place. Peace and harmony would break out. Clouds would part and hymns would descend from on high. We would all go around singing with Julie Andrews! What's more, if we would be more loving, everyone would like us. After all, being a follower of Christ translates into being a nice man or woman. Not only will love iron out the differences between friends and enemies, but indeed, we ought not have any enemies. But in Jesus' view of things, love apparently does not mean that we refrain from neither conflict nor bow to the opposition. But then Jesus reminded his disciples - and thereby each of us - that if everyone spoke well of them, something was wrong. We cannot pretend as though conflict does not exist. To be a Christian is to love all that Christ loved, and to be an enemy of all that crucified him. To follow him is to make enemies. Jesus did not win any popularity contest. He was awarded a cross and he bids us take up one and follow him, too.

"If the world hates you," Jesus warned, "know that it has hated me before it hated you. If you were of the world, the world would love its own; but because you are not of the world, therefore, the world hates you. Remember the word that I said to you, 'A servant is not greater than his master.'

So if we take off our rose-colored glasses of traditional piety, and if we remove ourselves from all the false words coming from the television and our politicians, Jesus stands before us in the Gospel narratives as one who when someone needed to be healed, ignored the Sabbath law banning work, and healed the person. Much to the dismay of the Pharisees, it might be added, those righteous representatives of the moral majority. He blatantly excused the breaking of the Sabbath law again when his freewheeling disciples plucked a few grains of wheat and ate them. The defense offered to the watching Pharisees was not that the disciples were starving to death - an argument which might have pardoned the offense - nor even that they were hungry, a more problematic defense. The law was bypassed, said Jesus, because the Sabbath was made for human beings - not the other way around. Laws are relative; which is to say: Their authority is not absolute. They only exist to serve the interests of humanity and must be bypassed if they get in the way; when they cause harm.

You see, in order to win us over, the loudest and most hate-filled, vile voices must bring us out of a world of 'grays' into one of 'black and white'. Then, once we are polarized, they can point to the easy solution and we can finally rest into a life of non-decision. But, we also will find that we are in a life of hatred and malice and conflict.

This is why my parish exists. This is why people like me exist! If you get right down to it, Saint Miriam exists because the Catholic Church has become so bereft of grace and compassion and love that thousands, if not millions, are in pain. And the same can be said of our politicians. They often spew hate, divert us from real issues and point to the one who is at the cause of it all and who we are to now hate. The problem is, are we?

To love people as Jesus did is to stand up for something. To stand for justice is to stand against injustice. To stand for truth is to oppose hypocrisy and falsehood and hatred, and...

You couldn't have said that about Jesus. You knew where he was coming from. Clearly. You know where I stand. Always! And, because of our careful witness, you know exactly where we are coming from, too, at my parish of Saint Miriam. A parish that is changing the world because we care and because we are not afraid of a little conflict in order to get the job done right!

A Time to End The Senseless Loss of Life

2010-10-01T16:02:00.000-07:00

I have been in terrible grief over the senseless loss of life that I have seen play out in our nation over the last few months. No, it is not the War in Irag or Afghanistan or even the hundreds killed on the streets of our cities. No, it is not a war on drugs or any other war. It is the senseless bullying and harassing of gay persons by those who somehow believe themselves to be better than them. By those who somehow believe that God does not love these people. People like me. Today, it must end.

Yesterday I called the office of the Attorney General of Michigan, Mike Cox. I called to implore him to come to his senses over the recklessness of one of his Assistant D.A.'s, Andrew Shirvell, who has launched a mean-spirited, anti-gay campaign against someone he has never even met: Chris Armstrong. A young man who is the president of student council at Michigan University at Ann Arbor. He calls Armstrong a Nazi and says that he has the right to do so because of his right to free speech. Cox agrees. I reminded the DA's office that they represent all the people of Michigan, not just the straight ones or the ones they like or agree with. How dare they use their office and stature to perpetrate such hatred. How dare they hide behind our Constitution to give hate. [You may contact the DA at this link: http://www.michigan.gov/ag/0,1607,7-164-21153-51368--,00.html]

If that were not enough, another young man, Tyler Clementi, killed himself over yet another vicious attack. He was only 18-years old. A mere baby with a full life yet to live. And he killed himself because two friends could think of nothing better to do with their college education opportunity, but broadcast Tyler's own private life over the internet. They may not so much as receive a slap on the wrist. But I assure you, God knows them and what they have done. They will one day have to answer for what they have done. They ended a life just as certainly as if they pulled the trigger themselves. Shame on them. Shame on us for allowing this hatred to continue.

I could not find words any better then spoken by Ellen DeGeneres. So I end with them. I pray for all the souls lost. I pray for their families and their friends. I pray for even those who hate. I pray that we might now see that enough-is-enough. I pray for us. Please...

"I am devastated by the death of 18-year-old Tyler Clementi. If you don't know, Tyler was a bright student at Rutgers University whose life was senselessly cut short. He was outed as being gay on the internet and he killed himself.

Something must be done. This month alone, there has been a shocking number of news stories about teens who have been teased and bullied and then committed suicide; like 13-year-old Seth Walsh in Tehachapi, California. Asher Brown, 13, of Cypress, Texas and 15-year-old Billy Lucas in Greensberg, Indiana. This needs to be a wake-up call to everyone: teenage bullying and teasing is an epidemic in this country, and the death rate is climbing.

One life lost in this senseless way is tragic. Four lives lost is a crisis. And these are just the stories we hear about. How many other teens have we lost? How many others are suffering in silence? Being a teenager and figuring out who you are is hard enough without someone attacking you.

My heart is breaking for their families, their friends and for a society that continues to let this happen. These kids needed us. We have an obligation to change this. There are messages everywhere that validate this kind of bullying and taunting and we have to make it stop. We can't let intolerance and ignorance take another kid's life.

I want anyone out there who feels different and alone to know that I know how you feel. There is help out there. You can find support in your community. If you need someone to talk to or if you want to get involved, here are some organizations doing great work:

The Trevor Project at 866 4U TREVOR. It's a 24-hour, national help line for gay and questioning teens. You can learn more about The Trevor Project at their website: thetrevorproject.org.

Angels and Doves is a nationwide anti-bullying non profit organization.
Their website is AngelsandDoves.com

The National Center for Bullying Prevention is helping to promote awareness
and teach effective ways to respond to bullying. You can learn more about
them at their website: Pacer.org/bullying

The Matthew Shepard Foundation runs Matthew's Place, an online community and resource center for LGBTQ youth. The website is matthewsplace.com

GLSEN is also a great organization that is working to eradicate bullying and
bias in schools. Their website is: glsen.org

STOMP Out Bullying is focused on reducing bullying and cyberbullying. Find out more on their website: stompoutbullying.org

Things will get easier, people's minds will change, and you should be alive to see it."

My Dad would Never Vote for Death....

2010-09-23T16:43:00.000-07:00

I just got back from tending to my dad who is in very ill health. I sat quietly with him for hours at his bedside as he fought to gain his strength. I saw firsthand how life is so valuable. So valuable that my mother, sister, and me did everything we could to help him live. We prayed, begged doctors to aid him, encouraged nurses to assist his needs, and gave our pending grief to God. We wept for hours and prayed to our Blessed Mother. Yes, life is important. All life.

Then, sadly, on my trip back home over an almost 7 hour drive, as I grieved what might happen to my dad, I heard both pro and con narratives about an execution set for tonight. I heard the coldness of those who care so little for human life. The first woman to be executed in the state of Virginia for almost a century, Teresa Lewis, 41, is preparing for what will most likely be her last meal as I write, just a little over an hour before her scheduled death by lethal injection. How sad. How sad that I just spent almost 24-hours-a-day to help save my dad this week as so many others were spending an equal amount of time orchestrating the death of another soul.

Teresa is set to be killed at a 9PM execution at the Greensville Correctional Center in Jarratt, Virginia. It should be noted that the actual gunmen, Matthew Shallenberger and Rodney Fuller, were sentenced to life terms. Shallenberger, committed suicide in prison in 2006.

Yes, she committed a heinous act. Yes, she deserves to be imprisoned and punished. No, she does not deserve to die at the hands of another, let alone the state of which we are all part. You see, none of us has that right no matter how egregious the act, no matter how we feel because simply, none of us is God.

When we support the death penalty, we become part of a machinery of death. By our silence, by our voice, or by our actions and votes, we support a process that is inherently immoral. The killing of a human being is as an offense against God because humans were made in the image of God, both male and female. And, lest you may think it: killing another - even a convicted killer - does not make it right. Therefore every human has inherent dignity and inherent worth granted to them by their Creator. Many use Scripture to support their view. But, I can tell you as someone who has studied those very same Scriptures that there is much ambiguity in that declaration. And, where there is ambiguity, there should be life. We should always err on the side of life.

Increasingly, our society looks to an increased reliance on the death penalty to deal with crime. We look for simple solutions to very complex problems. Now we are tragically turning to violence in the search for quick and easy answers to a very complex set of human problems: crime and punishment. A society, which destroys its children, abandons its old, and relies on vengeance, fails fundamental moral tests. Somehow we want – and think we deserve - quick fixes to all our problems. Well, as a priest, and more so as a Christian, I can attest that life will never be easy. And, these quick-fix answers will always be immoral. They will never be right or just.

I pray for my dad tonight. And, I know that if he could, he would pray for Teresa Lewis this night, too. That is why I am a good priest. I learned to pray and care for others at the teaching of my parents who loved everyone, even those who hurt them.

Let us all pray that we will see the error of our ways before each of us knows personally the face of the person to be strapped down and injected with a lethal cocktail that promises to rid us of evil, and in the end, does the direct opposite. Perhaps then we will soften our hearts.

A Day of Hate

2010-09-07T14:50:00.000-07:00

Dove World Outreach Center, a supposedly Christian church, will host “International Burn a Quran Day” this coming Saturday, on September 11, 2010. Dove is a non-denominational, Evangelical church in Gainesville, Florida. Terry Jones, who serves as pastor of the Dove World Outreach Center has organized, and is behind, the planning of this dreadful event.

Doves states that this is a special celebration of the 9th anniversary of the 9/11 attacks; something that will show Christian love, reduce hatred between people of different religions, and lead toward greater understanding around the world. I think that is simply crazy.

As a priest, pastor, and even more so as a Christian, I am appalled and dismayed Nay, I am sad. I am so sad that I actually wept when I read about this event. Last week, as I began my new class for the fall term at Chestnut Hill, I met this bigotry head-on. A student refused to see his own unfounded intolerance against Muslims and left my class in anger as he denounced me as person, a priest, and even as a man. He spewed hatred and malice as he left. It taught me the depth of this hatred. Unwarranted hatred.

We Christians are not immune from hating without basis. We have killed, or caused to be killed, thousands, if not millions, all in the name of a supposedly loving God. And yet, we wrap ourselves in this Christian banner and proclaim that we somehow have a lock on God. Well, we don’t. And shame on us for being so arrogant to think so.

Shame on Terry Jones who is no more a pastor than any other facilitator of hate found in the pages of history. Shame on anyone who would attend, or even think of attending this event in Florida. Shame on the over 3,000 people who signed up to “befriend” the Facebook page for this event. Shame on us for not standing up. Enough is enough.

We need to be the change in the world that we proclaim. Hate cannot, and must not, prevail. By assuming the specialness of every person, we build a culture of respect that generates energy and hope; one that fosters love and understanding. Truly respectful cultures treat every person with courtesy, and allow every person to feel valued.

Let us look and see that the radical Islamists don’t receive respect, or draw anyone to themselves, but other crazies. Well, now we are on the verge of doing the very same damn thing.

As anti-Muslim hysteria rapidly escalates in this country and abroad. now is the time to take a stand for peace, love, and understanding. Now is the time to say no more to hatred, to ignorance, to vileness.

Therefore, in solidarity with our brothers and sisters within the Muslim community, and in support of freedom of religion everywhere, we must join in a peaceful, non-confrontational vigil in opposition to the "International Burn a Quran Day" on 9/11. There is one such event being organized to occur at the same time Dove will hold their vile act. All of us, each of us, no matter where we live, we can all find time to stop and pray in solidarity as a true people of faith and bring love to an otherwise hate filled day. Join me, and millions of other good people, and fall to your knees and pray on this day. Pray for everyone.

I end with a simple quote from a good man named Martin Niemöller. Niemöller was an ardent nationalist and prominent Protestant pastor who emerged as an outspoken public foe of Adolf Hitler and he even spent seven years of Nazi rule in concentration camps. He is perhaps best remembered for the quotation that follows. May we all stop and read and pray. May we all denounce such hatred and bigotry. May we all stop and show the world a God of true love.

First they came for the Socialists, and I did not speak out --
Because I was not a Socialist.
Then they came for the Trade Unionists, and I did not speak out --
Because I was not a Trade Unionist.
Then they came for the Jews, and I did not speak out --
Because I was not a Jew.
Then they came for me -- and there was no one left to speak for me.

Breaking Night

2010-09-03T05:27:00.000-07:00

Today is my birthday. I don’t really get that excited about them anymore, but I remember fondly those when I was a child. Perhaps it is because one of my deep, dark illnesses is that I always look back and see what I didn’t accomplish, rather than what I did! Sad, huh?

One of my parishioners emailed me today and told me to celebrate all that I did do and she reminded me of the church that we built under my direction, the couples married, the babies baptized, the children confirmed, the dead buried and the sick blessed, those I gave money to and yet how we struggle at home to meet our own bills as we care for the finances at the parish. I added to this list in my own head the trauma patients that I held and their families that I cried for and grieved over, the broken and the lost that I provided a home for, the adults that I teach at college, and the people that I care for. The way I welcome everyone without pretext or alarm. Yes, today is my birthday and I am proud to be me.

No, I still didn’t get all that I wanted to done, but God has been good to me and has worked through me. I hope that people know what God is like through my actions and words. I hope that they forgive my frailties and all my imperfections. I hope they understand that when I stand up for justice it is with one strong eye toward my Creator. When I weep over those harmed by the hands or words of another, it is because I know God is crying, too. When I stand up against the denominational boundaries or the hatred toward another’s religion or faith, it is because I know deep down that none of us has it right and the each is a portion of the very complexion of our loving God.

Today is my birthday. I don’t really get that excited about them anymore, but I remember fondly those when I was a child. How my mother cared for me and my sister, provided everything that we needed and many thing we didn’t, how every birthday celebration was as unique and wonderful as we were, how she instilled in us the love for and of God. Yes, today is my birthday because of my mother who taught me how to be a good priest because she chose to hear my first heartbeat and instill in us the wonder of all that is.

