The Wickedness Done In God’s Name
A Reflection on the deeds some Christians commit in the Name of Christ
Yesterday I had my heart filled with joy and gladness as well as with intense sorrow when I attended the Gay Pride Festival in Boston Massachusetts. My heart filled with pride at all the brave and dedicated souls who braved the intense rain, cold and wind to affirm the rights of all God’s children to equal treatment. I was most pleased to have the opportunity to interact with so many Christian and Jewish groups and denominations that proudly proclaimed the teachings of Jesus Christ and Almighty God as found in Scripture.
In spite of the horrible weather, conditions thousands turned out to affirm the rights of individuals to marry the partner of their choice regardless of gender.
All of these dedicated groups were actively proclaiming the Infinite Love of Almighty God.
There were moments of humor and happiness for all who attended. I remember a couple who came up to me rather sheepishly and asked, “Are you a real priest or just someone dressed up as one?” When I responded I was a real priest and gave them the mission flyer we engaged in some chat at the end of which they responded “ Thank you father for restoring my faith in my belief that the truth of God’s teachings will overcome the prejudice being proclaimed in His name.”
What saddened me though was an encounter with a young man to whom I offered a brochure. His response gave me a jolt and I fully realized the damage being done in the name of God by so many denominations that proclaim to be followers of Christ. The young man told me “I no longer believe in a God, My church threw me out because I was gay, They claim I am doomed to go to hell, If that is what will be, so be it. I have know I was drawn to men from the time I was seven. It is my nature!. As far as I am concerned there is no God, not the God I read about in the Bible. That God is supposed to be merciful.”
“Thanks but no thanks, I am happy now and do not feel guilty” and he walked away.
I don’t know if it was the rain or the tears from my heart that disturbed me the most. I immediately said a prayer for that young man that Almighty God would open his heart to be reawakened to God’s infinite love and would lead him back to his Mystical Body.
If only those who proclaim to be the only righteous believers of Christ’s message, knew how much damage they have and are doing to the minds, hearts and souls of God’s children. If only they would put aside their own personal fears and prejudices and follow the commandment of Christ “love the lord, your god, with your whole heart, mind, soul and body and Love your neighbor as yourself”. Perhaps, the problem is that these individuals do not love themselves and therefore they are incapable of following that commandment. I don’t know.
What I do know is that all is not lost, there are many out there that are attempting to counter this negative message being proclaimed in Christ’s name including many Catholics. I salute Fr. Walter Cuenin for his bravery in speaking at the 29th Gay Pride interfaith service at the historical Old South Church in spite of possible retribution from Bishop Shawn O‘Malley and the Roman Church, Bishop Thomas Shaw the Anglican Bishop of Boston, the MCC, The Unitarian Universalist Church, The two Jewish synagogues, The Presbyterian Church, Unity Church, The United Church of Christ, Dignity, the Religious Coalition for freedom to marry and of course myself representing Mission Saints Sergius and Bacchus a mission of the Franciscans of the Annunciation and the Old Catholic Diocese of New England. May the Holy Spirit continue to enlighten all religious, especially the hierarchy, to become open to the fundamental message of Christ, “love one another as I have loved you” AND STOP REJECTING God’s children because of how God created them and start proclaiming the diversity and inclusion of all God’s children. AMEN
Rev. Robert Johnnene OFA Mission Sts. Sergius and BacchusEmail: Mission_St_Sergius@msn.comWeb Site: www.missionstsergius.orgYahoo Group: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/EverlastingLoveOfChristMinistryMSN 360 Blog: http://missionstsergius.org/blog.html
A mission of the Franciscans of Divine Mercy. We are a welcoming and affirming faith community to all who feel disenfranchised, unwanted, and rejected by Faith Communities. We welcome all persons who believe Christ was the redeemer and savior. The mission pastor is Rev. Robert Johnnene OFD
Sunday, June 11, 2006
Friday, June 09, 2006
Trinity Sunday Reflection
Blessed be Father, Son and Holy Spirit
Reflection of reading for Trinity Sunday
Deuteronomy 4:32-34; 39-40; Psalm 33; Romans 8:14-17; Matthew 28:16-20
The Feast of the Trinity, the belief that there are three distinct manifestations of the One God, is one of the most difficult for many to understand and believe. In scripture, we find many references to the three manifestations or persons of God. Jesus, in Matthew 28 tells the disciples “Baptize them in the name of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit” In Romans we read “Those who are led by the Spirit of God are sons of God” I am not going to go into the scholarly dissertations that have been made through the ages. St. Patrick used the shamrock to define the trinity, others have used the qualities of (water, liquid, solid, gas) to show how one thing can have three distinct qualities. Most of us who believe accept the fact of the Trinity.
I do want to reflect on how we relate to the Trinity. There is only One God, the God who is the creator of all things. The God who asks only that we recognize Him and only Him is the same God who gave to Moses the rules of life for all to follow, the commandments. When the commandments are examined, with intelligence, they make logical sense as an intelligent way to lead ones life. If we follow them, we will not only honor God, but we will also live lives that respect the dignity and individuality of all humanity. Christ in Matthew 28 says “Full authority has been given to me both in heaven and on earth. Teach them to observe all the Commands I gave you and know that I am with you always; yes, until the end of the earth”. In order to show His unending love for all His children, Almighty God sent himself in the human form of Jesus to not only clearly demonstrate that a human could live according to the Commandments, but to simplify them by clarifying how simple it is to give honor and glory to God. “Love the Lord, your God, with your whole heart, mind, soul and being and Love your neighbor as yourself”.
The reading from Romans 8:14 states “Everyone moved by the Spirit is a son of God” and it concludes with “If we are children, we are heirs as well; heirs of God, heirs with Christ”
The Holy Spirit, the third person or persona of Almighty God is often referred to as “ENLIGHTENER, COUNCELOR, COMFORTOR. In Baptism we, as Jesus himself was by John at the Jordan river, are baptized with water and the Spirit. This means that just as the spirit descended upon Jesus in the form of a dove, we also receive the spirit and with it the gifts of the Spirit which are, “Wisdom, Understanding, Knowledge, Counsel, Fortitude, Piety and Fear of the Lord and the fruits of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, and temperance. These gifts and fruits are strengthened and supposedly deepened within us through prayer, and the Eucharist and each day we live as Jesus taught us.
If, however, we choose to ignore God’s desires for us; succumbing to greed, sexual promiscuity, discrimination, disregard for the poor and needy, selfishness, and anger; we separate ourselves from God and the Gifts of the Spirit.
In other words, if we believe and accept Christ as our redeemer and savior, and if we follow the commandments of God and clarified by Christ, we then will gain everlasting life in the spirit when our time in our mortal bodies is over. We need to be ever vigilant, opening ourselves to receive the Holy Spirit into our life, listening to what our hearts are telling us and discern if it conforms to what Christ has bid us do. If we do this we will indeed become one with the Father, Son and Holy Spirit.
AMEN
Rev. Robert Johnnene OFA
Mission Sts. Sergius and Bacchus
Email: Mission_St_Sergius@msn.com
Web Site: www.missionstsergius.org
Yahoo Group: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/EverlastingLoveOfChristMinistry
MSN 360 Blog: http://missionstsergius.org/blog.html
MSN Group Blog: http://missionstssergiusandbacchus.blogspot.com/
Reflection of reading for Trinity Sunday
Deuteronomy 4:32-34; 39-40; Psalm 33; Romans 8:14-17; Matthew 28:16-20
The Feast of the Trinity, the belief that there are three distinct manifestations of the One God, is one of the most difficult for many to understand and believe. In scripture, we find many references to the three manifestations or persons of God. Jesus, in Matthew 28 tells the disciples “Baptize them in the name of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit” In Romans we read “Those who are led by the Spirit of God are sons of God” I am not going to go into the scholarly dissertations that have been made through the ages. St. Patrick used the shamrock to define the trinity, others have used the qualities of (water, liquid, solid, gas) to show how one thing can have three distinct qualities. Most of us who believe accept the fact of the Trinity.
I do want to reflect on how we relate to the Trinity. There is only One God, the God who is the creator of all things. The God who asks only that we recognize Him and only Him is the same God who gave to Moses the rules of life for all to follow, the commandments. When the commandments are examined, with intelligence, they make logical sense as an intelligent way to lead ones life. If we follow them, we will not only honor God, but we will also live lives that respect the dignity and individuality of all humanity. Christ in Matthew 28 says “Full authority has been given to me both in heaven and on earth. Teach them to observe all the Commands I gave you and know that I am with you always; yes, until the end of the earth”. In order to show His unending love for all His children, Almighty God sent himself in the human form of Jesus to not only clearly demonstrate that a human could live according to the Commandments, but to simplify them by clarifying how simple it is to give honor and glory to God. “Love the Lord, your God, with your whole heart, mind, soul and being and Love your neighbor as yourself”.
The reading from Romans 8:14 states “Everyone moved by the Spirit is a son of God” and it concludes with “If we are children, we are heirs as well; heirs of God, heirs with Christ”
The Holy Spirit, the third person or persona of Almighty God is often referred to as “ENLIGHTENER, COUNCELOR, COMFORTOR. In Baptism we, as Jesus himself was by John at the Jordan river, are baptized with water and the Spirit. This means that just as the spirit descended upon Jesus in the form of a dove, we also receive the spirit and with it the gifts of the Spirit which are, “Wisdom, Understanding, Knowledge, Counsel, Fortitude, Piety and Fear of the Lord and the fruits of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, and temperance. These gifts and fruits are strengthened and supposedly deepened within us through prayer, and the Eucharist and each day we live as Jesus taught us.
If, however, we choose to ignore God’s desires for us; succumbing to greed, sexual promiscuity, discrimination, disregard for the poor and needy, selfishness, and anger; we separate ourselves from God and the Gifts of the Spirit.
In other words, if we believe and accept Christ as our redeemer and savior, and if we follow the commandments of God and clarified by Christ, we then will gain everlasting life in the spirit when our time in our mortal bodies is over. We need to be ever vigilant, opening ourselves to receive the Holy Spirit into our life, listening to what our hearts are telling us and discern if it conforms to what Christ has bid us do. If we do this we will indeed become one with the Father, Son and Holy Spirit.
AMEN
Rev. Robert Johnnene OFA
Mission Sts. Sergius and Bacchus
Email: Mission_St_Sergius@msn.com
Web Site: www.missionstsergius.org
Yahoo Group: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/EverlastingLoveOfChristMinistry
MSN 360 Blog: http://missionstsergius.org/blog.html
MSN Group Blog: http://missionstssergiusandbacchus.blogspot.com/
Tuesday, June 06, 2006
Prayers for GLBT Persons and Their Parents
Prayer For AID's Sufferers
by Rev. Robert Johnnene OFA
Mission Saints Sergius and Bacchus
Almighty and merciful God bring comfort to my heart and healing to my body which has been revaged with illness. Help me to accept and bear this illness as Jesus bore His sufferings for our sake.
May His beloved Mother who watched in horror while He suffered upon the cross for our sake, as my family and friends do now, interceede on my behalf asking Him to relieve me from the weakness and ilness that has overtaken me and grant my loved ones the strength to accept God's will and only be filled with love and understanding. I trust in you and accept your will as just Jesus did. AMEN
Ministry Prayer for GLBT Persons
Lord, You are my shepherd, the one who knows my voice, recognizes me, and calls me by name. You gather me up, hold me close, and feed me. You strengthen me, when I am weak, heal me when I am sick, and bind up my wounds. Lord, You are my shepherd, the one who refreshes my soul, invites me to the table, and welcomes me to dwell in Your house. I am your homosexual child, baptized into your flock, O Lord. My family and I cry out to you for shepherds here on earth, in our church and among ourselves, who, like you, know us, feed us, care for us, and invite us to your table. Amen
(Acknowledgement to the MLGC office of the Archdiocese of Los Angeles)
A prayer for parents of a GLBT person
(acknowledgement to the MLGC office of the Archdiocese of Los Angeles)
Thank you, Lord, for each other. Give us support, understanding and appreciation for where we are in our journey. Grant us the serenity to understand the precious ones you have given us and your will for them. Turn the darkness around us into light. Lord, open the hearts and eyes of parents who have abandoned their children and bring back those special children who have left your church. Help all our church leaders to show compassion in their ministry.All loving God, we place our thoughts and doubts, biases and viewpoints, plans and confusion into Your hands.Lead us in Your way. In Your will is our peace. Amen
Rev. Robert Johnnene OFA Mission Sts. Sergius and BacchusEmail: Mission_St_Sergius@msn.comWeb Site: www.missionstsergius.orgYahoo Group: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/EverlastingLoveOfChristMinistryMSN 360 Blog: http://missionstsergius.org/blog.htmlMSN Group Blog: http://missionstssergiusandbacchus.blogspot.com/
Friday, June 02, 2006
Pentecost Reflection
Come, Holy Spirit, Come
Veni, Sancte Spiritus
Based on the Readings for Pentecost Sunday
Acts 2:1-11; Galatians 5:16-25; Psalm 104, John20:19-23; 15:26-67;16:12-15
“Come, Holy Spirit, come! And from your celestial home shed a ray of light divine!” with these words the beautiful prayer to the Holy Spirit, VENI, SANCTE SPIRITUS, begins. The feast of Pentecost is also called the Birthday of the church because it celebrates the decent of the Holy Spirit upon the Apostles after which they were heard by people of every race and nationality to be proclaiming the truth of Jesus teachings in the language of the listener.
