I'm sure that it's just coincidental that the Republican National Convention (in Milwaukee Wisconsin) and the 10th National Eucharistic Congress (in Indianapolis, Indiana) are meeting on some of the same days this week. There is no doubt that one will have to look much harder and longer to find out what's going on at the Eucharistic Congress versus the happenings in Milwaukee. By the time most of you read this, both events will be over and there will be a strong push toward looking to the future. Before speaking about this, let me ask and answer a couple of questions about these events and reflect upon the answer to each. (Realize that when it comes to the political convention, the same could be said about the democratic convention with names being the obvious difference).
Firstly, who is the focus of these two events. In the case of the convention it is of course Donald Trump, the nominee on the Republican side of the presidential ticket. There will be much said about him that is meant to build up a strong fervor among those attending and all voters throughout the country to support and elect him to be the next President of the United States. In the case of the congress the focus will be on Jesus Christ, as the Savior and Lord of heaven & earth and on his REAL PRESENCE in the Sacrament of Holy Communion. It is hoped that a fervor for Christ will be stirred up and carried on and back to Catholic dioceses throughout our country as we begin the third year of renewal where emphasis will be on "Mission". Unlike Trump or Biden or any other candidate, Jesus Christ does not have to prove himself worthy of ours and others support. His presence in our world over 2,000 years ago, what he taught and did, and his greatest act of love, going through his passion, death, and resurrection solidifies his worthiness to receive our greatest allegiance to him not for four years (as would be asked for an elected president of this or any country), but for the rest of our lives. Voting in political elections should, in my opinion, always be about who (among those offered) will best promote the ways and goals of Jesus Christ for the glory of God and the benefit of the common good.
Secondly, both of the events will stress the importance of unity (among citizens and Catholics respectively). I know I can say with confidence that the unity that is the work of the Holy Spirit and "Spirit-filled" believers is much more possible among believers in Jesus Christ than between people on either side of the political spectrum. When we ask for and cooperate with the Holy Spirit individually and in groups of people, we can be confident that the results will bear fruit for us now and potentially for many in the future.
I would ask and encourage all of you to begin saying the "Prayer for Eucharistic Renewal" that is found in the back flap of your missalette/hymnal either before or after Mass and in your homes as well. Renew and strengthen your focus on Jesus, especially in the Eucharist, and en-courage others to find their way to the Lord. Both events mentioned seek to produce hope for those who attend and for others as well. While some might find their hopes dashed or strongly lessened if their candidate loses in November, our hopes in and through Jesus can be strengthened for the rest of our lives and reach their ulti-mate fulfillment in the joy and peace of heaven where we will all be winners for all eternity!
Firstly, who is the focus of these two events. In the case of the convention it is of course Donald Trump, the nominee on the Republican side of the presidential ticket. There will be much said about him that is meant to build up a strong fervor among those attending and all voters throughout the country to support and elect him to be the next President of the United States. In the case of the congress the focus will be on Jesus Christ, as the Savior and Lord of heaven & earth and on his REAL PRESENCE in the Sacrament of Holy Communion. It is hoped that a fervor for Christ will be stirred up and carried on and back to Catholic dioceses throughout our country as we begin the third year of renewal where emphasis will be on "Mission". Unlike Trump or Biden or any other candidate, Jesus Christ does not have to prove himself worthy of ours and others support. His presence in our world over 2,000 years ago, what he taught and did, and his greatest act of love, going through his passion, death, and resurrection solidifies his worthiness to receive our greatest allegiance to him not for four years (as would be asked for an elected president of this or any country), but for the rest of our lives. Voting in political elections should, in my opinion, always be about who (among those offered) will best promote the ways and goals of Jesus Christ for the glory of God and the benefit of the common good.
Secondly, both of the events will stress the importance of unity (among citizens and Catholics respectively). I know I can say with confidence that the unity that is the work of the Holy Spirit and "Spirit-filled" believers is much more possible among believers in Jesus Christ than between people on either side of the political spectrum. When we ask for and cooperate with the Holy Spirit individually and in groups of people, we can be confident that the results will bear fruit for us now and potentially for many in the future.