There is an urban saying called, breaking night, it is when one has stays up all night, through the darkest hours and then is awake to see the beginning of the new dawn pierce the darkness of that night. It is used as a metaphor for the many times and trials and many scary situations that people need to deal with and live through. Perhaps it is a good one for me today.

Today, I was reminded that I am breaking night with all those whom I love. And they have reminded me of all that is good now because I existed for these few years. I pray that I have many more years in ministry. I pray that I can do even more good. I pray that I can become a better person and show others the light of my loving God. But in the meantime, as I break the night of my own ‘stuff’ I give thanks for all of you.

Thank you all for reminding me that God loves me, too. Happy Birthday, Jim!

Why is God so Distant?

2010-08-16T06:00:00.000-07:00

It may come as no surprise, but I preach...and I preach a lot! It comes with the job, but more so it is in my nature. God called me to preach! And, I preach often and to many...even to myself.

Last week during a Spiritual Direction session, I commented to my Spiritual Director that I feel lost lately. That somehow I am not feeling like a priest and often feel like I have failed. I told her that at times I feel simply ‘lost and sad.’

She did a good job listening and helping me to see the good in my life. And then it hit me. It is not God who is distant...

You see, during the summer it has been hard for me. I cannot afford the time nor the money to go on vacation. And, the parish is so new that there has been much to get done. Many hands have come to do a lot of work around our new parish home, but much has been left to me as pastor. I don't begrudge that station, it is worth stating out loud, however, to provide context and healing. I also hear of so many others taking trips: camping, Disney, amusement parks, the beach, the shore, and so many other places that are too exotic for me to even consider! I think it wonderful that they can go. We all need a respite and it is good for the soul. I wish, deep down, that I could, too. But, in the end, I know I am where I need to be. Where God needs me to be.

I think the largest part of my emotion comes when we have so few at Mass. In the summer, many pastors note the decline in attendance. But, with a new community, you notice it all the more. And it is hard for me to prepare and then have so few come. But, again, I know that God is preparing us for something greater!

I also think that as a society we have less of a need for church. This is probably most sad for me because I think our strength comes from community and God. We should take note that even while Hebrews floundered in the desert with Moses, they knew where their strength came from and they honored God. Do we know where we gain our strength? Do we know that beginning a new week in the warm embrace of community and God is about the best it gets?

Now, don't get me wrong. We have many dedicated parishioners! We have so many that remember to support us even in their travels. We have so many that come weekly. We have so many that know of the hard work that so many have placed into building this place of love and hope. I am know them by name...

So, in the end, I know and trust in the God who brought us together. He won't let us fail now. He loves us too much. And, I know that many will come to give Him thanks and praise!

I had a parishioner call me last week and say how depressed he was; that God was not in his life and he wanted to know why? I made the comment that I had not seen him at Mass for almost 2 months. He said that life had become so busy that with all he needed to get done, he just didn't have time to come. He said that on Sunday morning, he needed to rest.

I wonder...if we need so much time away...does God need to rest, too then, during the balance of the week?

A Big Blue Jesus and Muslims

2010-08-05T19:10:00.000-07:00

Newsweek magazine carried an interesting article last month about a controversy that has been brewing down in Louisiana. Here is an excerpt directly from the article: “Even if it did double as a bug zapper (and it doesn't), the big blue neon JESUS sign outside the Church of Abundant Life in Harvey, Louisiana, would have to go. So say Jefferson Parish officials, who claim they inadvertently approved installation of the 21-foot-high, five-foot-wide sign last November. Now they're fighting to unplug the $50,000 Savior, saying it exceeds the maximum size for a residential area. The church contends it's not a sign at all, but a religious symbol that the government can't regulate. A vote is due from the parish Zoning Appeals later this year.”

Does it make a difference whether the Abundant Life Church gets to keep its JESUS sign? It sounds like it may be in poor taste. And, it is probably an irritant in a residential neighborhood. But we don't want the government regulating religion, do we? Government is too intrusive already, right? So I hope the Abundant Life folks win, but is there not something bigger at stake here with this issue?

Is a big Jesus sign outside a church appropriate in the first place? In a culturally diverse world, might we not offend persons who are not of our faith? And, should Jesus be depicted the way we see him? Does it matter if we say that Jesus is blue-eyed, with perfect ivory skin with all that sweeping golden brown hair? Which brings us to yet a bigger question. Does it really make any difference who we say that Jesus is?

Last month, in my blog right here, I also wrote about the proposed mosque slated to be built a few blocks from Ground Zero in NYC. And, how last semester at Chestnut Hill College where I teach, in one of my classes in Religion and Culture, the topic came up. One of my students was adamant – highly emotionally so - that this should not be built. She further went on to say, when pressed, that if our parish right here wished to build on the same site, it would be permissible, but not a mosque, not Muslims. Why? Because they are basically intrinsically evil and responsible for such much harm and devastation –all of them – or at least so said my student. That they did not represent her Jesus or her God so, therefore, they should not be permitted to have their neon sign nor their version of God on display.

Well that mosque, slated for an area of Manhattan immediately adjacent to Ground Zero, will soon become reality. That was decided this week after much contention and debate.

I don’t like the pain this proposed mosque appears to be causing the families of those that lost people on that terrible day. I feel for them deeply. And, yes, I still recall the scenes of Muslims celebrating the attack on the World Trade Center. And, I understand that Muslims view the construction of a mosque on top of a symbol of Judaism, Christianity, or freedom, as a symbol of conquest. So be it. Because you see, I also remember how some Christians celebrated the loss of some 168 lives as they simply went to work at the Alfred P. Murrah Building in Oklahoma City in 1995. I remember how some Christians – and particularly, Catholic Christians, killed some 200,000+ Muslims during the 200 years of the Crusades – nine of them all together and all in the name of God. (Well, some version of someone’s God.)

You see, the Roman Catholic Church taught that going to war against the "Infidels" was an act of Christian penance. If a believer was killed during a crusade, he would bypass purgatory, and be taken directly to heaven. By eliminating what might be many millennia of torture in Purgatory, many Christians were strongly motivated to volunteer for the crusades. Sound familiar?

I also remember the continuing Anti-abortion violence, yet another form of often Christian terrorism specifically visited upon people who, or places which provide, abortions in medical centers around the world. In the U.S., violence directed toward abortion providers has killed at least eight people, including four doctors, two clinic employees, a security guard, an escort. There have been some 17 additional murder attempts, 383 known death threats, 153 assaults and battery upon doctors and clinic staff and, oh ya, 3 kidnappings. I see some Christians celebrating all of this, too, the name of their God…their version of Christ.

But, in the end, do I say then that all Christians are therefore intrinsically evil and violent? Do I say that because of the acts of a few, that all should suffer my prejudice and ilk?

I think I need to agree with Bob Siegel when he said that the Ground Zero mosque will symbolize something else to most Americans. I wonder how we will look at all of this some 30 years from now? How do we remember the Japanese with respect to Pearl Harbor? As Christians, how do we truly remember Jesus with the respect to the cross?

Who do you say that God is?

He turned and said to Peter, “Get behind me, Satan! You are an obstacle to me. You are thinking not as God does, but as human beings do.”

Saturday with Norman

2010-07-24T18:18:00.001-07:00

One of my dearest friends came to visit today. Well, he was passing through the area and we met for dinner, but it was great to see him. Norman is a wonderful man and was actually one of my best friends while I was in seminary in Washington, DC. In fact, not only was he my friend, he was also my family doctor!

Norman became partner in a lucrative medical practice as I became poorer and poorer. It was so bad that at times Sean and I resorted to eating PB&J until we could no longer afford the J and we ate day-old bread from the corner store and peanut butter; sometimes…for weeks on end. In Washington, the poverty level was approximately $26,000; Sean and I lived on less than $18,000. Needless-to-say, it was a struggle. In walked Norman.

You see, I have had asthmas all my life. It gets pretty bad at times and is controllable with medicine. The problem was that I had no health insurance and could not afford my medicine. Norman would bring me samples of the medicines I needed from his office, his partners also allowed him to run tests and to see me with no charge, and when sick, it was Norman who came to our small apartment and helped. Yes, in many ways Norman saved my life.

Well, years later, Norman decided to follow in my footsteps (yes, he must be crazy, too!) and he left his medical practice and is now in his last year of seminary in Virginia! Norman will soon be a priest and we sat over drinks tonight and we talked at length about what it will be like once he is ordained next year.

Norman is naive. Now, don’t get me wrong…so was I! I thought the same as he does now: become a priest and save the world! Become a priest and all will be well…well? No! It will be great! “Well, get ready.” That was my advice to Norman. The life of a priest is hard. It comes at a great price, just like that pearl in the Bible. But, Norman will be a good priest. I just hope that the church doesn’t swallow him whole and spit him back out. He is so nice, perhaps too nice.

We, as priests, are consecrated. To be consecrated is to be set apart, to be given to God and to continue to give of self to God. We are, thereby, God’s property and we are no longer our own - we are now in God’s milieu. At our core is our relationship with the Word of God and we have an absolute duty to preach the proclamation of our Christ. This means, we are called to speak the truth, even when it is hard, even when many won’t understand, or think us too hard. We are called to give our life to service and oftentimes our lives are no longer our own.

We, as priests, are called to seek the poor and the lost, counsel the broken, meet the sick, help the ailing, visit the imprisoned, celebrate the resurrection, bless the needy, and lead the liturgy…and so much more – on their time, not ours. When the need is there, so must we be, even if we must give up our very selves or those we hold so dear. Yes, the life of a priest is hard.

People often come and spew on the priest; we are blamed for their lot in life and oftentimes, we get it for things that are not even remotely our fault. And, when we speak the truth – as hard as it for us to so – we often find that we are rejected or ridiculed. But, we are larger than all of this and we must stand firm in our truth and allow God to work through and around us. We must allow the Gospel to permeate the matter and wait until God does what God needs to do. In so doing we become a vehicle for the incarnate Word of God and allow His saving grace to thrive.

But, the journey, Norman, is not easy. No, the life of a priest is hard.

Norman will be a great priest….

Muslims and Mosques, Argentina, Sarah Palin and the Pope…Not of God.

2010-07-19T05:12:00.000-07:00

Last semester at Chestnut Hill College, where I teach one of my classes in Religion and Culture, the topic came up regarding the proposed mosque in New York City, near the World Trade Center site. Currently, there are plans to build a $100 million 13-story mosque and Muslim community center two blocks from Ground Zero in the city. One of my students was adamant – highly emotionally so - that this should not be built. She further went on to say, when pressed, that if my parish wished to build on the same site, it would permissible, but not a mosque, not Muslims. Why? Because they are basically intrinsically evil and responsible for such much harm and devastation –all of them. I was sad…my whole semester seemed to be for naught. How do we blame an entire God-fearing and loving people because of the actions of a few demented idiots who ‘tweaked and destroyed’ the fundamental message of peace that all of Islam believes in order to pervert their own sense of Jihad? No, this is not of God.

Then, last Sunday, via the social networking site Twitter, the former Alaska governor, Sarah Palin, asked "peace-seeking" Muslims to understand that the mosque will interfere with recovery from the September 11th 2001 terrorist attacks. Palin asked New Yorkers to reject the mosque. Ironically, the last line of her post was, “It is time to end the divisive politics." No, this is not of God.

Now, the Vatican on July 16th declared that the ordination of women as Catholic priests is a "crime against the faith," the Vatican has said while it issued new disciplinary rules. The new rules put attempts at the ordination of women among the "most serious crimes", along with pedophilia. They update their 2007 Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith decree, and now those who attempt to ordain women - and the women involved themselves - are subject to automatic excommunication. No, this is not of God.

Then, yet again, in Latin America first, Argentina this week became the first country in that region to embrace same-sex marriage nationwide. Until now, only cities had legalized such rights, as did Mexico City last December. The measure has the firm support of President Cristina Fernandez de Kirchner, who is expected to sign it into law when she returns later this week from a state visit to China. In this deeply Catholic Latin American country, the church has taken a leading voice among opponents. Cardinal Jorge Mario Bergoglio called gay marriage in Argentina a loss for everyone, saying “children need to have the right to be raised and educated by a father and a mother.” And the bishop went on to state that this law is the work of Satan: “We are not talking about a mere bill, but rather a machination of the Father of Lies [Satan] that seeks to confuse and deceive the children of God.” No, this is not of God.

So, let me get this straight: Obviously, like the fundamentalists worldwide, Palin, Pope Benedict, Cardinal Bergoglio, my former student, and many others believe that God spoke once, wrote the Bible, chose who God chose and the rest be damned. That God no longer voices His will in the world that we live; that somehow, sadly, we are all on our own. That gays and lesbians, those who committed heinous acts and now repent; and now women, all of us are damned to the eternal fires of hell -- all because of these embracing changes in the world.

Perhaps, just perhaps, God is still speaking. Perhaps, just perhaps, God is telling us to do something new? Perhaps, just perhaps, God is telling us that we are all God’s children – yes, Christians (and dare I say Catholics) and non-Christians alike, Muslims, Jews, Hindus, Buddhists, Women, Gays, Lesbians, and so many others…all of us – without limit -are God’s children. And, yes, even those who are broken, those who did things wrong in their brokenness, those we dislike, those we misunderstand, those we know nothing about because of our willful ignorance. All of those ‘other those’ whom we blame for our lot in life. Those, and us, and even me, all are loved by that same all loving and embracing, Creator God.

Shame on you Pope Benedict. Shame on you Sarah Palin. Shame on you Cardinal Bergoglio. Shame on you: all of you who hate and blame a few for such horrible acts. Shame on you who cannot see God in anything other than the male form. Shame on you who limit God to your own little version of the world. And, what a sad little world you live in.

My God is not your God because my God is not that God. My God is bigger than you!

Now, that is of God!

Going Home…

2010-07-17T08:31:00.001-07:00

I came to my hometown of Erie, PA to visit my family, and for the honor of performing my sister, Andrea’s, wedding ceremony. She will marry Glenn Sprague today and they will begin a new life together. He is a good man and I pray them every good wish.

While home, I took a walk with my dog, Tucker. It struck me in the middle of my walk how things have changed. Well, maybe not so much ‘things’ as ‘me.’ You see, I remember how large the wooded area looked across the street from my parent’s home; how far the local drug store, now closed, seemed to be when I would journey there to get my mom her cigarettes (She always let keep the change so it was a worthy effort)! How large the homes looked, the depth of the yards, the distance between blocks…all an illusion. It was a very shallow distance between them all; it was me who was so small.

Now my folks are getting older and I am doing so much more for them. I tend to a many repairs that I can get to on their home and run errands and even vacuum a little better than my mom can get to on her own. The tides have turned and I find myself being a little melancholy about all of it. I find a little sadness as I walked and remembered the days of yesterday. I actually filled with tears many times on my brief journey that only years ago would have seemed to require a respite!