In Paul’s letter to the Corinthians, Paul tells us “No one can say, Jesus is Lord, except by the Holy Spirit” It is in this letter that one of the most redeeming passages of scripture can be found. Paul informs us “everyone has different gifts bestowed on them by God through the Holy Spirit.” He goes on to affirm that there “Different forms of service, but the same Lord; there are different workings but the same God who produces them all. To each individual the manifestation of the Spirit is given for some benefit” “For in one Spirit we were all Baptized into one body, whether Jews or Greek, slave of free person, we were all given to drink of the one Spirit”
The Gospel admonishes us to “Live by the Spirit”, he goes further to confirm that the desires of the flesh we can cause a breakdown of the graces provided to us. Some of the “Desires of the flesh” he mentions besides the obvious one of indiscriminate sexual pleasure are: immorality, lust, idolatry, hatred, rivalry, jealousy, anger or fury, selfishness, and drunkenness.
To elaborate on each of these today and how we might possibly cause ourselves to be separated from God and the Gifts He freely gives us through the Holy Spirit would take more time than we have. Each of these “Desires of the Flesh” affords us many ways of sinning. They are human faults that every individual has; our task is to try our best to resist their lure.
One thing that I personally can attest to is that, if we call upon God daily, or as many times as we need to in order to resist the temptations that plague us every day, to send us the Holy Spirit, God will oblige. One of my daily prayers begins with “Come, Holy Spirit, fill my heart and kindle in in me the fire of your love so that I might be renewed”
In John 16: we are promised, “The Spirit will guide you to all truth. The spirit will not speak on its own, but will speak what he hears from me and declare it to you”
The truth is that God is a loving, forgiving, compassionate God. God is always there awaiting your call to Him. He does not have an answering machine, voice mail, or a secretary. He always listens to what we are saying and will respond to us according to what He feels is best for us. God always answers our prayers, just not always in the way we want. Many times God actually comes to us and speaks to us in our dreams, or quiet times and even sometimes while driving a car, listening to the I pod, watching TV or playing ball. Unfortunately, we are too preoccupied to listen to what he is telling us through the Holy Spirit. I suggest that the time is NOW for us to begin to be more receptive to those calls from God. Don’t put Him on hold, but take a break from what ever we are engaged in and listen with an open and receptive heart.
We need to allow ourselves to “Receive The Holy Spirit” so that we can begin to develop a deeper and closer relationship with Almighty God and thereby begin the elimination fo the “Desires of the Flesh” that have prevented us from receiving all the gifts of The Spirit, Love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, generosity, faithfulness, gentleness and self control.
AMEN
Rev. Robert Johnnene OFA
Mission Sts. Sergius and Bacchus
Email: Mission_St_Sergius@msn.com
Web Site: www.missionstsergius.org
Yahoo Group: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/EverlastingLoveOfChristMinistry
MSN 360 Blog: http://missionstsergius.org/blog.html
MSN Group Blog: http://missionstssergiusandbacchus.blogspot.com/
Veni, Sancte Spiritus
Based on the Readings for Pentecost Sunday
Acts 2:1-11; Galatians 5:16-25; Psalm 104, John20:19-23; 15:26-67;16:12-15
“Come, Holy Spirit, come! And from your celestial home shed a ray of light divine!” with these words the beautiful prayer to the Holy Spirit, VENI, SANCTE SPIRITUS, begins. The feast of Pentecost is also called the Birthday of the church because it celebrates the decent of the Holy Spirit upon the Apostles after which they were heard by people of every race and nationality to be proclaiming the truth of Jesus teachings in the language of the listener.
In Paul’s letter to the Corinthians, Paul tells us “No one can say, Jesus is Lord, except by the Holy Spirit” It is in this letter that one of the most redeeming passages of scripture can be found. Paul informs us “everyone has different gifts bestowed on them by God through the Holy Spirit.” He goes on to affirm that there “Different forms of service, but the same Lord; there are different workings but the same God who produces them all. To each individual the manifestation of the Spirit is given for some benefit” “For in one Spirit we were all Baptized into one body, whether Jews or Greek, slave of free person, we were all given to drink of the one Spirit”
The Gospel admonishes us to “Live by the Spirit”, he goes further to confirm that the desires of the flesh we can cause a breakdown of the graces provided to us. Some of the “Desires of the flesh” he mentions besides the obvious one of indiscriminate sexual pleasure are: immorality, lust, idolatry, hatred, rivalry, jealousy, anger or fury, selfishness, and drunkenness.
To elaborate on each of these today and how we might possibly cause ourselves to be separated from God and the Gifts He freely gives us through the Holy Spirit would take more time than we have. Each of these “Desires of the Flesh” affords us many ways of sinning. They are human faults that every individual has; our task is to try our best to resist their lure.
One thing that I personally can attest to is that, if we call upon God daily, or as many times as we need to in order to resist the temptations that plague us every day, to send us the Holy Spirit, God will oblige. One of my daily prayers begins with “Come, Holy Spirit, fill my heart and kindle in in me the fire of your love so that I might be renewed”
In John 16: we are promised, “The Spirit will guide you to all truth. The spirit will not speak on its own, but will speak what he hears from me and declare it to you”
The truth is that God is a loving, forgiving, compassionate God. God is always there awaiting your call to Him. He does not have an answering machine, voice mail, or a secretary. He always listens to what we are saying and will respond to us according to what He feels is best for us. God always answers our prayers, just not always in the way we want. Many times God actually comes to us and speaks to us in our dreams, or quiet times and even sometimes while driving a car, listening to the I pod, watching TV or playing ball. Unfortunately, we are too preoccupied to listen to what he is telling us through the Holy Spirit. I suggest that the time is NOW for us to begin to be more receptive to those calls from God. Don’t put Him on hold, but take a break from what ever we are engaged in and listen with an open and receptive heart.
We need to allow ourselves to “Receive The Holy Spirit” so that we can begin to develop a deeper and closer relationship with Almighty God and thereby begin the elimination fo the “Desires of the Flesh” that have prevented us from receiving all the gifts of The Spirit, Love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, generosity, faithfulness, gentleness and self control.
AMEN
Rev. Robert Johnnene OFA
Mission Sts. Sergius and Bacchus
Email: Mission_St_Sergius@msn.com
Web Site: www.missionstsergius.org
Yahoo Group: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/EverlastingLoveOfChristMinistry
MSN 360 Blog: http://missionstsergius.org/blog.html
MSN Group Blog: http://missionstssergiusandbacchus.blogspot.com/
Thursday, June 01, 2006
Mission Site Revamped
I cordially invite you to visit my ministries newly revamped web site for Mission Saints Sergius and Bacchus, a Catholic welcoming and affirming outreach ministry of The Old Catholic Church. In keeping with the ministry given by Almighty God to my seraphic Father St. Francis, we affirm and proclaim the Everlasting and unconditional love of God for all His beloved creations.
The site has better navigation, more information, Prayers for daily use, reflections to meditate over and much more.
You will find the mission site at: www.missionstsergius.org
Please feel free to use the links found there to contact me if you have prayer requests of comments and consider joining the mission group at:
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/EverlastingLoveOfChristMinistry
For the current members of the previous Yahoo group for the Mission, I urge you to join the new group as the Old yahoo group at: http://groups.yahoo.com/Mission_Sts_Sergius_and_Bacchus
Will no longer exist after June 15th.
May Almighty God bless you and send the gifts of the Holy Spirit, promised by Christ, upon each of you in abundance this Pentecost Sunday, the Birthday of the Catholic Church.
Your faithful servant of Christ,
Fr. Robert Johnnene OFA
(Franciscan Order of the Annunciation of the Infinite Love of God)
Mission Sts Sergius and Bacchus
The site has better navigation, more information, Prayers for daily use, reflections to meditate over and much more.
You will find the mission site at: www.missionstsergius.org
Please feel free to use the links found there to contact me if you have prayer requests of comments and consider joining the mission group at:
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/EverlastingLoveOfChristMinistry
For the current members of the previous Yahoo group for the Mission, I urge you to join the new group as the Old yahoo group at: http://groups.yahoo.com/Mission_Sts_Sergius_and_Bacchus
Will no longer exist after June 15th.
May Almighty God bless you and send the gifts of the Holy Spirit, promised by Christ, upon each of you in abundance this Pentecost Sunday, the Birthday of the Catholic Church.
Your faithful servant of Christ,
Fr. Robert Johnnene OFA
(Franciscan Order of the Annunciation of the Infinite Love of God)
Mission Sts Sergius and Bacchus
Sunday, May 28, 2006
Prayer For The Holy Spirit
A Prayer for The Holy Spirit
By Rev. Robert Johnnene OFA
Petition for the week before Pentecost
Almighty and merciful Father, send the Holy Spirit down upon us and the leaders of the Christian churches to open their minds to the truths of Your Son, Jesus Christ, teachings helping them to renew and restore the One Holy Catholic and Apostolic Church which he founded through the Holy Spirit descending on His Apostles.
By the Holy Spirit gather all who believe in unity to proclaim the Truth of Jesus Teachings and bring about respect and dignity for all God’s children throughout the entire world.
Inspire world leaders to find the means to bring about an end to the horrors of war and the atrocities being committed in the name of God.
Through the Holy Spirit inspire all people to be more mindful of the needs of others and become more generous toward the poor, aged, and sick. Open the minds of all to become more tolerant of the differences and diversity created by Almighty God.
Instill deep in our hearts your truth and through the Spirit guide us in our service to you.
We ask this in the name of your beloved Son, Jesus Christ, our redeemer and savior. AMEN
Rev. Robert Johnnene OFA Mission Sts. Sergius and BacchusEmail: Mission_St_Sergius@msn.comWeb Site: www.missionstsergius.orgYahoo Group: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/EverlastingLoveOfChristMinistryMSN 360 Blog: http://missionstsergius.org/blog.htmlMSN Group Blog: http://missionstssergiusandbacchus.blogspot.com/
By Rev. Robert Johnnene OFA
Petition for the week before Pentecost
Almighty and merciful Father, send the Holy Spirit down upon us and the leaders of the Christian churches to open their minds to the truths of Your Son, Jesus Christ, teachings helping them to renew and restore the One Holy Catholic and Apostolic Church which he founded through the Holy Spirit descending on His Apostles.
By the Holy Spirit gather all who believe in unity to proclaim the Truth of Jesus Teachings and bring about respect and dignity for all God’s children throughout the entire world.
Inspire world leaders to find the means to bring about an end to the horrors of war and the atrocities being committed in the name of God.
Through the Holy Spirit inspire all people to be more mindful of the needs of others and become more generous toward the poor, aged, and sick. Open the minds of all to become more tolerant of the differences and diversity created by Almighty God.
Instill deep in our hearts your truth and through the Spirit guide us in our service to you.
We ask this in the name of your beloved Son, Jesus Christ, our redeemer and savior. AMEN
Rev. Robert Johnnene OFA Mission Sts. Sergius and BacchusEmail: Mission_St_Sergius@msn.comWeb Site: www.missionstsergius.orgYahoo Group: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/EverlastingLoveOfChristMinistryMSN 360 Blog: http://missionstsergius.org/blog.htmlMSN Group Blog: http://missionstssergiusandbacchus.blogspot.com/
Friday, May 26, 2006
We Are Being Called
We Are Being Called
Based on the readings for Sunday May 28, 2006
Acts 1:15-26; Psalm 102, 1John 4:11-16; John 17:11-19
“Holy Father, keep those you have given me true to your name, so that they will be one of us.”, these words of Jesus found in the Gospel of John were and are the prayer Jesus offered to His Almighty Father. Jesus is still uttering these words on our behalf today. We are being called to be true to the teachings Jesus gave us and to live them in our everyday lives. The prayer finishes with these words, “As you sent me into the world, I have sent them into the world, and for their sake I consecrated myself so that they too may be consecrated in truth”
Where do we find the truth Jesus spoke of? We find it in Holy Scripture. We find it clearly explained in the second reading of the day. John tells us “God has loved us so much; we too should love one another. No one has ever seen God; but as long as we love one another, God will live in us and His love will be complete in us. ”
John goes on to say, “If anyone acknowledges that Jesus is the Son of God, God lives in him, and he in God. ….God is Love”.
Could this be any clearer? Why must we put all sorts of restrictions on the truth of Christ?
We are called to live in God, to live as Jesus instructed us, in other words to abhor degradation, hatred, violence, prejudice and war. The only war we should be carrying out is the war against Satan and the minions of Satan. Today we see the fruits of Satan’s temptations all around us. We even see it in the actions of some who claim to represent Jesus Christ. We see it in those who minds are closed to exploring the truth and accept everything that is fed to them by mere mortals. Jesus said; “Seek and you will find” To seek means to explore, to open yourself up and reflect on the historical truths. Scripture MUST be taken in light of the customs and times in which it was written. We need to ask ourselves, If Jesus were on earth today what role would he have given to woman. It is very clear to me, considering how much respect and acknowledgement He had for the woman we know of who faithfully followed him , even when the other disciples except for John went and hid themselves, Woman would have had a much more prominent role in the ministry. We know that all of the apostles were married, and for centuries those who succeeded the apostles were also married, so why are they prevented from doing so today? That answer is easy, MONEY.
