In his sister’s words . . .

I would like to share with everyone the following letter written by the sister of Father Luke Suarez, who is a recently ordained priest.  He is facing a most difficult situation since his parish provides support to the Catholic families in Newtown, CT

My friends,

All of you, I am sure, have heard so much about the tragedy in Newtown, CT. Many of you have received emails from me about my younger brother, Father Luke Suarez, who is a priest at St. Rose of Lima parish, a Catholic church just down the road from Sandy Hook Elementary. He, and his pastor, Monsignor Weiss, arrived at the school within moments of the shooting, and have been caring for the community ever since.

Father Luke has an impossible task before him. His diocese is without a bishop right now…. Monsignor Weiss… is personally devastated by the losses. The parish is very large…. The rectory has received serious threats, and as my brother gave the homily Sunday at the noon mass, the church had to be evacuated by SWAT teams. After experiencing identity theft and on-line hacking incidents, he had to erase all of his Internet accounts. After a weekend of endless media requests, notifications and vigils with heartbroken families, and little sleep, he now has two wakes and two funerals every day, until the fourth Sunday of Advent. Father Luke has not even been ordained two years.

My large family has been trying to send Father Luke our love and support from afar, and one of my brothers was able to visit with him briefly a couple times. All he asks for is prayer.

I have been racking my brain, trying to think of a way that our beautiful, loving community could tangibly reach out to Father Luke, Monsignor Weiss, and the St. Rose parish, to support them in this most awful of times. I have sent many prayer requests, and I am asking for more prayers again. But I also want to ask everyone to search their hearts, and if the Holy Spirit moves you, please consider sending one of your family’s Christmas cards to the rectory, with a few words of love and encouragement. Here is his address:

 

Msgr. Robert Weiss

Father Luke Suarez

St. Rose of Lima Catholic Church

46 Church Hill Road

Newtown, CT 06470

 

My brother has said over and over again that without the prayer support he is receiving, he could not keep going. And this week is only the beginning. Everyone there is still in shock. Their peaceful home has been desecrated by violence. They will need to live with this sorrow forever.

 But in our weakness is His strength. Grace abounds. Can you help me carry him through this time of trial?

On a hopeful note, Father Luke did say that no media coverage has even touched the deep, beautiful awakening of faith that has occurred there. Their tiny church, where my children have received sacraments and where Luke was ordained, has been full of people in prayer without ceasing since this tragedy happened. Love is stronger than death.

Please feel free to share the address with your family, friends, and community. An outpouring of love will sustain these good priests through their impossible ministry–impossible on their own, but possible with God.

 I am so grateful to live in this community. We are all so blessed with one another. Every day, I see you all loving one another as Christ loved. Thank you for letting me reach out to you now.

With humble appreciation

 

A comment made by the person who sent me this letter . . .

The hurt and anger are only just beginning. There will be much anger and pain and division and upheaval from this cataclysmic event for that small town. It is not possible, nor prudent, to send a card to every family who has experienced loss, but by sharing with the priests who will support so many you can support them all. The good priests at St. Rose need all the support they can get so that they can shepherd their flock well.

Show some real love this Advent and Christmas: pray, first and foremost, but if you can, share a tangible sign of your love.

 

 

Immanuel – “God with Us!”

             In the first reading for the Fourth Sunday of Advent,

the prophet Micah wrote:

 

“He will stand and feed his flock

with the power of the Lord,

with the majesty

of the name of his God.

 

 They will live secure,

for from then on

he will extend his power

to the ends of the land.

He himself will be peace.”

 

            Micah could only trust that Yahweh would soon send another king like David who became a popular military hero when he slayed Goliath in order to bring the Chosen People peace and security.

 

·         Who was this Lord that Micah wrote about almost 700 years before the birth of Jesus?

·         What kind of Lord, were the Israelites expecting? 

·         A King?

·         A General to lead an army?

·         A Lord who would return Israel to its former glory and power?

·         A Lord who would rescue them from their earthly suffering?

·         A Lord that was going to bring them peace?

             We know that the Lord did come – but he went unrecognized by the very people who were looking for him.

They were still looking for and asking where is the Messiah?

·         Where is our Lord when we are in such desperate need of his presence?

·         Why are we being neglected by him?

               And even today, during this present time of incomprehensible pain and suffering, not only in our country, but in countries around the world, people are asking that very same question:

Where is God?

             Saint John of the Cross once wrote that God can seem silent and “obscure” because we can become “blind” to his presence.

             He continues, “an object can be vague and obscure because it is too far distant, or because we have bad eyesight.”

             Being “too far distant” he calls “a dark night of the soul” and “bad eyesight” as the lack of contemplation on our part to the awareness of God’s presence with us.”

            God is always present, but sometimes we are not present to God.

            It’s easy to be aware of God’s presence when we are in a church, but are we aware of God’s presence when we are in school, or shopping at the mall, or visiting a movie theater, or a restaurant or bar?

                         Fr. Ron Rolheiser, in his book The Shattered Lantern wrote,

 “God can be very present within an event – but we can be so self-preoccupied and focused upon our headaches, heartaches, tasks, daydreams, and restless distractions that we can be oblivious to that presence.”