No, I am not so foolish to say they were all ‘the good old days’, just that I was more naïve, much younger, the world was so much simpler when I had my mom and dad to tell me right from wrong, to care for every meal and every band-aid’ed hurt or need. Now it is all on me. I long for the days of sitting in my handmade fort, in the middle of those woods that seemed so vast…and I was so small.

I am home.

Of GodFinger and my Golden named Tucker

2010-07-12T08:02:00.001-07:00

OK, I admit it. I’m hooked! I am hooked on this new video game called GodFinger made for iPhone and iPad (yes, I have both...don’t ask about my one vice!). You see, in the game you become “God” and you use your finger to control your planet and all that you create. Now, now, calm down…it’s just a game!

But, what I learned was really unexpected. First, I care about these creatures! More than I ever really thought I actually care for them and how they are feeling. Every day I rain down manna on them, care for them, I build new farms and ponds and places for rest; last week I even built a tavern for their relaxation and a lake for fishing! Yes, I care for their homes, their health, and their crops. All I ask is that they work their jobs (mostly tending fields) and that they are good to each other and, oh ya, that they worship me at least once each day at my Totem Pole (ah, I said don’t ask!)

Each day I find my routine is now changed slightly to include them! I get up early, feed my fish, pet Tucker my Golden Retriever, and check my email and my online classes, and then, you guessed it, I care for my creation!

Last week I inadvertently used too much of my power (it is awesome you know!) and I used a little too much sunlight. So, instead of feeding three of my creatures with sunlight, I caught them on fire and killed them! I was so upset! I couldn’t believe the emotion! I actually almost cried. (Now, come on, I said almost!)

Then it happened, three little tomb stones arose from the dirt of my planet and I couldn’t help but feel so sad. So, I placed my finger on the first stone as if in some small way to grieve and then a bright light came and WOW! I resurrected my creature! At Level 29 I have the power to resurrect life! Off I went, very quickly, to each of the remaining two and all three were happy again, back in the tavern having a drink (I suppose in honor of me of course!).

Then, I went back to my godly business of raining manna, collecting lightening, changing the terra firma of my planet’s surface, and collecting gold. Yes, didn’t I tell you? I get paid in gold each day! All my farms harvest and make gold! But, if you don’t care for your planet or creations, if you are a mean-spirited and spiteful God, your gold turns into rust…

I learned a lot through my game over the last few weeks. And as I walked Tucker early today before leaving for the hospital; and he paused at every corner and looked over his shoulder to gaze at his master in order to see if it was safe for him to cross the street, it hit me: like the real God, I must care for my creation, I must care for Tucker. He relies on me. And, if it were not for me, even without all my godly powers, he would not survive. Neither would many of us if we did not have each other.

So, I ask you…what will you do today to ensure your gold not rusting?

Living in the Shadow of Some Great Christians...

2010-07-09T04:35:00.000-07:00

It is often difficult to live in the shadow of anyone. Many children of pastors shy away, or even rebel from ministry (PK’s, they are called, for Pastor or Preacher Kids!). I, being the son of a funeral director, shied away from an industry that took so much of my dad away from me. And there are so many more examples. Christians have a bigger dilemmas…we stand in the shadow of some really big names who did some really big things! So, how do we live in the shadow of such greatness?

I’d like to stop the world for just one minute and ask you to think back; think back with me to the first century. Think about those first 50 years after Jesus' death and what it must been like for Jesus' original disciples. Before the last one died their efforts had brought over 500,000 men, women, and children into the ranks of the church. But what they had to suffer in order to accomplish this task is seldom discussed. We like the outcome of their discipleship – their greatness and perseverance - but we don't want to hear the cost of it. So for the record here is the cost of those great original few as history tells us:

1. John died of extreme old age exiled to the island of Patmos.

2. Judas Iscariot, after betraying his Lord, hanged himself.

3. Peter was crucified; head downward, during the persecution of Nero.

4. Andrew died on a cross at Patrae, a Grecian Colony.

5. James, the younger, son of Alphaeus, was thrown from a pinnacle of the Temple, and then beaten to death with a club.

6. Bartholomew was flayed alive in Armenia.

7. James, the elder son of Zebedee, was beheaded at Jerusalem.

8. Thomas, the doubter, was run through his body with a lance and left to die in the sun in the East Indies.

9. Philip was hanged against a pillar at Heropolis.

10. Thaddeus was shot to death with arrows.

11. Simon died on a cross in Persia (what we now call Iran.).

12. Matthew was first stoned and burned and finally beheaded near present day Ethiopia.

We are not asked to endure such atrocities. We are not asked to endure those hardships. We aren’t even asked to do much at all really – especially if you compare it to those who came before us. We are asked to simply show up for church, worship God, help our community and parishes stay alive financially, take care of our neighbors and those in need. Pray for each other. And we can barely get any of that right.

I cannot begin to tell you the reward that is waiting for everyone who believes. Not even the smallest kindness will be missed by a Father who is ever watching.

And while it is true, that as a disciples of Christ, we must live a life of peace; we must be ever vigilant that that peace can also be a dagger. For it is often in times of peace that we become complacent in all that we have and begin to hoard and no longer share.

Never underestimate what you can do to change the world through your giving of self and dollar. Never underestimate the power of a cold cup of water.

Reflections on the 4th of July

2010-07-01T06:06:00.000-07:00

Well, it’s here again. The anniversary of our nation’s founding. 234 years ago, a group of people with so much determination, and perhaps just a little tired of being tired and oppressed, gathered together and founded a nation to be one of law and of God. And, here we are…still here.

We all have so much to be proud of. But we also need to pause and remember how we got here. We need to honor all those lives that bled, and are now bleeding, the color red for each pixel of the 7 reds stripes of our flag, and to take a moment and look inward and see what we need to do now. How do we need to change? What has changed for good or ill? What can we do better? Where have we lost our way? Are we honoring the unofficial meaning of the colors of our flag as given by secretary of the Continental Congress, Charles Thompson, "White signifying purity and innocence; Red, hardiness & valor, and Blue . . . vigilance, perseverance & justice."

I have seen a flourish of increased activity lately in the motto, “God bless America!” Well, I am with you! I do hope that God sees beyond our weaknesses and errors and blesses the good we have done, and will continue to do. But I also think that we need to have a little more of ‘America Bless God’, too.

You see, I remember the 1976 celebration. Well, I remember it barely since I was all but 9 years old. But, none-the-less, I do. I remember how the newspaper in my hometown of Erie, PA (and I am sure many others around the nation) honored the bicentennial celebration with a full color newspaper of red, white and blue stripes! Wow, this was something else! Back then, color in newsprint was still very rare and very pricey. But the owners of the paper thought it worth it to print such a souvenir-paper. And I could not have agreed more! I did not know why quite yet, but I knew that somehow this day was very special!

When I was a young boy, I went to church quite often. I attended mass almost daily, attended meetings with my parents, was enrolled in school for my education, was taught by the Sisters for CCD; I went to special events, parades, dinners, fairs, celebrations, funerals, baptisms, and so much more…and all of it centered around the church. Church for us as a family, and as a community, was the center of our lives. And, yes, even the priests were there, too. For every special event, from first Holy Communion to marriages and deaths, to other times of grief or worry, they were part of the very fabric of our family life. The priests were welcomed because they served to remind us that God was present, even if we had pain.

Sadly, it is not so today for so many. Today, many see church as an obligation they can do without. They see it as something that comes to the weekly schedule – not daily by any means – and only when there is nothing else to do. Or, when they have some need and feel they must do so, or for an event that they must ‘show their face’ out of a sense of obligation. And, then when they do come, they look to make it the least intrusive into their daily routine as they possibly can. This is sad for me as a human being, as an American, and even sadder as a priest.

What happened to us? Where did we forget that God comes first? When did we decide that Sunday was no longer a day where we needed ‘Blue laws’ and Sabbath time and relegated it to a day where we do what we want and forget about it being the first day of our week; a time to honor our God. A time for God, who by the way, created all that is and ever was! The God of the Universe! (And, who created you, too, in case you forgot how you got here!) When did we decide to forget about blessing God with a measly hour or two out of our week filled with 166 or so other hours to all that other stuff we feel is so dastardly important?

Less than a mile away from my parish of Saint Miriam is the Plymouth Meeting Mall. People gather there at all hours of the day and night to celebrate life! They spend hours shopping and going to movies and eating and enjoying their days. They will spend 4 hours at the mall, 2 hours at feature flick in the theater, and drop over $300.00 in a single outing without so much as an extra thought. But, travel just a mile away and walk into church on a Sunday and they want it over with in less than hour, they don’t want to spend any additional time “fellowshipping” with anyone, and please…please don’t ask them to leave more than $5 to help the work of God and God’s church. Because after all, they have more important things to do…and to spend their hard-earned money on, like that pair of designer jeans they have been wanting.

So, that newspaper I spoke of earlier came out on July 4th 1976. I ran to the mail box and there it was, the Erie Times News in red, white and blue! I begged my mother to let me keep it and she graciously gave it to me. I went downstairs to the basement, found a flat, white box and carefully placed the newspaper in it. I then covered it with tin foil to preserve it, of course, and placed it under my bed for safe keeping. I was so proud to be an American even in my youngest days.
We then gathered and went to church, my family and me, and we – along with so many others in our Catholic-Italian community - gave thanks to God for the bicentennial. Then, we joined other parishioners at St. Paul’s and ate our dinner together in the fellowship hall. We broke bread and gave thanks…we blessed God that day…
Where have we lost our way?

May God bless America and all who call her home. May God bless all who journey here to find a better life. May God remind us of the gifts we have all because of God’s grace and love.

Happy Fourth of July.

Father’s…

2010-06-20T04:28:00.000-07:00

I was told recently that I have ‘the heart of a pastor’. I never really thought of that and I asked the parishioner to explain. She said that I am always present, loving even when critical. That I show up at the hospital when needed to be there for those who are frightened, even when not asked or required. That I run the parish and don’t even get paid a single dollar. That I teach children at school and serve others in trauma as a chaplain for so little money. That I am joyful in doing God’s work, even when it costs me so much. She said, you do all of this because you have the heart of a pastor.

I left church that evening feel rather loved. Perhaps even a little smug! Then, it struck me: I don’t have the heart of a pastor. I have the heart of a father. I love my church family like I was taught by one of my greatest mentors, my dad, Alton. Today, I thank him publically for all his love and care; for his example. Today I wish that I were home. Today, I celebrate with all the fathers in the world and join all my ‘spiritual fathers’ when I say Happy Father’s Day and know that I have the heart of a pastor because I have the heart of my father…

“…It’s Time to put this whole thing behind us.”

2010-06-10T07:39:00.000-07:00

“…It’s Time to put this whole thing behind us.”

Those were the words of a spokesperson priest for the Pontiff today from Vatican City. As thousands of priests, from all around the world, gather in Rome for a time of rejuvenation and celebration in this, The Year of the Priest, many speculate if the Holy Father will finally say those illusive words, “I am sorry…”

This particular priest said that he thinks ‘no’, that those words will do no good and, therefore, the Pope should not say them. He claims that it is time for the church to heal and to put this ordeal behind them. I disagree. I disagree as a priest. I disagree as a survivor of priest abuse. I disagree as a human being.

Even the Council of Trent would disagree, I am sure. It was there in 1551 that this Council expressly states that reconciliation and penance are necessary in the life of a baptized Christian. That it is clear from the words of Christ that the Apostles had power to forgive sins. But this was not a personal prerogative that was to erase at their death; it was granted to them in their official capacity and hence as a permanent institution in the Church — no less permanent than the mission to teach and baptize all nations and to heal through words and touch.

When I as a priest – like any priest - absolve, I do so on behalf of the God who does the forgiving. I pronounce the words and heal the person who receives the anointing from Someone far greater than me. And in those simple words, they find life.

I think that the Church as whole has paid a dear price for all the abuse of power and hidden illness. Instead of helping those who needed it - the priests and the parishoners alike - those in power hid the need and played with the lives of those who hurt. I think the time of huge payments is coming to end and that it is now hurting the average parishioner in the pew, but unfortunately will never be truly felt at the level where such decisions were made. But, no, I do not think that this church as whole has asked for forgiveness, nor done their required penance.

It is time to begin the healing by taking responsibility and by simply saying, ‘I am sorry…’

Summertime Learnings and our Great Teacher!

2010-06-05T04:56:00.000-07:00

I have been away on vacation; my first in almost 5 years! I learned a lot. First, I missed everyone, which – to be quite honest – I didn’t think would happen! Also, I need to do it more often. It changed my perspective on many things, calmed me down, which is hard to do – (just ask those who know me well!) and it gave me some alone time with God and those who mean so much to me. I visited with long-lost friends and family; and Sean and I had some quality time away from the hustle and bustle of work and life. It was a good move and I am glad that I have a new learning – to take some down time and to grow by doing it.

Even Jesus needed down time. He often would be forced to push off in a boat to the middle of the sea on order to get some of that precious alone time. I didn’t have to go as far, but none-the-less, I grew from the experience and saw what it is to be kind again, generous, and loving, and learned that I must be those things to myself, too! In the end, I grew and become more authentic which is what I try to show and teach at my parish. God is good and taught me a great lesson!

Moses Mendelson tells the story of a woman who came to a great teacher and asked him: "Teacher, how do I know which religion is the right one?" The teacher replied with a story of a great and wise King with three sons.

The story goes that there once was a King who had a precious gift--a magic ring that gave him great compassion, generosity, and a spirit of kindness. As he was dying, each of his sons went to him and asked the father for the ring after his death. And he promised to each of the sons that he would give him the ring. Now how could he possibly do that for all three sons? Here's what he did. Before he died he called in the finest jewelry maker of the land and asked him to make two identical copies of the ring. After his death each of his sons was presented with a ring.

Well, it wasn't long before each of his sons figured out that his brothers also had a ring and therefore two of them had to be fakes. Only one of them could be the genuine article. And so they went before a judge and asked the judge to help them determine which was the authentic ring. Then they could determine who the proper heir was.
The judge, however, could not distinguish among the three rings. And so he said: "We shall watch and see which son behaves in the most gracious, generous, and kind manner. Then we will know which possesses the original ring."

And from that day on, each son lived as if he was the one with the magic ring, and no one could tell which was the most gracious, generous, and kind. Then the teacher, having told this story, said to the woman, "If you wish to know which religion is true, watch and see which reveals God's love for the world."

A teacher of the law once asked Jesus, "Of all the commandments, which is the most important?"