You and I have been called by God, to live a life that reflects the teachings of Jesus. The teachings of Christ, could not be clearer. LOVE ONE ANOTHER AS I HAVE LOVED YOU. When you love someone, you do not, under any circumstances, want to be the cause of pain and suffering. When you love someone, you try to shield them from harm. You gently advise them of their mistakes and guide them. If necessary you try to obtain healing for them. That is Love.
If today, we had more love for all God’s creatures and children the world would not be in the mess it is.
You and I are being called to actively live God’s love. We are being called to do all within our power to bring about a change in the attitudes that are causing so much pain and suffering in this world. Every tiny thing we do that makes progress in this call from God will bring us a deeper love for God and God will love us more and live within us giving us the strength we need to continue His work here on earth.
AMEN
Rev. Robert Johnnene OFA Mission Sts. Sergius and BacchusEmail: Mission_St_Sergius@msn.comWeb Site: www.missionstsergius.orgYahoo Group: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/EverlastingLoveOfChristMinistryMSN 360 Blog: http://missionstsergius.org/blog.htmlMSN Group Blog: http://missionstssergiusandbacchus.blogspot.com/
Based on the readings for Sunday May 28, 2006
Acts 1:15-26; Psalm 102, 1John 4:11-16; John 17:11-19
“Holy Father, keep those you have given me true to your name, so that they will be one of us.”, these words of Jesus found in the Gospel of John were and are the prayer Jesus offered to His Almighty Father. Jesus is still uttering these words on our behalf today. We are being called to be true to the teachings Jesus gave us and to live them in our everyday lives. The prayer finishes with these words, “As you sent me into the world, I have sent them into the world, and for their sake I consecrated myself so that they too may be consecrated in truth”
Where do we find the truth Jesus spoke of? We find it in Holy Scripture. We find it clearly explained in the second reading of the day. John tells us “God has loved us so much; we too should love one another. No one has ever seen God; but as long as we love one another, God will live in us and His love will be complete in us. ”
John goes on to say, “If anyone acknowledges that Jesus is the Son of God, God lives in him, and he in God. ….God is Love”.
Could this be any clearer? Why must we put all sorts of restrictions on the truth of Christ?
We are called to live in God, to live as Jesus instructed us, in other words to abhor degradation, hatred, violence, prejudice and war. The only war we should be carrying out is the war against Satan and the minions of Satan. Today we see the fruits of Satan’s temptations all around us. We even see it in the actions of some who claim to represent Jesus Christ. We see it in those who minds are closed to exploring the truth and accept everything that is fed to them by mere mortals. Jesus said; “Seek and you will find” To seek means to explore, to open yourself up and reflect on the historical truths. Scripture MUST be taken in light of the customs and times in which it was written. We need to ask ourselves, If Jesus were on earth today what role would he have given to woman. It is very clear to me, considering how much respect and acknowledgement He had for the woman we know of who faithfully followed him , even when the other disciples except for John went and hid themselves, Woman would have had a much more prominent role in the ministry. We know that all of the apostles were married, and for centuries those who succeeded the apostles were also married, so why are they prevented from doing so today? That answer is easy, MONEY.
You and I have been called by God, to live a life that reflects the teachings of Jesus. The teachings of Christ, could not be clearer. LOVE ONE ANOTHER AS I HAVE LOVED YOU. When you love someone, you do not, under any circumstances, want to be the cause of pain and suffering. When you love someone, you try to shield them from harm. You gently advise them of their mistakes and guide them. If necessary you try to obtain healing for them. That is Love.
If today, we had more love for all God’s creatures and children the world would not be in the mess it is.
You and I are being called to actively live God’s love. We are being called to do all within our power to bring about a change in the attitudes that are causing so much pain and suffering in this world. Every tiny thing we do that makes progress in this call from God will bring us a deeper love for God and God will love us more and live within us giving us the strength we need to continue His work here on earth.
AMEN
Rev. Robert Johnnene OFA Mission Sts. Sergius and BacchusEmail: Mission_St_Sergius@msn.comWeb Site: www.missionstsergius.orgYahoo Group: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/EverlastingLoveOfChristMinistryMSN 360 Blog: http://missionstsergius.org/blog.htmlMSN Group Blog: http://missionstssergiusandbacchus.blogspot.com/
Wednesday, May 17, 2006
Love One Another
Love One Another
Throughout this entire week there has been but one consistent message in all the Gospel readings. That message from Christ is; “Love one another as I have Loved you, there is no greater love than this” (John 15:12)
Why is it that we, humans who profess to be believers in the message of Jesus Christ, seem to find ways of not loving each other? We decide that because a person speaks a different language has a different ethnic background, possesses a same sex orientation, that they do not deserve the same kind of love that Jesus gave to all that he encountered.
How do we justify this kind of action? Where in scripture do we find validation for our actions? There are some who use incorrect translations or out of context statements from scripture to justify their actions, but they do so because it fits their personal agenda and makes them feel good.
This week each of the Gospels focused on LOVE, not the sexual thing that we today affiliate with love, but on the true and perfect meaning of love. That love is unselfish, kind, merciful, forgiving and not judgmental. “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. Not as the world gives do I give it to you.” (John 14:27) It is clear from this quote, that Jesus lets us know that the perceptions of the world are not the perceptions of God. He implores us in John 15:7 “If you live in me and my words remain in you, you may ask what you want and it will be done for you” With Jesus as the vine and God as the “Vine grower” who tills and prunes the fine to keep it fresh and fruitful through the Holy Spirit, we need to do our part as the “branches” and keep faithful to the teachings Jesus taught us, pruning out those things that humans have inserted for the purpose of control, power, prestige and wealth. We need to speak out against injustice, as Jesus did, wherever we encounter it. We need to let our voices be heard when governments, churches, business engage in acts that are unjust and discriminatory. That is the call Christ has given to us. It is possible that, just as Paul, Barnabas, Stephen and Christ himself experienced, we may be rejected, disparaged and abandoned by even those who we thought of as friends and even our family. That should not stop us just as it did not stop them.
We need to remember Christ’s admonition in John 15:5 “because without me you can do nothing”.
We, who call ourselves believers, need to begin to act in ways that show others that we believe and have Christ in us. We need to have our actions match our words. If and when all of us begin to live in this way, then, possibly we will see magnificent changes taking place. Possibly we will witness a world where all people are respected and provided for just as Christ provided for those multitudes who followed him and turned a few loaves of bread and a few fish into enough to feed them all and still have some left over.
We are Christ’s army, a peaceful band whose acts of compassion can counteract the evil ones designs of greed and power to take control of God’s earth. AMEN
Rev. Robert Johnnene OFA
Mission Saints Sergius and Bacchus
Web Site: www.missionstsergius.org
Blog Page: http://missionstsergius.org/blog.html
Yahoo Group: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Mission_Sts_Sergius_and_Bacchus
Throughout this entire week there has been but one consistent message in all the Gospel readings. That message from Christ is; “Love one another as I have Loved you, there is no greater love than this” (John 15:12)
Why is it that we, humans who profess to be believers in the message of Jesus Christ, seem to find ways of not loving each other? We decide that because a person speaks a different language has a different ethnic background, possesses a same sex orientation, that they do not deserve the same kind of love that Jesus gave to all that he encountered.
How do we justify this kind of action? Where in scripture do we find validation for our actions? There are some who use incorrect translations or out of context statements from scripture to justify their actions, but they do so because it fits their personal agenda and makes them feel good.
This week each of the Gospels focused on LOVE, not the sexual thing that we today affiliate with love, but on the true and perfect meaning of love. That love is unselfish, kind, merciful, forgiving and not judgmental. “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. Not as the world gives do I give it to you.” (John 14:27) It is clear from this quote, that Jesus lets us know that the perceptions of the world are not the perceptions of God. He implores us in John 15:7 “If you live in me and my words remain in you, you may ask what you want and it will be done for you” With Jesus as the vine and God as the “Vine grower” who tills and prunes the fine to keep it fresh and fruitful through the Holy Spirit, we need to do our part as the “branches” and keep faithful to the teachings Jesus taught us, pruning out those things that humans have inserted for the purpose of control, power, prestige and wealth. We need to speak out against injustice, as Jesus did, wherever we encounter it. We need to let our voices be heard when governments, churches, business engage in acts that are unjust and discriminatory. That is the call Christ has given to us. It is possible that, just as Paul, Barnabas, Stephen and Christ himself experienced, we may be rejected, disparaged and abandoned by even those who we thought of as friends and even our family. That should not stop us just as it did not stop them.
We need to remember Christ’s admonition in John 15:5 “because without me you can do nothing”.
We, who call ourselves believers, need to begin to act in ways that show others that we believe and have Christ in us. We need to have our actions match our words. If and when all of us begin to live in this way, then, possibly we will see magnificent changes taking place. Possibly we will witness a world where all people are respected and provided for just as Christ provided for those multitudes who followed him and turned a few loaves of bread and a few fish into enough to feed them all and still have some left over.
We are Christ’s army, a peaceful band whose acts of compassion can counteract the evil ones designs of greed and power to take control of God’s earth. AMEN
Rev. Robert Johnnene OFA
Mission Saints Sergius and Bacchus
Web Site: www.missionstsergius.org
Blog Page: http://missionstsergius.org/blog.html
Yahoo Group: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Mission_Sts_Sergius_and_Bacchus
Tuesday, May 16, 2006
Mission Web Site Updated
Mission Web Site Updated
The Mission Saints Sergius and Bacchus web site has been updated with a link to the mission Blog, a End of Year fiscal statement and more.
You may link to the Web site by using the link below.
www.missionstsergius.org
The Mission Saints Sergius and Bacchus web site has been updated with a link to the mission Blog, a End of Year fiscal statement and more.
You may link to the Web site by using the link below.
www.missionstsergius.org
Monday, May 15, 2006
The Essence of Faith
The Essence of Faith
Reflection on Romans 10:8-10
(Comments in Italic print are mine)
"The word is near you; it is in your mouth and in your heart," that is, the word of faith we are proclaiming: That if you confess with your mouth, "Jesus is Lord," and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you confess and are saved. As the Scripture says, "Anyone who trusts in him will never be put to shame." For there is no difference between Jew and Gentile (Remember this was when their was only Jews and others who were considered Gentiles therefore in today’s society we would expand this to mean everyone who believes in Jesus Christ regardless of the religious denomination)—the same Lord is Lord of all and richly blesses all who call on him, for, "Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved."
Further, on in Romans 8 we find “Consequently, faith comes from hearing the message, and the message is heard through the word of Christ.” (The teaching Christ gave us, not some preacher who has decided what they mean and tries to justify his actions that are contrary to what Christ taught.)
Romans 11 ends with these words; “Who has known the mind of the Lord? (No human person can claim to know God’s mind or his reasons for what he does and/or allows.) Or who has been his counselor? (God does not ask advice of anyone, He and He along decides and through the Holy Spirit makes His desires known to those He chooses. It is up to those who he has chosen to carry out His commands according the God’s plan, not according to how it will affect his standing or power or financial condition.) Who has ever given to God, that God should repay him?" (We owe everything we have to the good graces of Almighty God. We need to acknowledge that and give thanks to Him for all He has gifted us with) For from him and through him and to him are all things. To him be the glory forever!.
Fir it is written in John 14:21 “whoever has my commands (And He said to him, " 'YOU SHALL LOVE THE LORD YOUR GOD WITH ALL YOUR HEART, AND WITH ALL YOUR SOUL, AND WITH ALL YOUR MIND.' 38"This is the great and foremost commandment.
39"The second is like it, 'YOU SHALL LOVE YOUR NEIGHBOR AS YOURSELF.' 40"On these two commandments depend the whole Law and the Prophets." {Matthew 22:37 })
and obeys them, he is the one who loves me. He who loves me will be loved by my Father, and I too will love him and show myself to him."
Could this be any clearer? Why is it that so many desire to place so many restrictions of loving God? Why is it so hard for us to open our minds, hearts and entire beings to giving ourselves over to God’s Love. The answer is the influence of the fallen one, who desired power equal to God and trys at every opportunity to corrupt the hearts and minds of everyone, just as he did to Jesus, by offering power, fame, and fortune. He makes people greedy and in doing so has them turning from God to the false God’s of material things.