             God was present on that horrific Friday morning at the Sandy Hook Elementary School, and he continues to be present to the people of that community and to all of us – a presence that comes to each of us, from each of us, through the “body of Christ,” a “body”of which you and I have a very specific and important role and part.

             In today’s Gospel Luke writes to us about Mary

 “. . . blessed is she who believed

that the promise made to her by the Lord

would be fulfilled.”

            Mary is important for Luke not because Jesus is her son, but because she actually does what Jesus expects all his followers to do: to hear God’s word and carry it out.

 

Mary is worthy of imitation not because of her special selection by God, but because she always acts on what she hears.

            Elizabeth is given the honor of proclaiming Luke’s Gospel theme as she says to Mary:

“Blessed are you who believed

that what was spoken to you by the Lord

would be fulfilled.”

             In other words Elizabeth says to Mary, you not only listened to what God told you, you are actually going to spend your life carrying through on it.

             It is Mary who trusts in the Lord and becomes a “follower” of her son’s teachings.

             It is Mary who becomes the first “perfect” Christian.

 

“Let us pray, one for the other;

let us pray for each other.”

That the Lord will enable us to understand how precious in His eyes our life is.

 That the Lord will strengthen our faith.

 That the Lord will make us people of hope that we may build a world open to God.

 That the Lord will make help us to glimpse the beauty of the future amid the worries and failures of daily life.

That in the certainty of God’s love and presence, we will live, believe and hope.  Amen.

 

 

Being Children of the Light

 Can there still be Joy and Hope after tragedy?

Is there anything we can yet celebrate this season?

             I have heard reports that some people during this time of unimaginable and unspeakable sadness of heart are removing their Christmas decorations.

             This is so understandable.

             The darkness of this grief is immeasurable.

             But, maybe we can embrace a new light to shine on an old tradition, the celebration of "Christ"-mas – with the joy and symbol of the Christmas lights.

 

If you walk in darkness,

you do not know where you are going.

While you have the light,

believe in the light,

so that you may become

children of the light.

John 12:35-36

 

            It is humanly easy to be so traumatized by the events that took place at Sandy Hook School that we lose sight of our greatest strength and comfort during this time of mourning.

             What better way to recall that God is with us – “Immanuel” – then to be see the symbolic sparkling of the lights that speak to our Christian faith that are displayed on the Christmas Tree?

 Though I fall I will rise;

though I dwell in darkness,

the LORD is a light for me.

Micah 7:8

 

            Today, let us embrace this Christmas season as a time to recall that God himself came to all of us in a most unusual way – and because he did, our human life with all its pain and sorrows, stresses and anxieties, doubts and fears, has been changed – forever!  

“The people who were sitting in darkness

saw a great light,

and those who were sitting

in the land and shadow of death,

upon them a light dawned.”

Matthew 4:16

 

            Let us take a moment to allow the Light of Christmas Joy and Hope to shine into our hearts. That during this dreadful time of loss of life and innocence we may embrace God’s eternal love. And that the Light of the new born Jesus will bring comfort and consolation to the families, friends, and all who were affected by this unspeakable tragedy on that very dark Friday morning.
 

Then Jesus again spoke to them, saying . . .

“I am the Light of the world;

he who follows Me will not walk in the darkness,

but will have the Light of life.”

John 8:12

 

May the peace that can only come from a living God

 shine upon us all!

 

 “Let us pray, one for the other;

let us pray for each other.”

(Oremus pro invicem)

 

Reflecting on Violent Tragedies

 

The following just appeared on the web site of Creighton University – a Jesuit Catholic University in Omaha, Nebraska.  I thought you would appreciate reading.

             The shocking murderous violence at an elementary school has shaken us all. Our very sense of security has been shaken. We ask questions about why this could happen, with a sense of outrage. We grieve and feel deep emotion, which touches all other sadness and emotion we are experiencing in our lives. We do not, and may not ever, know the details of what caused a person to shoot innocent people - especially little children and their teachers. However disturbed we may discover the person was, or whatever discussion may be begun about assault weapons in our midst, it is undeniable that we feel, individually and communally a sense of vulnerability - for ourselves and for our children.

             For now, our experience of the second part of Advent, and our preparations for Christmas are deeply disturbed. We hear of people or towns taking down their Christmas decorations, out of guilt for celebrations at this time, or simply a sense of not knowing what the right thing to do is.  What should we do? How should we respond? What does our faith offer us at this troubling time?

            At the heart of our Christian faith is the wonderful mystery of a Creator God who enters into a relationship with all of us who are created as unique and irreplaceable children having infinite value. We must re-center our vision on the absolute dignity of every human life -- from conception to natural death. That respect for life must confront a culture of death on all levels. Every life must be regarded as precious and we must work hard, and work together, working with renewed zeal to re-introduce respect, reverence and special care into our regard for every human person.

            We must pray for peace and healing in our own hearts and in our communities. The night before he died, Jesus prayed to his Father, "May they all be one." This must become our prayer and our mission. We must overcome our prejudices, our judgments, and our bigotries. We must learn to deal with our hurts, our wounds, and our anger in ways that respect one another and the absolute dignity of every person.
 