"The most important one," answered Jesus, is this: “Hear, O Israel, the Lord our God, the Lord is one. Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.' The second is this: “Love your neighbor as yourself.' There is no commandment greater than these."

The word for today is love. There is a line from the musical Les Miserables that goes like this: "To love another person is to see the face of God."

That is what we do at my parish of Saint Miriam. It is engraved in our mission statement, within our covenant, spoken as a reminder at each mass before our Eucharist. It should be engraved within each of our hearts. If it is not, then we are all just wasting our time because no one could watch us and see the love of God. No one could tell that we are Christian!

So, then, perhaps we can all use this summertime to grow into being closer to God and community. We need to continue to support one another and pray for one another in our absences, but we also need to value all that goes into making us authentic!

Of Priesthood and Jubilees

2010-05-19T05:14:00.000-07:00

Dear Friends in Christ Jesus,

Today is the anniversary of my priesthood. And, as many of you are aware, I make it my custom to thank the members of my parish community, each year of my jubilee. I do this to remind myself of the role I have in the world. And, perhaps, to remind you of how much you are needed, too. My thoughts below are a reflection on my being and my priesthood. I pray it inspires others to 'give of their own selves in service to something much larger than any one of us...'

For me, the priesthood is not an elitist group, or a privileged class. Yes, I am set apart for a particular role in God’s plan of salvation, but I am not set apart to remain apart – to be separated or distant from those whom I am called to serve. In fact, I am one with you since all of us – by reason of our baptism - all share in the one priesthood of Jesus, as our Christ. Each of us is incorporated into Christ to become a self-gift to others – a self-offering according to our chosen vocation. I hope that I model this for all of you.

For those like me who are ordained, the words of institution at Mass must be a lived reality in our very lives: “This is my body being offered up for you. This is my blood being poured out for you.” Every day these words set the tone and direction of my ministry. We serve in a spirit of self-denial to be better priests. Should we accept being any less than Christ when we respond to the words of Jesus in the Last Supper discourse: “There is no greater love than to lay down one’s life for others.”

I know that I have done a lot of good since we began, but I also know that I have failed many of you this past year. I only hope that I have also grown and will continue to do so and I strive to become a better servant of He who called me to serve. I humbly ask for your prayers to sustain me as we journey the next year. I also pray that I live my life and ministry in a real and authentic way. I pray that I have been faithful to my call and to Saint Miriam. I also pray for your forgiveness for those times that I may have hurt or harmed you with my words or actions. I pray that I will become a better priest because of my service to others, and not in spite of it. I know that I am a much better man because of you who walk with me.

There is much more transition in starting a new church, more than I would have ever believed. Even those good priests who serve to mentor me warned in preparation, but I did not actually think it so. Well, it is so and it is at times terribly hard. There are many who help, and then leave without warning. There are many who come and go and often I find myself always saying goodbye. There are even some who make me the recipient of some meanness as they depart that I never really deserved. But, I accept all of this in hopes that I am doing something bigger than me. These things happen; so much so that at times I fail to remember the good things. I have decided that today that stops. I will share this with those in leadership at Saint Miriam; we must celebrate and inspire, or we will fail. And, yes, to do all of this work, many of us will need us to continue a life of self-denial, and endure what comes for God. I am preparing that some will not be able to do this; I will grieve them, but the mission must continue. And, for those of us who do stay and toil, God will be there to help us accomplish our mission. I pray that you will be there, too.

Perhaps Matthias J. Scheeben, in his book, The Mysteries of Christianity, said it best for me, 'Only when a man is faithful to grace and decides to place the cross in the center of his soul, denying himself for the love of God, detaching himself in a real way from all selfishness and false human security, only then - when a man lives by faith in a real way - will he receive the fullness of the great fire, the great light, the great comfort of the Holy Spirit'. I pray that my example has also been true to our Christ, and that it serves as hope for each of you.

God bless all of you and thank you for allowing me to serve you as your pastor at Saint Miriam, and for your continued love and friendship.

Of Perfect Beings and Donations from Sinners

2010-05-16T04:33:00.000-07:00

These past few months have been very busy and very hard on us as a community and a parish and yet we have grown and loved and learned. In this time we raised money for construction expenses, moved into a new building; said goodbye to our former digs and friends, lost some members, and gained new ones, adjusted to new space, grieved some losses, baptized new Christians, made a major change in denominational jurisdiction - more in keeping with our Catholic ethos - and welcomed a wonderful new bishop and leader, and found where we had true support. The kind of support that we find born of dedication and love and friendship like in the movie Backdraft. In the films climatic fire fight scene, Lt. Stephen "Bull" McCaffrey confronts the longest serving of all the firefighters, John "Axe" Adcox. During the confrontation, an explosion destroys the catwalk they are standing on, and Stephen just scarcely grabs Adcox's hand while also just barely grabbing the edge of what is left of the catwalk with his other hand. Fire from the floor below then envelops Adcox, severely burning him. When Adcox requests Stephen to let go of him, he responds with "You go, we go" and loses his own grip on the catwalk. There is not enough of this type of love in the world, this type of community where one stays within the fire with others no matter what…

I am a survivor of being abused at the hands of a priest. If anyone should be angry at the world, it should be me. If anyone has the right, it is me. But, I am not. In fact, I love so much that it often hurts me. No, I am not a hero, I am simply a Christian. I have let Jesus control my life and I have found room even for those who hurt me or others. It is in my very nature now to forgive and to pray, not to denigrate or harm others, even those the world seems to hate or label with whatever scarlet letter is the fashion of the day. You see, when I was a child, I had severe asthma. It was not controlled well and I gained a lot of weigh because I could not get out much or exercise; I endured years of being called ‘fat’, ‘fatty’, ‘ugly fatso’, and other descriptive childish terms. They all pained me deeply. Later, as I came to grips with my sexuality, I heard again such ugly terms in ‘faggot’, ‘gay boy’, and so many more. So when I founded Saint Miriam, I wanted a place of safety for all; no exclusions, no matter what. No ugliness. No words of hate. No separation of ‘us’ and ‘them’. The list of those welcomed is endless and I have preached on them tirelessly. They are even on our website and I state it clearly all the time. There are no exceptions. Too, recently I was speaking at an interfaith group and someone asked me about the sexual abuse scandal in the Roman Catholic Church. I said what I always say: to pray for them. To hold them close and to forgive and love those who harmed others – yes, even children – as an illness is present and we cannot, must not, judge. We must love.

As Christians, we are to love even those we despise or hate. It is a mandate, not an option from Jesus himself. We must love even the lepers of our day. Well, you would have thought I had committed heresy myself! It is sad how certain buzz words cause people to lash out in the absence of real facts. It is sad how presumptuously self righteous we can become. I stand my ground and I would welcome anyone to our church and God’s Table. Jesus did, do must I. So, perhaps if one does not believe this, Saint Miriam is not the place for them. But, if they do believe in the unfathomable and limitless love of God, Wow! What a place we have here!

Recently our parish received a large donation from a person who has a major transgression in their past. Some of my parish membership decided to do some searching on the internet superhighway and presented this information to me. They were extremely upset. I am not really sure, even to this day, what I was supposed to do…Give back the money? Lose the help? Stop the financial contributions from anyone who is a sinner or has a past? Run a background check on anyone who offers to assist us? Hold up one sin above another? I am just not sure. We did not know of this past when we accepted the offering, but I am not sure that it would have changed our minds at all. In fact, I know it would not have…why? Why would we say to someone that their money is not good to further God’s kingdom? How could we separate out their money from all of our sinful money? Is that not true arrogance? I don’t know about anyone of you, but I have enough logs in my eye to build a fort!

I spoke with my bishop at length last night. I was so upset and crying; so downhearted that it was true solace that I found in his words of kindness and compassion that told me that our parish leadership did the right thing, He said that if he had found out that we did not have a place at our table for this man, or rejected his offering, that it would be all of us that was in trouble! That our church is a place of welcome and love. Wow, what a blessing! What a man of God!

So, no, I am no hypocrite. I am comfortably congruent with the message of Saint Miriam and my priestly life. That will, in the end, stand up to any scrutiny. The lost, the lonely, the hurt, the abortionist, the adulterer, the liar, the orphaned, the gay, the offender, the ex-offender, and yes, even the pedophile or Ephebophile, the lepers of our age. You see, I live my life on two simple premises: (1) no one is devoid of all goodness, and (2) no one is beyond the redemptive activity of God. That is why I am congruent and not a hypocrite. That is why we are a community of love and hope and instill the essence of our Christ.

Around 1994, someone once very publically accused Mother Teresa of taking donations without questioning the sources, including the likes of Haitian dictator Jean-Claude Duvalier. She also received some criticism for her strong views against abortion and divorce. Regarding abortion, she said: Abortion "is murder in the womb ... A child is a gift of God. If you do not want him, give him to me." Mother Teresa was undeterred by criticism, having a short response to such allegations, "No matter who says what, you should accept it with a smile and do your own work."
We accepted the gift in the spirit it was intended. We are not ashamed of this and we will use it for the betterment of God and the work of the church. May we all find such love and hope…

“You go, we go…”

Reverend Bill Graham’s Son Has Obviously Lost His Way

2010-05-07T08:02:00.000-07:00

Last Sunday we had the famous ‘Farewell Discourse”, and now, today, we have yet another. This one is often called the ‘Last Supper Discourse on abiding love’. If you place it in context it comes after yet another famous passage, the ‘I am the vine and you are the branches’ passage. And yet here is Jesus – in what will be his final supper together with his friends - and what does he speak of…love.

I think the message here today is that life happens. It comes with all its ups and down, all the nuances that make life, well life. But in and through it all, we must have love. Love of self, love for the other, love for those we even may hate. The vine withers without it, and yet many of us forget that that it is what life is all about if we are Christian. You see, the community is like a vine. It goes through difficult moments and it is then that a time of the pruning must happen, a necessary moment in order to be able to bear more fruit. We do this to ourselves as we grow through time and life. And we, as a community, have gone through this several times already. Each was difficult, but we did it all in love. We never forgot what our mission was…to bear love unconditionally.

Someone who has forgotten this mission, sadly, is Evangelist Franklin Graham. Graham is calling on people of faith to pray for President Obama and his advisors in the wake of Graham's rejection as a speaker at the Pentagon early next month. He claims that Muslims are "enslaved" by their religion and that it is a very evil and wicked religion. ‘I'm not targeting the Muslims out of hate, he says. I love them, but I don't believe that anyone following Islam is going to get to heaven.’ I wonder, did he – has he – read the same scriptures that we have? Is this really love? Does he know the power he has to harm the lives of others since he is the son of the man dubbed, “America’s pastor"? I wonder, is God proud of Franklin today as he espouses his hatred, or does our shared God weep in a deep sorrow?

Today, Jesus speaks of the love which the Father and He have for those who belong to Him. We can never out give God in love, because he has loved us without measure. Our love for him is a response to his exceeding mercy and kindness towards us. Paul the Apostle tells us that we can abound in joy and hope only because God has poured out his love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, whom he has given us.

In God's love we find the fullness of grace, life, peace, and joy. Jesus gives his disciples a new commandment -- a new way of love. We are to love others as Jesus has loved us. And the essence of this new commandment is true sacrificial love. It gives all to the recipient – the beloved – and all without ever thinking of what we get back in return. And there is no greater proof in love than the sacrifice of one's life for the sake of another. Jesus proved his love for his disciples - for us - by giving his life for them upon a cross. We prove our love for God - and for one another - when we embrace the way of the cross. Here in this life. Here in this parish. Here as we go to work. Here as we make our homes. Here as we joyfully play. Here as we find rest and slumber. Here as we live through grief. Here as we embrace the un-embraceable. Here… as we do God’s will for ourselves and for one another. Here. What is the cross in my life today? This week? Last week? This moment? When do we recognize that as our crosses blend with God's life, then God's will is done and we will find the joy and contentment of a life fully surrendered to God who is consumed with love.

Perhaps Franklin Graham needs to be reminded that all of us – and yes, even those Muslims he hates so much – were created and are loved by the very same God. How sad he thinks that he will be one of the few in heaven. How sad that heaven will be filled with only people like him and those who are Roman Catholic! Perhaps we all need to be reminded that a branch cannot bear fruit by itself, but must remain a part of the vine.

Judas, Peter, and the Roman Church

2010-05-01T04:48:00.000-07:00

In a play by Channing Pollock, Archie comes home tired and beat. He has been down in the village taking a courageous stand against the government officials who are about to do something unethical concerning a proposed housing project. He refused to give in to their ways.

He stood firm on his ground, despite derision and scorn. He is disappointed and depressed and says to his wife, Jennifer, “I’m not a big man, Jen.” She asks, “What is a big man, Archie?” “Henry Ford, I guess,” comes the reply. “No, Archie,” responds his caring wife, “a big man is a man who keeps his soul.”

She was right -- a big man is a man who keeps his soul. I thought about that as I began to deal with our scripture lesson –and the lessons we learned this week as we were under yet another assault. I also thought about Judas and Peter, and I thought about the meaning of this Easter Season. Forces all around us seek our souls. They attempt to get us to take our eye of the ball and lose our mission and focus. The opportunities are abundant to compromise, to cheat, to lie, to betray another, to betray ourselves, to give less than our best, to violate our marriage vows, our mission, to become sloppy in our devotional life, to be careless with the truth, or to lie by omission. Every day we flirt with the possibility of losing our souls. That’s the message today – how do we “keep our souls.”

Judas and Peter warn us against the sin of pride and overconfidence. Judas thought he knew best. Peter thought his strength of commitment would sustain him. They teach us that none of us are exempt from the possibility of moral and spiritual failure. Our task as Christians, and certainly as those who would be ministers, is to be vigilant in “keeping our souls.”

Peter could tell you about that. He loved Jesus. He wanted to be faithful, but the pressure was too great. There in the courtyard when the heat was on, and the Galilean woman recognized the accent that marked him as being a possible follower of Jesus, she confronted him. But Peter denied that he knew Jesus -- in fact, he repeated that denial three times. That’s when the rooster crowed, and that’s when Peter knew – deep down he really knew – that he had betrayed his Christ just like Jesus had told him he would.

Outright betrayal is probably not a part of our experience -- but denial -- hardly a day passes, probably, for most of us, when we do not deny in one way or another. In its most common expression, denial comes in our failure to live out our discipleship, to be faithful in following Jesus.

We need to begin to think, and to talk, about the occasions during the week when we have felt closest to Christ. That’s always a strength-giving time of sharing and can change our lives and impact the word in which we live.

