A 21st Century Saint
A Reflection of Franciscan Priest and Martyr Mychal Judge OFM
By Rev. Robert Johnnene OFA
Mission Saints Sergius and Bacchus
www.missionstsergius.org
On September 11, 2001 a son of Saint Francis paid the ultimate sacrifice while doing the job that he believed Christ called him to do. Fr. Mychal Judge OFM was the chaplain of the New York City Fire Department and had answered to call when extremist militants destroyed the World Trade Center and claimed the lives of over 3000 American citizens. There are many people who feel that, just a Christ died in order to save the all people and and so many martyrs died believing and living according to the teachings of Christ, Fr. Mychal also died believing that hwat he was doing was what Christ would have done. Michael Ford, in his FR. MUCHAL JUDGE, AN AMERICAN HERO, writes some of Fr. Michal’s words which are words we should all live by and use often.
Fr. Mychal has often said “Is there so much love in the world that we can afford to discriminate against any kind of love”? When asked why he was a priest and how he viewed his life he responded "The life I have is not what I planned on, but I had no idea what life I'd have. You just don't know, so you just go and take one day at a time. I don't get into tomorrow because God hasn't created it yet. So I live in today as best I can for the glory of God and His people." Describing his day he said I start the day with this prayer, 'Lord, show me, take me, mold me, fashion me, show me what You want, take me where you want me to go, let me meet who You want me to meet, tell me what to say and keep me out of Your way.'Many believe that Fr. Mychal should be declared a saint but that is unlikely to ever happen if the Church of Rome continues to proclaim their current teachings. Through the centuries they have almost successfully buried many saints from the the early church history from common knowledge for the same reasons that they will probably never canonize Fr. Mychal.
The reason, he like Saints Sergius, Bacchus, Polyeuct, and Nearchus, and so many others was an openly gay man.
The saints I mention above all have dates assigned to them on the Roman calendar but most people have never heard of them.
Nearly 3,000 participated in his funeral Mass Sept. 15. He is buried in the friars' plot of Holy Sepulchre Cemetery, Totowa, N.J.
I would like to suggest that you visit a web site dedicated to Fr. Mychal where so many more inspiring stories about the brother of St. Francis who lived a saintly life can be found at: www.SaintMychal.com and also plan to see the wonderful documentary about his life entitles SAINT OF 9/11.
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
Showing posts with label All Saints. Show all posts
Showing posts with label All Saints. Show all posts
Sunday, January 28, 2007
Thursday, January 25, 2007
From Sinner To Saint
From Great Sinner to God’s Messenger
A Reflection on the Feast of the Conversion of Saint Paul
By Rev. Robert Johnnene OFA
Mission Saints Sergius and Bacchus
www.missionstsergius.org
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/EverlastingLoveOfChristMinistry
Today is the feast commemorating the conversion of St. Paul possibly one of the most influential of the messengers of Christ’s light of truth. The story of Saint Paul should be an inspiration to every person on the face of the earth. Here was a man who was among the educated elite of the Jewish faith, a Pharisee, who so despised and feared the teachings of Christ that he went about persecuting and killing those followers of Christ’s teachings. On the way to Damascus a blinding light struck him blind and he, according to his writings found in the Acts of the Apostles and Paul’s Epistles, heard the voice of Christ asking him “Saul, why are you persecuting me?”
We need to notice the words Christ used in addressing Paul. He did not say “Saul, why do you persecute my followers” but “Why are you persecuting me”
Christ himself by those words acknowledges that once we are baptized and acknowledge Christ as the promised messiah of God we become one with Christ. We become one in the Mystical Body of Christ. In short, we become the church, not some building, some city, or some group, we become and are the church.
The story of Paul’s conversion is also a message of hope for all who feel that they are not welcome or that they cannot be accepted because of their past sins or transgressions. How much more affirming can that message be for us because if a person who actual inflicted pain and suffering and murdered children of God can be forgiven and become one of the greatest evangelist of all time we can be assured that we can also achieve the promise of everlasting live with God.
It was also Paul who proclaimed that the message of salvation was not for a select few but for all people of all nations. Paul’s letter to the Corinthians makes it crystal clear when he wrote “There is one body. But it has many parts. Even though it has many parts, they make up one body. It is the same with Christ. We were all baptized by one Holy Spirit into one body. It didn't matter whether we were Jews or Greeks, slaves or free people. We were all given the same Spirit to drink. The body is not made up of just one part. It has many parts. Suppose the foot says, "I am not a hand. So I don't belong to the body." It is still part of the body. And suppose the ear says, "I am not an eye. So I don't belong to the body." It is still part of the body. ……….But God has joined together all the parts of the body. And he has given more honors to the parts that didn't have any. In that way, the parts of the body will not take sides. All of them will take care of each other. If one part suffers, every part suffers with it. If one part is honored, every part shares in its joy. You are the body of Christ. Each one of you is a part of it. This last line is of great importance when we look at how some churches have caused pain to parts of the body of
Christ by turning away people because they were divorced or have a same sex orientation.
