As you probably know, we are currently in the days of the annual Fortnight for Freedom, a period of time in which our American Bishops ask us to reflect on the religious freedoms that we have been blessed to enjoy in our country since its founding, and to recognize and stand up for those freedoms always, especially when they are threatened in any way.
This year we are given more examples of people who have stood strong and tall for religious liberty, sometimes at the the cost of their freedom and/or their life. In addition to great biblical saints like Sts. Peter and Paul (June 29) and St. John the Baptist (June 24) and later saints like John Fisher and Thomas Moore (June 22), we are given to reflect, this year, on more modern-day saints and holy people like Archbishop Oscar Romero (martyred in El Salvador in the 1980s) and Padre Miguel Pio (martyred during religious oppression in Mexico in 1927). All of these people died, in part, because they stood for religious freedom. It is up to us, not necessarily to die for religious freedom in our country, but to be ready to speak up and speak out strongly when religious liberty is threatened. I pray we have the courage and conviction to do so. It will bless us and future generations of believers as well.
This year we are given more examples of people who have stood strong and tall for religious liberty, sometimes at the the cost of their freedom and/or their life. In addition to great biblical saints like Sts. Peter and Paul (June 29) and St. John the Baptist (June 24) and later saints like John Fisher and Thomas Moore (June 22), we are given to reflect, this year, on more modern-day saints and holy people like Archbishop Oscar Romero (martyred in El Salvador in the 1980s) and Padre Miguel Pio (martyred during religious oppression in Mexico in 1927). All of these people died, in part, because they stood for religious freedom. It is up to us, not necessarily to die for religious freedom in our country, but to be ready to speak up and speak out strongly when religious liberty is threatened. I pray we have the courage and conviction to do so. It will bless us and future generations of believers as well.
I may forget the name of the priest who gave our priest retreat last week but I won't forget his lively and thought-provoking talks. And for some reason, I do remember a priest, Father Michael Jarema, who was the presenter of our Priest Continuing Education a few years ago, and I remember his topic which was "Fatherhood." It was interesting and informative as he presented material from his book: "Fathering the Next Generation: Men Mentoring Men." It was relevant to priests as we are called to "father" the flock entrusted to our care, and it was also helpful to help heal any wounds created by our fathers, as he talked about different styles of fatherhood, some healthy and some unhealthy, that especially affect young men as they are growing up. If you are interested, you might find this book on the internet. It reminds me that fatherhoood is a challenging responsibility and some, obviously, do better than others in living out this important vocation.
I pray this weekend in thanksgiving for the good that fathers are doing for their children and for healing in those who have been wounded by words and/or actions of their fathers from the past or those who are being hurt today. Let's pray for all who are fathering their children, that they will open themselves up to the Lord, and let Him guide their lives in general and their lives as fathers every day.
I pray this weekend in thanksgiving for the good that fathers are doing for their children and for healing in those who have been wounded by words and/or actions of their fathers from the past or those who are being hurt today. Let's pray for all who are fathering their children, that they will open themselves up to the Lord, and let Him guide their lives in general and their lives as fathers every day.
When I consider who I am, I identify myself broadly (and from my Baptism) as an adopted child of God. I am first and foremost a Catholic who seeks daily to live as a disciple of Christ. I live in the United States and am proud to be an American. I see myself therefore, as a Catholic American with Catholicism and what it teaches me to be through the Gospels and the Tradition of the Church leading my thoughts and actions.
Last weekend I quoted Bishop Taylor in speaking of undocumented residents of our state whose lives and livlihood would indeed benefit from a change in Arkansas Law that would permit them to get a driver's license. Afterwards, I heard someone come out of church and immediately refer to these same people as "illegals." I knew before I preached last weekend's homily, that some would react negatively to what I presented. I pray, while I am on retreat this week, that everyone would at least read what the bishop says are reasons for us to sign the petition that urges the change in law I mentioned.
This weekend there is an insert that is a summary of our bishop's Pastoral teaching from a few years ago on immigration. I invite everyone to take time to read it, and pray before you do so, with an open mind and heart. Ask the Lord to fill everyone's heart with compassion, the compassion that led Him to reach out with a loving hand to so many who were on the margins and/or who were rejected by others and seen by some as not worthy of help. The petition I spoke of, will remain in the narthex for a week or so more, if you are led to sign it. God bless you and all of God's children.
Last weekend I quoted Bishop Taylor in speaking of undocumented residents of our state whose lives and livlihood would indeed benefit from a change in Arkansas Law that would permit them to get a driver's license. Afterwards, I heard someone come out of church and immediately refer to these same people as "illegals." I knew before I preached last weekend's homily, that some would react negatively to what I presented. I pray, while I am on retreat this week, that everyone would at least read what the bishop says are reasons for us to sign the petition that urges the change in law I mentioned.
This weekend there is an insert that is a summary of our bishop's Pastoral teaching from a few years ago on immigration. I invite everyone to take time to read it, and pray before you do so, with an open mind and heart. Ask the Lord to fill everyone's heart with compassion, the compassion that led Him to reach out with a loving hand to so many who were on the margins and/or who were rejected by others and seen by some as not worthy of help. The petition I spoke of, will remain in the narthex for a week or so more, if you are led to sign it. God bless you and all of God's children.