Papal Audience & Chariots of Fire

Good Afternoon, Morning, maybe even Evening depending on where you are and when you are reading this,

Weather here in Rome this past week has been nearly perfect. Around 70 each day, no rain, clear skies. Thank God for that. It’s amazing what weather can do for morale. I pray ya’ll have had a similar week weatherly.

This post, like others, is coming at you in two parts. First, I would like to reflect a bit about a Papal audience I attended this past Thursday. And secondly I’d like to share another “practice homily” I wrote this past week.

Part I:

Thursday, Pope Benedict XVI invited all students, living in Rome and studying at any of the many Pontifical Universities in the city, to the Paul VI Auditorium (a large meeting hall, inside the Vatican City, used for various Papal Events) for an afternoon of prayer, reflection, and blessing. Traditionally, the Holy Father celebrates a special Mass in mid- October to kick off the new academic year for all Roman students. However, due to scheduling conflicts, Benedict was not able to do so this year. Still wanting to meet with his many students, Benedict specially organized this mid-morning program.

Starting at 10:30 AM, the gates were opened and hundreds of seminarians, priests, religious and lay men and women streamed by the Swiss Guards into the Vatican City, each flashing their student-ID. Walking to the Auditorium was a moment of realization for me---realizing that I have, indeed, lived in Rome for over a year now. What really spurred this realization was seeing so many people that I now know--from classes, from different ministries, soccer games, visiting other Colleges, friends of friends, etc. These people are from all over the world. And a year ago, I had no idea that they even existed. I guess I am kind of stating the obvious. But all that to say, I feel so blessed to have this opportunity--to know more deeply the human experience, the diversity of life, the creativity of God, and the richness of creation. Already after just a year, my vision...my understand of “Church”....of “humanity” is so radically different.

Me: pre-game

Once in the auditorium, we had about an hour before the Holy Father came to join us. A classmate of mine from our College, went with me to the Audience--David Tedesche of Rochester, NY. Before entering seminary, Dave was a high school teacher for several years. More than anyone else in our class, this guy has a real ZEAL for learning. His passion is inspiring and humbling to me at the same time. Just to give you an idea, Dave taught himself Greek in his spare time a couple years ago. Now he pretty much just reads the New Testament in Greek. It is a real blessing to have him in my Gospel of Mark Seminar, for example, since he can always shed some light on the more precise meaning of the original Greek text in comparison to whatever English translation we are considering.

Meet Dave Tedesche

Also Dave and I share a similar passion--wrestling. Both us of wrestled throughout Middle and High School. Consequently you know when either of us are coming around the corner by the “snap-crackle-pop” sounding from our joints. Still though, we love to reminisce about the grueling practices, making weight, wearing our warms-up to school on game day, pre-game butterflies, and running out onto the mat to the sound of ACDC, Ozzy Ozborne, and White Snake. All things considered, we both agree that wrestling was one of the most significant schools of discipline, character, and perseverance in our adolescence.

You can see Dave below getting in a bit of reading between our reminiscing and the Pope’s entrance.

Also before Benedict arrived, the Roman Pontifical Student Choir sang a number of hymns and chants--really beautiful. In between the singing, a couple of spokesmen for the Pontifical University System in Rome gave some remarks. Largely they reflected on Wisdom...particularly Christian Wisdom...i.e. Jesus...the Second Person of the Trinity. Through this Wisdom all things came to be. By this Wisdom all things have their meaning...their purpose. For this Wisdom, we apply ourselves to study, prayer, and charity. With this Wisdom, we find the narrow, middle road leading to joy, peace, love, and ultimately our personal, eternal fulfillment in life.

These speakers stressed the Church’s belief that Christian Wisdom is, indeed, able to permeate ALL of Culture--of any time and place. This is the very way in which the Gospel is to transform the world---through relationships, art, language, music, literature, science, technology, media, food, sports, every facet of human living. This hope is firmly rooted in the Christian belief of the “Incarnation”--that God became Man and dwelt among us (John 1:14). This is such an intimate and personal knowledge--that God is not just some far off power, but rather in our midst...Personally desiring to fill our hearts, our time, our circumstances, our lives...our very flesh. Solid.

After these comments we prayed Daytime Prayer together, listened to another hymn, and then welcomed the Holy Father into the auditorium. Below I am trying a video for the first time. It is not the best quality or footage...but it gives you a sense of what the Paul VI Auditorium looks like and the crowd’s reaction.

Video Experiment:

As far as the Pope’s comments go, I am pasting an article posted by the VIS--Vatican Information Service--that sends me emails every day stating what went down at the Vatican (look at the LINKS section if you are interested).

Zoom In: Pope on the Jumbo-Tron, reading his Address

Zoom Out: Pope giving his address

PROMOTING A KNOWLEDGE ILLUMINATED BY FAITH

VATICAN CITY, 19 NOV 2009 (VIS) - At midday today in the Vatican's Paul VI Hall, the Pope received professors and students of Roman pontifical universities, and participants in the general assembly of the International Federation of Catholic Universities (FIUC).

At the beginning of his address the Holy Father recalled how John Paul II's Apostolic Constitution "Sapientia christiana", the thirtieth anniversary of which falls this year, "underlines the urgent need, which still persists today, to overcome the separation between faith and culture, calling for a greater commitment to evangelisation in the firm conviction that Christian Revelation is a transforming power destined to permeate patterns of thought, standards of judgment and norms of behaviour. It is capable of illuminating, purifying and renewing man's conduct and his cultures, and must remain the focal point for teaching and research, as well as the horizon illuminating the nature and goals of all ecclesiastical faculties".

The underlying ideas of "Sapientia christiana", Benedict XVI went on, "still retain all their validity. Indeed, in modern society where knowledge is becoming ever more specialised and sectorial but is profoundly marked by relativism, it is even more necessary to open oneself to the wisdom which comes from the Gospel. Man, in fact, is incapable of gaining a full understanding of himself and the world without Jesus Christ; He alone illuminates man's true dignity, his vocation and ultimate destiny, and opens his heart to a firm and lasting hope".

Professors and students "must never lose sight of the goal to be pursued, that of becoming instruments for the announcement of the Gospel. ... At the same time, it is important to remember that the study of the sacred sciences must never be separated from prayer, from union with God, from contemplation, ... otherwise reflection on the divine Mysteries risks becoming an empty intellectual exercise".

Turning then to address participants in the general assembly of the FIUC, which this year celebrates the sixtieth anniversary of its canonical recognition, the Holy Father encouraged them to make "further efforts to renew your will to serve the Church. In this context, your motto also represents a programme for the future of the federation: 'Sciat ut serviat', to know in order to serve.

"In a culture which reveals a 'lack of wisdom and reflection, a lack of thinking capable of formulating a guiding synthesis'", he added in conclusion, "Catholic universities, faithful to an identity which makes a specific point of Christian inspiration, are called to promote a 'new humanistic synthesis', knowledge that is 'wisdom capable of directing man in the light of his first beginnings and his final ends', knowledge illuminated by faith".

---------------------------------------------------

My last thought, reflecting on Benedict’s address: What could we do that would bring upon us a greater dignity than welcoming the Living God to Dwell within us?...in communion with us? Than God Himself choosing to take on our very flesh?

Here are some pictures of the many different people in and around the event:

Vatican Police Force: Horse, Canine, & Foot Units

A Group of Tourists who decided to pose for me as I went for the "candid-pass-by-shot"

Part 2:

Link to the readings from this past Thursday on which this homily is based: READINGS

Please forgive the strange punctuation--helps me when I deliver it--- and sentence fragments--just because I can :) ---here and there.

In 1981, the movie Chariots of Fire won four Academy Awards including Best Picture. Dating back to the 1924 Olympics in Paris, it depicts the inspiring True Story behind Britain's famous team of sprinters. One of the main characters is a Scotsman named Eric Liddel. As the movie begins, we learn that Liddel is already a well-respected hero in Scotland. At once, Liddel is an all-star player on their national Rugby team and a Protestant minister, just coming back from a mission in China.

Due to a life-long friend, Liddel learns that England is doing their best to assemble the fastest group of sprinters in history to go up against the world-famous American Olympic Team. With a bit of prompting from his friend, Liddel decides to try out for the English squad and does, in fact, make it.

However, this decision did not come without its consequences. Feeling that Liddel has compromised his priorities, members of his very own Church community express their concern about this decision. More than anyone, however, Liddel has to confront the disappointment of fellow-missioner and girlfriend Jenny who just cannot understand this decision. “Do you believe in what we’re doing or not? I’m frightened for you...for what it all might do for you,” she says to him one day.

After some thought, Liddel takes her for a walk and tells her that he has decided, indeed, to go back to the mission in China.....after the Olympics are over. He explains himself saying, “I believe that God made me for a purpose...for China...BUT he also made me FAST...and when I run...I feel his pleasure. To give that up would be to hold him in contempt. You were right...its not just fun. To win is to honor him.”

With head down, Jenny thinks this over and then gives her support with a quick kiss on the cheek. For the next three years Liddel devotes himself fully to training...putting both “his rugby” and his formal ministry on hold.

Day after day, Liddel runs up and down the hilly terrain of his Scottish hometown....giving his all....to honor his God, his family, his friends, and his Country. Liddel dominates in the Olympic trials, impressing all in attendance by both the sheer force...and the untamed passion with which he runs. Finally, the Olympics come, Liddel joins his British mates, boards a ship, and sails to Paris.

Just upon boarding, Liddel learns from his lifelong friend...that his first heat is scheduled for that upcoming Sunday. Immediately, Liddel’s face drops. Three years of training....and it comes to this...running on the Sabbath! His friend reads this thought in his face and says, “It’s only a heat. Does it make all that difference?” Liddel responds with a sigh, “Yes. It does.”