In Galatians 2:6 Paul wrote “Some people in Jerusalem seemed to be important. It makes no difference to me what they were. God does not judge by what he sees on the outside. Those people added nothing to my message.” This passage makes it very clear that the high priests and those who set up rules and regulations added nothing to the message of Christ.
In 1 Corinthians 15:3-4 Paul tells us that He is only proclaiming what Christ made clear to him, What I received I passed on to you. And it is the most important of all. Here is what it is. Christ died for our sins, just as Scripture said he would. 4 He was buried. He was raised from the dead on the third day, just as Scripture said he would be.” These lines tell the whole story of our redemption and salvation as promised throughout the Old Testament to all the prophets, we have been saved by Christ’s gift of himself to us. Just as Paul, a sinner who committed the gravest of sins became on of God’s great messengers of the light of truth found in Christ’s teachings so we also will be welcomed by God if we live as Christ taught us in the two great commandments; “Love the Lord, your God, with all your heart, mind, soul and body and the second is like unto it; Love your neighbor as you love yourself”
Let us go forth from this day forward letting the light of Christ shine forth from us as a beacon to all we encounter. Let us not be afraid to live and act in ways that are befitting to a follower of Christ. Let us follow the instruction from Jesus found in Mark 16: 15 “Go into the whole world and proclaim the Gospel to every creature. Who ever believes and is Baptized will be saved”
Just as Paul went from great sinner to Evangelist, so too we can go from being a passive believer to becoming an active participant in the Mystical Body of Christ, the church, by our deeds and actions. Prayer alone is not enough, for prayer is a conversation with God and as we all know from the actions of so many in today’s world, especially those who are supposed to lead us, “Talk is cheap if not followed up by action”.
Paul went from contempt of Christ to a staunch believer and put his entire faith and trust in God, so too must we.
Our human nature is only a fleeting thing, but our spiritual salvation is forever. Let no human make you turn away from God by what they have done or said but listen to the truth found in Christ’s teachings and follow them.
God is love and God is forgiving and welcoming. Remember the teaching found in Luke 15:6-8 “In the same way, there is more joy in heaven over one lost sinner who repents and returns to God than over ninety-nine others who are righteous and haven’t strayed away!”
Let us praise God from whom all blessings flow. AMEN
A Reflection on the Feast of the Conversion of Saint Paul
By Rev. Robert Johnnene OFA
Mission Saints Sergius and Bacchus
www.missionstsergius.org
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/EverlastingLoveOfChristMinistry
Today is the feast commemorating the conversion of St. Paul possibly one of the most influential of the messengers of Christ’s light of truth. The story of Saint Paul should be an inspiration to every person on the face of the earth. Here was a man who was among the educated elite of the Jewish faith, a Pharisee, who so despised and feared the teachings of Christ that he went about persecuting and killing those followers of Christ’s teachings. On the way to Damascus a blinding light struck him blind and he, according to his writings found in the Acts of the Apostles and Paul’s Epistles, heard the voice of Christ asking him “Saul, why are you persecuting me?”
We need to notice the words Christ used in addressing Paul. He did not say “Saul, why do you persecute my followers” but “Why are you persecuting me”
Christ himself by those words acknowledges that once we are baptized and acknowledge Christ as the promised messiah of God we become one with Christ. We become one in the Mystical Body of Christ. In short, we become the church, not some building, some city, or some group, we become and are the church.
The story of Paul’s conversion is also a message of hope for all who feel that they are not welcome or that they cannot be accepted because of their past sins or transgressions. How much more affirming can that message be for us because if a person who actual inflicted pain and suffering and murdered children of God can be forgiven and become one of the greatest evangelist of all time we can be assured that we can also achieve the promise of everlasting live with God.