I would ask and encourage all of you to begin saying the "Prayer for Eucharistic Renewal" that is found in the back flap of your missalette/hymnal either before or after Mass and in your homes as well. Renew and strengthen your focus on Jesus, especially in the Eucharist, and en-courage others to find their way to the Lord. Both events mentioned seek to produce hope for those who attend and for others as well. While some might find their hopes dashed or strongly lessened if their candidate loses in November, our hopes in and through Jesus can be strengthened for the rest of our lives and reach their ulti-mate fulfillment in the joy and peace of heaven where we will all be winners for all eternity!
My subject for this pastor's column was influenced by the Gospel that was proclaimed for Tuesday, July 9 and a meeting that was held right after that Mass. In the Gospel, (Mth 9:32-38), Jesus was busy teaching, preaching and healing people. As he went from one place to another, he may have felt somewhat overwhelmed by the task in front of him. He said "The harvest is abundant but the laborers are few, so ask the harvestmaster to send out laborers for his harvest." (Mth 9:32). This passage has often been quoted over the years when encouragement is given to pray for vocations to the priesthood and religious life. The meeting I attended after Mass that morning addressed the upcoming annual fundraising dinner for our Arkansas seminarians (August 9) that is sponsored by our local Knights of Columbus (Council 10208). Much effort has already been put in to make this the most enjoyable (and hopefully successful) nights that we have ever had for this important and worthy cause to prepare through educa-tion and formation the future "laborers for the harvest" in the fertile field of the state of Arkansas. Through cooperation and coordination with the vocation office of our diocese we will have the most seminarians EVER who are able to attend our meal and program (around 19)! We will have some seminarians perform some music for us, and one seminarian share about the journey of faith that has led him to this point in his formation. In addition, we have the vocation director, Fr. Jeff Hebert, the new spiritual formation director at the House of Formation, Fr. Mauricio Carrasco and Bishop Taylor speaking to the attendees and a DELICIOUS dinner prepared by Chef Johnna. (See the bulletin announcement for the menu). I will have plenty of homemade ice cream made for dessert to top off a wonderful meal! The cost of the meal is $25.00 a person, I am happy to tell you that due to the generosity of Karen Feckler (who is underwriting the cost of the food and caterer) all $25.00 will be going to the seminarian fund.
I hope you will join me in making a generous donation at the dinner when invited to do so, and even make a sacrificial gift toward the process of preparing these men to celebrate the Sacrifice of the Mass countless times, and for many years to come, in addition to other ministries that will build the Kingdom of God in Arkansas beyond what we can imagine. I especially encourage those who have not participated in this unforgettable evening and cause to join us this year. Tickets can be purchased online or if you can't do that by calling Jerry Kordsmeier at (501 282-2030).
Please don't wait to get your tickets as we only have room for around 170 paid participants. God is indeed in-spiring men to participate in the harvest of souls for the Lord and his kingdom in an ordained life. Our participation in this calling is, in part, a way to thank the Lord for the priests of our past (and present) who are bringing the Lord to us in the Eucharist, the other sacraments and in many other ways! I hope to see you on the evening of August the 9th at 5:00 p.m.
I hope you will join me in making a generous donation at the dinner when invited to do so, and even make a sacrificial gift toward the process of preparing these men to celebrate the Sacrifice of the Mass countless times, and for many years to come, in addition to other ministries that will build the Kingdom of God in Arkansas beyond what we can imagine. I especially encourage those who have not participated in this unforgettable evening and cause to join us this year. Tickets can be purchased online or if you can't do that by calling Jerry Kordsmeier at (501 282-2030).
Please don't wait to get your tickets as we only have room for around 170 paid participants. God is indeed in-spiring men to participate in the harvest of souls for the Lord and his kingdom in an ordained life. Our participation in this calling is, in part, a way to thank the Lord for the priests of our past (and present) who are bringing the Lord to us in the Eucharist, the other sacraments and in many other ways! I hope to see you on the evening of August the 9th at 5:00 p.m.