It does not take long for Liddel to tell the British men on the Olympic planning committee that he will not run on the Sabbath. And as you can imagine, they are dumbfounded. Liddel is their star. He is their hope for victory against the Americans...and for HONOR for them and their country.

In a memorable scene, Liddel is called in by three English Noblemen and the Prince of Wales. They explain to Liddel that it would be a disgrace to England’s dignity to ask the FRENCH...to move his heat. After humoring him by lauding his principles and resolve...they inform him that he must be the one to compromise. To which Liddel responds firmly, “I will not run on the Sabbath and that’s final.” Still they try to persuade him.

One elderly Nobleman: “In my day it was King first, God after”

Another: “We are appealing to your BELIEFS---Your King, your Country”

Liddel responds, “God makes countries, God makes kings and the rules by which they govern and those rules say that the Sabbath is his...and I, for one, intend to keep it that way”

In a last ditch effort, the Prince of Wales appeals to Liddel citing the sacrifices men must make on behalf of their country. Suggesting that this was such a Necessary sacrifice.

Finally Liddel responds, “God knows I love my country..but I can’t make that sacrifice...”

In today’s Gospel, we encounter a scene that is strikingly similar. Here the king’s “noblemen,” humor Mattathias calling him a “leader, an honorable, and a noble man.” They promise him, his family, and his descendants the king’s friendship along with riches and gold.....all if he would just please the King...by sacrificing to his God. But Mattathias, like Liddel, is not seduced and responds with fortitude, “ We will not obey the words of the king nor depart from our religion in the slightest degree.”

Now, if everyone honored God the Father with such valor...such resolve, I imagine Jesus would not be weeping in the Gospel today as he looks out at Jerusalem. Looking at Jerusalem, Jesus sees a place that his Father had made sacred. A place where his Father asked the faithful to build a Temple, where they may honor him, keep HIS Sabbath, HIS commandments and thus usher in HIS kingdom of Peace and Love into their midst. How sad it was for Jesus to see...that the people of Jerusalem were just not THAT interested in his Father’s Love..his peace.

But, as we know, these tears were not those of self-pity or despair. As we know, Jesus Christ too, was a man of valor, principle, and resolve. In the face of all temptation, we know well Jesus’ decision...we are reminded of it every time we see a cross.

So today, We pray to you Jesus, that in the face of the pressures...the temptations in our lives to put anything before our Love and Honor of God, Our Father....we too may be given the Strength, Courage, and Faith of Liddel...of Mattathias...of You, our Lord. For, in faith, we know, that any sacrifice...no matter how small...made in YOUR name....united to Your Cross...will INDEED bring us the fruit of Your RESURRECTION!

Amen.

------------------------------------------

THIS WEEK’S LINKS:

Since I have shared about my summer in China, I thought I would post some links to a letter that the Vatican (specifically Cardinal Bertone) wrote to the priests in China this past week.

Article summarizing the Letter: CLICK

The Letter itself: CLICK (just scroll down a bit)

Father Tocarz' BLOG: Just discovered this BLOG this past week. This is a Priest of the Archdiocese of Mobile. He too studied here in Rome and is now a pastor in Mobile, AL. Previously he spent several years at St. Bede's Parish in Montgomery, AL...my hometown.

Historical News Network (HNN): This link is a tribute to one of my best friends here--Alex Roche of Scranton, PA. Alex double majored in History and Philosophy at William & Mary before entering Seminary. So...if you are like him and enjoy reading dense, academic reflection-articles about nuanced historical view-points....then this should be a blast for you! Roche describes this site as his "favorite historical article center." Get pumped!

-------------------------------------------

MUSTACHE SHOT OF THE WEEK:

-------------------------------------------

NEXT SUNDAY’S GOSPEL:

Luke 21: 25-28, 34-36

Jesus said to his disciples:
“There will be signs in the sun, the moon, and the stars,
and on earth nations will be in dismay,
perplexed by the roaring of the sea and the waves.
People will die of fright
in anticipation of what is coming upon the world,
for the powers of the heavens will be shaken.
And then they will see the Son of Man
coming in a cloud with power and great glory.
But when these signs begin to happen,
stand erect and raise your heads
because your redemption is at hand.

“Beware that your hearts do not become drowsy
from carousing and drunkenness
and the anxieties of daily life,
and that day catch you by surprise like a trap.
For that day will assault everyone
who lives on the face of the earth.
Be vigilant at all times
and pray that you have the strength
to escape the tribulations that are imminent
and to stand before the Son of Man.”

-----------------------------------------

Alright everyone. Have a great week! Just to let you know, I have started to pray for you and anyone else that may read this BLOG in any capacity. If you ever would like me and/or my seminary brothers to pray for something specific, just send me an email....we’d be happy to oblige.

PEACE.

Clowns, Justice, and Humor

Hello World Wide Web,

This week I would like to give you a bit of a “behind-the-scenes” look at seminary life. I thought that some of you may be wondering, “Aside from doing missions in China, serving Mass for the Pope, and talking about Saints...what do people do every day at seminary?” Sooooo....brace yourself for a unique look into my life at Seminary.

The drama of this past week could not have been scripted any better. It all started just over a week ago as we (the Mobile guys) rediscovered a concept called “Clowning.” We had all gone out to eat lunch together, and on the way back, I decided to trip one of the others in jest. After succeeding, he came back with a couple accomplices and succeeded in pulling my shirt up over my head. Upon the success, on of the guys spontaneously proclaimed his victory shouting, “Oooo Son! You just got CLOWNED!” This succeeded in sending us all into hysterics and “CLOWNING” was re-born.

Within less than twenty-four hours the whole Concept of Clowning really developed. Some standard practices we developed were hitting things out of people’s hands when they weren’t suspecting it (like books); pulling the hoodie of someone’s sweatshirt down over their face and holding it; and coming up behind someone and tackling them to the floor without having a chance to defend themselves. These small conquests, among others, gave one the right to justly say to another, “Oooo Man! You just got CLOWNED!”

For a couple days, this whole “Clowning Business” went along marvelously. New methods were developing all of the time, and everything seemed relatively under control. But soon enough, as is always the case, things got a bit out of hand....

One evening my entire class had a conference to attend in our student lounge. The presenter was confused about the location of the meeting, and ended up arriving about 12 minutes late. In the interim, I just could not resist this fortuitous moment to get a couple good Clownings in before the presenter showed. So I got the ball going by wrestling another seminarian down to the ground. Hardly before I had finished, a wave of Clownings shot through the room. All of a sudden, someone had stolen my shoe right off of my foot, another guy was trapped in his hoodie, and another got his ice-cream bar knocked out of his hands. The best, however, was yet to come. After the priest delivered his conference, a seminarian, now in cahoots with another seminarian seeking Clowning-vengeance, pinned the seminarian in front of him to the back of his chair...allowing me and another guy to come and jab his ribs. Just as we were about to shout out our well deserved “Clown-Jeer,” the priest who had just presented said to the Clownee, “Well, I am sure you did something to deserve this!” Hahaha. CLOWNED!!! The bliss of that moment cannot be related.

Despite my Clowning success, I began to hear rumbling amongst the ranks that they felt Justice had been compromised. I did not know the half of it until the following evening.

I was in my hall’s lounge fixing some coffee, when all of a sudden everything grew eerily quiet. The hairs on my neck stood up as I listened to slow, methodical footsteps coming down the hall. Then before I could put the pieces together, I was standing face to face with.....

THE EQUALIZER!

At the time, I did not know him by that title...I just knew that I had been incapacitated by 7 yellow, plastic, air-gun pellets. As quickly as he had come, he was gone. Stammering back to my room, I sat down at my desk to discover the following “Bulletin” in my email box just minutes later:

Today a Justice Hit in NAC hall mafia wars was carried out and completed upon Victor Ingalls and the target eliminated. This hit ordered due to extensive investigation into the recent hostile activities against one Mr. Joe Shmoe of 3rd Floor. Victor Ingalls found to be the prime contributing personage for instigating this event was hereby sentenced by the controlling NAC Hall Mafia. This in the interest of maintaining peace and Justice.

Victor Ingalls is out of any clowned action or further molestation of others for a period of 5 days due to the success of this hit operation. It was reported that Mr. Ingalls crouched on the floor and cried like a 5 year old girl.

Should there be any response to this Justice action there will be swift and sure punishment to the offender or offenders. As you know Justice only acts to correct severe injustices and quell any further hostilities caused by gross acts of Injustice. We do not act for simple "loot and pillaging" activities. These of course are acceptable. The investigation showed this to be an act of egregious circumstances and retaliation that followed although justified found to have possible lasting effects on allegiances and alliances.

Signed,

"THE EQUALIZER"

Just like that, I had been EQUALIZED. And now could not fulfill my urge to Clown everyone around me. The Equalizer’s presence now always had to be taken into consideration. You just knew he was lurking behind every cracked door.

You just didn’t want to be the next victim!

But...just when I felt all “Clowning Momentum” was screeching to a halt, along came an unassuming man named Corey Close of Davenport, Iowa. He came to me after classes one day wanting to understand “Clowning”--its beginnings, its parameters, and its current status--and what the presence of the Equalizer meant to the community at large. As I explained such things, a glimmer emerged and then set ablaze as the “Clown” was awakened within him.

Before we had finished walking home, Corey’s metamorphosis was complete--his mysterious-alter identity was complete---“The Circus.” “The Circus” vowed to bring “Clowning” back to the mainstream. To do so, he knew who must be his first target--The Equalizer.

Although, the identity of the Equalizer was, is, and assumedly will always be unknown, “The Circus” had to settle for someone known to be the Equalizer’s most loyal disciple and informant--Mobile’s very own...Phil Halladay.