I believe that in the above passages we can find the essence of Faith. Do we have the courage to live it? AMEN
Rev. Robert Francis Johnnene OFAMission Sts. Sergius and Bacchuswww.missionstsergius.orghttp://groups.yahoo.com/group/Mission_Sts_Sergius_and_Bacchushttp://spaces.msn.com/members/Mission-St-Sergiushttp://groups.msn.com/MissionSaintsSergiusandBacchus
Reflection on Romans 10:8-10
(Comments in Italic print are mine)
"The word is near you; it is in your mouth and in your heart," that is, the word of faith we are proclaiming: That if you confess with your mouth, "Jesus is Lord," and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you confess and are saved. As the Scripture says, "Anyone who trusts in him will never be put to shame." For there is no difference between Jew and Gentile (Remember this was when their was only Jews and others who were considered Gentiles therefore in today’s society we would expand this to mean everyone who believes in Jesus Christ regardless of the religious denomination)—the same Lord is Lord of all and richly blesses all who call on him, for, "Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved."
Further, on in Romans 8 we find “Consequently, faith comes from hearing the message, and the message is heard through the word of Christ.” (The teaching Christ gave us, not some preacher who has decided what they mean and tries to justify his actions that are contrary to what Christ taught.)
Romans 11 ends with these words; “Who has known the mind of the Lord? (No human person can claim to know God’s mind or his reasons for what he does and/or allows.) Or who has been his counselor? (God does not ask advice of anyone, He and He along decides and through the Holy Spirit makes His desires known to those He chooses. It is up to those who he has chosen to carry out His commands according the God’s plan, not according to how it will affect his standing or power or financial condition.) Who has ever given to God, that God should repay him?" (We owe everything we have to the good graces of Almighty God. We need to acknowledge that and give thanks to Him for all He has gifted us with) For from him and through him and to him are all things. To him be the glory forever!.
Fir it is written in John 14:21 “whoever has my commands (And He said to him, " 'YOU SHALL LOVE THE LORD YOUR GOD WITH ALL YOUR HEART, AND WITH ALL YOUR SOUL, AND WITH ALL YOUR MIND.' 38"This is the great and foremost commandment.
39"The second is like it, 'YOU SHALL LOVE YOUR NEIGHBOR AS YOURSELF.' 40"On these two commandments depend the whole Law and the Prophets." {Matthew 22:37 })
and obeys them, he is the one who loves me. He who loves me will be loved by my Father, and I too will love him and show myself to him."
Could this be any clearer? Why is it that so many desire to place so many restrictions of loving God? Why is it so hard for us to open our minds, hearts and entire beings to giving ourselves over to God’s Love. The answer is the influence of the fallen one, who desired power equal to God and trys at every opportunity to corrupt the hearts and minds of everyone, just as he did to Jesus, by offering power, fame, and fortune. He makes people greedy and in doing so has them turning from God to the false God’s of material things.
I believe that in the above passages we can find the essence of Faith. Do we have the courage to live it? AMEN
Rev. Robert Francis Johnnene OFAMission Sts. Sergius and Bacchuswww.missionstsergius.orghttp://groups.yahoo.com/group/Mission_Sts_Sergius_and_Bacchushttp://spaces.msn.com/members/Mission-St-Sergiushttp://groups.msn.com/MissionSaintsSergiusandBacchus
Sunday, May 14, 2006
Still Hope For RC GLBT Catholics
There is Hope yet for the Church
I am pleased to send you this transcript from the Los Angeles RC Diocese on the 20th Anniversary of the ministry to GLBT Catholics. This is the ministry I worked with from the beginning and the catalyst for Mission Saints Sergius and Bacchus.
From THE TIDINGS official paper of Los Angeles Diocese
Published: Friday, May 12, 2006
Lesbian-gay ministry celebrates 20th anniversary in archdiocese
By R. W. Dellinger
In February 1986, at the end of a 40-hours' devotion at Blessed Sacrament Church in Hollywood, Archbishop Roger Mahony announced the formation of the parish-based Ministry with Lesbian and Gay Catholics (MLGC), which was then called Communidad.
The archbishop said the goal of the new ministry was "to foster a spirit of community and fellowship among gay Catholics so that they can offer and receive mutual support in living out their lives of faith with the church."
Last Saturday evening, some 500 gay and lesbian Catholics, along with relatives and friends, celebrated the 20th anniversary of MLGC in the same Hollywood church.
"The Archdiocese of Los Angeles is blessed in so many wonderful ways by the work and leadership of those associated with this important ministry," said Father Brian Doran of Holy Angels Church of the Deaf, who presided at the 90-minute liturgy, signed and read a letter from Cardinal Mahony.
"Your commitment to live out your baptismal call to discipleship is an inspiration to us all. And on behalf of all whose lives you have touched through your ministry, I offer my deep gratitude."
Oblate of Mary Immaculate Father Carlos Alarcon, pastor of Santa Rosa Church in San Fernando, and Jesuit Father Mike Mandala, pastor of Blessed Sacrament, were the principal concelebrants along with nearly a dozen other priests. The liturgy began with dancers followed by the choir and congregation singing a rousing "Somos El Cuerpo de Cristo" ("We Are the Body of Christ"). Members of the entrance procession placed rainbow colored banners behind the altar.
In his homily, Father Alarcon said local gays and lesbians had become stronger during the last two decades by experiencing the "pride of belonging" to the church. He talked about the challenges parents faced in learning more about homosexuality and accepting their homosexual children.
"The story of this ministry is about courage," he said. "During these 20 years, people have committed their lives to bring faith and hope to men and women who were in danger of losing their faith or experiencing hopelessness.
"All of us, gay or straight, parents or children, relatives and friends, we who have the privilege to being called in any way in the ministry with gay and lesbians Catholics, have become aware that we are church, that we are a big church --- and that we have a place in the church because of our baptism.
"All of us have been called to stay within the church," he stressed, "with dignity, with responsibility, with commitment, with faith and, above all, with love."
After the Mass, Father Mandala said he was proud of the ministry at Blessed Sacrament, one of eight parishes in the Los Angeles Archdiocese with lesbian and gay outreach programs. The pastor pointed out that talk was cheap, but when the spirit was genuinely alive and working, action prevailed.
"People in the Ministry with Lesbians and Gays here are involved in the full ministry of this Blessed Sacrament community," he reported. "They're involved with each other. They're involved in the carnival. They're involved as lectors and Eucharistic ministers, as ushers.
"They're involved in every facet of the community. That speaks of the spirit of God with them and with us."
Lumen Christi (Light of Christ) 2006 awards were presented to eight individuals for their outstanding service to MLGC: Armida and Louis Cisneros, Brad Fuller, Carolyn and Robert Aldapa, David Kennedy, Lucille Sevigny and Fran Ruth.
Ruth, who coordinates the Ministry with Lesbian and Gay Catholics, said while it had grown greatly during the last 20 years it was still one of the "best kept secrets" in the archdiocese, and people were always surprised to see their booth at the annual Religious Education Congress.
"What else could be done is for more people to step up and not be afraid to say, 'Hey, I'm gay. I'm Catholic.' Or really what they should say is 'Hey, I'm Catholic. And I also happen to be gay.'
"I think if more people have the courage to do that, it will grow. And, hopefully, one day we won't have a need for this ministry. Hopefully, one day we'll just be all together."
Submitted by Rev. Robert Johnnene OFA
Mission Saints Sergius and Bacchus, Holliston MAwww.missionstsergius.orghttp://groups.yahoo.com/group/Mission_Sts_Sergius_and_Bacchushttp://spaces.msn.com/members/Mission-St-Sergiushttp://groups.msn.com/MissionSaintsSergiusandBacchus
I am pleased to send you this transcript from the Los Angeles RC Diocese on the 20th Anniversary of the ministry to GLBT Catholics. This is the ministry I worked with from the beginning and the catalyst for Mission Saints Sergius and Bacchus.
From THE TIDINGS official paper of Los Angeles Diocese
Published: Friday, May 12, 2006
Lesbian-gay ministry celebrates 20th anniversary in archdiocese
By R. W. Dellinger
In February 1986, at the end of a 40-hours' devotion at Blessed Sacrament Church in Hollywood, Archbishop Roger Mahony announced the formation of the parish-based Ministry with Lesbian and Gay Catholics (MLGC), which was then called Communidad.
The archbishop said the goal of the new ministry was "to foster a spirit of community and fellowship among gay Catholics so that they can offer and receive mutual support in living out their lives of faith with the church."
Last Saturday evening, some 500 gay and lesbian Catholics, along with relatives and friends, celebrated the 20th anniversary of MLGC in the same Hollywood church.
"The Archdiocese of Los Angeles is blessed in so many wonderful ways by the work and leadership of those associated with this important ministry," said Father Brian Doran of Holy Angels Church of the Deaf, who presided at the 90-minute liturgy, signed and read a letter from Cardinal Mahony.
"Your commitment to live out your baptismal call to discipleship is an inspiration to us all. And on behalf of all whose lives you have touched through your ministry, I offer my deep gratitude."
Oblate of Mary Immaculate Father Carlos Alarcon, pastor of Santa Rosa Church in San Fernando, and Jesuit Father Mike Mandala, pastor of Blessed Sacrament, were the principal concelebrants along with nearly a dozen other priests. The liturgy began with dancers followed by the choir and congregation singing a rousing "Somos El Cuerpo de Cristo" ("We Are the Body of Christ"). Members of the entrance procession placed rainbow colored banners behind the altar.
In his homily, Father Alarcon said local gays and lesbians had become stronger during the last two decades by experiencing the "pride of belonging" to the church. He talked about the challenges parents faced in learning more about homosexuality and accepting their homosexual children.
"The story of this ministry is about courage," he said. "During these 20 years, people have committed their lives to bring faith and hope to men and women who were in danger of losing their faith or experiencing hopelessness.
"All of us, gay or straight, parents or children, relatives and friends, we who have the privilege to being called in any way in the ministry with gay and lesbians Catholics, have become aware that we are church, that we are a big church --- and that we have a place in the church because of our baptism.
"All of us have been called to stay within the church," he stressed, "with dignity, with responsibility, with commitment, with faith and, above all, with love."
After the Mass, Father Mandala said he was proud of the ministry at Blessed Sacrament, one of eight parishes in the Los Angeles Archdiocese with lesbian and gay outreach programs. The pastor pointed out that talk was cheap, but when the spirit was genuinely alive and working, action prevailed.
"People in the Ministry with Lesbians and Gays here are involved in the full ministry of this Blessed Sacrament community," he reported. "They're involved with each other. They're involved in the carnival. They're involved as lectors and Eucharistic ministers, as ushers.
"They're involved in every facet of the community. That speaks of the spirit of God with them and with us."
Lumen Christi (Light of Christ) 2006 awards were presented to eight individuals for their outstanding service to MLGC: Armida and Louis Cisneros, Brad Fuller, Carolyn and Robert Aldapa, David Kennedy, Lucille Sevigny and Fran Ruth.
Ruth, who coordinates the Ministry with Lesbian and Gay Catholics, said while it had grown greatly during the last 20 years it was still one of the "best kept secrets" in the archdiocese, and people were always surprised to see their booth at the annual Religious Education Congress.
"What else could be done is for more people to step up and not be afraid to say, 'Hey, I'm gay. I'm Catholic.' Or really what they should say is 'Hey, I'm Catholic. And I also happen to be gay.'
"I think if more people have the courage to do that, it will grow. And, hopefully, one day we won't have a need for this ministry. Hopefully, one day we'll just be all together."
Submitted by Rev. Robert Johnnene OFA
Mission Saints Sergius and Bacchus, Holliston MAwww.missionstsergius.orghttp://groups.yahoo.com/group/Mission_Sts_Sergius_and_Bacchushttp://spaces.msn.com/members/Mission-St-Sergiushttp://groups.msn.com/MissionSaintsSergiusandBacchus
Saturday, May 13, 2006
Finding God In Women
Finding God in Woman
A Reflection on the Gospel of John 14:7-14
Happy Mothers Day
On a weekend that we celebrate mothers, the gospel for the day is the story of Phillip asking Jesus “Master, show us the Father, and that will be enough for us” Jesus responded with “Who ever has seen me, has seen the Father”
What we have to remember as we hear these words is the historical place of woman in those days and in the societies of the various countries of the area even to this very day. Woman were considered possessions, first they were property of their father and often were bartered for land and other possessions. Then they became the property of their husband and were subject to his bidding.
On this Mother’s day, we need to re-examine a reality that took place with the coming of Jesus.
With the coming of Jesus, the role of woman was greatly expanded and Jesus gave them special consideration. Women were some of the first followers of Jesus. It was the woman who stood by at the foot of the cross. It was to woman that Jesus first appeared after the resurrection. The role that Mary Magdalene played in the formation of our faith is being greatly discussed lately with the publication of recent books. What is fiction and what is fact is not as important as what we do know. We know that she played an important role in the life of Jesus and is mentioned a number of times in the Gospels that are considered canon. There is even a Gnostic bible attributed to her. Mary, the Blessed Mother of Jesus, gave everything to her child, trusting and following him even to the foot of the cross. Jesus broke all traditions by talking with a Samaritan woman at the well. All these woman recognized the Father in Jesus and lived a new way of life. I will not go into a long history of the role of woman in the church in the early years but we do know that it was a lot more significant than we are led to believe and is recognized in “I commend to you our sister Phoebe, who is a servant of the church which is at Cenchrea” (Romans 16:1) “Woman in this same role must be” (1 Timothy 3:11)
In light of the social changes that have taken place in the world since the time of Christ and the early church, we need to realize that THE FATHER can be found in everyone, male and female, if they live out the truth of Christ’s teaching. Scripture tell us that ALL are created in the image and likeness of God. What we know of woman today, that was not known in the time of Christ and for more than 1000 years, is that woman are stronger than men where it counts. (If men were to have to carry a child for nine months and then go through the pains of childbirth there would never be a problem of overpopulation. They might have one child and that would be it.) Women are more compassionate, nurturing and forgiving than most men. If more women had a greater role in the activities of the church, we might not have the problems we have been facing in recent years. There probably would not be a shortage of priests; the church would be more nurturing towards individuals seeking the love of God. Woman would be less likely to reject a child because of their sexual orientation. In short, on this Mother’s Day we need to celebrate ALL Women, Mothers, Grandmothers, mothers to be, woman who may never be mothers, All Woman. Without woman, there would be no men. Without THE Woman, Mary, Jesus would not have been.