It was also Paul who proclaimed that the message of salvation was not for a select few but for all people of all nations. Paul’s letter to the Corinthians makes it crystal clear when he wrote “There is one body. But it has many parts. Even though it has many parts, they make up one body. It is the same with Christ. We were all baptized by one Holy Spirit into one body. It didn't matter whether we were Jews or Greeks, slaves or free people. We were all given the same Spirit to drink. The body is not made up of just one part. It has many parts. Suppose the foot says, "I am not a hand. So I don't belong to the body." It is still part of the body. And suppose the ear says, "I am not an eye. So I don't belong to the body." It is still part of the body. ……….But God has joined together all the parts of the body. And he has given more honors to the parts that didn't have any. In that way, the parts of the body will not take sides. All of them will take care of each other. If one part suffers, every part suffers with it. If one part is honored, every part shares in its joy. You are the body of Christ. Each one of you is a part of it. This last line is of great importance when we look at how some churches have caused pain to parts of the body of
Christ by turning away people because they were divorced or have a same sex orientation.
In Galatians 2:6 Paul wrote “Some people in Jerusalem seemed to be important. It makes no difference to me what they were. God does not judge by what he sees on the outside. Those people added nothing to my message.” This passage makes it very clear that the high priests and those who set up rules and regulations added nothing to the message of Christ.
In 1 Corinthians 15:3-4 Paul tells us that He is only proclaiming what Christ made clear to him, What I received I passed on to you. And it is the most important of all. Here is what it is. Christ died for our sins, just as Scripture said he would. 4 He was buried. He was raised from the dead on the third day, just as Scripture said he would be.” These lines tell the whole story of our redemption and salvation as promised throughout the Old Testament to all the prophets, we have been saved by Christ’s gift of himself to us. Just as Paul, a sinner who committed the gravest of sins became on of God’s great messengers of the light of truth found in Christ’s teachings so we also will be welcomed by God if we live as Christ taught us in the two great commandments; “Love the Lord, your God, with all your heart, mind, soul and body and the second is like unto it; Love your neighbor as you love yourself”
Let us go forth from this day forward letting the light of Christ shine forth from us as a beacon to all we encounter. Let us not be afraid to live and act in ways that are befitting to a follower of Christ. Let us follow the instruction from Jesus found in Mark 16: 15 “Go into the whole world and proclaim the Gospel to every creature. Who ever believes and is Baptized will be saved”
Just as Paul went from great sinner to Evangelist, so too we can go from being a passive believer to becoming an active participant in the Mystical Body of Christ, the church, by our deeds and actions. Prayer alone is not enough, for prayer is a conversation with God and as we all know from the actions of so many in today’s world, especially those who are supposed to lead us, “Talk is cheap if not followed up by action”.
Paul went from contempt of Christ to a staunch believer and put his entire faith and trust in God, so too must we.
Our human nature is only a fleeting thing, but our spiritual salvation is forever. Let no human make you turn away from God by what they have done or said but listen to the truth found in Christ’s teachings and follow them.
God is love and God is forgiving and welcoming. Remember the teaching found in Luke 15:6-8 “In the same way, there is more joy in heaven over one lost sinner who repents and returns to God than over ninety-nine others who are righteous and haven’t strayed away!”
Let us praise God from whom all blessings flow. AMEN
Thursday, October 26, 2006
Ad Majoreum Dei Gloriam
Ad Majoreum Dei Gloriam
A Reflection for All Saints Day
By Rev. Robert Johnnene OFA
Mission Saints Sergius and Bacchus
www.missionstsergius.org
Recently one of the people who are members of our missions blog page suggested that I was a saintly person. I immediately responded that I had not even climbed to the bottom rung of the ladder leading to that distinction and would be happy to even be able to begin the climb.
On Wednesday Nov. 1 the universal church honors all the Saints and the persons remark started me wondering what it was that those who are named saints in the church did to gain that distinction.
It is commonly agreed by theologians that all who die and have lived according to the teachings of Almighty God as given in the Commandments and of Jesus Christ are in heaven and therefore saints. But some individuals are given the extra recognition of being canonized for special recognition of their extemporary lives in the hope they will inspire us to emulate them.
Upon reflection, the one thing that each and every one of them had in common is summed up in the phrase "Ad Majoreum Dei Gloriam," which means “To the Greater Glory of God” Many of us are familiar with the phrase as the motto of the Jesuits. How it became so is a story in and of itself. St. Ignatius de Loyola, the founder of the Jesuit Order, was a Spanish soldier in his early years but was shot in the leg at Pamplona, which resulted in a very serious injury. As he lay in bed for weeks in a hospital, he asked for some reading material, but the only available books were "The Lives of the Saints" and "Life of Our Savior." These books were unappealing at first to the soldier, but Ignatius soon underwent a conversion, which changed his entire world view and led him to become a soldier of Christ. This conversion led Ignatius to found the Jesuits, who have had a lasting impact on the world and continue to influence our world today. One of the favorite phrases of Ignatius is a Latin phrase, "Ad Majoreum Dei Gloriam," which is many times abbreviated AMDG and means "for the greater glory of God." As I was attending Boston College High school that phrase was found every where.