Pictured below, Just take a look at how happy Phil was.

This face was unmarred until waking up to find this, taped onto his bedroom door along with a sheet of newspaper:

Such a finding, left Phil feeling sad and confused.

There was only one thing to do, bring the evidence to the Equalizer and demand justice! In a blink of an eye the Equalizer was on the case. Nobody was above suspicion. Nobody was above being EQUALIZED. Every minute that passed, the Equalizer moved closer to finding the man behind this “grievous offense.” But the investigation did not terminate...before others found themselves “Circus Bound.”

Now, take a gander at the gleeful Steven Vrazel of Mobile, AL.

As “King” of the College’s Student Body, the “Circus” targeted him next to really send the Equalizer a message. The following bulletin was found by King Vraz in his room:

See how quickly his glee morphed into devastation.

Finally, we look to the “Circus” third and final victim--Pat Arensberg (another Mobilian). Having spent the summer in China with me, the “Circus” knew that Pat had to be “Clowned” before my probationary time was up. Again, notice the general positive aura about Pat, Pre-Clowning.

Now...the Clowning.

Now the Post-Clowning.

The contrast could not be sharper!

But as the third man was coerced into the “Circus,” the Equalizer made his move. After analyzing the ink samples from the “Clowning Images,” the tape used to post the Clowning images, and interrogating 95% of the seminary population...the Equalizer had narrowed his investigation down to about three main suspects.

The Equalizer was faced with a decision. Either he acted now, or was sure to watch more innocent people roped into the “Circus Life.” Just as he was on the brink of making this historic move......

We all lost interest and dropped the whole thing!

hahahahahhaha

What Drama! What Pageantry! What Suspense! What Vengeance!

In the end it was Boredom...and not Vengeance that brought about Justice! Who would have ever guessed?!

As I now transition, let us gaze once more upon that infamous...disturbing face....

------------------------------------------------

As absurd as that sub-current was in my life this past week, it really gave a lot to think about. Especially as a couple other sub-currents ran parallel to it.

It just so happened that throughout this past week, in my Canon Law class, we treated the subject of “Justice.” As the Equalizer was bringing about "justice" at the NAC, we were learning about “Evangelical Justice”--born of the Gospel and structures all Christian living.

Our professor showed us how Christ, in fact, is the foundation of True Justice. Jesus came and led his disciples beyond a “justice of vengeance”...a simple tit-for-tat retributive form of justice---in which I will pull your hair if you pull mine.

Rather, Jesus offered his disciples something Positive rather than negative. Something more oriented to the good of the Community rather than the individual. Something that pushes the limits of Self-Giving as opposed to fixing strict prescriptions as to what one is entitled. Something rooted in Perfect Charity rather than in Vengeance. Something not solely bound to the “letter of the law” but to the establishment, perseverance, and deepening of Loving Fraternity among men and women.

This True Justice we may call Evangelical Justice (EJ). Ultimately, this EJ aims to bring people into Communion with God and his people..i.e. your neighbor. This EJ does not operate according to the wisdom of this world. We must only look to the Parable of the Laborers in the Vineyard, to see how the “sense” behind EJ is something radically different (SEE Matt 20:1-16).

The interpretive key to this parable and arguably the whole “sense” of the Gospel is GIFT. Only when we ask ourselves as St. Paul, “What do we have, that we have not received?” can we realize that everything is GIFT. Our very lives have been given to us freely. None of us asked to be here...None of us did anything to merit our very existence. So everything in our lives must be understood under the over-arching concept of GIFT. At our core, we are GIFT. And God is GIVER.

In the Parable cited above, the vineyard owner gives a denary (or a day’s wage--the minimum amount with which one could pay for their daily need of food and shelter in Biblical times) to both he who worked one hour and he who worked all day. The one who had worked all day felt that the owner treated him unjustly and thus grumbles against him. The owner responds in this way:

“My friend, I am not cheating you. Did you not agree with me for the usual daily wage?

14 Take what is yours and go. What if I wish to give this last one the same as you?

15(Or) am I not free to do as I wish with my own money? Are you envious because I am generous?'

16 Thus, the last will be first, and the first will be last.

Why should we be upset when someone is given food and shelter to make it through the day? Why should we be upset with a wealthy man who decides to be generous with another in need, who does not happen to be us? How much sense does it make for us to grumble against God, who is the very reason that we even exist in the first place? How can we begin to split hairs with a God who has bought us with a price more precious than we could ever repay--the blood of his Son?

All things considered, we are given another image of EJ as St. Paul writes in his letter to the Romans:

Owe nothing to anyone, except to love one another; for the one who loves another has fulfilled the law.

9

The commandments, "You shall not commit adultery; you shall not kill; you shall not steal; you shall not covet," and whatever other commandment there may be, are summed up in this saying, (namely) "You shall love your neighbor as yourself."

10

Love does no evil to the neighbor; hence, love is the fulfillment of the law.

(Changing gears but bear with me...)

You know, of all the creatures in the world, only human beings laugh. Because only they have the ability to realize the incongruity between two things. Only humans can see the irony between the way something is and the way something ought to be.

This reflection came to mind as I juxtaposed what I was learning in class about EJ this past week with the Drama of Clowning, Vengeance, Equalizing, and Circuses back at the College. I realized why the whole ordeal was so Hilarious to us--because it was sooo contrary to the kind of Justice that we have discovered in Christ! The contrast between Perfect Charity and Vengeance was so stark that it was just...Silly to us....thus the laughing.

I don’t know how a Christian (or anyone for that matter) can get along in this life, without a sense of humor. Think about it:

We are finite beings yet we have an infinite desire to be loved and known.

We are sinful yet called to be perfect as our Heavenly Father is Perfect.

The Cross--a brutal instrument of execution--is the sign of our hope, joy, and salvation.

Our weakness is our strength.

The first shall be last.

We are something and yet God made us out of nothing.

We are in control of our choices but at once not in control over the sum of our lives (i.e. when we are born, when we die).......

If I couldn’t see the irony in all of this...If I couldn’t just sigh and laugh...I don’t know I would make it through the day.

One last thought for this week. This quote came to me in an email this week as well:

“A man without a sense of humor is an unreasonable burden on the people around him.”

--St. Thomas Aquinas

Lord, in the face of the Infinite Mystery of Your Love, give us the courage to trustingly laugh as we confront our limits and to abandon our lives into your hands. May your Justice...your Perfect Charity guide all things in our lives. And may we become more and more faithful as your servants each day. We love you and adore you.

Amen.

-----------------------------------------------------

NEXT SUNDAY'S GOSPEL:

John 18:33b-37:

Pilate said to Jesus,
"Are you the King of the Jews?"
Jesus answered, "Do you say this on your own
or have others told you about me?"
Pilate answered, "I am not a Jew, am I?
Your own nation and the chief priests handed you over to me.
What have you done?"
Jesus answered, "My kingdom does not belong to this world.
If my kingdom did belong to this world,
my attendants would be fighting
to keep me from being handed over to the Jews.
But as it is, my kingdom is not here."
So Pilate said to him, "Then you are a king?"
Jesus answered, "You say I am a king.
For this I was born and for this I came into the world,
to testify to the truth.
Everyone who belongs to the truth listens to my voice."

-----------------------------

THIS WEEK'S LINKS:

Cullman, AL SPECIAL: For any of you entrepreneurs out there who are looking for a new angle on your product, this is a MUST SEE. Also, if you are from Alabama, or have ever heard of "Alabama," I would also recommend this video.

Pictures from our College: There are several photos archived on my College's website. They are all organized by year and event. So, feel free to check these out as well as the many other resources on our site (www.pnac.org)

--------------------------

Roll Tide! 10-0!

Have a Blessed Week!

Peace.

MADE FOR RELATIONSHIP

“The Lord is Risen!”

“He is Risen Indeed!”

This is one of the most ancient greetings that Christians are known to have used to, obviously greet, but also identify one another. I learned this fact from Dr. Atherton Lowry (see last week’s Post). And being Sunday and all, I thought it was especially fitting.

Last week I reflected largely about having a relationship with the Saints. This week I would like reflect focus more so on those on this side of the space-time continuum...if you will. More specifically, I aim to share with ya’ll a bit about the greatest treasure I have yet to find in Rome-- the many people I am blessed to live, study, travel with and know here. My whole life, I have been fascinated by people. I have always been compelled to meet new people, engage the people around me, and forge diverse friendships. I feel this is a special grace God has given me for it has brought the greatest richness into my life at every stage and place I have found myself.

I really do believe that life consists of Relationships--with God and others. The rest is just details. Everything exists for that....everything must be seen in relation to that. As a Christian the most basic thing we know about God is a mystery--the Trinity. We believe that God is 3 persons but one God. God is a perfect communion of persons. It is the best thing we know about God and yet we know the least about it because it is the biggest Mystery. Ever since Christ revealed this plainly to us, we have been trying to comprehend and explain it better.

St. Augustine explains it like this: In John’s letters, we are told that God is Love (1 John 4:16). Love itself has three necessary elements: The Lover, The Beloved, and the Love Itself being shared. Such a dynamic is found perfectly in the Trinity. The Father is the Lover--the source of all Love, pouring himself out completely as a gift to his Son. The Son is the Beloved, receiving perfectly the Love of the Father and returning it in joy. The Holy Spirit is this Love being shared perfectly between Father and Son.

In the Scriptures, we see this dynamism at play perhaps most clearly at Jesus’ baptism in the Jordan (see Matthew 2:16-17, Mark 1:9-11, & Luke 3:21-22). Each person of the Trinity is distinctly presented to us--God the Father’s voice is heard, the Holy Spirit descends upon Jesus, and Jesus, as he stands in the Jordan, listens to his Father say, “You are my BELOVED Son with whom I am well pleased.” Beautiful. Really brings St. Augustine’s image to life.