How time flies! We are already halfway through the year 2024 and before you know it, we will come to election day (November 5). It is not too early to review our United States Bishops document, "Forming Consciences for Faithful Citizenship (which can be read online by going to USCCB/Forming Consciences for Faithful Citizenship).
Pope Francis said the following in a morning meditation: "We need to participate for the common good. Some-times we hear: a good Catholic is not interested in politics. This is not true: good Catholics immerse themselves in politics by offering the best of themselves so that the leader may govern."
The statement of our American bishops (mentioned above) represents their guidance for Catholics in the exercise of their rights and duties as participants in our democracy. They go on to urge all Catholics (clergy, religious and laity) to use this statement to help form their consciences; to teach those entrusted to their care, to contribute to civil and respectful public dialogue, and to shape political choices in the coming election year in light of Catholic teaching.
This is quite a challenge in all ways including the way we dialogue with others. We can allow ourselves to hear dialogue and statements from candidates, their supporters, the media and others that is anything but respectful and civil and be tempted to respond in kind. Hopefully, in striving to be and stay close to Jesus, we will always seek to act as he did with compassion, mercy and Christ-like love in this and in others areas of our lives.
I would also encourage you to join with me in prayer for our country's leaders and those who strive to be elected to government positions. Please join us when-ever we pray the patriotic rosary, which asks for the intercession of our Blessed Mother for our country's leaders and people, and provides patriotic songs to sing, especially verses that speak of the connection between God and country.
In one of those songs (America the Beautiful) we ask God to mend our every flaw. While there are many ways that our country has been (and still is) great in what it stands for at home and abroad, we have to acknowledge that conversion needs to take place to make our leaders, peoples, and institutions more Christ-like and ever ready to reach out a helping hand to those who are truly unable to provide even the basic needs of life for themselves and their families.
Soon Catholics in this country will be entering into the 3rd and final year of Eucharistic Revival which especially stresses the mission of bringing our love of Jesus in the Eucharist to others (especially non-practicing Catholics). We will have more about this in the weeks and months to come.
Pope Francis said the following in a morning meditation: "We need to participate for the common good. Some-times we hear: a good Catholic is not interested in politics. This is not true: good Catholics immerse themselves in politics by offering the best of themselves so that the leader may govern."
The statement of our American bishops (mentioned above) represents their guidance for Catholics in the exercise of their rights and duties as participants in our democracy. They go on to urge all Catholics (clergy, religious and laity) to use this statement to help form their consciences; to teach those entrusted to their care, to contribute to civil and respectful public dialogue, and to shape political choices in the coming election year in light of Catholic teaching.
This is quite a challenge in all ways including the way we dialogue with others. We can allow ourselves to hear dialogue and statements from candidates, their supporters, the media and others that is anything but respectful and civil and be tempted to respond in kind. Hopefully, in striving to be and stay close to Jesus, we will always seek to act as he did with compassion, mercy and Christ-like love in this and in others areas of our lives.
I would also encourage you to join with me in prayer for our country's leaders and those who strive to be elected to government positions. Please join us when-ever we pray the patriotic rosary, which asks for the intercession of our Blessed Mother for our country's leaders and people, and provides patriotic songs to sing, especially verses that speak of the connection between God and country.
In one of those songs (America the Beautiful) we ask God to mend our every flaw. While there are many ways that our country has been (and still is) great in what it stands for at home and abroad, we have to acknowledge that conversion needs to take place to make our leaders, peoples, and institutions more Christ-like and ever ready to reach out a helping hand to those who are truly unable to provide even the basic needs of life for themselves and their families.
Soon Catholics in this country will be entering into the 3rd and final year of Eucharistic Revival which especially stresses the mission of bringing our love of Jesus in the Eucharist to others (especially non-practicing Catholics). We will have more about this in the weeks and months to come.