I have concluded that the one common thread in all of the saints lives is summed up in that phrase. Each and every one of them lived their lives with that goal at the forefront and purpose of their life. All their actions were done to give greater glory to Almighty God.
Some became saints by disagreeing with Bishops, Cardinals and Popes because they felt that the hierarchy’s actions where not those acceptable to God and they were put to death for their defiance like Joan of Arc. Many others became martyrs giving up their earthly life rather than go against God’s teachings or worship a false God like the patron saints of our mission Sergius and Bacchus. Still others like Mother Theresa of Calcutta, St. Francis of Assisi, Blessed Father Damien De Veuster, Saint Julie Billiart, St. Dominic Savio and St. Elizabeth Ann Seaton achieved special recognition by devoting their lives to helping the poor, needy, sick and in educating youth.
The common thread, as I have stated before, was that they did everything for the greater honor and glory of God.
The question now arises, How do we live our life for the greater glory of God?
For starters, we accept how God has created us and not try to alter His creation for the sake of vanity and we make the most of the gifts and talents he has given us.
We avoid seeking acclaim for ourselves, which is the sin of pride, and live for the sake of others especially those who society rejects or marginalizes.
We shun excesses in food, alcohol and sexual pleasure and use these gifts of God prudently and for the purpose which they are meant.
We share our bounty and ourselves with others rather than being greedy and hoarding it.
Above all, we seek a closer bond with Almighty God through prayer and the Sacraments.
The one thing that every saint recognized in their life was that God had placed them here to be His servant and to do His work while we enjoy the benefits of His creation.
Our seraphic father of the Franciscan‘s , St. Francis, recognized God in every living creature and in all of creation. His beautiful poem/prayer, the CANTICLE OF BROTHER SUN expresses this in a wonderful way and for that reason I end this reflection with it in the hopes that it will lead you to reconsider how you are living your life today and what changes you might make to become, if not a saint, but at least more saintly. The journey is not easy as the lives of the saints records. It is not fashionable or acceptable by many. You may loose friends and family but then Christ did call us to leave all things and come follow Him. "If you want to be perfect, go, sell your possessions and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me." (Matthew 19:20-22
The Canticle of the Sun
by Francis of Assisi
Most high, all powerful, all good Lord! All praise is yours, all glory, all honor, and all blessing. To you, alone, Most High, do they belong. No mortal lips are worthy to pronounce your name.
Be praised, my Lord, through all your creatures, especially through my lord Brother Sun, who brings the day; and you give light through him. And he is beautiful and radiant in all his splendor! Of you, Most High, he bears the likeness.
Be praised, my Lord, through Sister Moon and the stars; in the heavens you have made them, precious and beautiful.
Be praised, my Lord, through Brothers Wind and Air, and clouds and storms, and all the weather, through which you give your creatures sustenance.
Be praised, My Lord, through Sister Water; she is very useful, and humble, and precious, and pure.
Be praised, my Lord, through Brother Fire, through whom you brighten the night. He is beautiful and cheerful, and powerful and strong.
Be praised, my Lord, through our sister Mother Earth, who feeds us and rules us, and produces various fruits with colored flowers and herbs.
Be praised, my Lord, through those who forgive for love of you; through those who endure sickness and trial. Happy those who endure in peace, for by you, Most High, they will be crowned.
Be praised, my Lord, through our Sister Bodily Death, from whose embrace no living person can escape. Woe to those who die in mortal sin! Happy those she finds doing your most holy will. The second death can do no harm to them.
Praise and bless my Lord, and give thanks, and serve him with great humility. AMEN, AMEN All praise and glory be yours Almighty God unto the ages of ages. AMEN
A Reflection for All Saints Day
By Rev. Robert Johnnene OFA
Mission Saints Sergius and Bacchus
www.missionstsergius.org
Recently one of the people who are members of our missions blog page suggested that I was a saintly person. I immediately responded that I had not even climbed to the bottom rung of the ladder leading to that distinction and would be happy to even be able to begin the climb.
On Wednesday Nov. 1 the universal church honors all the Saints and the persons remark started me wondering what it was that those who are named saints in the church did to gain that distinction.
It is commonly agreed by theologians that all who die and have lived according to the teachings of Almighty God as given in the Commandments and of Jesus Christ are in heaven and therefore saints. But some individuals are given the extra recognition of being canonized for special recognition of their extemporary lives in the hope they will inspire us to emulate them.