Pope John Paul II saw this same dynamism in the human experience. As Genesis tells us (1:17)--man is made in the “image and likeness of God.” How then does man carry this Trinitarian image? (If this question intrigues you, then I highly recommend looking into JPII’s Theology of the Body). Well, you tell me if these two scenarios hold anything in common:

The Father gives everything that he is to the Son in an act of self-giving Love. The Son receives this gift perfectly and returns it in thanksgiving to the Father. In this exchange, a third is born--the Holy Spirit.

---->

In marriage, a man gives everything...his very self to a woman. The woman receives the man’s gift and returns her very self in love to the man. In this exchange, a third is born--the Child...you...me....everyone.

But I digress....

I want to share a bit about my friends here in Rome.

Pictured below are two of Mobile’s newest Deacons. Jimmy Morrison (no...that is not a joke) and Fred Boni. Come June 11, these two, along with two other men, will be ordained Priests at the Cathedral in Mobile, AL. This will be the first priestly ordination in our Archdiocese for more than 5 years! So THANKS BE TO GOD for this men saying YES to give their lives to Jesus and his Church! And may He hear our prayers, and send us more Priests for, indeed, the “harvest is plentiful but the laborers are few” (Luke 10:2)

These pictures were taken on their last day of studies at the Pontifical Gregorian University--an over 450 year old Jesuit University where 6 of the 7 Mobile guys study here in Rome along with the majority of students from our College. It is the alma mater of 14 popes and 20 saints! I cannot begin to relate what a privilege, honor, and blessing it is to study at this University.

Click here for a quick history of the University.

And here to check out its website. The English version is rather limited however.

The Roman theological studies are unique in that they consist of two cycles. In the first cycle, everyone takes a general curriculum in which all students are educated at an introductory level in the various fields of Theology, Church History, Canon Law, Greek, Latin, with room for a couple optionals, seminars each semester, and a final paper. In the second cycle, students focus in on one field in particular which they seek to better master. All of that to say, Jimmy and Fred finished their first cycle studies after three long years at the Gregorian last spring.

At the Gregorian (like the other Pontifical Universities in Rome), you find yourself studying with men and women from all over the world. Some are seminarians, some priests, some religious sisters or brothers, some lay people, some Protestants, and every a couple Muslims, Jews, and atheists. Some Universities in Rome offer classes in English, however at the Beloved Gregorian all classes are taught in Italian. This gives us ample incentive to learn the language. But, for me at least, even more of an incentive are my classmates. Coming from all over the world, Italian serves as our common language. I know in an earlier post, I claimed that toasting our shared faith with the fishermen in China was “the most intensely Catholic experience” of my life. But I must admit, going to class every day at the Gregorian, at worst, runs a close second. So now I present a small piece of this Catholic Mosaic.

AFRICA

The two nuns pictured with Fred and Jimmy are from Africa. I do not really know them personally so I cannot offer any more info. But the other “four-eyed” man posing with Jimmy is Mani (short for Emmanuel) from Nigeria. I know Mani well, 1. Because we go to the same school and 2. Because he played with our College’s soccer team last year (to be treated another post). Mani is now a priest ordained for the OMI’s (Oblates of Mary Immaculate--a missionary religious order who aims to serve the world where the Catholic faith does not yet exist or has just been born). After several years of study and formation in Rome, Mani is now back in Nigeria serving for a bit before his first assignment abroad.

Sister, Jimmy (Ocean City, MS), & Fred (Daphne, AL)

Two of Mobile's Newest Deacons!

Jimmy & Mani

MEXICO

Samuel has come to be a close friend over the past year. He belongs to a newer religious order which was founded about 25 years ago in Mexico. One priest and three of their brothers live at the Mexican College here in Rome. Earlier this year, Sam and his brothers invited me and Gino Pattugalan (Filipino-American, seminarian of Brooklyn and a close friend) to visit their home for dinner. Having several Mexican-Americans at our College, I asked if I could bring some of them along for a Fiesta. They were more than gracious! Special Thanks to Samuel, Alessandro, and Michelangelo, and Antonio for all of the cooking, hospitality, and kindness!

As you can see it was a good time. It was a special blessing for me to be able to be a “bridge,” connecting guys from our College to some tastes, smells, language, music, laughs...namely, a taste of Home. Having studied some Spanish, Gino and I did our best to put it into practice...which was a great opportunity for us to learn and everyone else to break into hysterics.

In a way, however, I too felt close to home. Not just because we eat a lot of Mexican food back in the States :)...but I found myself dreaming about my future ministry back in Alabama, where many Catholic Mexican-Americans are to be found. Funny that I would be engaging this same dynamic in Rome, Italy!

I pray that communion, joy, and fraternity shared that night at the Mexican College...may become an ever-increasing reality around the tables back home.

LtoR: Mario (D.C.), Martin (Gary, IN), David (Sioux Falls, SD), Alessandro (Religious Priest), Michelangelo (Brother), Me, Gino (Brooklyn), Carmello (Amarillo, TX), & Samuel (Brother)

ITALY

Another buddy of mine from the Gregorian is Giovanne. Giovanne grew up in Calabria but is studying here in Rome at the Colegio Romano (Roman College). This is where the seminarians of Rome itself live, pray, and are formed. Also a diversity of others from around Italy, like Giovanne, attend this College. Giovanne is one of the smartest and most well read seminarians I have ever met. He sits right in front of me in class, Thank God! And is there to explain, reflect, and comment on our professor’s lectures after every period. Sometimes I have to tell him to give it a rest, as my brain is trying to recover from the barrage of the past 45 minutes of lecture in Italian!

Last week his aunt, her sister-in-law, and Giovanne’s best childhood friend visited Rome. I hosted them at the American College for lunch and a tour of our College one day and they treated me for lunch the next. Giovanne had managed to get a ticket for his Aunt to attend a smaller Mass celebrated by Pope Benedict in St. Peter’s early that day. Having lost her daughter only two months ago, this was a specially blessed visit to Rome for her. I felt honored just to be in the periphery of such a meaningful day for her, Giovanne, and company.

LtoR: Giovanne, Aunt's Sister-in-Law, Aunt, & Me

In short....

What a beautiful thing it is to share life with others! What beautiful things are Relationships! What a joy and a mystery it is to be made in the "image and likeness of God"--MADE FOR RELATIONSHIP! With all of his people! With all my family and friends. With all my seminarian, priest, religious, and lay friends I have met in Rome. With all of the Angels and all of the Saints. With all of Creation. With God Himself--Father, Son, and the Holy Spirit.

I close this week with a prayer:

God, you who are a Perfect Communion of Persons, I pray that you draw us, this week, into a closer communion with You, Your people, and Your creation. Open our hearts wider to your Love so that we may have more to Love with. Give us a greater confidence and belief this week that we, indeed, are your BELOVED. May we fall more deeply in love with you and all that you have created...each day...each moment.

Our Father, who art in heaven,

hallowed be thy Name.

thy kingdom come,

thy will be done,

on earth as it is in heaven.

Give us this day, our daily bread,

and forgive us our trespasses

as we forgive those who trespass against us.

And lead us not into temptation,

but deliver us from evil.

Amen.

All Glory be to the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit.

As it was in the beginning, is now and ever shall be, world without end.

Amen

NEXT SUNDAY’S GOSPEL:

Mark 13:24-32

Jesus said to his disciples:
"In those days after that tribulation
the sun will be darkened,
and the moon will not give its light,
and the stars will be falling from the sky,
and the powers in the heavens will be shaken.

"And then they will see 'the Son of Man coming in the clouds'
with great power and glory,
and then he will send out the angels
and gather his elect from the four winds,
from the end of the earth to the end of the sky.

"Learn a lesson from the fig tree.
When its branch becomes tender and sprouts leaves,
you know that summer is near.
In the same way, when you see these things happening,
know that he is near, at the gates.
Amen, I say to you,
this generation will not pass away
until all these things have taken place.
Heaven and earth will pass away,
but my words will not pass away.

"But of that day or hour, no one knows,
neither the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father."

THIS WEEKS LINKS:

THEOLOGICAL CLOWNING: This is the website of another Mobile Seminarian...no excuse me...DEACON.... and close friend of mine--Dan Good. Much of it is devoted to John Paul II’s reflections know as “The Theology of the Body” which I briefly referenced earlier. As Dan says, “It’s all about GIFT.”

CARDINAL SEAN'S BLOG: This may be the first Cardinal to ever have his own BLOG!!! Cardinal Archbishop Sean O'Malley, OFM Cap., is the Archbishop of Boston. When I was in Philadelphia at St. Charles Borromeo, I studied with a number of guys from Boston. I have never seen guys so excited about their bishop (except, course, every Mobilian)...nor a BLOG....nor a Bishop's BLOG for that matter. I think he posts each Friday afternoon. His seminarians used to sit and wait in the computer lab to check out what their Pastor had been up to for the past week. If you like it a fraction as much as they did/do....it will be worth your time to check it out.

MUSTACHE SHOT OF THE WEEK:

All Saints Day

Happy All Saints Day!

Today the Church remembers all the SAINTS--all those men and women who have gone before us and now enjoy the fullness of God's company...i.e. Perfect Happiness in heaven. May we be inspired by their example, share in their happiness, have their help, be aware of their presence amongst us, and long to be with them completely one day down the road.

This post is coming at you in two parts.

