In my homily last weekend, on Saturday evening, I talked in the second part about prayer and encouraged a way of prayer that seeks not to be "lengthy" as the scribes and others were doing in Jesus' day. It follows a particular structure that produces a sincere and purposeful prayer that can be used in private or in a setting with others. The structure or format is, "YOU, WHO, DO, and THROUGH." The "YOU" involves using the name of God (or the traditional "Father") at the start of the prayer. It can begin simply "Oh God" or "Oh heavenly Father" or it may be more descriptive of attributes of God (like Almighty, Loving or Merciful) to address the one you are praying to.
The "WHO" part of the prayer is naming something that God has done or is doing now as a reminder that God has been and continues to be active in our lives and in the lives of the community of faith. Acknowledging that to God and to those who hear the prayer hopefully says at least something that I heartily believe about God and his ongoing goodness and love for us.
The third aspect of the prayer is the "petition" ("DO" part) which asks something of God for ourselves or for others. This, obviously, is not the time to express a long list of what we want (which would probably make for a lengthy prayer), but rather one or two things that we believe that God, in his love, will do for us. Asking for his grace, his inspiration and his peace are always good things to ask for that God is ALWAYS ready to give to us and to others.
Finally, we conclude our prayer by indicating that this ( and really all prayers for Christians) should be offered "THROUGH" Christ, our Lord. The second reading from the Letter to the Hebrews on Sunday, October 31 said about Jesus "Therefore he is able to save completely those who come to God through him, because he always lives to intercede for them. Jesus interceded on behalf of many during his ministry which led to many positive and even miraculous outcome. Since our Faith tells us that Jesus is God, some might ask if our prayer can be directed throughout to Jesus since he can answer them as he sees fit. The answer of course is "Yes." Our prayers can always be addressed to one member of the Blessed Trinity or all of them. It's understandable though, that while most of the Mass is directed to God in general or God, the Father, that since we "know" of Christ and the words and actions of his ministry the best, it is good for our prayers to end by referring Jesus, as Christ the Lord who lives and reigns with the Father and the Holy Spirit as "God" forever and ever.
I pray you will reflect on the YOU, WHO, DO, and THROUGH form of prayer and use it in the future. I can tell you that I will try.
The "WHO" part of the prayer is naming something that God has done or is doing now as a reminder that God has been and continues to be active in our lives and in the lives of the community of faith. Acknowledging that to God and to those who hear the prayer hopefully says at least something that I heartily believe about God and his ongoing goodness and love for us.
The third aspect of the prayer is the "petition" ("DO" part) which asks something of God for ourselves or for others. This, obviously, is not the time to express a long list of what we want (which would probably make for a lengthy prayer), but rather one or two things that we believe that God, in his love, will do for us. Asking for his grace, his inspiration and his peace are always good things to ask for that God is ALWAYS ready to give to us and to others.
Finally, we conclude our prayer by indicating that this ( and really all prayers for Christians) should be offered "THROUGH" Christ, our Lord. The second reading from the Letter to the Hebrews on Sunday, October 31 said about Jesus "Therefore he is able to save completely those who come to God through him, because he always lives to intercede for them. Jesus interceded on behalf of many during his ministry which led to many positive and even miraculous outcome. Since our Faith tells us that Jesus is God, some might ask if our prayer can be directed throughout to Jesus since he can answer them as he sees fit. The answer of course is "Yes." Our prayers can always be addressed to one member of the Blessed Trinity or all of them. It's understandable though, that while most of the Mass is directed to God in general or God, the Father, that since we "know" of Christ and the words and actions of his ministry the best, it is good for our prayers to end by referring Jesus, as Christ the Lord who lives and reigns with the Father and the Holy Spirit as "God" forever and ever.
I pray you will reflect on the YOU, WHO, DO, and THROUGH form of prayer and use it in the future. I can tell you that I will try.
Even before I looked at the information that was provided for me about Bill Nosek, our V.I.P. (Very Important Parishioner) for the month of November, I reflected on some of what I know about him and want to share that with you. Bill is an ambassador for the Knights of Columbus and for the health and well-being of his fellow parishioners and those in our community through our Health and Wellness Ministry. As a loyal and committed Knight of Columbus (3rd and 4th degree) he has promoted the Knights to countless men of the parish, encouraging and honestly at times hounding them to join the Knights of Columbus as a member of our Council and Assembly. Both in words and through his actions as a Knight, he has shown to others his commitment to charity, unity, fraternity, and patriotism, which are primary tenants of the Knights of Columbus. Just as someone who sponsors a person in becoming Catholic through the Sacraments of Initiation, Bill has proudly sponsored countless men as "new" Knights and witnessed not only their exemplification in the Order, but also has seen many of them become active Knights and often more active and committed to Lord in their faith lives.
As fas as the health and well-being of others, Bill has spearheaded the annual opportunity for his fellow parishioners to get their annual flu shot here at Sacred Heart Parish and was influential and active in the effort in the community to get people vaccinated against the coronavirus. Bill has, over the years, expressed to me (and I'm sure the priests before me) his prayers and concern for Catholics who are not practicing or have left the faith and asked if I would pray for them and if possible, help to bring them back to the faith. He has shown concern for the eternal salvation of those who have died by offering Masses for a multitude of people. While having a reputation for coming a little late to functions, I can attest that he doesn't leave early, but stays to fulfill his duties (for instance as an usher) and connects with people in the name of fellowship and concern for the person (or usually persons) he encounters.