Upon reflection, the one thing that each and every one of them had in common is summed up in the phrase "Ad Majoreum Dei Gloriam," which means “To the Greater Glory of God” Many of us are familiar with the phrase as the motto of the Jesuits. How it became so is a story in and of itself. St. Ignatius de Loyola, the founder of the Jesuit Order, was a Spanish soldier in his early years but was shot in the leg at Pamplona, which resulted in a very serious injury. As he lay in bed for weeks in a hospital, he asked for some reading material, but the only available books were "The Lives of the Saints" and "Life of Our Savior." These books were unappealing at first to the soldier, but Ignatius soon underwent a conversion, which changed his entire world view and led him to become a soldier of Christ. This conversion led Ignatius to found the Jesuits, who have had a lasting impact on the world and continue to influence our world today. One of the favorite phrases of Ignatius is a Latin phrase, "Ad Majoreum Dei Gloriam," which is many times abbreviated AMDG and means "for the greater glory of God." As I was attending Boston College High school that phrase was found every where.
I have concluded that the one common thread in all of the saints lives is summed up in that phrase. Each and every one of them lived their lives with that goal at the forefront and purpose of their life. All their actions were done to give greater glory to Almighty God.
Some became saints by disagreeing with Bishops, Cardinals and Popes because they felt that the hierarchy’s actions where not those acceptable to God and they were put to death for their defiance like Joan of Arc. Many others became martyrs giving up their earthly life rather than go against God’s teachings or worship a false God like the patron saints of our mission Sergius and Bacchus. Still others like Mother Theresa of Calcutta, St. Francis of Assisi, Blessed Father Damien De Veuster, Saint Julie Billiart, St. Dominic Savio and St. Elizabeth Ann Seaton achieved special recognition by devoting their lives to helping the poor, needy, sick and in educating youth.
The common thread, as I have stated before, was that they did everything for the greater honor and glory of God.
The question now arises, How do we live our life for the greater glory of God?
For starters, we accept how God has created us and not try to alter His creation for the sake of vanity and we make the most of the gifts and talents he has given us.
We avoid seeking acclaim for ourselves, which is the sin of pride, and live for the sake of others especially those who society rejects or marginalizes.
We shun excesses in food, alcohol and sexual pleasure and use these gifts of God prudently and for the purpose which they are meant.
We share our bounty and ourselves with others rather than being greedy and hoarding it.
Above all, we seek a closer bond with Almighty God through prayer and the Sacraments.
The one thing that every saint recognized in their life was that God had placed them here to be His servant and to do His work while we enjoy the benefits of His creation.
Our seraphic father of the Franciscan‘s , St. Francis, recognized God in every living creature and in all of creation. His beautiful poem/prayer, the CANTICLE OF BROTHER SUN expresses this in a wonderful way and for that reason I end this reflection with it in the hopes that it will lead you to reconsider how you are living your life today and what changes you might make to become, if not a saint, but at least more saintly. The journey is not easy as the lives of the saints records. It is not fashionable or acceptable by many. You may loose friends and family but then Christ did call us to leave all things and come follow Him. "If you want to be perfect, go, sell your possessions and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me." (Matthew 19:20-22
The Canticle of the Sun
by Francis of Assisi
Most high, all powerful, all good Lord! All praise is yours, all glory, all honor, and all blessing. To you, alone, Most High, do they belong. No mortal lips are worthy to pronounce your name.
Be praised, my Lord, through all your creatures, especially through my lord Brother Sun, who brings the day; and you give light through him. And he is beautiful and radiant in all his splendor! Of you, Most High, he bears the likeness.
Be praised, my Lord, through Sister Moon and the stars; in the heavens you have made them, precious and beautiful.
Be praised, my Lord, through Brothers Wind and Air, and clouds and storms, and all the weather, through which you give your creatures sustenance.
Be praised, My Lord, through Sister Water; she is very useful, and humble, and precious, and pure.
Be praised, my Lord, through Brother Fire, through whom you brighten the night. He is beautiful and cheerful, and powerful and strong.
Be praised, my Lord, through our sister Mother Earth, who feeds us and rules us, and produces various fruits with colored flowers and herbs.
Be praised, my Lord, through those who forgive for love of you; through those who endure sickness and trial. Happy those who endure in peace, for by you, Most High, they will be crowned.
Be praised, my Lord, through our Sister Bodily Death, from whose embrace no living person can escape. Woe to those who die in mortal sin! Happy those she finds doing your most holy will. The second death can do no harm to them.
Praise and bless my Lord, and give thanks, and serve him with great humility. AMEN, AMEN All praise and glory be yours Almighty God unto the ages of ages. AMEN
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)