PART 1:

A year ago today my older sister Courtney got married--not a bad day to get married! So, first of all I would like to wish her and Jeremy a happy 1 Year anniversary. May ya'll be blessed with many, many more! Their wedding was really an incredible time for my family and the Lewis family. I was blessed to be able to go home from Rome for the wedding--one of the most absurd 76-hour-whirlwinds of my life. Jeremy continues to be "my hero" for taking the bullet and marrying my sister! hahaha. No seriously, Jeremy you are a real gift to Courtney and our family....despite you being a Florida alum/fan.

Mr & Mrs. Lewis

Leaving the Reception

Me, Bride, Chuck

PART 2:

This year at seminary my class started the year with a workshop on "Homilies" (FYI: this is the Catholic term for "sermon"). For the next two years, we will regularly trying our hand at both writing and delivering homilies. We present them to a small group and then take time afterwards for reflection and comments.

This past week our assignment was to write a homily for today: All Saints Day. We were to look at the same readings assigned for Mass today and prepare a homily suited for an average parish audience filled with people of all ages. I thought I would share my attempt for this week. You can let me know at what point in reading it you fell asleep so I can try to improve for the next go around.

----------------------------

All Saints Day

Rev. 7:2-4, 9-14/ Psalm 24/ 1 Jn 3:1-3/ Matt 5:1-12a

Being “All Saints Day,” it begs the question-- “What exactly is a ‘Saint?’” Technically, the Church tells us that a “saint” is any man or woman who is in heaven, beholding God Almighty face-to-face. Biblically, to “see” something is at once to “posses” it. Also, the “face,” in the Bible, is the most intimate or personal part of the body. Therefore, “Seeing” someone’s “face” means to know them personally and completely.

In the Old Testament, however, such a “seeing” was NOT possible for God’s face always remained hidden. Moses, perhaps, was blessed with the best look at God...BUT this was just in passing and only included God’s “back.” Still, this was the deepest desire of God’s people as the Psalmist gives witness today singing, “This is the people that longs to see your face.”

So to say that the Saints see God face-to-face, is an EXTRAORDINARY statement. It is to say that they do something that neither Noah, Abraham, Moses, or Elijah were able to do. For the fullness of God’s Revelation had not yet come. Jesus had not YET made visible, the invisible face of his Father. For Jesus had not yet offered his holy blood for the sins of the world. Only this Blood, as St. John saw today in the Book of Revelation, could bring the Saints into this vision-- “they have washed their robes and made them white in the Blood of the Lamb.”

Thanks to Jesus, the saints stand before the Father, dazzling white, “Seeing Him face-to-face.” But still, what does this mean? Why is this so desirable? Because it means that the Saints “posses” God. They are FULL of God. God has filled them with his very self--Love. Because of this, they are perfectly HAPPY and Fulfilled. Jesus foretells this in the Gospel today. Nine times, he promises that those who love as he does, will be “Blessed”...this is just another way of saying “Happy.” A Happiness that does not fade, lack, or disappoint. Anyone interested?

Good. Because this is God’s desire for each one of you. “Sainthood” is not just something for giant figures of the past. Rather, it is God’s most basic and fundamental desire for your life--to be with him happily, forever. This desire is behind everything God does--creating you, sending his Son for you, loving you, giving you the sacraments, waking you up this morning, bringing you to Church today...everything. So, now we must ask, “What does it mean for YOU to become a saint?”

Matthew Kelly, a current Catholic writer, gives one of my favorite explanations--Holiness...or becoming a saint...means becoming the best possible version of yourself. That is to say, the last thing the world needs is another Francis of Assisi or Catherine of Siena. And surely it does not need another Joan of Arc. These men and women were great...in their own time and way. However, what the world needs today is YOU! It needs your holiness. Your example. Your saintly life. Your YES to follow Jesus Christ. Your eagerness to behold the Father in heaven, face-to-face.

You must remember, that in the eyes of God..and thus in REALITY, you are infinitely precious, for you are the only John Smith...or Betty Crocker...that the world has ever...or will ever see. Your life, then, is an infinitely precious commodity to God and to this world. You are a UNIQUE...IRREPLACEABLE manifestation of God’s love. Without you, we miss something of God’s creativity. Without you, we miss out on the fullness of God’s vision. For God sees you as he sees no other. And you see God, as no one else sees God. The greatest value and richest diversity to be found is...You. It is the saint, that really believes this...and responds to it. Pope Benedict explains this in a different way, “To become saints means to fulfill completely what we already are, raised to the dignity of God’s adopted children in Christ Jesus.” Already we have everything we need to become saints...for the Father has given us his Son. All we must do, is allow Christ to “bring to fulfillment, the good work begun in us.”

“But how,” you may ask, “does this really work itself out in the day to day of my life? I mean, this all sounds great Father, but practically speaking, where do I start?” I believe there is no better place...than the example of the Saints.

But I will admit, Growing up I always found the Saints overwhelming. There are just so many of them! It was hard enough weeding through them to find a Confirmation name! Much less, trying to pick one to get to know. So for a long time, I just set them aside...admiring them from afar....not knowing where to begin. Then I entered seminary...and met a man named Dr. Atherton Lowry.

Anybody who has studied Philosophy in the past 25 years at St. Charles Seminary in Philadelphia, knows this name all too well. As the head of the Philosophy Department, you were sure to have at least two or three classes with this man. Like many Philosophy professors, Dr. Lowry exists on a different plane than most of us. His thoughts are more abstract, his reflections more complex, his pace of life more relaxed, and his clothes more mismatched than the average man. However, what really sets Dr. Lowry apart....is his special love for and awareness of the Saints. I have never met anyone else quite like him in this regard!

Every class it was expected that, before his arrival, we were to write on the board any saint we would like to pray to that day. Naturally, we did our best to fill the board with as many names as possible so as to...well...delay the start of class as long as possible. However, we had to know at least a bit of information about the saint because Dr. Lowry was sure to scan the board and question us about any names he didn’t know. Never did I imagine that I would come to know so much about Sts. Cunagunda and John the Dwarf!

After assessing the names on the board, Dr. Lowry would lead us in a number of prayers to begin class, always culminating with a sung litany of the saints. It was very important to Dr. Lowry that we keep the litany going smoothly, “Like a river...just flowing...flowing...wave after wave.” St. John. Pray for us. St. Lucy. PFU. St. Cunagunda. PFU. St. Mark. PFU. And without fail, he would always end the litany with St. John Vianney, the patron saint of parish priests, to whom he has a huge devotion.

Also, class would not begin without some kind of exhortation like: “Men, it is so much important to remember how much the saints love you. And how delighted they are when you tell them that you Love them! Remember to tell the saints how much you love them! And in a special way, remember how immensely St. John Vianney loves you! No offense to the rest of the saints. They understand that I have been teaching men to be parish priests like him for the past 25 years. Which reminds me....” And on he would go!

One day as I sat in the chapel, Dr. Lowry came to mind. I remembered his simple recommendation--Just tell the saints that you love them. But as always...came the question...which one to choose? Again Dr. Lowry had an answer--St. John Vianney. After all I am studying to be a parish priest. And he is the patron of parish priests. So not really knowing how...I began, “Ummm...Hello John...I mean St. John...Vianney. I just wanted to tell you...well.....I love you.” As soon as I uttered the words in my heart, I felt my whole being set ablaze with a feeling of warmth and love. It was like I had just embraced my best friend after non seeing him for ten years! So simple! So deep! Wow...

Ever since that day, I have been getting to know and love the saints one by one. I have offered my love to them countless times. I have offered so many prayers to them...and received so many answers...so much peace. How comforting does it feel to know that a close friend is praying for you! Imagine how much more it feels to have a friend praying for you who is looking at our Heavenly Father face-to-face.

So, on this All Saints Day, I offer you the same advice Dr. Lowry has given to me...and literally hundreds of other seminarians---get to know the saints! Start simple. Start small. Do a bit of research this week and just pick ONE saint to get to know. Maybe it is your confirmation saint. Maybe the patron of your job. Maybe a saint whose feast day is on your birthday. You will find some good resources listed on the last page of the bulletin, right under “Anniversaries” that can help you pick one. Once you pick one, read a bit about them. Then set aside a bit of quiet time and spend it with them. Tell them about yourself. Your story. Whatever is on your mind and heart. Just be still. Enjoy their company. Ask them for strength. Ask them what it is like to see God face-to-face. Ask them to share some of this grace with you. Ask them for guidance, as you strive to follow in their footsteps...on YOUR way to holiness.....on YOUR way to sainthood. And last but not least....remember to tell them that you LOVE them.

Amen.

----------------------------------

THIS WEEK'S LINKS:

A Bryan Photo: This guy took the pictures at my sister's wedding. As you will see, he is very good at what he does. In addition, however, he has a hilarious blog featuring hilarious videos which he updates regularly. And interestingly, a friend of his and some of her friends visited me in Rome last year. This site is well worth your time

*HIS BLOG*

*Pictures of Courtney's wedding* This link will take you right to the "Courtney & Jeremy" Album

SAINTS: Here is a site where you can check out tons of saints. Maybe check out your name and learn about someone else with your name, now in heaven....rooting for you.

NEXT SUNDAY'S GOSPEL:

Mark 12:38-44

In the course of his teaching Jesus said to the crowds,
"Beware of the scribes, who like to go around in long robes
and accept greetings in the marketplaces,
seats of honor in synagogues,
and places of honor at banquets.
They devour the houses of widows and, as a pretext
recite lengthy prayers.
They will receive a very severe condemnation."

He sat down opposite the treasury
and observed how the crowd put money into the treasury.
Many rich people put in large sums.
A poor widow also came and put in two small coins worth a few cents.
Calling his disciples to himself, he said to them,
"Amen, I say to you, this poor widow put in more
than all the other contributors to the treasury.
For they have all contributed from their surplus wealth,
but she, from her poverty, has contributed all she had, her whole livelihood."