On this weekend, let us try to give woman the credit they deserve, let us try to do something special for a woman in our life. Let us make this a day of celebration for all women for the contributions that they have played in forming not only the Judea/Christian and other Religious faiths but also History in general.
AMEN
Rev. Robert Francis Johnnene OFAMission Sts. Sergius and Bacchuswww.missionstsergius.orghttp://groups.yahoo.com/group/Mission_Sts_Sergius_and_Bacchushttp://spaces.msn.com/members/Mission-St-Sergiushttp://groups.msn.com/MissionSaintsSergiusandBacchus
A Reflection on the Gospel of John 14:7-14
Happy Mothers Day
On a weekend that we celebrate mothers, the gospel for the day is the story of Phillip asking Jesus “Master, show us the Father, and that will be enough for us” Jesus responded with “Who ever has seen me, has seen the Father”
What we have to remember as we hear these words is the historical place of woman in those days and in the societies of the various countries of the area even to this very day. Woman were considered possessions, first they were property of their father and often were bartered for land and other possessions. Then they became the property of their husband and were subject to his bidding.
On this Mother’s day, we need to re-examine a reality that took place with the coming of Jesus.
With the coming of Jesus, the role of woman was greatly expanded and Jesus gave them special consideration. Women were some of the first followers of Jesus. It was the woman who stood by at the foot of the cross. It was to woman that Jesus first appeared after the resurrection. The role that Mary Magdalene played in the formation of our faith is being greatly discussed lately with the publication of recent books. What is fiction and what is fact is not as important as what we do know. We know that she played an important role in the life of Jesus and is mentioned a number of times in the Gospels that are considered canon. There is even a Gnostic bible attributed to her. Mary, the Blessed Mother of Jesus, gave everything to her child, trusting and following him even to the foot of the cross. Jesus broke all traditions by talking with a Samaritan woman at the well. All these woman recognized the Father in Jesus and lived a new way of life. I will not go into a long history of the role of woman in the church in the early years but we do know that it was a lot more significant than we are led to believe and is recognized in “I commend to you our sister Phoebe, who is a servant of the church which is at Cenchrea” (Romans 16:1) “Woman in this same role must be” (1 Timothy 3:11)
In light of the social changes that have taken place in the world since the time of Christ and the early church, we need to realize that THE FATHER can be found in everyone, male and female, if they live out the truth of Christ’s teaching. Scripture tell us that ALL are created in the image and likeness of God. What we know of woman today, that was not known in the time of Christ and for more than 1000 years, is that woman are stronger than men where it counts. (If men were to have to carry a child for nine months and then go through the pains of childbirth there would never be a problem of overpopulation. They might have one child and that would be it.) Women are more compassionate, nurturing and forgiving than most men. If more women had a greater role in the activities of the church, we might not have the problems we have been facing in recent years. There probably would not be a shortage of priests; the church would be more nurturing towards individuals seeking the love of God. Woman would be less likely to reject a child because of their sexual orientation. In short, on this Mother’s Day we need to celebrate ALL Women, Mothers, Grandmothers, mothers to be, woman who may never be mothers, All Woman. Without woman, there would be no men. Without THE Woman, Mary, Jesus would not have been.
On this weekend, let us try to give woman the credit they deserve, let us try to do something special for a woman in our life. Let us make this a day of celebration for all women for the contributions that they have played in forming not only the Judea/Christian and other Religious faiths but also History in general.
AMEN
Rev. Robert Francis Johnnene OFAMission Sts. Sergius and Bacchuswww.missionstsergius.orghttp://groups.yahoo.com/group/Mission_Sts_Sergius_and_Bacchushttp://spaces.msn.com/members/Mission-St-Sergiushttp://groups.msn.com/MissionSaintsSergiusandBacchus
Action, Not Words
“Let Us Love Not In Word or Speech but In Deed and Truth”
(From First Letter of John 3:18-24)
A Reflection from the readings for May 14, 2006
These words taken from the opening of John’s letter continue with “Now this is how we shall know that we belong to the truth and reassure our hearts before Him in whatever our hearts condemn, for God is greater than our hearts and knows everything”
John goes on to tell us that by remaining faithful to the teachings of Jesus Christ by keeping His commandments and acting in a way that is pleasing to Him by living as He instructed we remain in Him.
John goes on to say that “if we believe in the name of His son, Jesus Christ, and love one another just as Christ commanded us” we remain in God and God remains in us. John goes on to infer that we will know that God remains in us from the spirit He gives us.
In the Gospel for the day, Jesus tells the disciples “I am the true vine and my father is the vine grower. He takes away every branch in me that does not bear fruit, and every one that does He prunes so that it bears more fruit.”
We are the branches of Jesus the vine, we in and of ourselves can do nothing unless we are connected to the vine. We can only stay connected to the vine when we live our lives as Jesus instructed us.
No vine bears fruit without labor, and labor takes time and effort. If we just stand over the vine and say, “Grow vine and bear fruit” it will achieve nothing. In order to have the vine bear fruit we need to fertilize it, we do that by our actions not our words. You also have to prune off the saplings so that the energy goes into the fruit bearing branches. This is accomplished by rejecting the proclamations that do not conform to the teachings of Christ. We need to till the soil around the roots so that the life giving nutrients get to the root to promote healthy growth. That means we need to go out into the field and stir up things by denouncing errors and condemnations that are contrary to Christ’s teachings.
From the beginning, Satan has used every guise that he has to put an end to the message God sent Christ to proclaim because it would put an end to him and confine him to the netherworld.
He has successfully worked to break the church Christ established through His disciples into many factions, each working against the other.
Now is the time to put an end to this disunity and find the means to come together into one faith community, one flock headed by the Good Shepherd sent by Almighty God.
On this Mother’s day, the Fifth Sunday of the Easter season, I implore every one who professes to love our Lord and Savior, as a gift to His beloved mother Mary, to explore ways that we can work together to bring about the reunification of His One Holy Catholic Apostolic Church. ““Let Us Love Not In Word or Speech but In Deed and Truth” AMEN
Rev. Robert Francis Johnnene OFAMission Sts. Sergius and Bacchuswww.missionstsergius.orghttp://groups.yahoo.com/group/Mission_Sts_Sergius_and_Bacchushttp://spaces.msn.com/members/Mission-St-Sergiushttp://groups.msn.com/MissionSaintsSergiusandBacchus
(From First Letter of John 3:18-24)
A Reflection from the readings for May 14, 2006
These words taken from the opening of John’s letter continue with “Now this is how we shall know that we belong to the truth and reassure our hearts before Him in whatever our hearts condemn, for God is greater than our hearts and knows everything”
John goes on to tell us that by remaining faithful to the teachings of Jesus Christ by keeping His commandments and acting in a way that is pleasing to Him by living as He instructed we remain in Him.
John goes on to say that “if we believe in the name of His son, Jesus Christ, and love one another just as Christ commanded us” we remain in God and God remains in us. John goes on to infer that we will know that God remains in us from the spirit He gives us.
In the Gospel for the day, Jesus tells the disciples “I am the true vine and my father is the vine grower. He takes away every branch in me that does not bear fruit, and every one that does He prunes so that it bears more fruit.”
We are the branches of Jesus the vine, we in and of ourselves can do nothing unless we are connected to the vine. We can only stay connected to the vine when we live our lives as Jesus instructed us.
No vine bears fruit without labor, and labor takes time and effort. If we just stand over the vine and say, “Grow vine and bear fruit” it will achieve nothing. In order to have the vine bear fruit we need to fertilize it, we do that by our actions not our words. You also have to prune off the saplings so that the energy goes into the fruit bearing branches. This is accomplished by rejecting the proclamations that do not conform to the teachings of Christ. We need to till the soil around the roots so that the life giving nutrients get to the root to promote healthy growth. That means we need to go out into the field and stir up things by denouncing errors and condemnations that are contrary to Christ’s teachings.
From the beginning, Satan has used every guise that he has to put an end to the message God sent Christ to proclaim because it would put an end to him and confine him to the netherworld.
He has successfully worked to break the church Christ established through His disciples into many factions, each working against the other.
Now is the time to put an end to this disunity and find the means to come together into one faith community, one flock headed by the Good Shepherd sent by Almighty God.
On this Mother’s day, the Fifth Sunday of the Easter season, I implore every one who professes to love our Lord and Savior, as a gift to His beloved mother Mary, to explore ways that we can work together to bring about the reunification of His One Holy Catholic Apostolic Church. ““Let Us Love Not In Word or Speech but In Deed and Truth” AMEN
Rev. Robert Francis Johnnene OFAMission Sts. Sergius and Bacchuswww.missionstsergius.orghttp://groups.yahoo.com/group/Mission_Sts_Sergius_and_Bacchushttp://spaces.msn.com/members/Mission-St-Sergiushttp://groups.msn.com/MissionSaintsSergiusandBacchus
A Mothers Day Tribute
In Memoriam
Her Name was Elizabeth, but they Called Her Betty
It was nineteen years ago this week that a beautiful woman by the name of Elizabeth was called home to Almighty God. She did not become famous, never made headlines, if any thing her life was very simple.
Born in Ireland in 1906 her early years were anything but wonderful. She lived in fear of the troops who roamed her country. All the children were told to be careful when going to and from church and school because sometimes the troops would fire their weapons indiscriminately at voices heard in the rushes. When she was only 5 years old, she watched in horror as her mother died in childbirth while her father and uncle were arguing drunk in an adjoining room. Shortly after that, her father left her with another uncle and aunt while he went off to America in search of a better life. The Aunt she was left with was, according to the stories told, the worst of the worst and mistreated little Elizabeth to the point she ran away to another uncle who took her in where she stayed along with his young son Willie as friend and playmate. In 1913, word came that arrangements had been made for her to come to America. She remembers arriving at Ellis Island frightened and at the same time amazed as she gazed from the gangplank at the enormous glowing statue of a woman holding a torch on the base of which was inscribed the words “Give me your tired and your poor, your huddled masses yearning to be free”
She gazed around looking for the face of her father and thought she recognized him, it was not her father but her uncle Patrick, her father’s brother. She went for a few days to stay with her uncle Patty and Aunt Katie until arrangements had been made for her to go to Boston to live with her Aunt Josephine and Uncle Paul and her father who was also living with them. For the next 17 years, she lived with them often being treated as a maid to Aunt Jo’s five children, wearing their hand downs and later working to supplement their income. She did have an other cousin who lived down the street who she became very good friends with and would sneak away to attend movies and be a little “wild” by bobbing their hair and hiking their skirts up to be more “Flapperish”. This cousin would later become a nun and serve God for more than 70 years. In 1929, while working in a drug store, a handsome man, Bob, who was working days as a welder and nights as a singer in the Keith Vaudeville Circuit and studying law, spotted her. A familiar story is told how at dinner a few nights after meeting Elizabeth the brother of the man told how he had spotted his “Golden Lady” at the Liggett Drug store. Bob asked what the lady looked like and when his brother described her, Bob said “Don’t bother going after her, I plan to marry her. They got married in September 1930 but life was not to be a “Happy Ever After” of the storybooks.
About 8 months after they were married Elizabeth miscarried in her 7th month. This devastated her because she flashed back to her mother and the miscarriage and death of her mother and brother. Another 9 months later, this couple had another miscarriage in the final days of the pregnancy; this would have been their second son. The loss of two sons and the depression was taking its toll on Bob, he began to drink more than usual and this caused friction because it reminded Elizabeth of her father’s drunken fight while her mother was in labor and died. In fact, Elizabeth had a very strong dislike to drinking and especially excessive drinking. Through all the problems, she never gave up her faith in Our Blessed Mother and God. When she found she was pregnant again, she prayed that God would deliver a healthy baby. On November 16, 1934 after being confined to bead for the last 5 weeks of the pregnancy, and an extremely difficult labor, another son was born and named Robert. The child was born dehydrated and had to be given special care for the first 6 months of his life and sometimes thing were not always optimistic that he would survive. Survive he did, and his story has been told before.
After the birth of Robert, Elizabeth was told she had to have a hysterectomy but she still wanted to have another child, this was not to be for she within a year was forced to undergo the procedure due to cancer.