But we also must examine ourselves for failure, too. We must ask ourselves the hard question, “When did I have the opportunity to share Christ, to witness, but failed to do so? When did I fail in my relationship to others -- to love, to care, to understand, to listen, to support? Did I stand by when someone maligned the character of another? Did I do the maligning? Did I fail to lend my moral weight to a cause of righteousness?

I know that here – in this very special place called Saint Miriam – we can often answer in truth and light – that we know we are not greater than He who sent us - that we have a clear conscience. I am not so certain another diocese can say the same thing.

The Roman Church Attacks Saint Miriam

2010-04-25T14:53:00.000-07:00

Dear Friends,

I was going to wait until the newsletter for May, but the Archdiocese of Philadelphia has been relentless. Below you will find a copy of a Press Release preceded by an email I received from a person who attends our services now and then (her name is blocked out to protect her identity and personal information).

You will see that we are under a vicious attack and we need you to support us now more than ever both financially and in prayer. Plus, if you know any reporters, or have any news contacts, please send them this press release and information to show them the truth of this hatred.

Father Harry did nothing to deserve this attack. He left the diocese because he could no longer serve a system he didn’t believe in. He never harmed anyone nor did anything for these priests to say such horrible things. Please drop Father a note and show him that we care and support him, too. His email is FatherHarry@mySaintMiriam.org.

We continue on with our mission because God is with us.

In Service,

Father Jim+
Pastor

First Name = Kate
wsp_key_name = First Name
Last Name = XXXXX
wsp_key_name2 = Last Name
E-Mail Address = XXXXXX wsp_key_email = E-Mail Address Donation Choice = Select One Comments =

Dear Fr. Jim,

I have attended St. Miriam's twice and have felt very moved with each experience.

Today, at my parish, St. Joseph’s in Ambler, I was very disappointed to listen to our pastor, Fr. Tully, condemn St. Miriam's as a schismatic church. He stated the Asst. Pastor at St. Miriam's has been stripped of his faculties and intimated some reason that was too horrific to share. He encouraged us not to be intimidated by "you".

This was such a disturbing experience for me. I have found you and the congregation so open and accepting of us. I have never heard, nor read, any disparaging remarks about the mainstream catholic church stated by St. Miriam's. I can only say you have been a model of Christian acceptance.

I fully intend to address this with Fr. Tully.

Please continue on your mission, and be aware, if you are not already, that the diocese is on a mission against you.

Sincerely,

XX XXXXX
wsp_key_message = Message
Submit = Submit

PRESS RELEASE

SAINT MIRIAM, A PARISH COMMUNITY 475 Norristown Road
Blue Bell, PA 19422
Phone (215) 701-4781
Info@MySaintMiriam.org

Press Release
Contact: Father Jim St. George
Phone: (215) 701-4781 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
9 A.M. EDT, April 23 2010

PASTOR OF SAINT MIRIAM RESPONDS TO ATTACK BY
ROMAN CATHOLIC ARCHDIOCESE OF PHILADELPHIA

BLUE BELL, PA, APRIL 23, 2010: On April 14th 2010, The Reverend Monsignor Daniel J. Sullivan, Vicar for Clergy for the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Philadelphia, sent an email (see below) to all clergy of their diocese regarding my parish of Saint Miriam and our associate pastor, (The Rev.) Father Harry Richards. In it, Father Sullivan claims that we are a schismatic church and that Father Richards has no ability to function as a priest. He further suggested that the parishes of the diocese might wish to print the narrative in their weekly bulletin to ‘clear confusion’ and that would be ‘helpful for the people of your parish to be informed of this matter.’ We concur completely.

It is of note that we are also pleased that Father Sullivan called us a ‘church’. This is especially enlightening since in 2007, Pope Benedict declared the primacy of the Roman Church, stating that, “Christ 'established here on earth' only one church," and that other Christian communities "cannot be called 'churches' in the proper sense" since they don't have what's known as apostolic succession – that is, the ability to trace their bishops back to the original 12 apostles of Jesus. He went on to say that "Christ 'established here on earth' only one church," reasserting the primacy of his church over others. Therefore, since Pope Benedict declared that other Christian communities "cannot be called 'churches' in the proper sense" (Ref: http://www.wnd.com/news/article.asp?ARTICLE_ID=56612) and since Father Sullivan called us a church, schismatic at that, at least we are making progress. Additionally, we wonder if an Orthodox Catholic or even a Protestant church opened, would the diocese go to so much trouble in their attempts to discredit their mission, too?

While the Philadelphia Diocese has no jurisdiction, there are a few issues we still disagree with, and since this memo has now been published in several churches, we feel it our right to respond publically:

First, Father Richards’ priesthood is not determinative upon Rome’s recognition. The archdiocese is simply angry that ‘one of their own priests’ has left their fold to follow his conscience and serve his priesthood in a loving and caring community of God. In June 2009, their own leader, Pope Benedict, declared the “year of the priest.” He stated that without the priest, there would be no Eucharist, no mission or even a church. Perhaps the pontiff would remind the archdiocese and himself that Jesus was not a Catholic priest, nor was Jesus a Roman Catholic. In fact, Jesus was not Catholic at all, he was a Jew.

The clericalism that has risen since the Resurrection has resulted in many sad divisions within the greater church and the church at Rome seems bent on its continuing. Father Richards incardinated into the Old Catholic Church and, therefore, does not need any Roman authority to function as a priest. His priesthood is of God, not the Church at Rome. The archdioceses’ declaration that he is not able to participate in a Roman Catholic Church would be the same as saying he cannot celebrate the Eucharist within a Methodist Church! His priesthood is intact and valid and under the authority of our Archbishop within the Old Catholic Church.

Second, it might serve us to note that the Old Catholic Church split from the Church at Rome after Vatican I when the church, in another moment of self-serving and self-righteousness, declared the pontiff infallible in 1871. This term, Old Catholic, was first used in 1853 to describe the members of the See of Utrecht who, as with all of the earliest of Catholic communities, did not recognize any claimed 'infallibility. As the groups that split from Rome in the 1870s had no bishop, they joined Utrecht forming the Union of Utrecht. Our church continues that tradition and lineage. Therefore, we are what Father Sullivan claims, separated from the Roman Church and proud that we are so.

Thirdly, we find it ironic, if not even a little sad, that with all that is currently ugly and under investigation within their Roman Church, that they would find it necessary, or even have the time, to attempt to thwart our mission of love and care. Is it not biblical that one should remove the log from one’s own eye, before attempting to gouge out the splinter from another’s? The Roman Catholic Church might well be better served if its leaders would concentrate on what is wrong with their church before trying to harm another church that has not, in its history, ever harmed a child, nor had even an allegation of abuse let alone tried to thwart their vision of church.

The Roman Church continues to present itself as the only Catholic Church. The below memo continues this unpleasant truth of their own arrogance and falsehoods. It believes that it controls all things Catholic. Pride is such an ugly sin. As long as Rome continues to believe that they have a lock on the word Catholic and the word Church, we all suffer; their people suffer. It is time that others know the truth.

The Eucharist, mission, and even the Church existed long before the priesthood, and certainly long before anyone ever thought of the Roman Catholic Church. Maybe it is time we all grow up and get back to the work of serving God and God’s people?

Saint Miriam has two main services each week, Thursday at 6:30PM and Sundays at 10:30 AM. They also honor the Rosary on Thursdays at 6:00PM and a monthly Charismatic prayer group. The services are Catholic, but inclusive and inspiring with a mix of music from old and new, modern touches and incense smoke that finally warms the heart, as well as the senses!

Please contact Father Jim St. George for more information or visit www.mySaintMiriam.org.

From: Kathleen Matela [mailto:KMATELA@adphila.org]
Sent: Thursday, April 15, 2010 12:10 PM
To: Kathleen Matela
Subject: Saint Miriam Church, a Schismatic Church

MEMORANDUM

TO: All Priests of the Archdiocese of Philadelphia
FROM: Reverend Monsignor Daniel J. Sullivan
Vicar for Clergy
DATE: April 14, 2010

RE: Saint Miriam Church, a Schismatic Church

It has come to the attention of the Office for Clergy that Saint Miriam Church, a schismatic church associated with the "Old Catholic Church, has now relocated to the Blue Bell area. The church was formerly located in the Roxborough area. Saint Miriam Church presents itself as a Catholic Church in its materials and advertisements, which has led to confusion for some area Catholics, stating that it is ". . . a new face on what it means to be Catholic."

Father Harry Richards, who was ordained for the Archdiocese in 1991, is identified as the associate pastor of Saint Miriam Church. Father Richards is not a priest in good standing, however, and he does not have
the faculties of the Archdiocese. As such, Father Richards is not permitted to exercise any priestly ministry.

The following is a suggested bulletin announcement for your use in the event that it would be helpful for the people of your parish to be informed of this matter:

Recently, a church called Saint Miriam has relocated to the Blue Bell area and has been advertising itself in a local newspaper as a Catholic Church. Saint Miriam Church is not a parish of the Archdiocese
of Philadelphia, however, and is not in union with the Roman Catholic Church.

Saint Miriam Church lists Reverend Harry Richards as associate pastor of the church.
While Father Richards was ordained for the Archdiocese, he is not a priest in good standing and he does not have
the faculties of the Archdiocese. As such, Father Richards is not permitted to exercise any priestly ministry.

For your information and convenience, all Catholic parishes are listed on the website of the Archdiocese of Philadelphia (http://archphila.org/home.php.). You may also contact the Archdiocese at 215-587-3747 if you need assistance in confirming the Catholicity of a church.

-End-

The Absurdity of Mystery is not so Absurd…

2010-04-23T05:31:00.000-07:00

It is absurd to apologize for mystery...

Some of you movies buffs will remember an Italian film of a few years ago entitled Le Dolce Vita. As that movie opens, a helicopter is flying rather slowly and not very high above the earth. Slung from the helicopter is a kind of rope halter in which there is a statue dressed in robes with arms outstretched. Now and then it becomes rather amusing as the camera focuses simply on that statue, and it looks as though the statue is flying through the air alone. It passes a field where some men are working in tractors. They look up and see this sight and become very excited. They begin shouting to one another and pointing and then one of the fellas recognize who it is a statute of and says, hey, that’s Jesus. The others become even more excited. They throw their hats into the air; they wave and they scream, but the helicopter moves on.

It comes into the edge of the city of Rome, flying rather low over an apartment building, on the top of this building is a swimming pool surrounded by beautiful girls dressed in skin clad bikinis. The helicopter does a double take as the men flying it turn back to see what’s going on there. It comes back and hovers over the swimming pool and in an effort to attract the girls’ attention, the men began to shout down at the them, asking them for their telephone numbers, telling them that they’re going to finish their mission – taking the statue to the Vatican – and that they would be quite happy to come back when they finished that mission.

It’s a rather amusing thing to see, and Frederick Beaconer describes the kind of reaction the audience in a college town where he saw that movie had. At first it was an immediate reaction of laughter; laughter at the incongruity of it all. On the one hand, the sacred statue dangling from the sky; on the other, the profane Italians and the bosomy young bathing beauties. One of them cold, remote, so out of place, hanging there from the sky; the other made of flesh so radiant with life.

When the thing comes on and the people begin to laugh, no one doubts as to what they’re laughing at, and no one doubts as to whose expense it is. But when the helicopter gets on into the center of Rome, the dome of St. Peter’s Cathedral looms up from the earth, and then for the first time, the camera focuses in on just the statue, and very soon this figure of Jesus fills the screen. And then they move in, zoom in so tightly that only the bearded face of Jesus fills the entire screen --- then, there’s no more laughter. All is quiet and still; there is complete silence, because it seems as though they are seeing their own face for the first time. A face that they may not have seen before, but a face that they somehow know belongs to them, or that somehow they know they belong to it.

It’s absurd to apologize for mystery. And there’s mystery here; mystery in the way that Jesus comes to us; mystery in the way that when we, in his presence, in our heart of hearts, have to be still and quiet and look and listen and ask, what have you to do with me, Jesus of Nazareth? What must I do with Jesus who is called the Christ? How must I live? How must I treat others?

Joyful Christians or not?

2010-04-15T04:26:00.001-07:00

One cold, rainy morning a teenager awakened on a farm and walked out to the back of the barn where she kept her favorite pet “her animal friend”, the mule. The mule was standing outside in the rain, and as the drops of water rolled off the end of the long nose of that ugly animal, the mule seemed discouraged and depressed. She looked at her favorite friend and said, “You know, Betsy, you would make a wonderful Christian because you look like so many Christians I know! You look like you have lost your last friend. You look like the world is coming to an end.”

Have you ever wondered how the Apostle Paul could have joy down deep in his heart when he was in prison for his faith in Jesus Christ, but yet he writes to fellow Christians from the Philippian jail cell that we as Christians were to "rejoice" in the Lord regardless of what state of being or difficult circumstances we would find ourselves. And how could John the Baptist once again have joy in his heart when he knew that his importance in the salvation drama that God was unfolding was decreasing rather than increasing? How could he say, "This joy of mine is now full," when he knew that he would soon die.

I have often heard others remark, "Aren't Christians supposed to have JOY? Aren't they the unique people of the Earth who claim that we have found the secret and the source of unending joy? At Christmas, we sing, "Joy to the World, the Lord is Come." How often do worship services in Christian churches begin with that great hymn, "Joyful, Joyful, We Adore Thee"? Many hymnals also have responsive readings based on Psalm 118 which declares, "Let us rejoice and be glad." In Nehemiah, we find God instructing the leaders to tell Israel that it is okay to be joyous and festive in our celebration and praise of God. Yet, as Christians, do we? Do we feel the joy or do we live too deeply in the world?

I remember Erma Bombeck once sharing a story about a mother and father who sat with their three-year-old child during a Sunday morning worship service. The small child was quietly walking in the pew, smiling and grinning at the people sitting in the pew behind them. The father very solemnly grabs the boy and tells him to stop smiling and having fun, because this is church and we are to look serious and somber; this isn’t a place to have fun!

In our generation there have been a number of books published under the banner "the one minute" approach to life. First, there was the "One Minute Manager". That book was followed by one titled, "Applying the One Minute Manager." Then these books led into the following books: "The One Minute Scolding;" "The One Minute Father;" "The One Minute Mother," and the series just seems to continue into every aspect of our lives. These books tell you how to do things quickly and efficiently.

However, this modern day approach to life will never work when it comes to developing real joy in our lives. We will never know real joy if we only have a minute or two for God; one minute devotions, one minute prayers, and only attend one hour worship services on Sunday morning. For joy is the echo of God's life within us. Joy is a form of energy which helps us live above the circumstances of trouble and sorrow. Joy is the celebration of life which doesn't center its focus on what we might lose but on what we have left. Joy is that power which makes us strong from the inside out.