BONUS PICS:

My Favorite Saint: ST. TEREZ of LISIEUX

PRAY FOR US.

My favorite Nephew: CONNOR GRIFFIN LEWIS

First-fruits of Courtney and Jeremy's marriage. About 6 months old.

That makes me UNCLE VICTOR! NICE!!!

This kid will surely soon be striking fear into Little Leagues around the world...

My Favorite Philosopher: Dr. Atherton Lowry.

God Bless this man

Stunning. Simply Stunning....

On that note....

Peace out.

All of the Saints,

Pray for Us!

All of the Saints,

We Love You!

From the Glory of St. Peter's Basilica to His life by the Water

Happy Sunday to All!

This week, I wanted to share a bit about my experience in China this past summer. It truly was one of the best summers of my life. There is really no way to convey all that that trip meant to me. But I would like to share a couple thoughts/details and then one reflection I wrote at the end of the summer.

Traditionally at the North American College, guys are encouraged to spend their first summer abroad so as to more richly experience the world, the people in it, and the Holy Spirit moving amongst them. It is up to each seminarian to find some kind of program, apostolate, mission, immersion-program, language school etc. He just needs to get the approval of the College and his diocese. This past summer guys ministered everywhere from India to China to Russia to the Holy Land to all over Europe to Honduras to Ethiopia and more.

The summer before, Paul Vu (Orange, CA), a seminarian in the class ahead of me, had gone to China through Maryknoll, America's Missionary Society. Fr. Brian Barrons, a Maryknoller of Lansing, Michigan, was Paul's host. When I asked Paul to tell me about his experience he said, "Victor. Let me just say this upfront. That was pretty much the best experience of my life!" He also told me that our Vice-Rector Msgr. Meuggenborg was actually the first seminarian from our College to go and spend a summer with Fr. Brian. At that time, Fr. Brian was serving in Tanzania. So I went and asked Msgr. Meuggenborg about his experience with Maryknoll and Fr. Brian to which he quickly responded, "Victor. That was easily the best summer of my life!"

After conversations such as these, much thought, prayer, and planning, two other seminarians (Patrick Arensberg--Mobile, AL--& Colin Wen, Sacramento) and I decided to spend our summer abroad in China. Pat is half-Filipino and Colin is actually half-Chinese...and me...well...I'm pretty white. So the combination alone was an inculturation.

Pat and I at the height of the inculturation process

A bit about our host:

Fr. Brian spent the first 14 years of his priesthood in Tanzania. He now has been in China for about 10 years. Currently Fr. Barrons is stationed in Jilin City, a city of about 1 million people in NE China. There Fr. Brian is the dean of the English department at a Medical College. I know...not exactly your traditional "parish assignment." But this is the foothold that the Lord has given Fr. Brian in China. He is closely watched by the government, cannot safely wear clerics, or openly function as a priest. However, this does not stop Fr. Brian from making Christ known in Jilin City. Each semester Fr. Brian teaches over 200 students. Breakfast, lunch, and dinner of every day he invites students to his apartment to share a meal and practice English....so that each student eats with him about once a month. His office, he has basically converted into a student lounge that has students streaming in and out of all day, every day. He is there to just BE with them. To listen to them. To love them. To offer his counsel and encouragement. And to give them a good laugh.

His ministry is largely one of "Presence." It is one of the most impressive and inspiring one's I have ever seen. In addition to his work at the College, Fr. Brian also keeps up a blog (read by literally THOUSANDS of people all over China every day), hosts a local radio show, has starred in a couple Chinese movies, is the Chaplain for a convent of Chinese Carmelite nuns, and works closely with the many priests, religious, and faithful of Jilin Diocese. Not to mention, this past Christmas, Fr. Brian baptized 78 of his students...welcoming them into a new life in Christ!!! These details cannot begin to do justice to his ministry...to the power and love of Christ working in this priest...but hopefully it gives you a taste.

One more detail about Fr. Brian I would mention: This past year he received the "Friend of China Award"--the highest honor that China can give to a non-Chinese resident. He was given this as a result of the many great things he has done for the Chinese people over the past decade. Because of this, some friends encouraged Brian to apply for a Green Card...which normally is nearly impossible to secure. So he did...and a couple days after we arrived, Brian was approved! So he is a Chinese citizen for life now...as long as he spends at least one day on Mainland China, each year for the rest of his life. I thought this was a fascinating achievement! Here we see a communist, atheist government honoring a Catholic priest?! What gives?! To me it is a testament to the innate beauty... the attractiveness that comes from a life in Christ---it spreads goodness, love, and real service ---something everyone can agree on.

Paul had gone and lived with Fr. Brian in Jilin last summer. There he taught an English class for the summer. That gave him the chance to get to know and love many young, mostly non-Christian students. So up until about a week before we left for China this summer, this was our plan as well. But then Swine Flu broke out! We got a call from Fr. Brian telling us that the College decided to not allow us to come to Jilin and teach at the College for fear we would bring the virus along with us. Basically that meant, after months of planning, our entire plan for the summer was canceled!!! However, he still was happy to have us come. He just wanted us and our bishops to know that he could not promise us anything.....and our trip would have unfold on a day-to-day basis.

So, with our bishops' approval, we talked it over and decided to go ahead and just see what happened. We decided it would be a good chance to place ourselves into God's hands...his loving Providence and see what happened.

There was not one day that summer that I was not amazed at God's Plan and his care for our trip.

Our summer went so well, that Fr. Brian is planning next summer's experience based on everything that we were able to do. He has talked to the Maryknoll HQ in NYC and approved 12 spots for seminarians to come minister with his this coming summer! Never before has Romans 8:28 made so much sense to me--"We know that all things work for good for those who love God, who are called according to his purpose."

Below I would like to share a reflection on one of the many graces of the summer. Every seminarian was asked to write a "Theological Reflection" at the end of the summer, concerning one experience of their summer ministry. As I wrote my Post for last week...this reflection came to mind. In a mysterious way, this experience in China is, I believe, intimately connected with my experience serving at St. Peter's two weeks ago.

SUMMER THEOLOGICAL REFLECTION:

DESCRIBE ONE EXPERIENCE which affected you significantly.

(e.g., a conversation with someone, a ministerial experience, a crisis, etc.)

I spent my summer with Maryknoll in China. For about a week, we were hosted by Fr. Peter Xu, a friend of Maryknoll and the Rector of Jilin Diocese’s Seminary in northeastern China. For four of these days, Fr. Peter took us on a tour of the villages of his diocese. The second town we visited was Soujou. It was a small town of about 800 people and was 99.9% Catholic. Only the party secretary of the town was not Catholic, but even he was a good friend of the pastor and supporter of the Church. It was truly a fascinating place. The pastor more or less ran the town. The mayor differed to him on any big decision affecting the whole town and the pastor settled all legal disputes in the town. The lines dividing “Church and State” in this Chinese village were blurred for both Communist and Western eyes alike.

The first afternoon, the pastor invited us to visit the famous river of the town. We got in the car and slowly bounced our way on various dirt roads through corn fields until reaching the waterfront. When we got there, we were met by a group of fishermen from the village. They took us on a boat ride around the river first. While we were out, the others decided to prepare a large meal to welcome us to their town. We pulled back onto shore just in time to see them taking the fish from their nets that we would be served. A couple ladies emerged from a little brick hut by the water to get the fish to begin cooking.

After some time swimming in the river and catching clams with some village children, the meal was prepared. Precisely twelve of us sat down on split logs to feast around a low wooden table outside of the brick hut. The pastor blessed our food, offered the first toast, and the party had begun. As I sat at this table, sharing a meal with two priests, two seminarians, and seven fishermen, in a small Chinese Catholic village, on the bank of a river, I felt like I was reliving a story I had heard somewhere before.

In Chinese culture, especially in the northeastern province where we were at this time, toasts are a very important aspect of any friendly gathering. This is especially true when meeting new people and establishing new friendships. I truly was overwhelmed by their hospitality and the particularity of the situation and felt moved to give a toast. With the help of one of the priests I toasted these men saying, “Some of the first disciples called by Jesus were fishermen. So today, it is a special honor to be dining with fishermen as we come to know a new place, new friends, and more of our Catholic family.”

This seemed to really resonate with the fishermen who showed their accord by clinking glasses and patting one another on the back. Then one of the fishermen toasted in response saying, “Even though you come from far away and we are just meeting for the first time, we are part of the same family because of our common belief in Jesus Christ. So today, we are happy to welcome members of our family to our village.”

WHAT INSIGHTS DID YOU GAIN about yourself, human nature, or the Church because of this experience? HOW HAVE YOU GROWN?

I think this was one of the most intensely Catholic experiences in my life. It was a moment when being “Catholic” clearly became something substantial. Here I was in the middle of nowhere China, with total strangers, not able to speak Chinese, with a practical life experience much different from the others at the table (minus Patrick and Colin). And yet, a deep and abiding connection was present amongst us--our faith in Jesus Christ and his Church. So much so that we could sincerely toast one another as members of the “same family.”

Also, I felt I was given a special insight into the early apostolic community. Just spending the afternoon with them, it was obvious that these fishermen were deeply fraternal. They lived together, worked together, ate together, drank together, did just about everything together. Their common profession gave them a context to form incredible bonds of friendship. You really did sense that they would do anything for each other. Also, these fishermen were tough. There skin was darker and more leathery than anyone else we met in China; their personalities were stronger; their stomachs were bigger; their homes were more modest; and their socializing was more robust than most anyone else we met in China. As I noted all of this, I kept thinking about Peter, James, and John. It was making much more sense to me at this moment as to why Jesus would have called “fishermen” to be his first disciples. More so, it gave me new insight as to why Peter would have been chosen as the leader of these disciples.