Elizabeth and Bob spent the rest of their lives devoted to raising their son, Sometimes things were combative because of Bob’s drinking and at one time Elizabeth left Bob, taking the child with her. Within six months, after consultations with a counselor and priest the family was back together and stayed that way until Bob’s Sudden death in 1976. He died after serenading Elizabeth that morning, rejoicing that she was home from the hospital, a place she ended up in at least once a year for almost every year of her adult life, fighting cancer in various parts of her body.
After the death of Bob, her son and she sold the house they had lived in for more than 40 years. In 1980 Elizabeth went to California to visit her son and ended staying there until her death in May 1987. Her last four years of life, were years of illness and suffering as she wasted away from a disease that was only supposed to be affecting Drug users and homosexual men. She had contacted it during a blood transfusion before blood was being tested during one of her hospital stays. Through all this, her love of God and the Rosary were ever present. At her funerals, she had two of them, in California and in Boston, all who ever knew her spoke of her generosity, love, kindness and faith. Her son had the gift of being able to bring her Eucharist regularly and of celebrating liturgies for her and the other patients in the facility she spent the last 7 months of her life in.
The life of Elizabeth is just a regular life, but it is a life that millions of woman around the word happily do every day. They are the woman who we celebrate this day set apart to rejoice in motherhood. Our Blessed mother showed them the way and they have through the years followed in Mary’s footsteps, giving of themselves for their children and spouse.
I know that Elizabeth is in the company of Our Blessed Mother and our Savior and Redeemer Jesus Christ and that Bob her husband is serenading her, Almighty God and all the heavenly elect with his magnificent tenor voice.
I talk with Elizabeth often, it is called prayer now, but she was my mother and I am ever grateful for all that, she did for me and all the others whose lives she crossed.
Happy Mothers Day to all mothers, your children are a gift; never let them feel unloved or unwanted. God Created them and gave them to you to cherish, protect them as best as possible, give them a strong love and knowledge of the Loving, forgiving, compassionate God. Do not frighten them with the stories of a vengeful god and scare them away from God. Love can conquer all adversity as the story of Elizabeth and Bob can illustrate, their love was stronger than any adversity. Just as God’s love is stronger than any adversity any of us may face. AMEN
Rev. Robert Francis Johnnene OFAMission Sts. Sergius and Bacchuswww.missionstsergius.orghttp://groups.yahoo.com/group/Mission_Sts_Sergius_and_Bacchushttp://spaces.msn.com/members/Mission-St-Sergiushttp://groups.msn.com/MissionSaintsSergiusandBacchus
Her Name was Elizabeth, but they Called Her Betty
It was nineteen years ago this week that a beautiful woman by the name of Elizabeth was called home to Almighty God. She did not become famous, never made headlines, if any thing her life was very simple.
Born in Ireland in 1906 her early years were anything but wonderful. She lived in fear of the troops who roamed her country. All the children were told to be careful when going to and from church and school because sometimes the troops would fire their weapons indiscriminately at voices heard in the rushes. When she was only 5 years old, she watched in horror as her mother died in childbirth while her father and uncle were arguing drunk in an adjoining room. Shortly after that, her father left her with another uncle and aunt while he went off to America in search of a better life. The Aunt she was left with was, according to the stories told, the worst of the worst and mistreated little Elizabeth to the point she ran away to another uncle who took her in where she stayed along with his young son Willie as friend and playmate. In 1913, word came that arrangements had been made for her to come to America. She remembers arriving at Ellis Island frightened and at the same time amazed as she gazed from the gangplank at the enormous glowing statue of a woman holding a torch on the base of which was inscribed the words “Give me your tired and your poor, your huddled masses yearning to be free”
She gazed around looking for the face of her father and thought she recognized him, it was not her father but her uncle Patrick, her father’s brother. She went for a few days to stay with her uncle Patty and Aunt Katie until arrangements had been made for her to go to Boston to live with her Aunt Josephine and Uncle Paul and her father who was also living with them. For the next 17 years, she lived with them often being treated as a maid to Aunt Jo’s five children, wearing their hand downs and later working to supplement their income. She did have an other cousin who lived down the street who she became very good friends with and would sneak away to attend movies and be a little “wild” by bobbing their hair and hiking their skirts up to be more “Flapperish”. This cousin would later become a nun and serve God for more than 70 years. In 1929, while working in a drug store, a handsome man, Bob, who was working days as a welder and nights as a singer in the Keith Vaudeville Circuit and studying law, spotted her. A familiar story is told how at dinner a few nights after meeting Elizabeth the brother of the man told how he had spotted his “Golden Lady” at the Liggett Drug store. Bob asked what the lady looked like and when his brother described her, Bob said “Don’t bother going after her, I plan to marry her. They got married in September 1930 but life was not to be a “Happy Ever After” of the storybooks.
About 8 months after they were married Elizabeth miscarried in her 7th month. This devastated her because she flashed back to her mother and the miscarriage and death of her mother and brother. Another 9 months later, this couple had another miscarriage in the final days of the pregnancy; this would have been their second son. The loss of two sons and the depression was taking its toll on Bob, he began to drink more than usual and this caused friction because it reminded Elizabeth of her father’s drunken fight while her mother was in labor and died. In fact, Elizabeth had a very strong dislike to drinking and especially excessive drinking. Through all the problems, she never gave up her faith in Our Blessed Mother and God. When she found she was pregnant again, she prayed that God would deliver a healthy baby. On November 16, 1934 after being confined to bead for the last 5 weeks of the pregnancy, and an extremely difficult labor, another son was born and named Robert. The child was born dehydrated and had to be given special care for the first 6 months of his life and sometimes thing were not always optimistic that he would survive. Survive he did, and his story has been told before.
After the birth of Robert, Elizabeth was told she had to have a hysterectomy but she still wanted to have another child, this was not to be for she within a year was forced to undergo the procedure due to cancer.
Elizabeth and Bob spent the rest of their lives devoted to raising their son, Sometimes things were combative because of Bob’s drinking and at one time Elizabeth left Bob, taking the child with her. Within six months, after consultations with a counselor and priest the family was back together and stayed that way until Bob’s Sudden death in 1976. He died after serenading Elizabeth that morning, rejoicing that she was home from the hospital, a place she ended up in at least once a year for almost every year of her adult life, fighting cancer in various parts of her body.
After the death of Bob, her son and she sold the house they had lived in for more than 40 years. In 1980 Elizabeth went to California to visit her son and ended staying there until her death in May 1987. Her last four years of life, were years of illness and suffering as she wasted away from a disease that was only supposed to be affecting Drug users and homosexual men. She had contacted it during a blood transfusion before blood was being tested during one of her hospital stays. Through all this, her love of God and the Rosary were ever present. At her funerals, she had two of them, in California and in Boston, all who ever knew her spoke of her generosity, love, kindness and faith. Her son had the gift of being able to bring her Eucharist regularly and of celebrating liturgies for her and the other patients in the facility she spent the last 7 months of her life in.
The life of Elizabeth is just a regular life, but it is a life that millions of woman around the word happily do every day. They are the woman who we celebrate this day set apart to rejoice in motherhood. Our Blessed mother showed them the way and they have through the years followed in Mary’s footsteps, giving of themselves for their children and spouse.
I know that Elizabeth is in the company of Our Blessed Mother and our Savior and Redeemer Jesus Christ and that Bob her husband is serenading her, Almighty God and all the heavenly elect with his magnificent tenor voice.
I talk with Elizabeth often, it is called prayer now, but she was my mother and I am ever grateful for all that, she did for me and all the others whose lives she crossed.
Happy Mothers Day to all mothers, your children are a gift; never let them feel unloved or unwanted. God Created them and gave them to you to cherish, protect them as best as possible, give them a strong love and knowledge of the Loving, forgiving, compassionate God. Do not frighten them with the stories of a vengeful god and scare them away from God. Love can conquer all adversity as the story of Elizabeth and Bob can illustrate, their love was stronger than any adversity. Just as God’s love is stronger than any adversity any of us may face. AMEN
Rev. Robert Francis Johnnene OFAMission Sts. Sergius and Bacchuswww.missionstsergius.orghttp://groups.yahoo.com/group/Mission_Sts_Sergius_and_Bacchushttp://spaces.msn.com/members/Mission-St-Sergiushttp://groups.msn.com/MissionSaintsSergiusandBacchus
Mission Celebrates First Anniversary
One Year Anniversary of Founding
Monday, May 15th is the one year anniversary of my founding Mission Saints Sergius and Bacchus by establishing the mission Yahoo group. The mission was founded because I found very little being done in the Boston diocese to encourage people who have felt alienated and rejected because of divorce, or being of the GLBT community or angered because of the horrific molestation scandal that rocked the church and the actions of the hierarchy.
I attempted to have one of the local parishes support the mission like it is being done in the Archdiocese of Los Angeles under Cardinal Roger Mahoney but was not only rejected but told that I was being a heretic because I was advocating something that was against church policy. Even the statements of the Bishops found in ALWAYS OUR CHILDREN and in the bishops documents A CATHOLIC PERSPECTIVE FOR EDUCATION AND LIFELONG LEARNING page 55 and TO LIVE IN CHRIST JESUS page 19 and in HUMAN SEXUALITY, A CATHOLIC PERSPECTIVE were rejected.
I cannot say that at the time I did not have doubts, but as events that happened so quickly after founding the Yahoo group proved, I became assured that this was indeed the will of God. Since 1980 I had been applying to join various religious orders. Within two weeks of establishing the group I was informed, by letter, that I had been received into the Franciscan order, not only that, but upon reviewing my credentials and references, it was decided that I qualified to be ordained a priest. That happened on The feast of The Assumption, August 15th.
Since the founding a year ago, the mission membership in the Yahoo group has grown to 81, since I began the Web site it has been visited over 1861 times just this year and 1500 times from last June through December. Since the establishment of the mission 360 Blog page it has been visited 2,294 times since January 2006 and averages 353 hit’s a week. In addition I visit with about 12 people in the New England area on a regular basis bring the Eucharist and praying and counseling them and respond to questions from people outside of the new England area via the phone and internet. The lack of reliable transportation prevents me from doing more visits and since the mission does not have the funding to obtain a permanent place for a chapel daily mass for a congregation is unavailable. I do have one or two people who live in the senior housing complex I live in, attend mass on Sundays and occasionally at other times but I am prevented legally from having outsiders participate in any functions of the mission.
Though the inconveniences of not having a permanent place of worship and reliable transportation do frustrate me occasionally because I feel I could be doing so much more, I am grateful to God for the affirmation that He has given me. I pray, that in my humble way I may somehow be an infinitesimal instrument of Almighty God’s in the rebuilding and reunification of The One Holy Catholic Apostolic Church and in renewing the faith and love of Almighty God in those who have left because of feeling unwanted, rejected, or disenchanted with the dictates of a church that is not living the teachings of Jesus Christ.
I ask you to pray that Almighty God will continue to give me; the strength through His Love, the endurance to continue to reach out to all His children with the message of His love and mercy, an ever increasing faith, The knowledge to know and understand His will and the means to carry on the growth and work of the Mission.
The power of prayer with frequent reception of the Eucharist can overcome all obstacles.
May Almighty God continue to bless the work of all who are dedicated to proclaiming His truth and may He put the events in action for a unification of all who proclaim Jesus Savior and Redeemer.
Rev. Robert Francis Johnnene OFAMission Sts. Sergius and Bacchuswww.missionstsergius.orghttp://groups.yahoo.com/group/Mission_Sts_Sergius_and_Bacchushttp://spaces.msn.com/members/Mission-St-Sergiushttp://groups.msn.com/MissionSaintsSergiusandBacchus
Monday, May 15th is the one year anniversary of my founding Mission Saints Sergius and Bacchus by establishing the mission Yahoo group. The mission was founded because I found very little being done in the Boston diocese to encourage people who have felt alienated and rejected because of divorce, or being of the GLBT community or angered because of the horrific molestation scandal that rocked the church and the actions of the hierarchy.
I attempted to have one of the local parishes support the mission like it is being done in the Archdiocese of Los Angeles under Cardinal Roger Mahoney but was not only rejected but told that I was being a heretic because I was advocating something that was against church policy. Even the statements of the Bishops found in ALWAYS OUR CHILDREN and in the bishops documents A CATHOLIC PERSPECTIVE FOR EDUCATION AND LIFELONG LEARNING page 55 and TO LIVE IN CHRIST JESUS page 19 and in HUMAN SEXUALITY, A CATHOLIC PERSPECTIVE were rejected.
I cannot say that at the time I did not have doubts, but as events that happened so quickly after founding the Yahoo group proved, I became assured that this was indeed the will of God. Since 1980 I had been applying to join various religious orders. Within two weeks of establishing the group I was informed, by letter, that I had been received into the Franciscan order, not only that, but upon reviewing my credentials and references, it was decided that I qualified to be ordained a priest. That happened on The feast of The Assumption, August 15th.