Do you want joy? Then you must begin with God. Is God preeminent in your life? The first priority in life is to be the worship of God. The worship of God is directly related to the freedom to be obedient to God. His will becomes the ruling principle of life. God's will becomes the dominating passion of life. More important than any preference, tastes, ambitions, ego, or the opinions of others is what God wants. This is the delight of a Christian. This is to be the priority of life. God brings life and joy.

Perhaps Saint Francis of Assisi said it best, "Let us leave sadness to the devil and his angels. As for us Christians, what can we be but rejoicing and glad."

What a Difference 3 Years Makes! An Open Letter...

2010-04-06T09:19:00.000-07:00

My dear friends in Christ,

A little over 3 years ago, after 12 years of discernment and seminary and 7 moves to three cities, Sean and I sat down, in our small apartment in Allentown, and tried to listen to the voice of God. We put pen to paper and ‘created’ a church from the ground up. What would she feel like? How would she welcome? What would we do in each service? When would they occur? Who would be welcomed? Those questions, and so many more, were placed on paper and then transferred to a website. No, we hadn’t a real church; and no, we had no real money…not yet! But, what we did have was faith and what we did know was what ‘she’ would look and feel like!

Then, with the help of Mr. Visa and Mr. Discover, we took another leap of faith and rented space at Mishkan Shalom in Roxborough. We prayed and worked very hard and soon, others just as crazy as us came! Some have stayed, some have visited, and others have gone, but in the end a community of faith was born.

Later, after just shy of two short years, we as a faith community prayed deeply and listened for the still, small voice of God to guide us yet again. We voted with our hands, and our wallets, and we made the enormous decision to take a great risk and move to Blue Bell, Pennsylvania to allow others to come, and sit, and to grow, and to learn of the inclusive love of God.

Yes, we have made many mistakes along the way. But, in the most Christian of ways, we have grown stronger and become stronger as a community. Together, we have been a blessing to many more than we realized. And, while we are still unsure of our future, we do know that God is with us.

Now, after many years of work and toil, we pause to celebrate! This coming Sunday, April 11, 2010 at 10:30 AM all of us will gather as a community, with friends and supporters alike, and formally consecrate our new church building to the Glory of God and as a House of Prayer for everyone, without reservation or pretext. We will be joined by our Archbishop and we will throw some smoke and water, some of our children will present flowers, and together we will be joyful for all that God has done with the help of our loving hands and giving spirits.

Please, take a moment and think about how far we gave come together. Then, make an extra effort to join all of us this Sunday…

"…as a wise director of works I laid a foundation, but someone else is building on it. But let each one keep watching how he is building on it." [1 Corinthians 3:10]

May God bless us all and see you this Sunday…

Father Jim+
Pastor

Appalled and Dismayed…Again…

2010-03-25T05:47:00.000-07:00

Today we learned that the current Pope, the Holy Father, failed to defrock a priest that molested over 200 deaf boys, even though he was warned more than once. (ref: http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/36030565/ns/world_news-the_new_york_times/from/ET ). Then, Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger, decided to listen to a plea from the priest himself and the matter dropped. It dropped like so many others, more than I am afraid we will ever really know.

Oh dear God. I am appalled, again. Why? Our duty as priests is to protect the poor and the marginalized, the vulnerable, the orphaned, the widow. That is a mandate. It is non-negotiable. Plea or no plea. This is inexcusable. The whole scandal is inexcusable.

As a Catholic priest, even though not Roman, I pray for forgiveness on behalf of a Church that has become so bereft of God, they would rather blame others just like the Pharisees did, rather than see the log in their own eye.

I am sorry. On behalf of all of the good, hard working, and honest priests who serve God in a manner in keeping with the dignity of the office we have been called to, I am sorry; I am sorry to Arthur Budzinski who was molested by Father Murphy as he attended St. John’s and simply asked to go to confession! I am sorry to all the other 199 + boys who endured Father Murphy and this system that protected him. I am sorry that the leadership of a church would rather lie and cheat and steal the very life out of another human, than to help heal wounds so deep they never go away.

I pray daily for their wounds. As someone who, too, was molested at the hands of a priest, but healed enough to come back and serve others, I understand that power of an apology. I know of forgiveness, but it needs to start with the offenders. Please, as a priest and as a fellow human, I am sorry.

What made this worse was the line that read: ‘As to why Father Murphy was never defrocked, he said that “the Code of Canon Law does not envision automatic penalties.’ Oh God, Help us. He molested as many as 200 deaf boys! What more do you need? (if I could curse, this is where I would...)

Look, stop blaming this on gay men or homosexuality and wake up. Stop clearing your seminaries of gay men like that will stop this abuse and grow up and learn about sexuality, all human sexuality and make real change! It’s your system that is broken, not the priests, now fix it.

And, before you do anything else, repent and stop hiding. Tell the people of the world that you are sorry. That the Catholic Church is sorry. That every living person who is Catholic is sorry. But take some responsibility, please. Before it’s too late for you, too...after all, you do have a soul, right?

The Trouble with Tribbles

2010-03-15T16:26:00.000-07:00

When I was young I was a Trekkie. Yes, I admit it. And there was once an episode once called “The Trouble with Tribbles.” It was one of the earlier episodes and I loved it. These ‘tribbles’ were little fuzzy things that got into everything. The "trouble" with the tribbles was that they reproduced far too quickly and were capable of eating a planet barren if their breeding was not controlled; in the words of Dr. McCoy, the famous ship’s doctor, "they are born pregnant" and threatened to consume all the onboard supplies from the Starship. The problem was aggravated when it is discovered that the creatures were entering essential ship systems, interfering with their functions and consuming any edible contents present. Yes, it was a mess.

Well, that is how I feel about being Catholic. It is a mess and it is now interfering with the ships navigation system! You see, the last week has brought it all back. No, I have never been involved in the scandal, but as a Catholic I am touched by it every day. And, just because my parish is Catholic is enough to cause some not to visit. That is even sadder! Some people turn away from me as a priest, others blame me even though I have never harmed a child. Well, you know what…they should. Yes, they should blame all of us Catholics and we should take it. We should accept responsibility and move to fix it. Instead, we allow Rome to say they are fixing it when in truth they are doing little, if anything about the real issues.

This week it reached the top in more ways than one. The Pope was now implicated in that while he was in charge of the Diocese of Munich, while he was Archbishop there, a predator was ‘re-located’ for “therapy” and then placed again back into active ministry. The result: more sexual abuse. This is beyond sad, it is criminal.

The Roman Catholic Church needs to face facts: the system is at fault. No, it is not gays, or Protestants, or men in general, or any church, or even our human sexuality. It is the system! The system that is forming priests is causing a deep pathology and it needs to end. Lives are at stake and Jesus is weeping at the mess that has been created. How does a church claim to be the “one true church of Peter” and then allow such abuse? Again, it is criminal.

I, and my parish, are Old Catholics. We are part of a system that rebelled against Rome after the First Vatican Council in 1868. Even then we knew it was beginning to crumble. We asked them to fix it, they refused and we simply left. To this day we have no sex scandals and operate wonderful, God-fearing, inclusive, loving parishes all over the world. And yet few come. No, they would rather believe the rhetoric that if they don’t go to a Roman Catholic Church they will go to hell. Well, the real trouble with tribbles is that they were fictional. And so is that premise.

I ask you to stop and think and use the brain God gave you. Ask yourself what kind of God would create the world and then laugh as only a few thousand or so get into heaven? Come on folks. Get over it.

How do you stop this abuse? How do you tell those in power that enough is enough? How do you show them that hiding and playing checkers with broken priests is never acceptable? How do you tell them that it’s time to accept responsibility and instead of hiding, face it and ask for forgiveness? Walk away. Find a church – mine, or any other church that truly fears God – and take your prayers, your money, your talent, and your love there where it might just heal someone, rather than harm. Because if you don’t the next question you should ask as you go and kneel down before God is how do you support a system like that?

Yes, but why on a Sunday?

2010-03-14T05:11:00.000-07:00

I have never been able to quite figure out why people attend events outside church on a Sunday. Even more to the point, why do groups and teams and others plan such activities on a Sunday? This is an ever increasing phenomenon in our nation. And, I find it sad. Sad that people would value these ‘other activities’, often secular, above going to worship God with their community of faith. Some of these groups are even defined as 'Christian', yet they plan events that pull others from their church community on the very day they are to be present...present for God and for all who gather as one.

When I grew up there were still ‘blue laws’ in effect. Car dealerships, liquor stores, etc., all were closed every Sunday! If you needed it, you had better have gone on Saturday because Sunday was for God. Not anymore.

Last summer, many of my parishioners could not attend mass because their little league games were all on Sunday. That means that we teach our children that Sunday is for hotdogs and apple pie, not God. This year, many come to me and ask for help, come for counseling, come to sit with me and ask me my advice, or prayer, or support, but then go to yoga on the Lord’s Day.

Please, don't get me wrong, I love my work and love being their for them. And, I know that we all need a break now and then, but why on a Sunday when that is its very purpose, to help us the rest of the week?

Am I angry? Not at them, but I am angry at those who plan the events with no regard for God, for Sunday, for honoring the first day of the week where many find their true life. Am I sad? Yes. Very sad. Why? Because as a priest I put them first every day. And, all I ask in return is that one day a week, they put God first.

Well, maybe after the game…

Never being Far from the Sword…

2010-03-06T05:25:00.000-08:00

I had a really interesting conversation with a good friend of mine. He is a priest in Chicago and has years of experience. In fact, while I was in seminary, he was my canonical sponsor and mentor. He taught me how to be a priest! We have remained close friends ever since.

We spoke of many things, but in particular some of the ‘growing pains’ that I am having with my parish. He told me to stay fast and keep the direction…it is good. He also reminded me that what makes me a good priest is that I am sensitive and caring. It is also what makes me a bad priest at times because I cannot be as firm as I need to be, or I get hurt so easily. But, as he reminded me, too, if we "toughen up your skin; we ruin who you are as a good priest!” He comforted me greatly. I am grateful.

He also reminded me that the most powerful king in the entire Bible was David. King David of Israel was known for his diverse skills as both a warrior and a writer of psalms. In his 40 years as ruler, he united the people of Israel, led them to victory in battle, conquered land and paved the way for his son to build the great temple. Yet even David, in all his glory, the Scripture reminds us, ‘was never far from the sword.’

This is the life of a priest. We often get glory for things we do not do, or the work of others. And, we often receive the blame for things we do not do, and the mistakes of others! We also are called to be ‘ready at the sword’ – always. Our life is not one of rest, but of battle. We are called to do the work of God in this world. It is often difficult and without reward. That will come later…much later.

I ended by asking him how he grew a parish from just 12 souls to well over 700 parishioners? He said simply: Mass, Mary, Rosary, and good sermons! Well, we have all that at Saint Miriam. So, I guess we will stay the course!

Blessed Lent.

Of Stations and Vineyards

2010-03-05T07:11:00.000-08:00

Last night at my parish of Saint Miriam, as we do every Thursday in Lent, we journeyed through the Stations of the Cross once again. It is our Lenten discipline as a people of faith. Now, don’t get me wrong, there are few who come to this Lenten offering. In fact, last night we had a total of nine souls who ventured out into the dark, cold night to find the warmth of devotional time within their parish; to find their Christ as he journeyed to the cross all for their benefit. It did not surprise me…it never does.

You see, I have come to realize that the world has become so complex, so busy, so whatever, that few take the time to simply stop and remember why we exist at all. Those nine from last evening, they knew…they know.

It is sad for me as a person, even sadder for me as a priest, that so few take the time to pray and seek God. But as I speak with other priests, we all find that these various forms of prayer and reflection are diminishing in our society today. Confession is all but nonexistent, time for the Daily offices is a thing of the past, Rosary is mundane, and coming early to Mass every Sunday for a devotional time of prayer and thought is simply viewed as a silly waste of time. Sad.

Today the Spirit of God is still with us. It is just many do not feel it because they are so busy with the other things that make life happen. But, what they – and even often myself -fail to realize is that we have it backwards – we exist – all life exists - because of that Spirit that allows us to move and have our very being. What would the Vineyard be like without God? What would our lives be without God?

The various vineyards that God has given us come in many forms: our homes, our jobs, our friends, our families, our church, our time of just being with God. Each of these requires – demands – our care and devotion. We are stewards of each of these vineyards.

If, then, we truly seek God, if we truly seek Christ to be in us, if we truly seek peace and justice and a world free of hatred and malice…come to the vineyards…even when they may not be convenient…

My Lenten Discipline

2010-03-02T10:35:00.000-08:00

I have an email buddy. I am not sure how he came to me, but he is 14 years old and lives near Chicago. He sends me his thoughts almost weekly and most have to do with the long-not-answered questions about God and our existence. He is very bright for being so young!

Last week he asked me what I was going to give up for Lent. I thought for a brief moment and then effortlessly replied: cursing! (I have not done very well lately!).

After he received my reply he immediately shot back his reply email, “Father, you curse?!!!” Well, I do. I don’t like it, but I often find myself on the wrong side of the wrong word choice! I am trying, prayerfully, to get better.

Now, don’t get me wrong. I don’t have anything against those who use colorful language! I just think that my personal bar is slightly higher and that I can do better. Sometimes, I do appreciate that ‘that word’ may be the best option in the heat of the moment! But, none-the-less I am trying to do better.

So, what does this have to do with lent? Well, everything actually. First, it shows that priests are not perfect. The world needs to wake up and get rid of their disillusionment about how we are to be perfect. We are fragile – and oh how human we are! We are at times broken and hurting, just like you. But, we are saved and called, too…just like you!

Secondly, I am looking at myself. Not away. I am surveying the landscape of me and seeing what others might see. Most of what I see, I like. Some, I don’t. And that is where I will begin to weed this Lent.

The last few weeks I have received several emails from those who have left the parish in our transition. Almost one a day for the last week (yes, ironically we lost 7 people!) They have been very direct about all the things that are wrong with me. I have been somewhat hurt by these emails (perhaps that was their intent), but I have thought deeply about each and every word. After all, that is how you grow!

But, then I realized. This is cursing! Yes, anything that does not build up the Kingdom of God destroys it. They are destroying it – or at last trying to destroy what God has built! They are living profanity! Moreover, I then asked myself…if I am so awful why do they persist? It is simply because of the truth. They do so because deep down, they know the truth. They are lost and broken and oftentimes hurting or even drunk. But, they know…deep down…that they, too, curse. And that the best place on earth was and is that small parish we call Saint Miriam...