Although I was in China, I believe this experience is relevant to the early apostolic community. These fishermen, like those you find in the Gospels, were rough around the edges. They were not the smartest, wealthiest, or most influential people of their village. However, they were very passionate, hardworking, and tough with a deep capacity to be fraternal and united. Jesus chose someone like that to be the “rock” of his Church--a leathery-skinned man with a fiery personality. A man like this, I realized, lied beneath all of the gold and marble of St. Peter’s basilica back in Rome. A man like this, Jesus had called from the shores of Galilee to come and follow him. A man like this, was called to be a saint.

WHERE WAS GOD AT WORK in this experience: in you, in other people, and in the Church?

God was amongst us as we gathered and celebrated in his name. As he moved amongst us, I feel the Lord allowed me to see the humble beginnings of the Church. He allowed me to see how “ordinary,” in a sense, they were. I feel he gave me a vivid and relevant scenery upon which to meditate each time I encounter James, Peter, and John in Scripture.

Living in Rome, I am blessed to be able to readily experience the splendor...or the glory of Peter and his Church. But this experience in China, allowed me to see the other side of the coin--the ordinary, rough, and humble man that was transformed by the grace of Christ. Both aspects I believe are important in their own right. Both are necessary to really understand what Aquinas meant when he said “Grace builds on nature.” Both are necessary for me to understand how I too am called to this paradox of ordinary and glory--namely, holiness.

HOW ARE YOU BEING CALLED to a greater conformity to Christ? How are you being called to live the Paschal Mystery and to imitate the Pastoral Charity of Christ?

The men in Soujou, as well as the Chinese people in general, particularly challenged me by their hospitality. They stopped everything to host, welcome, feed, and celebrate with us. They were excited by the faith that we shared. They were eager to meet more members of their Catholic family. I pray to be caught up in their excitement for their faith and their hospitality. Hospitality provides the occasion for people to encounter each other and to share with each other. Jesus is a person who desires to share his entire self with each of us. So I feel more inspired to be hospitable, so as to give our Lord this foothold...this opportunity in others lives to fulfill this, his deepest desire.

Us sitting and eating with the Fishermen and Priests

Pat, Colin, and I with kids from the village I talked about

(the internet is really slow here now...I will post some more pictures later)

This week's Links:

Colin Wen's Blog (guy from CA who went to China with me):

www.sactownseminarians.com

A link from Colin's Blog to some pics he posted from China:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/42774950@N07/

Fr. Brian Barrons' Blog: A Chinese Sensation!-----THE GREAT WALL

http://brianbarrons.typepad.com/

Next Sunday's Gospel:

This is the Gospel Reading for Mass next Sunday. At seminary, they really encourage us to meditate on Scripture throughout the week... especially the daily readings from Mass and more especially those for the upcoming Sunday.... and most especially the Gospel reading for the upcoming Sunday. So, I thought it would be good to post the Gospel reading each Sunday for the next Sunday. For those who would like, you can read it, reflect on it, and pray with it throughout the week. It could be something small that not only we would be sharing together...but it would be a way to plug into the life of the whole seminary here....and really the life of the Church worldwide...many of whom will be hearing these words proclaimed a week from now.

Matthew 5:1-12a

When Jesus saw the crowds, he went up the mountain,

and after he had sat down, his disciples came to him.

He began to teach them, saying:

“Blessed are the poor in spirit,
for theirs is the Kingdom of heaven.
Blessed are they who mourn,
for they will be comforted.
Blessed are the meek,
for they will inherit the land.
Blessed are they who hunger and thirst for righteousness,
for they will be satisfied.
Blessed are the merciful,
for they will be shown mercy.
Blessed are the clean of heart,
for they will see God.
Blessed are the peacemakers,
for they will be called children of God.
Blessed are they who are persecuted for the sake of righteousness,
for theirs is the Kingdom of heaven.
Blessed are you when they insult you and persecute you
and utter every kind of evil against you falsely because of me.
Rejoice and be glad,
for your reward will be great in heaven.”

Have a great week! Let's pray for each other.

Peace.

Follow Up Pics and Links

Just wanted to follow up with a couple things now that I have grown in BLOG wisdom and knowledge over the past 48 hours.

Here is a picture of us just outside St. Peter's before the Papal Mass:

Mike Pratt (Tulsa), Steven Vrazel (Mobile) Me, Matt Kuhn (St. Cloud), Sean Donnovan (Tulsa)

Me inside St. Peter's in an area blocked off for priests and servers to get vested

All of the servers lined up before Mass. I would carry one of these candles up and down the aisle.

LtoR: 2 Polish Seminarians, Ben Ross (Gary, IN), Me, Matt, Vraz, Francis Marotti (Kalamazoo), Nathan Sparks (Rapid City, SD), Sean, Quan Tran (Orange)

Chapel where the Pope vested--Crucifix, Altar, Candles, and All.

Michelangelo's famous Pieta

(Without the bullet-proof glass between you)

The two principal servers for the Mass: Both born in Hawaii, both from our College.

Pat learned to pose like that in China...trying to start the trend in the Vatican I guess...good luck.

Rheo Ofalsa (Omaha) held "The Book" & Pat Arensberg (Mobile) held "The Mic" for the Pope

Pat was with me in China this summer...and is my DB (Diocesan Brother). Here is a link to an article that was published in Maui after the Mass talking about Pat and his family's history.

http://mauinews.com/page/content.detail/id/524673.html

-------------------

The facade of St. Peter's--traditionally the portraits of the new Saints to be canonized are printed and hung on banners on the front of the Basilica.

Here are some links about St. Damien if you want to know more about this Hawaiian/Belgian saint:

USA TODAY:http://www.usatoday.com/news/religion/2009-10-08-father-damien_N.htm

WIKIPEDIA: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Father_Damien

MOVIE ABOUT DAMIEN: http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0165196/

Outside St. Peter's overlooking the square packed full with Pilgrims. Just as the Pope began his weekly Angelus address.

Pope Benedict XVI with Pat to his right

PAPAL EVENT PHOTO INFO:

There are two main Photography Businesses in Rome that cover Papal events. Below I have the links to their sites. There you can see all the pictures each of them took at the Mass, and if you find one you like... you can buy and download it. Then you could take the JPEG file to WalMart or something and have them printed.

* L'Osservatore Romano (official News Agency of the Vatican)

(Pages 72-57 cover the event)

* Foto Felici

(This site has them separated by event. Should should see 22 pages of fotos)

-------------------------

BONUS MATERIAL: Close-Up of my New, Freshly-Grown Mustache.

My buddy Alex Roche (Scranton, PA) found this article and sent it my way. Perhaps one of the most important socio-historical observations of our time...

"Who took my Stache'?: The sad and curious exile of the American mustache"

by Wesley Morris

Now I realize the the "Tom Selleck" or "Burt Reynolds" mustache is way out of my league. But hopefully I am not in the "Matt Damon" category. But that is for you to decide.

Let me know what you think....Be honest :{)

OK. Until Sunday. Peace.

Getting Called to the Big Leagues

Hello Blog World

Welcome to my second attempt at blogging. To anyone who read my one post last go around, “Wecome Back!” And to everyone else, like I just said, Bienvenidos...Benvenuto.....Salve....Welcome.

Last year I attempted to start one through my Archdiocese but was only able to churn out one post all year. Pretty impressive I know. I just wasn’t ready to take on all that the “Blog-world” entails. But after a year of blog reading, apprenticeship, and thinking about about blogging, I am ready to give it another go.

My goal is to post once a week---preferably on Sunday. We will see how that goes. Really, I was inspired to try “Blogging” again after an experience I had a week ago today. It was a big...unexpected blessing...one I wanted to be able to share with my family and friends. This experience was overwhelming...one I didn’t deserve, but one I will never forget. It really reminded me of how Good, God is. Blessing us always with things we don’t deserve or even ask for at times. I too reminded me of what an honor, privilege, and, above all, a GIFT it is to be studying in Rome to be a Priest. Studying for the priesthood is something that scared me for a long time....something I tried to run away from...but the Lord kept knocking. I now I find myself happier, more at peace, and purposeful than I ever thought was possible. My very fear...God has taken and transformed into the happiest days of my life. May his name be praised now and forever!

Before I share this experience, I want to throw out some basic info just in case I have some “New Readers” or people who happen to stumble upon this. My name is Victor Ingalls. My Dad’s name is Donald. My Mom’s name is Anna Lee (aka Shaq aka Wally...explanation for a later post). I have two beautiful sisters--Courtney (27) who is pregnant with her first child (Connor Griffin)...and the first of the next generation of my Mom’s side. She is married to Jeremy Lewis of Ocala, FL. I am proud to say, they met on “E-Harmony.com”! Hahahaha. Sorry, I couldn’t resist. But seriously, it couldn’t have worked out any better. My little sister is named Charlotte (aka Chuck) and is a senior at the University of The #2 in the Nation Ranked Alabama Crimson Tide! Studying History and Spanish. Roll Tide!

I grew up in Montgomery, AL. Went to Saint James School from 1st -12th grade. Spent four years at Furman University where I studied “Religion,” “Pre-Medical Studies,” and Spanish. It was there I began to respond to a “Call” to become a Catholic Priest. I had felt this call, in some way, since I was 15. During my senior year, I applied and was accepted by the Archdiocese of Mobile (covering the southern half of Alabama) to begin priestly formation under their care. The fall after graduating from Furman, Archbishop Lipscomb sent me to begin my studies at St. Charles Borromeo Seminary in Philadelphia, PA. I spent two years there and in April of 2008 was asked by Archbishop Lipscomb to move to Rome, be formed at the Pontifical North American College, and take classed at the Pontifical Gregorian University. I arrive in Rome in late July of 2008 and have been abroad ever since (except for 3 days last November for my sister Courtney’s wedding). This summer I spent six weeks in China with Maryknoll (America’s Catholic Missionary Society) in a missionary/pastoral immersion program. And now I have just finished my first week of classes of my second Academic Year at the Gregorian. Needless to say, I have had to pinch myself most mornings this past year...to see if any of this is real! What incredible things the Lord has planned for us if only we say “Yes.”