Since the founding a year ago, the mission membership in the Yahoo group has grown to 81, since I began the Web site it has been visited over 1861 times just this year and 1500 times from last June through December. Since the establishment of the mission 360 Blog page it has been visited 2,294 times since January 2006 and averages 353 hit’s a week. In addition I visit with about 12 people in the New England area on a regular basis bring the Eucharist and praying and counseling them and respond to questions from people outside of the new England area via the phone and internet. The lack of reliable transportation prevents me from doing more visits and since the mission does not have the funding to obtain a permanent place for a chapel daily mass for a congregation is unavailable. I do have one or two people who live in the senior housing complex I live in, attend mass on Sundays and occasionally at other times but I am prevented legally from having outsiders participate in any functions of the mission.
Though the inconveniences of not having a permanent place of worship and reliable transportation do frustrate me occasionally because I feel I could be doing so much more, I am grateful to God for the affirmation that He has given me. I pray, that in my humble way I may somehow be an infinitesimal instrument of Almighty God’s in the rebuilding and reunification of The One Holy Catholic Apostolic Church and in renewing the faith and love of Almighty God in those who have left because of feeling unwanted, rejected, or disenchanted with the dictates of a church that is not living the teachings of Jesus Christ.
I ask you to pray that Almighty God will continue to give me; the strength through His Love, the endurance to continue to reach out to all His children with the message of His love and mercy, an ever increasing faith, The knowledge to know and understand His will and the means to carry on the growth and work of the Mission.
The power of prayer with frequent reception of the Eucharist can overcome all obstacles.
May Almighty God continue to bless the work of all who are dedicated to proclaiming His truth and may He put the events in action for a unification of all who proclaim Jesus Savior and Redeemer.
Rev. Robert Francis Johnnene OFAMission Sts. Sergius and Bacchuswww.missionstsergius.orghttp://groups.yahoo.com/group/Mission_Sts_Sergius_and_Bacchushttp://spaces.msn.com/members/Mission-St-Sergiushttp://groups.msn.com/MissionSaintsSergiusandBacchus
Thursday, April 27, 2006
In Defense of Same-Sex Marriage
The Following is courtesy of Bishop Roger La Rade OFA and is taken from their monthly newsletter BELOVED DISCIPLE
Catholic Theological
Defense of
Same-sex Marriage
Catholic theologian Daniel Maguire of Marquette University has recently issued a well-presented defense of same-sex marriage. He states that in time the Roman Catholic Church will come to accept equality in marriage.
This, of course, is already a reality for the Eucharistic Catholic Church and many other Independent Catholic Churches. As such, we stand as witnesses to God’s infinite love. Maguire asserts that the desire to bond lovingly and sexually with persons of the same sex or of the opposite sex, is a fact of life, a fact of God’s creation. Referring to the Acts of the Apostles 10: 15, he emphasizes that we have no right to declare unclean anything that God has made; to do so, in fact, is a sin.
Maguire defines marriage in no heterosexist terms as the unique and special form of committed friendship
between sexually attracted persons. He states that “marriage is a supreme human good involving exclusive,
committed, enduring, generous, and faithful love, and that kind of love is not something that only heterosexuals can achieve.” He forcefully declares: “We have no moral right to declare marriage off limits to persons whom God has made gay. We have no right to say that marriage, with all of its advantages and beauty, is a reward for being heterosexual.”
Professor Maguire then proceeds to discuss the objections presented against marriage equality, taking as his
guide St. Thomas Aquinas. The main objection is the one arising from Biblical texts. Maguire follows a
Catholic interpretation in pointing out that Biblical texts need to be interpreted in the context of the times
when they were written. Therefore, in understanding how the Bible can treat slavery as a fact of life and condone capital punishment in certain cases, we have come to the position that Biblical texts often “described the way life was lived at that time but did not prescribe that we should live that way.” This is the case with the Biblical texts used as grounds for condemning homosexuality.
Maguire then asks the question whether the Pope is wrong on this issue. Consonant with our position he
answers: “I would join many other Catholic theologians in saying that he is definitely wrong and he will be
corrected some day by one of his successors and by the rest of the church as previous popes who permitted slavery etc. were corrected.”
In conclusion, Maguire rightly states that “homosexuality is not a sin. Heterosexism (prejudice
against people who are homosexual) is a sin. It is a serious sin because it violates justice, truth, and love. It also distorts the true meaning of sex and thus also harms everyone, including heterosexuals.”
Most Rev. Roger LaRade, O.F.A.
www.undiscoveredself.com/sppm
[Quotes from MIRABILE DICTU: 4.20.2006]
Rev. Robert Francis Johnnene OFA Mission Sts. Sergius and Bacchus
Email: Mission_St_Sergius@msn.com
Web Site: www.missionstsergius.org
Yahoo Group: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Mission_Sts_Sergius_and_BacchusMSN Blog: http://spaces.msn.com/members/Mission-St-Sergius
MSN Group: http://groups.msn.com/MissionSaintsSergiusandBacchus
Catholic Theological
Defense of
Same-sex Marriage
Catholic theologian Daniel Maguire of Marquette University has recently issued a well-presented defense of same-sex marriage. He states that in time the Roman Catholic Church will come to accept equality in marriage.
This, of course, is already a reality for the Eucharistic Catholic Church and many other Independent Catholic Churches. As such, we stand as witnesses to God’s infinite love. Maguire asserts that the desire to bond lovingly and sexually with persons of the same sex or of the opposite sex, is a fact of life, a fact of God’s creation. Referring to the Acts of the Apostles 10: 15, he emphasizes that we have no right to declare unclean anything that God has made; to do so, in fact, is a sin.
Maguire defines marriage in no heterosexist terms as the unique and special form of committed friendship
between sexually attracted persons. He states that “marriage is a supreme human good involving exclusive,
committed, enduring, generous, and faithful love, and that kind of love is not something that only heterosexuals can achieve.” He forcefully declares: “We have no moral right to declare marriage off limits to persons whom God has made gay. We have no right to say that marriage, with all of its advantages and beauty, is a reward for being heterosexual.”
Professor Maguire then proceeds to discuss the objections presented against marriage equality, taking as his
guide St. Thomas Aquinas. The main objection is the one arising from Biblical texts. Maguire follows a
Catholic interpretation in pointing out that Biblical texts need to be interpreted in the context of the times
when they were written. Therefore, in understanding how the Bible can treat slavery as a fact of life and condone capital punishment in certain cases, we have come to the position that Biblical texts often “described the way life was lived at that time but did not prescribe that we should live that way.” This is the case with the Biblical texts used as grounds for condemning homosexuality.
Maguire then asks the question whether the Pope is wrong on this issue. Consonant with our position he
answers: “I would join many other Catholic theologians in saying that he is definitely wrong and he will be
corrected some day by one of his successors and by the rest of the church as previous popes who permitted slavery etc. were corrected.”
In conclusion, Maguire rightly states that “homosexuality is not a sin. Heterosexism (prejudice
against people who are homosexual) is a sin. It is a serious sin because it violates justice, truth, and love. It also distorts the true meaning of sex and thus also harms everyone, including heterosexuals.”
Most Rev. Roger LaRade, O.F.A.
www.undiscoveredself.com/sppm
[Quotes from MIRABILE DICTU: 4.20.2006]
Rev. Robert Francis Johnnene OFA Mission Sts. Sergius and Bacchus
Email: Mission_St_Sergius@msn.com
Web Site: www.missionstsergius.org
Yahoo Group: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Mission_Sts_Sergius_and_BacchusMSN Blog: http://spaces.msn.com/members/Mission-St-Sergius
MSN Group: http://groups.msn.com/MissionSaintsSergiusandBacchus
Sunday, September 18, 2005
Homily for Sept. 18th
Homily for Sept. 18, 2005
Readings Isaiah 55:6-9 Psalm 14: 2-3, 8-9, 17-18
Philippians 1:20c-24, 27a Matthew 20:1-16a
“Seek the Lord while He may be found“, these opening words from Isaiah are words we all should be taking to heart. If life has proved anything to us, it is that our mortal lives are short lived. We never know the hour or the moment we will be called home. We need to seize the chance now to Seek the Lord in our lives. We need to make the Lord the center of our lives. Further on in Isaiah we hear “Let the scoundrel forsake his ways and Turn to the Lord for mercy” Mercy, even in the Old Testament God’s mercy is the center of the message to all. The Gospel tells the story of the landowner who hires a crew to work the vineyards at dawn, and again at 9, 12, 3 and 5, each time sending men who needed work into the fields. At evening when the laborers were being paid, those he hired first expected they would receive more than the agreed pay, instead they complained because they only received what was agreed upon, while all those who were hired throughout the day also received the same. The landowner showed his compassion for the poor, disadvantaged.
The Landowner represents God, He gives what he feels is fair, He gives His compassion and mercy to those who have been faithful all their lives in the same measure as those to come to Him at the last hour.
The last line of the Gospel say it all; “Thus the last shall be first and the first will be last” It does not matter when we seek the Lord, what matters is that we seek Him. “Our God is generous and forgiving” The Psalm says it all; “The Lord is near to all who call upon Him”
All we have to do is Call on Him. Trust in Him. If we do not get what we think we want and need, do not get angry or think that He is not listening to us. Remember the words also found in today’s reading of Isaiah “My thoughts are not your thoughts, nor are your ways my ways, says the Lord” We need to trust that God knows what is best for us, If we trust, fully trust, in God. If we put our lives in His control and not try to control our lives without Him being at the center of our lives, we will find our life to be so much better. As we are directed in the reading from Philippians, “Conduct yourselves in a way worthy of the Gospel of Christ.”
How can we be worthy of Christ? By showing compassion, forgiveness, generosity, honesty, and Love for all God’s Children we meet on our life journey.
In other words, “Seek the Lord while and wherever You can find Him, in the homeless, the discriminated, in every person you encounter. Seek the Lord in every moment and act in a way that reflects the values Jesus showed us. Amen
Rev. Robert Francis Johnnene SFI
Mission Sts Sergius and Bacchus
Readings Isaiah 55:6-9 Psalm 14: 2-3, 8-9, 17-18
Philippians 1:20c-24, 27a Matthew 20:1-16a
“Seek the Lord while He may be found“, these opening words from Isaiah are words we all should be taking to heart. If life has proved anything to us, it is that our mortal lives are short lived. We never know the hour or the moment we will be called home. We need to seize the chance now to Seek the Lord in our lives. We need to make the Lord the center of our lives. Further on in Isaiah we hear “Let the scoundrel forsake his ways and Turn to the Lord for mercy” Mercy, even in the Old Testament God’s mercy is the center of the message to all. The Gospel tells the story of the landowner who hires a crew to work the vineyards at dawn, and again at 9, 12, 3 and 5, each time sending men who needed work into the fields. At evening when the laborers were being paid, those he hired first expected they would receive more than the agreed pay, instead they complained because they only received what was agreed upon, while all those who were hired throughout the day also received the same. The landowner showed his compassion for the poor, disadvantaged.
The Landowner represents God, He gives what he feels is fair, He gives His compassion and mercy to those who have been faithful all their lives in the same measure as those to come to Him at the last hour.
The last line of the Gospel say it all; “Thus the last shall be first and the first will be last” It does not matter when we seek the Lord, what matters is that we seek Him. “Our God is generous and forgiving” The Psalm says it all; “The Lord is near to all who call upon Him”
All we have to do is Call on Him. Trust in Him. If we do not get what we think we want and need, do not get angry or think that He is not listening to us. Remember the words also found in today’s reading of Isaiah “My thoughts are not your thoughts, nor are your ways my ways, says the Lord” We need to trust that God knows what is best for us, If we trust, fully trust, in God. If we put our lives in His control and not try to control our lives without Him being at the center of our lives, we will find our life to be so much better. As we are directed in the reading from Philippians, “Conduct yourselves in a way worthy of the Gospel of Christ.”
How can we be worthy of Christ? By showing compassion, forgiveness, generosity, honesty, and Love for all God’s Children we meet on our life journey.
In other words, “Seek the Lord while and wherever You can find Him, in the homeless, the discriminated, in every person you encounter. Seek the Lord in every moment and act in a way that reflects the values Jesus showed us. Amen
Rev. Robert Francis Johnnene SFI
Mission Sts Sergius and Bacchus
My Thanksgiving Mass Homily
My Homily for Mass of Thanksgiving
Today in the first reading, we hear Isaiah saying, “The spirit of the Lord is upon me; He has sent me to bring the Glad tidings to the lowly, to heal the brokenhearted”
And in an alternate reading for today St. Paul says “I firmly trust and anticipate that I shall never be put to shame for my hopes; I have full confidence that Christ will be exalted”
What wonderful confirmation to hear on this day when I celebrate the triple celebration. The feasts of The Sacred Stigmata of St. Francis, the founder of our order, The feast of my patron Saint, Robert Bellarane, and the one month anniversary of my ordination called the Mass of Thanksgiving.
Today’s Psalm proclaims “Sing to the Lord a new Song, Sing to the Lord all the earth, Bless His name; announce His salvation day after day”
The Gospel proclaims, the words of Jesus “Love one another as I have loved you”
Coupling these with another of Christ’s words, found in Luke 9:23, “If any man come after me, let him take up His cross and follow in my footsteps” We are challenged to live in a way that is contradictory to current life styles.
How daunting and frightening is that? How can any mere mortal man follow in the footsteps of Jesus Christ?