In our Lenten reflection book today it reads that ‘Jesus calls us this Lent to seek compassion despite our own anxiety, forgiveness beyond our own hurts, justice beyond our own predicament, generosity beyond our own needs.’ Despite a few mean-spirited people with access to AOL, I am committed to each of these, even if others are not. I join you in prayer for them, and all of us as we journey to the other side of Lent.

God and Email

2010-03-01T06:06:00.000-08:00

The longer I live in today’s modern world, the more that I recognize our civilization is ending. Instant communication has lessened our ability to pen a good word or to know how to even write a legitimate, coherent, well crafted letter. We have replaced “you” with ‘u’ and “I have got to get going” with ‘IG2G’. The list is endless…and mindless!

What’s worst in all of this is we have lost decorum. Civility is casualty of the modern world; so is, sadly, empathy and love. We have lost the ability to see our own weakness. We blame others and lash out in the middle of the night through our hateful, spiteful, illogical emails. We no longer meet and dialogue, we spew. We no longer know how to sit and engage and work out the difficult issues we all face. Instead, we blame ‘the other’ for our lot in life, sit and send out a hurried and detestable email, and then retreat back in to our cold room, our deep mortgage crisis, our bills piling up, our broken marriage, or even for some, our bottle of Jack. Yes, God is often not found in email. God is lost in our world today. How sad.

At the end of our days, when each of us must answer for our wrongs. When we meet the Ultimate Compassion at His gate and He asks us why? I pray that those of us who have hidden behind our repulsive rhetoric in the middle of our dark nights hear a real voice of kindness and love…and not “IG2G”.

The Devil's Tentacles

2010-02-27T05:38:00.000-08:00

The Devils Tentacles

When I was growing up as a child there was a famous poem that had a line about the “Devil’s tentacles.” It used to scare me to death! I used to have terrible night tremors and horrible nightmares about the Devil coming from beneath my bed, or from within my dark closet at night. He would end up grabbing me with his sticky, fiery tentacles and pulling me away from the family I loved so much! There was many a night that caused me great concern and angst and it was only the loving arms of my mother, coming to me in the midst of my sweat and weeping that consoled me back into the sleep of God’s love. I would awake the next day and all would be as it was; all would be well and no Devil was there.

As we have now begun deeply our Lenten journey, I have come to see how the Devil really works in the world today. No, he does not come to us from darkened wood, or from beneath our beds. He comes to us through ourselves! Our weaknesses, our insecurities, our backgrounds, our wishing to be better than we are, our looking down upon ourselves, our being jealous of the other person next to us, our coveting someone else’s world. In all of these the Devil comes and causes the world’s pain.

As my parish has made a transition to be more in line with our Creedal belief system and Trinitarian Orthodoxy, some have left. Sadly, we grieve them. But as they left with such unwarranted anger, such volatility, such mean-spiritedness; and almost always directed at me as their priest and pastor (we enjoy that privilege as well all too often), I began to rethink their actions in the light of that poem.

No, the Devil is not dead. He does exist. He is alive and well and uses our own insecurities to vomit lies and hatred and colored half-truths all in order to make us feel better our lot in life. He says to us as he points with a shiny grin, “There! There is what is responsible for your lousy lot in life!” and then he sits back and idly nurses his own anger toward God as we do his evil bidding. After all, how much worse of an evil could we possibly perpetrate upon the world then to destroy a church of God?

No, there is no direct Commandment that reads, “Thou shalt not destroy my Church”, but it is implied in all of holy life and work.

Perhaps the next time we sit down to shout our own unfair insecurities at someone – or some holy place - who has done nothing to us directly, we should begin in prayer and see where God is found within each word, each syllable, and between each line. And, maybe…just maybe, if we do that with an honest integrity, and look at the world in truthfulness, we may just find my mother’s hands consoling us and showing us once again that there is no devil beyond our own making and doing…

Preacher…Preach me the Smooth Things!

2010-02-19T05:42:00.000-08:00

Why is it that we always want the easy way out? Why do we want the road to be smooth and the debts to be low and the income high? Why is that we expect that our life should be plum and full of joy and goodness while the sorry and grief should always be limited, or even non-existent at all? Why is that we gossip and rumor and back stab and then wonder why our life is such a mess when we made such a mess out of another’s life by our words and actions? Why is it that we want our pastors to preach the smooth things so that we leave feeling good about ourselves, rather than facing our brokenness head on?

Lent is a time for us to re-stock. To look at ourselves and to wonder out loud why we are such a mess. Then, we are called to stop blaming others, or God, and take hold of that which separates us from the love of God and His created. We are called to be human, but adults and to stop acting like children.

Each month I sit with my spiritual director and cry. Each week I sit with my therapist and cry. I cry for myself, for my stupidity, for my pain. I also cry for others. Those who have lost their way and think that God is found in the rainbows of life. Yes, God is surely there, but God is more often found in that ‘dark nights of our soul’ – in those places we are not so comfortable. That is where we often find God.

Jesus hung on the cross. He died for fools like you and me. And, yet here we are…expecting that our life should be better than His.

Shame on us.

Dirty Hands, Monkeys, and Tradition

2010-02-12T04:20:00.000-08:00

It's a phrase we still use today: he has dirty hands. We could be referring to hands that are soiled from doing good honest labor. The mechanic who works on our car may have dirty hands, but it is no discredit to him. It comes with the territory. The farmer may also have dirty hands from working all day in the fields. And we honor him because he or she helps feed our world. There is no disgrace in having dirty hands. Unless, of course, we mean it in a metaphorical sense: his hands are soiled with dishonesty, infidelity, greed. If we say the banker, or the politician, or even the preacher has dirty hands, it is usually a serious matter indeed.

The disciples were eating with dirty hands. At least, that is what the Pharisees believed. They – and Jesus – had dirty hands because they welcomed so many and turned their back on the worst of tradition. Some of the disciples did not perform the ritual cleansing of their hands before they ate. This probably reflected the coarseness of their backgrounds. Fishermen do not observe all the niceties that refined folks observe. They live in a different world. Some would say they live in the real world. But it disturbed the Pharisees. It glared out at them like someone picking their teeth in a fine restaurant. Like someone not having a blessing at a dinner gathering of clergy. It's just bad form.

And the Pharisees were big on form. I mean, if someone doesn't stand for good taste what will happen to us? There were certain traditions that must be maintained. They were opera-goers in a world of boom-boxes cranking out urban rap. They watched "Masterpiece Theater" on public television while their unwashed neighbors watched the "Bachelorette." Somebody has to save our culture from the degradation of common tastes – from all those commoners. It's easy to ridicule the Pharisees, but they were the people who helped maintain standards in a world "Slouching Toward Gomorrah," to use Robert Bork's colorful phrase. They were guardians of good taste, gatekeepers at the walls of tradition.

Mark sets the stage for this passage from his gospel today by telling us that the disciples were eating with dirty hands and the scribes and the Pharisees were disturbed. Then Mark gives this editorial comment. "The Pharisees, and all the Jews," he tells us, "do not eat unless they thoroughly wash their hands, thus observing the tradition of the elders; and they do not eat anything from the market unless they wash it; and there are also many other traditions that they observe, the washing of cups, pots, and bronze kettles."

Tradition is an interesting phenomenon. It has its pluses. It has helped our Jewish friends maintain their identity over five thousand of years of history.

Tradition also has its minuses. Someone has expressed its minuses like this:

Put five monkeys inside a cage. Hang a banana on a string in the cage and put a set of stairs under it. Before long, one of the monkeys will go to the stairs and start to climb up toward the banana. As soon as his feet touch the stairs, spray all of the other monkeys with cold water.

After a while, another monkey will make an attempt to get the banana, which will also result in all of the other monkeys being sprayed with cold water. Pretty soon, when another monkey tries to climb the stairs, the other monkeys will try to stop it.

Now, put away the cold water. Take one monkey out of the cage and put in a different one. The new monkey will see the banana and start to climb the stairs. To his surprise and horror, all of the other monkeys will attack him. After another attempt and another attack, the monkey knows that if he tries to climb the stairs, he will be assaulted.

Next, take away another of the original five monkeys and replace it with a new one. The newcomer will go to the stairs and be attacked. The previous newcomer will take part in the punishment with enthusiasm! Likewise, replace a third original monkey with a new one, then the fourth, and then the fifth.

Every time the newest monkey starts up the stairs, he will be attacked. Most of the monkeys that are beating him have no idea why they were not permitted to climb the stairs or why they are participating in beating the newest monkey.

After replacing all the original monkeys, none of the remaining monkeys have ever been sprayed with cold water. Nevertheless, no monkey ever again approaches the stairs to try to reach that banana.

Why not? Because as far as they know that's the way it's always been done around here.

Why Not Just Stay Home?

2010-02-07T03:43:00.000-08:00

I have received many bits of advice since the storm started here locally. Some from well-meaning friends and some from even more well-meaning parishioners: Why not just stay home? Who is going to come to church anyway? Would it not be nice to stay inside where it is warm? Aren’t you concerned with your safety?

Well, the answer to all of those questions and so m any more is “Yes!” But, when I became a priest, I made a commitment to God, and to those who would call me Father, that I would put their needs above my own. It is not easy, I have to admit that. I sometimes even cry out that I am too exhausted, or to weary, or too emotionally drained, or too anything. But, then I pick myself up and go to wherever I am supposed to be and something happens…God comes. God comes and meets me in my exhaustion, fear, anger, sadness, loneliness, etc. and holds me. He reminds me of why I am called. No, I am far from perfect.

And this past week so many whom I have loved and trusted have reminded me of how imperfect and broken I am. So many of those very same people have walked away from me and said you are no longer worthy of my love and friendship. They wanted perfection, I gave them reality. I am capable of nothing more. But, then God came and reminded me that they did the same thing to Him. Jesus called so many and so many walked away. He walked along the shore, and in the towns, and out to the countryside, and asked so many to leave their nets, their lives, their hurts, their anything and follow Him. So few did. And even those that did follow, so many couldn’t, in the end, cut it and they, too, sadly left. They could not live within a real community that embraced those who were less than perfect.

Well, this broken and less-than-perfect and sometimes wonderful, and sometimes awfully fully-human exhausted and even admittedly angry priest has decided to go to church and open wide the doors this morning for another Sunday. Just in case there is someone who sees the world as I do…as God does…

Astounding Faith and Us...

2010-02-05T06:02:00.000-08:00

The Fourth of July makes us conscious of our roots. Have you ever thought what a leap of faith it was for Columbus to embark on his great adventure? Do you not marvel at his perseverance and commitment to his dream?

I read somewhere that the average speed of the Santa Maria during the voyage across the Atlantic was just two miles an hour. Yet we get frustrated when we have to slow down to 30 in traffic. Do you wonder why his crew became almost mutinous at times? Do you understand how frustrated Columbus must have been on such occasions with their lack of faith?

Our founding fathers faced the same type of frustration. The Declaration of Independence was not entirely popular. If Gallup had taken a poll back then, it would have shown that a fairly sizeable number of the early fathers and mothers thought it would be suicide to defy the British Empire. The faith of Washington, Jefferson, Franklin and others is even more thrilling when viewed in that light.

Then,of course, there was Francis Scott Key detained aboard a British ship while the bombardment of Fort Henry took place. All night long the British ships' guns pounded the shoreline. But morning broke and Key saw "by dawn's early light the star-spangled banner yet waving."

Jesus knew how it felt to be frustrated by people's lack of faith. His disciples were with him. It was the Sabbath day in his hometown of Nazareth and he was teaching in the synagogue. His friends and neighbors were astonished. "Isn't this Jesus, the carpenter who is teaching?" they asked. "Isn't he the son of Mary, the brother of James, and Joses, and Judah and Simon? Aren't these his sisters here with us?" They knew him. They knew his family. Mark tells us that they were offended by him. It is here that Jesus spoke those well-known, often quoted words recorded in Mark's Gospel: "A prophet is not without honor, but in his own country, and among his own kin, and in his own family." How true that is. One definition of an expert is that you have to be more than 200 miles from home.

Our Gospel lesson is also clear today. There is no wiggle room, no parable to confuse us, no fancy words or idioms that attempt to sway us or cajole us. No, the lesson here today is clear: Jesus instructed them to take nothing for the journey but a walking stick –no food, no sack, no money in their belts. They were, however, to wear sandals, but not a second tunic. He said to them, “Wherever you enter a house, stay there until you leave from there. Whatever place does not welcome you or listen to you, leave there and shake the dust off your feet in testimony against them.”

Since we have formed a community at Saint Miriam based on our doing work out there; why is it that so many since we moved here want to know ‘what’s in it for me'? The answer comes to us from the lips of our Savior. Nothing. Nothing in this life, but wait, wait until you see the next…

Now, let’s get back to the real work of this church. Please?

Potato chips, Cheese curls, and our Souls...

2010-01-29T07:15:00.000-08:00

Potato chips, cheese curls, and candy may be some of your favorites, but for twenty-four mule deer in the Grand Canyon National Park, these indulgences proved deadly last year. Park Rangers were forced to shoot more than two dozen mule deer that became hooked on junk food left by park visitors. It was death by Cheetos and suicide by Snicker bars! Why eat twigs or chew bark if a Twinkie is nearby? Once deer taste the sugar and salt of snack foods, they develop an addiction and will go to any lengths to eat only junk food. They ignore the food they need, leaving them in bad health and edging towards actual starvation. With these cravings, deer even lose their natural ability to digest vegetation. One ranger calls junk food “the crack cocaine of the deer world.”

Between 4:00 and 7:00 AM most Tuesday mornings, as I come to closing out my 24 hour shift at the trauma center, you will often find me looking for a jolt of Starbucks. I have a friend whose job it is to stock the vending machines. We laugh when we see each other coming, me with my Catholic Prayers Book and IPhone in hand, her with a cartload of weight enhancement products! Upstairs – almost directly above us- the cardiologists are performing catheterizations to unblock clogged arteries with balloons and stints; just down the hall we have machines full of “non-food” foods that put concrete in your veins. It’s part of the insanity of our world; we live amid glaring contradictions and mixed messages.

From time to time I take an unscientific self-poll on which items are selling best (always as I decide what pollution to buy for myself!). The latest report is, you guessed it, same as the Arizona mule deer, Cheetos and Snickers. My friend calls it comfort food for hospital anxiety; I call it the pre-diabetes and a cardiac waiting room. We both laugh, but we know that within that laughter is truth.