And that brings me to 10:15AM of this past Saturday. Saturday being our one free day of the week, at this time I was just waking up. Suddenly, the ringing of my dorm phone penetrated my morning stupor. The conversation went something like this:

Me: Hello.

Matt Kuhn: Victor, this is Matt Kuhn.

Me: OK....

MK: {with intensity} Look I am down at St. Peter’s Basicila. We are having practice for the Canonization Mass tomorrow. Six servers didn’t show up! We can’t start practice until we have enough people!

Me: ......

MK: Look...DO YOU WANT TO SERVE MASS FOR THE POPE TOMORROW???!!!

Me: Uhhh....Yeah...I mean...YES!

MK: OK. I don’t have time to explain it all. I need you to get at least five other guys and get down here.

[At this point, my brain finally caught up to reality and I, in an instant, shifted into Game Mode]

Me: OK. Question. What should we wear?!

MK: Clerics.

Me: Where should we me you?!

MK: The top of St. Peter’s steps.

Me: How much time to I have?!

MK: As little as possible.

Me: ....OK....Hold on...I’m on my way!

What ensued can only be described as “Madness!” Without showering, shaving, or really even thinking I threw on some clerics and started running up and down my hall, banging on doors, and yelling at every seminarian in my path.

Before long I had drawn six other guys into this frenzy and we found ourselves speed-walking/jogging to St. Peter’s Square. Normally a walk that would require about ten minutes was accomplished in about five.

Sweating and out of breath, we ran into our first obstacle in our path--the Swiss Guards. Since Matt had just spontaneously called us on his cell phone, the Guards had no idea that we were coming. They told us we would have to enter through the normal line and go through security. One look at St. Peter’s Square and we knew this was not a viable option. Literally thousands of pilgrims were in town for the Canonization of five saints the next day. So we did the only thing reasonably left to do: gathered in a mob and started flailing our arms towards our buddies up on top of St. Peter’s Steps.

Long story short, a Benedictine priest finally came and got the Swiss Guards (who were only doing their job) and let us into St. Peter’s. After about a twenty minute practice, we were given special tickets to come back the next morning at 8AM to get vested for Mass. Walking back from the Square, the reality of what had just happened to us finally started to sink in. One minute we had been minding our own business, waking up to a lazy Saturday morning, and the next we were at St. Peter’s Basilica preparing to serve alongside the Holy Father himself.

We each spent the larger part of the rest of that day calling our families and friends and relating how we each had gotten “the call.” The Mass was going to be televised by ETWN starting at 3AM Central Time back in the United States. So our families back home, from Montgomery, AL to Orange, CA got their VCRs, DVRs, and popcorn ready.

The actual experience of the Mass the following day was incredible. It is really hard to put it all in words. I will reflect on a couple aspects, but I over the next couple links if you want to check it out. The whole ETWN broadcast is at this website in two parts, which you can download and watch.

Part 1

http://www.catholictv.com/shows/default.aspx?seriesID=57&videoID=202

Part 2

http://www.catholictv.com/shows/default.aspx?seriesID=57&videoID=828

The Mass originally was planned to take place outside in St. Peter’s Square to accommodate the masses of pilgrims that came to see saints canonized from their homeland--France, Spain, Poland, and Belgium. There were also several thousand American pilgrims who came largely in support of to be St. Jean Jugan, foundress of the Little Sisters of the Poor, and St. Damien of Molokai--a Belgian, missionary priest who spent most of his life serving the lepers exiled to the Hawaiian island of Molokai. After becoming a leper himself, he refused to leave the people he loved and lived out the rest of his days serving the lepers of Molokai.

However, at the last minute, the Vatican officials decided to move the Mass inside of St. Peter’s Basilica because there was about an 80% chance of rain on the forecast. That meant that we would be serving INSIDE St. Peter’s Basilica, processing right over the ground covering St. Peter’s bones....just before Peter’s successor, Benedict XVI, followed us down the aisle.

As we waited for the Mass to begin, the Papal MC ushered us into the chapel containing Michelangelo’s famous Pieta. Behind the glass that protects this masterpiece, the drama of Mary holding her Son was clearer than ever before. We all stood speechless for a couple minutes, just soaking it all in. Then the MC had us form a line in front of the altar and gave each of us a vestment we were to present to the Holy Father to wear for Mass! A shock swept over us, as we realized we might be meeting the Holy Father in a matter of minutes.

Just to the right of the Pieta Chapel is a smaller chapel where the Pope vests before Mass. I was the last one in line, holding the Holy Father’s Pallium which would be the last thing he would put on before processing into the Basilica.

As I stood to wait my turn, I feel like I received a special grace. In that moment, I felt a special unity with all of my family and friends. I had a deep sense that it was because of their love and faith that had brought this great grace into my life...along with so many others. Too I felt really struck by how mysterious and generous God’s love is for us. I had not done anything to be standing in line, about to hand the Pope his pallium. Less than twenty-four hours earlier I had just been sleeping, without any plans for the day, without any effort at all. And then, just like that, I was called up from Single A to pinch hit in the Big Leagues. Such is His love for us. Even as we sleep, the Father delights in us and pours upon us his richest blessings. We must only open our eyes in faith to see the wonders occurring in our midst. In that moment, I felt I was being given a special grace to see in a clear way what is always happening in my life--being showered by God’s love. Truly when, with the eyes of faith, we really SEEK the Lord, we find out what it really means to LIVE (see Amos 5:4).

Having this clarity, I asked the Lord to share my blessings...especially those of that Mass... with all of my loved ones. I asked that they may in some way share in the richness of the moment at hand. Then came my turn...

I took a couple of steps forward into the Pope’s chapel. I came within about five feet of the Holy Father and was met by two of the Master of Ceremonies who were helping to vest the 80 year old Bishop of Rome. Here is what I saw.

The entire time Pope Benedict XVI was facing an altar lit by two candles, with his gaze fixed on a crucifix hanging just above the altar. As the MCs helped him vest each garment, Benedict prayed the ancient “Vesting Prayers” in preparation to celebrate the Mass. There is a special prayer assigned to each garment a priest is to wear, which helps the Priest to meditate on the Mystery at hand and to begin offering his entire Self in union with Christ.

As I watched the Holy Father pray in this way, a part of me--namely my ego--really wanted him to turn, look at me, shake my hand, and say something inspirational. But not once did Benedict’s gaze betray the crucifix before him. I will never forget that image. It spoke volumes to me...about what really mattered...about what that day was all about--not me...not my ego....something else...something so much greater...something deserving of all our attention, all of our praise, all of our love. I found myself praying something like this, deep in my heart, “May the Cross of Christ never leave my gaze, so that I May never forget how greatly I am loved and by what measure the King of Kings gazes back upon me.”

I will share one more reflection, then I should probably go to bed. The Gospel Passage for Mass that day was the following:

Mark 10:17-30

As Jesus was setting out on a journey, a man ran up,
knelt down before him, and asked him,
"Good teacher, what must I do to inherit eternal life?"
Jesus answered him, "Why do you call me good?
No one is good but God alone.
You know the commandments: You shall not kill;
you shall not commit adultery;
you shall not steal;
you shall not bear false witness;
you shall not defraud;
honor your father and your mother."
He replied and said to him,
"Teacher, all of these I have observed from my youth."
Jesus, looking at him, loved him and said to him,
"You are lacking in one thing.
Go, sell what you have, and give to the poor
and you will have treasure in heaven; then come, follow me."
At that statement his face fell,
and he went away sad, for he had many possessions.

Jesus looked around and said to his disciples,
"How hard it is for those who have wealth
to enter the kingdom of God!"
The disciples were amazed at his words.
So Jesus again said to them in reply,
"Children, how hard it is to enter the kingdom of God!
It is easier for a camel to pass through the eye of a needle
than for one who is rich to enter the kingdom of God."
They were exceedingly astonished and said among themselves,
"Then who can be saved?"
Jesus looked at them and said,
"For human beings it is impossible, but not for God.
All things are possible for God."
Peter began to say to him,
"We have given up everything and followed you."
Jesus said, "Amen, I say to you,
there is no one who has given up house or brothers or sisters
or mother or father or children or lands
for my sake and for the sake of the gospel
who will not receive a hundred times more now in this present age:
houses and brothers and sisters
and mothers and children and lands,
with persecutions, and eternal life in the age to come."

These final words of the Gospel pierced my heart that day like a “double-edge sword.” Again, I was overwhelmed by God’s Providence and Goodness. I always had feared giving my “Yes” to the Lord...leaving behind MY plans and MY goals to study for the Priesthood. But by his grace, I was able to say “Yes” and at least allow the Lord to get the ball rolling. And there I stood, feeling that I had, indeed, received “a hundred times more now in this present age” than I ever could have imagined for myself on my own.

So, Thank God for this blessing and all his many blessings. I hope you may share in this blessing and others that I hope to share on this BLOG.

Let me know if there is anything you would be interested to hear about, or if there is anything in particular I can be praying about for you.

I hope that in reading this, you may share in some of the graces I received that day, in St. Peter’s, serving for the Pope, receiving the Eucharist, and witnessing five new Saints given to the world as shining exams of Gospel Living.

Until next week.

Keep it Real.

Play for Keeps.

Peace.