How can any mortal man love us as Christ loves us?
But the Psalm tells us: Sing a new song unto the Lord.
My belief is that one can only follow Christ, by “Singing a new song” singing a new song by living a life different than today’s standards. Living our life by putting our life entirely in God’s hands. By setting aside time from our hectic daily schedules and taking time to pray daily and often, by the frequent reception of the Bread of Life, the Eucharist, by considering God our best friend in whom we confide in with confidence for guidance in our daily lives.
We also hear in Luke 9:25, the words, “What profit a man who gains the whole world and loses himself in the process?”
The journey that has brought me here today has taken many years, many turns of events and during it, all too often I strayed from God‘s path, I felt all too often, that my desires were more important than thinking to ask God what He wanted from me.
Yes, there were events that made me unhappy or sad and I would get angry over. But now I know, full well, they were His choice for His reasons. When I was not ordained in 1957 as a Josephite, it was a great disappointment to me and members of my family. However, If I had been ordained then I would not have the blessing of my three children and my grandchildren. They surely are a part of God’s plan.
We forget that we humans will never fully understand God‘s reasons for doing what He does. Yet all too often we question His actions.
The life experiences that I have experienced during my journey to this place and time, have, I believe, possibly better prepared me to understand the needs of those I have been chosen to pastor to.
I pray, I will be more thoughtful and accepting and loving to all those I meet on the remainder of my life’s journey than the ways I have sometimes acted in the past when I only was focusing on myself. God Has been generous to me, he allowed me to pursue a great love of mine, fame and fortune in the theater, but every time I was within inches of achieving that fame something happened to bring things crashing down. I would become angry and ask god “Why, you gave me a gift why not let me use it?”
God has been very good to me, He gave me many gifts and allowed me to use each of them as I traveled my life adventure.
I haven’t always used them for the greater Glory of God, and I am sorry for that.
I realize now His purpose for giving the multitude of gifts He gave me was not for my self edification and glory but to use them to bring greater honor and Glory to Him.
Each time along the journey when my plans came to a crashing end, I would become so depressed and angry with God. I once even considered ending it all.
Did I ever think to turn to Him in those times to ask Him “What is it you want from me?” NO!
It was not until one of the lowest points in my life that I began asking him what it was He wanted, What He wanted not what I wanted, that I began to find some peace.
Every time something happened that was a set back for me, I would repeat the question “Why God? What do you want from me? It was only after I began turning to Him and trusting in His Love for me I began to realize that I was still alive, here on this earth for a reason, I would talk to God, telling Him that I did not Understand His subtle hints, that He would need to push me where He wanted me. And here I am, At 70, beginning a life that many younger men and woman are afraid to embrace, with a mission I know he has called me to do, that seems impossible, but, If I am to “Follow in Christ’s footsteps” and I am to Love one another as He love us. I have to believe that He will give me the strength, guidance and tools necessary to accomplish it. Sadly, far too many religious leaders, and shepherds have forgotten Christ’s basic teachings in recent years, they have done many things that have turned people away from their faith communities and, even sadder, have turned people away from even bothering to pray to God at all. These people saw their religious leaders talking the talk, but not walking the walk. I consider my mission is no more impossible than St. Francis must have seen His call to, “Rebuild My Church” and history can attest to the success he had. I pray that I may only be one thousandth as successful.
By putting my faith and trust in Jesus Christ, by constantly asking the Holy Spirit to guide me in all my actions as I travel this road, I know, God has chosen for me. I know this because of all the many obstacles that have been overcome, and the many phenomenon’s that have occurred for me to actually be here today before you giving this homily.
In conclusion, I ask each of you here today, to pray for me, to pray that God will inspire me to always act and say what He desires. Part of St. Patrick’s prayer that I say each morning goes “ may the strength of God pilot me, the might of God uphold me, the wisdom of God guide me, May God's ear hear me, His words speak for me, hands guard me. May the way of God lie before me, God's shield protect me. May Christ be with me, on my left and on my right. May Christ be in the heart of everyone who thinks of me, the mouth of everyone who speaks of me, and the ear of everyone who hears me. I acknowledge that my Salvation is in the hands of Almighty God.” Let us each go forth from here today, putting our lives totally in God’s hands, Letting go of our problems and desires and putting them in God‘s hands. We need to always ask ourselves, in every situation, that quotation that was so popular a few years back. “What would Jesus Do?” or the acronym WWJD If we truly “Love one another as Jesus loved us” we will stop judging people because of their class, color or sexual
orientation. If we love one another and treat one another with mutual affection and respect. If we persevere in prayer and exercise hospitality and generosity toward all we meet. If we begin to Sing to the Lord a new song, a song of thanksgiving for all the things and gifts God has given us and use them for His greater honor and glory. If we do that, we will certainly make a difference in our lives and the lives of all we come in contact with. We will then be walking in Jesus footsteps.
Amen
Today in the first reading, we hear Isaiah saying, “The spirit of the Lord is upon me; He has sent me to bring the Glad tidings to the lowly, to heal the brokenhearted”
And in an alternate reading for today St. Paul says “I firmly trust and anticipate that I shall never be put to shame for my hopes; I have full confidence that Christ will be exalted”
What wonderful confirmation to hear on this day when I celebrate the triple celebration. The feasts of The Sacred Stigmata of St. Francis, the founder of our order, The feast of my patron Saint, Robert Bellarane, and the one month anniversary of my ordination called the Mass of Thanksgiving.
Today’s Psalm proclaims “Sing to the Lord a new Song, Sing to the Lord all the earth, Bless His name; announce His salvation day after day”
The Gospel proclaims, the words of Jesus “Love one another as I have loved you”
Coupling these with another of Christ’s words, found in Luke 9:23, “If any man come after me, let him take up His cross and follow in my footsteps” We are challenged to live in a way that is contradictory to current life styles.
How daunting and frightening is that? How can any mere mortal man follow in the footsteps of Jesus Christ?
How can any mortal man love us as Christ loves us?
But the Psalm tells us: Sing a new song unto the Lord.
My belief is that one can only follow Christ, by “Singing a new song” singing a new song by living a life different than today’s standards. Living our life by putting our life entirely in God’s hands. By setting aside time from our hectic daily schedules and taking time to pray daily and often, by the frequent reception of the Bread of Life, the Eucharist, by considering God our best friend in whom we confide in with confidence for guidance in our daily lives.
We also hear in Luke 9:25, the words, “What profit a man who gains the whole world and loses himself in the process?”
The journey that has brought me here today has taken many years, many turns of events and during it, all too often I strayed from God‘s path, I felt all too often, that my desires were more important than thinking to ask God what He wanted from me.
Yes, there were events that made me unhappy or sad and I would get angry over. But now I know, full well, they were His choice for His reasons. When I was not ordained in 1957 as a Josephite, it was a great disappointment to me and members of my family. However, If I had been ordained then I would not have the blessing of my three children and my grandchildren. They surely are a part of God’s plan.
We forget that we humans will never fully understand God‘s reasons for doing what He does. Yet all too often we question His actions.
The life experiences that I have experienced during my journey to this place and time, have, I believe, possibly better prepared me to understand the needs of those I have been chosen to pastor to.
I pray, I will be more thoughtful and accepting and loving to all those I meet on the remainder of my life’s journey than the ways I have sometimes acted in the past when I only was focusing on myself. God Has been generous to me, he allowed me to pursue a great love of mine, fame and fortune in the theater, but every time I was within inches of achieving that fame something happened to bring things crashing down. I would become angry and ask god “Why, you gave me a gift why not let me use it?”
God has been very good to me, He gave me many gifts and allowed me to use each of them as I traveled my life adventure.
I haven’t always used them for the greater Glory of God, and I am sorry for that.
I realize now His purpose for giving the multitude of gifts He gave me was not for my self edification and glory but to use them to bring greater honor and Glory to Him.
Each time along the journey when my plans came to a crashing end, I would become so depressed and angry with God. I once even considered ending it all.
Did I ever think to turn to Him in those times to ask Him “What is it you want from me?” NO!
It was not until one of the lowest points in my life that I began asking him what it was He wanted, What He wanted not what I wanted, that I began to find some peace.
Every time something happened that was a set back for me, I would repeat the question “Why God? What do you want from me? It was only after I began turning to Him and trusting in His Love for me I began to realize that I was still alive, here on this earth for a reason, I would talk to God, telling Him that I did not Understand His subtle hints, that He would need to push me where He wanted me. And here I am, At 70, beginning a life that many younger men and woman are afraid to embrace, with a mission I know he has called me to do, that seems impossible, but, If I am to “Follow in Christ’s footsteps” and I am to Love one another as He love us. I have to believe that He will give me the strength, guidance and tools necessary to accomplish it. Sadly, far too many religious leaders, and shepherds have forgotten Christ’s basic teachings in recent years, they have done many things that have turned people away from their faith communities and, even sadder, have turned people away from even bothering to pray to God at all. These people saw their religious leaders talking the talk, but not walking the walk. I consider my mission is no more impossible than St. Francis must have seen His call to, “Rebuild My Church” and history can attest to the success he had. I pray that I may only be one thousandth as successful.
By putting my faith and trust in Jesus Christ, by constantly asking the Holy Spirit to guide me in all my actions as I travel this road, I know, God has chosen for me. I know this because of all the many obstacles that have been overcome, and the many phenomenon’s that have occurred for me to actually be here today before you giving this homily.
In conclusion, I ask each of you here today, to pray for me, to pray that God will inspire me to always act and say what He desires. Part of St. Patrick’s prayer that I say each morning goes “ may the strength of God pilot me, the might of God uphold me, the wisdom of God guide me, May God's ear hear me, His words speak for me, hands guard me. May the way of God lie before me, God's shield protect me. May Christ be with me, on my left and on my right. May Christ be in the heart of everyone who thinks of me, the mouth of everyone who speaks of me, and the ear of everyone who hears me. I acknowledge that my Salvation is in the hands of Almighty God.” Let us each go forth from here today, putting our lives totally in God’s hands, Letting go of our problems and desires and putting them in God‘s hands. We need to always ask ourselves, in every situation, that quotation that was so popular a few years back. “What would Jesus Do?” or the acronym WWJD If we truly “Love one another as Jesus loved us” we will stop judging people because of their class, color or sexual
orientation. If we love one another and treat one another with mutual affection and respect. If we persevere in prayer and exercise hospitality and generosity toward all we meet. If we begin to Sing to the Lord a new song, a song of thanksgiving for all the things and gifts God has given us and use them for His greater honor and glory. If we do that, we will certainly make a difference in our lives and the lives of all we come in contact with. We will then be walking in Jesus footsteps.
Amen
Saturday, August 06, 2005
Reflections on the Readings of Sunday August 7, 2005
"What are you doing here, Elijah? Twice in the first reading, we hear these words. How often in our own lives, have we heard these words in our hearts spoken to us by the Lord? Possibly, we need to repeat these words, "What are you doing here ---------------- (inserting our own name.) How often have we taken the time to ponder that question? What are we doing here; ponder it in light of why Almighty God has put us on this earth. For my part, I began asking God this question, "What is it you want from me" about 25 years ago, at a time of great difficulty and distress in my life. It was not the first time I had faced distress and but the other times I did not turn to God, as I should have, but resorted to various negative means of dealing with the situation. It was not until I opened my eyes and heart and began asking, "Lord, What am I doing here. Lord, what is you want from me" that things started to become clearer. That is not to say that I actually knew what it was He wanted from me, but I began the long and sometimes difficult and painful journey to where I now find myself. Still the going is not smooth and I know I will have many more crosses to bear, just and Jesus had many agonies to suffer to gain our redemption. Each and every day, I pray asking the same question, "Lord, what is it you want from me" and I ask Him to hold my hand and guide me like a blind person, for indeed I am blind without His guidance, in the direction He wants me to go. Just like in today's Gospel, I repeat over and over the words of Peter, "Lord! Save Me" and I hear so clearly "Courage! It is I! Do not be afraid."" Come". Just like Peter, I have many fears; some dear friends and family reject what I feel called to do. I have felt the fierce force of the winds of the skeptics who claim that those who I am trying to reach out towards have rejected God and chosen to follow the Evil one because they are different and do not accept the edicts of Rome and heterosexuals I trust the words I hear in my heart and in my mind, "Man of little faith, why do you doubt? Do not be afraid, Come it is I, I who have come to bring mercy, forgiveness and love to all who follow me"So it is that, like Peter, I respond, "Truly, You are the Son of God" do with me what you will, I am yours Lord, by Your strength, inspiration, guidance, and love I pray that I may become an instrument of your love and bring those who have strayed away from your flock back into the fold, so that there is truly only one flock and one shepherd, Almighty God.
Amen.
August 6, 2005
Rev. Robert-Francis of the Immaculata SFI
Mission Sts. Sergius and Bacchus
www.missionstsergius.org
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Mission_Sts_Sergius_and_Bacchus
Amen.
August 6, 2005
Rev. Robert-Francis of the Immaculata SFI
Mission Sts. Sergius and Bacchus
www.missionstsergius.org
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Mission_Sts_Sergius_and_Bacchus
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