The Church is in danger from bad nutrition. Spiritual junk food, and by that I mean an intellectual life of slogans instead of serious study, of quick-fix and self-help techniques instead of deep character formation, of soothing spiritual entertainments instead of demanding spiritual disciplines, of sit-in-the-pew observation rather than costly participation in some real and needed ministry: all this junk food for the soul is killing our desire for God and weakening our churches. Short attention spans, a ‘what’s-in-it-for-me’ attitude, and the church-hopping-for-a-better-deal mentality are symptoms of the illness that we all suffer from. Hey pastor, ‘why not do this or that for me’, instead of how can I help you do more in the world? I offer people a book that addresses a major problem in their life, and they respond, “Can I get it on video?” When I tell them that the person who won’t read is no better off that the person who can’t, they are offended. So be it! Their souls have grown flabby, their brains turned to mush! They want sweet relief from a 'Pastor Feel-Good', not the informed, sustained repentance which is the only path to spiritual growth, in my life or theirs. They no longer want truth...they want praise.

No wonder their lives are out of control. No wonder the devil has such an easy time keeping them locked up in destructive habits and besetting sins. They are like jell-o that never set up, sort of runny and unstable for years on end! They want what I call ‘Popcorn theology” not the stuff of Jesus. Not the stuff that truly changes their lives and the lives of others.

A steady intake of pop Christianity is a deadly substitute for substantial spiritual nourishment that puts muscle on your Christian bones and biblical convictions deep in your souls. Have you noticed that about the first two thirds of most Christian book stores are silly decorative items which in themselves are trite and most often artistically of poor quality. Sappy sentimentality is the order of our day. I call it Jesus junk.

So, please...don’t impress me with a frilly Bible cover; impress me with a marked-up Bible. Don’t impress me with the latest Christian tunes on your I-Pod; impress me with the depth of your prayers. I’m glad you wear a cross; I only want to ask, “Have your darkest appetites been crucified so that the cross around your neck is an exercise in honest advertising? Are you living under the same cross you display?” Don’t impress me with the car you drive or the clothes you wear or who you know or where you’ve been; impress me with a record of tithes and offerings, with a life full of the gifts and fruits of the Spirit, passion for Christ, and willingness to sacrifice not to lose your desire for more of him. I’m not concerned about the few zealots who, as their critics say, are in danger of going off the deep end; I am greatly concerned about the masses of Christians who never seem to get out of the shallow end of the pool, and yet still point to those of us who are treading water in the deep water as they shout, "what about me?"

I am on a crusade against the dumbing down of the church and the proliferation of spiritual junk foods. It began when we founded Saint Miriam. so if you are into fluffy Christian substitutes, be forewarned: I may smile and be professionally polite, but I am your enemy! I will be gentle, but only at first, that is until I can break your bad habits and switch you to a more substantial diet. Like it or not, that is my job as pastor. That is my calling as a priest. I am not here to be your best friend. I am here to save your very soul.

So I remind you again why we are here. Why Saint Miriam exists. I remind you that we are called to be today – now – what the world will ultimately become. We are called to serve – the world and one another - even when it is not easy, or when it causes us to become uncomfortable. We are called, not to take the easy road, or to preach the smooth things – but to look at life honestly and help one another along the journey. Our light is the light of truth which shall not be placed under any bushel basket, but proudly displayed for all to see; for all to come to as a beacon in their darkest days. No, it is not the place for everyone. But it is a place of light, healing, and truth.

I share with you a letter that demonstrates what Jesus is after from all of us. It was dated March 7, 2003 by a Baptist missionary to Iraq, Karen Watson, just prior to her departure. Karen was killed on March 15, 2004.

‘Dear Pastor: You should only be opening this letter in the event of my death. When God calls there are no regrets. I tried to share my heart with you as much as possible, my heart for the nations. I wasn't called to a place. I was called to him. To obey was my objective, to suffer was expected, his glory my reward. ... I thank you all so much for your prayers and support.... Keep sending missionaries . Keep raising up fine young pastors. In regards to any service.... Be bold and preach the life-saving, life-changing, forever-eternal gospel. Give glory and honor to our Father. So care more than some think is wise. Risk more than some think is safe. Dream more than some think is practical. Expect more than some think is possible. I was called not to comfort or success but to obedience…. There is no joy outside of knowing Jesus and serving him. I love you and my church family. I am now in his care, Karen.”

Karen fulfilled what Fred Smith said we should seek, “It is important,” he counseled, “as we go along in life, to create thirsts that death will satisfy.” Or, as someone important once said, “Blessed are those who are hungry and thirsty for righteousness; they shall be satisfied.”

If God uses this message as he has on me, the effect will be to create some deeper cravings and make you increasingly intolerant of the junk food that is so popular in our day. It will cause you to either love me more deeply, and support me more fully, or the alternate choice is yours, too…

They do not come to Jesus for what He can do; they come because they know who He is...

2010-01-22T05:36:00.000-08:00

After His last confrontation with the Pharisees, Jesus withdrew toward the sea with his disciples. The only problem was a large number of people followed him. It’s really hard to withdraw when people are following you! Trust me. I try often and most times I do not succeed. And if that wasn’t enough, others heard what Jesus was doing and even more of them began showing up – from all over the area! Seven different towns or areas are named in this one text passage. Again I will say: it’s hard to withdraw when people are following you.

There are many other withdrawal moments – times that come to mind that we know Jesus tried to withdraw from the crowds that so often followed him: His forty days in the wilderness, His quiet times in the morning, on the Sabbath day, When He withdrew to the Sea or the lake, and like today when great throngs of people were following him…
But here we find again large number of people from Galilee, Judea, Jerusalem, Idulmea, Jordan, Tyre and Sidon that were following Jesus because of the physical and spiritual healing that He has done.

This kind of situation is no different in our times right now. Whenever we hear that someone heals in the name of Jesus; we would all like to go there and see and experience it for ourselves as they say: “To see is to believe.”

On the other hand, there’s that silent majority who follow Jesus, even today, not because of His miracles or His healings. No, they follow Him for the simple reason that they felt in their hearts their need for Jesus, immaterial of His miracles and healings. They follow out of faith. They follow from their hearts.

This is how I have come to know the people of Haiti. And, to be honest, before the earthquake I really did not even know where exactly Haiti was. But, given all their country and people have been through, between political upheavals, human rights abuses, hurricanes, abject poverty and last week's horrible earthquake and another just yesterday, they are a people who need not follow Jesus for what He can do for them. They simply follow because of their heart.

"If Haitians were constantly questioning their faith, they would all be atheists." These words came from the Father Eric Hill as he prepared to lead a Haitian Mass this past Sunday at Saints Peter and Paul Roman Catholic Church in Decatur, Georgia.

Some of the 100 Haitian parishioners who gathered raised their hands to the heavens in praise, grateful their loved ones had been found. Others bowed their heads and clenched their hands for those lost, and some for those still missing; and yes, for all who have suffered. One woman wept out of guilt because she -- a U.S. citizen -- had been able to leave her devastated homeland a day after the quake, while so many were left behind. Still are.

Their unshaken faith and devotion to God is the same sort that's played out in other houses of worship, in living rooms and on the torn-up streets of Haiti itself. Weaved in the fabric of their very lives are the nuances that come with the country's troubled history, and yet a deep faith in the One who is always present.
They say that Peace is not the absence of conflict or strife or troubles, but living within all of that and still knowing the calmness of God. Yes, the people of Haiti do not come to Jesus for what He can do; they come because they know who He is.

Recently as a reporter spoke from within Haiti, a little girl, too young to understand the pain around her, did what she could. She planted kisses on the forehead of her anguished father, his face buried deeply within his hands as he grieved those he had lost in the quake; then, she began skipping off to make fish faces and giggle with other children.

Are we one of these?

A Sign of Faith?

2010-01-20T04:57:00.000-08:00

Well, we are in! We did it! Saint Miriam is in her new home in Blue Bell, PA and we are settling into a new space, a new routine, a new life. But, I must admit…I am scared. That is why I have been somewhat absent from here. Simply...no time left to write or think! But, I am getting my sea legs back. Pray for me?

Oh I know what you are thinking, how can you be scared? You are a priest! You are a ‘man of faith’ and called by God! And, by the way…you did this! You are the one who led the people here.

Well, to all of the above I plead guilty. But, I also must remind you that Moses was scared. From that day when he happened upon that burning bush, to his dying day peering over the mountain at the ‘land of milk and honey’; he was terribly scared. And…so am I.

I know not what God has in store. I know not how we will pay for it all. I know not who will come. But, I do know this…we were brought here, to this place, for a time such as this…and our very actions of being here, is a sign of faith to a very troubled world.

Blessings and peace.

Jim+

A New Year, A New Beginning, A New Church!

2009-12-30T04:47:00.000-08:00

My wonderful parish community of Saint Miriam is growing strong and we moved to our brand new church facility in Blue Bell, PA effective December 23rd 2009!

Saint Miriam features a new, state-of-the-art facility with a 2,000+ square foot sanctuary, full audio/visual capability, additional space for CCD/Children's education, administrative and library space, a full sacristy, a fellowship hall with indoor and outdoor seating areas, a kitchen, and fully accessible ADA-compliant restrooms. The property also enjoys parking for 200+ cars, an acre of green frontage and a modern aesthetic that fits well with the Saint Miriam ethos.

Saint Miriam has two main services each week, Thursday at 6:30PM and Sundays at 10:30 AM. They also added a Rosary on Wednesdays at 6:30PM and soon will also a monthly Charismatic and Youth Mass. The services are Catholic, but inclusive and inspiring with a mix of music from old and new, modern touches and incense smoke that finally warms the heart, as well as the senses!

Visit our online home at www.mySaintMiriam.org...then come to see us this week!

Damn it! Where are all the Christians?

2009-12-04T04:49:00.000-08:00

When a new pastor came to town, someone said, "I certainly hope that you're not one of these narrow-minded ministers who think that only the members of their congregation are going to heaven." He took a moment and then replied, "I'm even more narrow-minded than that! I'm pretty sure that some of the members of my congregation aren't going to make it!"

In our text today, Jesus is saying that if you do not put your faith into practice, you will be surprised to find yourself in hell. There is truth in the Negro spiritual which says, "Everybody talkin' bout heab'n ain't goin' dar." In many churches there is a performance gap. We have faith without works, words without deeds, profession without performance. In today's Gospel lesson Jesus tells us that entrance into heaven depends upon putting our faith into practice, upon obedience to God's laws. The passage comes as a conclusion to the Sermon on the Mount. He who hears Jesus' words and does not obey them is like a man who builds his house on sand. He who obeys his words is like a man who builds his house upon rock. In the storms of life, only the obedient man, built upon the rock of God's will, will be able to remain steady and secure. According to our text, the Christian who does the will of God will go to heaven, and the one content with "Lord, Lord" does not stand a chance.

The word-only Christian, Jesus says, will not go to heaven. It is not because Christ wants to be mean and exclude anyone. No, it is the desire of God that every single soul should go to heaven to live with him through eternity; to behold the face of God. If we do not make it to heaven, it is because we exclude ourselves by our lack of faith. Some of us church members make believe without really believing. We say one thing and yet we do another. Our lives do not correspond to our faith. This makes us hypocrites, actors, make-believers. Some fall on their knees on Sundays and fall upon their neighbors the rest of the week. If we are inconsistent, we are fooling no one but ourselves. Surely, we are not fooling God by making believe that we are genuine followers of the Christ. He sees through the emptiness of our phrases, "Lord, Lord", when we do nothing to serve or obey him.

Some time ago, when I was in seminary, an African American classmate submitted a sermon entitled, "Damn it, Where Are all the Christians?" In anger he told of his poverty and about the conditions in which he grew up. He said, "Damn it, where were the Christians when our floors were covered with wall-to-wall roaches? Damn it, where were the Christians when my father deserted and my mother had nothing to eat for us children? Damn it, where were the Christians when I had to go to a black school with the poorest of teachers?" “Damn in, where were the Christians when I needed them most?”You see, people who are living in destitute conditions look at affluent church people and become cynical about our profession of love for neighbor. And perhaps rightly so….

And, in truth, it is only when we live our faith out that others are attracted to the church; the true church of the one and living Christ. And it may well be that is the only way to get into heaven.

The Experience of God...

2009-11-06T05:23:00.000-08:00

God is experienced in different ways in different religions. In some religions God's majesty and God's sovereignty are emphasized. In others, it is God's righteousness that is emphasized. And, in still others, God's hiddenness and the mystery of God's being are what are emphasized. But, in all religions it is God's love that is emphasized. But there is a distinctly Christian experience of God, and it is that sense of being found.

It was Hugh Montefiore, a Jewish biblical scholar, who said that there is something in Christianity that is unique. He said that most of what Jesus taught, however, was taught before him by the prophets, especially the ethical teachings. And there is much of what we believe as Christians that is shared by people all over the world. In all religions there are religious teachings that are universal. But there is this one affirmation, he said, that is unique, and that is the proclamation that God seeks us and finds us.
It is hinted at in Judaism, in the latter prophets such as Ezekiel, especially Ezekiel, where God is pictured as the shepherd who will come and save his sheep himself. God himself will do it because the shepherds of the people have abandoned the sheep. That is what Ezekiel says.

So the expectation is there from the very beginning in Judaism, that God himself in times of crisis will come and save us. In every other religion we have to go to God. In every other religion God's holiness meant that we could not get close to God until we, ourselves, became holy. So, then, in every other religion, God is way, way up there, and we are way, way somewhere down here, and some of us – perhaps - are way, way down here. The job of priests like me, then, is to mediate, to appease God through offering sacrifices so that God will like us, and we will be acceptable to God. That is in reality what we do here every week. We honor the one true sacrifice – as we were told to do - and through our acts of remembrance, God comes.

And nowhere is this tenet proclaimed as clearly, and as beautifully, as in the 15th chapter of Luke. Yes, the Gospel of John does pick up Ezekiel's theme of the good shepherd, and Jesus, says of himself, "I am the Good Shepherd." John makes a great deal of it, as well he should, but not like this small chapter in Luke.

The message was clear here. In Jesus, we believe, God has come to us. In Jesus, we believe, God seeks us, seeks after us, until God finds us, and never gives up, never gives up on anyone. Even the lost he goes after. General Lee, at the end of the Civil War, said of General Grant, "He just keeps coming." Relentlessly, God seeks after us. And that is the message we proclaim here at Saint Miriam. We will love and embrace even those who harm us. We will leave the door open and the porch light on; all are welcome today, tomorrow, or when they return. No questions asked, no hard feelings. It is what being a Christian is all about. Love.

But let us be clear: It is not because we have repented that God comes to us. It is not because we are not broken or wounded that God comes. It is not because we are perfect. No, it is because God comes to us that we find the grace that brings repentance, genuine repentance, and change of life. Yes, God comes because it is God’s nature to embrace all of us. God comes…

Amazing grace! How sweet the sound
That saved a wretch like me!
I once was lost, but now am found;
Was blind, but now I see.