Bill is a family man who loves his dear wife of 60 years, Kathleen and his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren, and is happy when he has the chance to visit them or they, him and Kathleen. He is certainly not shy to share about their gifts and talents with others. At this point, I looked at the biographical information that was given to me about Bill, and am not surprised by his participation in many civic organizations and activites including the Paul Bewie Boys Club and the HSV Community Foundation. He is a PEA adorer, a member of the SHJ Health Ministry committee and a volunteer with Kathleen and fellow parishioners in serving meals to the homeless at Samaritan Ministries and St. Francis Home for Veterans. I'd better not forget to say that Bill was a pharmacist by profession, an honorably discharged Army captain, and IS an active member of the Sacred Heart Men's Club. When you see Bill, congratulate him for being the V.I.P. for November and thank the Lord for the gift of Bill (and Kathleen) to our community!
As fas as the health and well-being of others, Bill has spearheaded the annual opportunity for his fellow parishioners to get their annual flu shot here at Sacred Heart Parish and was influential and active in the effort in the community to get people vaccinated against the coronavirus. Bill has, over the years, expressed to me (and I'm sure the priests before me) his prayers and concern for Catholics who are not practicing or have left the faith and asked if I would pray for them and if possible, help to bring them back to the faith. He has shown concern for the eternal salvation of those who have died by offering Masses for a multitude of people. While having a reputation for coming a little late to functions, I can attest that he doesn't leave early, but stays to fulfill his duties (for instance as an usher) and connects with people in the name of fellowship and concern for the person (or usually persons) he encounters.
Bill is a family man who loves his dear wife of 60 years, Kathleen and his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren, and is happy when he has the chance to visit them or they, him and Kathleen. He is certainly not shy to share about their gifts and talents with others. At this point, I looked at the biographical information that was given to me about Bill, and am not surprised by his participation in many civic organizations and activites including the Paul Bewie Boys Club and the HSV Community Foundation. He is a PEA adorer, a member of the SHJ Health Ministry committee and a volunteer with Kathleen and fellow parishioners in serving meals to the homeless at Samaritan Ministries and St. Francis Home for Veterans. I'd better not forget to say that Bill was a pharmacist by profession, an honorably discharged Army captain, and IS an active member of the Sacred Heart Men's Club. When you see Bill, congratulate him for being the V.I.P. for November and thank the Lord for the gift of Bill (and Kathleen) to our community!
Do you long for the "Good old Days" when it comes to various life experiences? I know I do in a number of spiritual/liturgical ways including the celebration of some of the solemnities on the church calendar which were always days when the faithful were expected (or really required) to attend and paricipate in Mass (as is the case with all Sundays of the liturgical year).
I hope that more people than not gladly did this firstly out of love for the Lord and then out of obedience to the 3rd Commandment and in time, the Laws of the Church. Not attending and participating in these Masses (except in a few instances such as sickness) and was AND STILL is considered a mortal sin that must be confessed before going back to the reception of Holy Communion. In the "Good Old Days" Catholic Schools were closed and Catholics either were off work or took off work to participate in Mass on the Holyday Solemnities that often occured on weekdays. Fast forwarding to the most recent times, some of our United States Bishops have moved the celebration of the Ascension of the Lord from Thursday to Sunday and the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops decided in 1991 that the other movable solemnities (except Christmas), when they fall on a Monday or Saturday, are no longer days when Catholics are obliged to attend and participate in Mass. They also said that Catholics should nevertheless be strongly encouraged to attend Mass on those days to celebrate these great solemnities. Besides "All Saints Day" (this Monday), the Solemnity of Mary the Mother of God occurs this liturgical year on Saturday, January 1, 2022, and the Assumption of Mary on Monday, August 15, 2022.
I pledge to try to always offer at least 2 Masses on these solemnities as I encourage all Catholics in our parish to receive the graces and blessings that come from Mass on these days. Let your love for the Lord guide our priorities and decisions in this and in all areas of life. The ways of the "Good Old Days" have much to offer us today! I hope you agree especially when it comes to these special days.
I hope that more people than not gladly did this firstly out of love for the Lord and then out of obedience to the 3rd Commandment and in time, the Laws of the Church. Not attending and participating in these Masses (except in a few instances such as sickness) and was AND STILL is considered a mortal sin that must be confessed before going back to the reception of Holy Communion. In the "Good Old Days" Catholic Schools were closed and Catholics either were off work or took off work to participate in Mass on the Holyday Solemnities that often occured on weekdays. Fast forwarding to the most recent times, some of our United States Bishops have moved the celebration of the Ascension of the Lord from Thursday to Sunday and the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops decided in 1991 that the other movable solemnities (except Christmas), when they fall on a Monday or Saturday, are no longer days when Catholics are obliged to attend and participate in Mass. They also said that Catholics should nevertheless be strongly encouraged to attend Mass on those days to celebrate these great solemnities. Besides "All Saints Day" (this Monday), the Solemnity of Mary the Mother of God occurs this liturgical year on Saturday, January 1, 2022, and the Assumption of Mary on Monday, August 15, 2022.
I pledge to try to always offer at least 2 Masses on these solemnities as I encourage all Catholics in our parish to receive the graces and blessings that come from Mass on these days. Let your love for the Lord guide our priorities and decisions in this and in all areas of life. The ways of the "Good Old Days" have much to offer us today! I hope you agree especially when it comes to these special days.