            We must develop a culture which cares for those who are wounded and live on the margins of our society. We need to find ways to develop our compassion and our solidarity with those who suffer - for whatever reason. We do not and cannot live in isolation from those who experience great pain. When one part of the Body of Christ suffers, the whole body suffers. [1 Corinthians 12:26]

             It is for us believers to rely on the promises of our God: "The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light; upon those who dwelt in the land of gloom a light has shown." [Isaiah 9] It is a time to enter more deeply into the real meaning of preparing for Christmas. The (surprising) “good news” is that we will find our salvation in a messy place, in a barn, "lying in a manger." This is the time to go to that place of meeting with our God in his coming and his presence among us. He meets us where we are.  He comes to us in our distress. This is our Immanuel, that is “God with us,” – and he is with us where and when we most need his loving and saving presence.

            When we don't know what to do or where to go these days, we can go to the manger. We can imagine being there. We can imagine going there and experience the solidarity we will be given there. From that place, our renewal can begin. Our conversations within our families and among our friends can be about solidarity and a greater love and caring for the dignity of every human life. We can check own patterns of dealing with hurt and anger. We can practice reconciliation and healing. And the grace that came that very Holy Night will come again into our hearts.

 

It is time for a change?

Here is an interesting “Tweet” seen on today’s Meet the Press program:

“One guy TRIES to use a shoe bomb and everyone at the airport now has to take off their shoes. 31 school shooting since Columbine, but no change.”

 

 

Yet another day we all cried!

The "news" today has certainly been awful!  

It is hard to put all this violence into any perspective. We all naturally ask, "Where was God in all this?" No answer there - maybe it is wrong question. I can't even imagine the pain for the families that have lost their children and loved ones - and of course all this only 10 days before Christmas.

 I believe it is time for this country to get serious about gun control - what more proof is needed in order to demand some reasonable and sensible action! I know, I’ve heard it before: “When guns are outlawed – only the criminals (and mentally ill) will have guns.”  We have a Michigan legislator who wants to pass a Bill that makes it lawful to carry a gun in all public places – churches, malls, libraries, etc.  Oh I’m sure that will be helpful and add to our peace of mind! 

 There has to be a better answer! 

So, back to the first question: “Where was God In all this?” 

Where ever there is a lack of God’s presence there is evil.  Just like when there is a lack of light there is darkness.  So, the question should be . . .  

 

“How do I fill the darkness in my life because of this tragedy

with the light of God presence?”

 

“Whoever believes in me, even if they die, will live.”  (John 11:25b)

 

“Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the Light of Life.”  (John 8:12b)

 

 “I AM in the Father, and you are in me and I in you.”  (John 14:20)

 

Let us all pray - not only today, but every day -  for all whom have died, and for all who have been affected by this tragedy, that the light of God’s providence will fill their hearts with comfort, and strengthen them in this trial and time of great need for peace.

A prayer by Thomas Merton . . .

Lord, I will trust in You always

though I may seem lost and in the shadow of death.

I will not fear,

for You are always with me,

and You will never leave me

to face my perils alone. 

Amen.

 

O Mary, Immaculate Queen, look down upon this distressed and suffering world. You know our misery and our weaknesses. You who are our Mother, save us in our hour of peril, have compassion on us in these days of great and heavy trial.  We need a Mother and a Mother’s heart. You are for us the luminous dawn which dissipates the darkness and points out the way to life. In your compassion obtain for us the courage and the confidence of which we have such great need. Amen.

 Those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength.  They will soar on wings like eagles;  they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint. Isaiah 40:31

 

“In prayer you do not depend on your own strength, but only in our trust in God.”

Henri J.M.Nouwen

 

 

 

 

Living in the “presents” – today’s gifts!

The POWER OF LOVE – the discovery of friends!

The WONDER OF GROWTH – the taste of transformation!

The MIRACLE OF LIFE – the gift of becoming!

The MYSTERY OF THE JOURNEY – the bends in the road, the pauses that refresh!

The FAITH – that dispels all discouragement!

 Merry Christmas!

EVANGELIZATION!

        Now there is a frightening word that scares and terrifies even the most stalwart Catholic soul! I don’t think it makes much difference whether you are clergy, religious, or just one of the disciples in the pews the word “evangelization” can strike into our hearts “DFW” [not the Dallas Airport – but Doubt, Fear, and Worry]. 

       While Jesus is the “Good Shepherd” he spent his earthly ministry looking for and recruiting “FISHERMEN!”  Big difference! Shepherds “protect” the flock – Fishermen put out into the deep to lower their nets (Luke 5:4) in search to “increase” the flock, “I will make you ‘fishers’ of men.” (Matthew 4:19).  In other words – Jesus isn’t looking for shepherds which is His job – He is looking for “Fishermen” which, for better or worse, is yours and my job!

So . . .

WHAT IS EVANGELIZATION?

        Evangelization it isn't “telling” - it’s “asking.”  Evangelization is finding a need and filling it; it is identifying a problem and solving it!  Evangelization is proclaiming the Gospel is such a way that people’s hearts “fall in love” with Jesus.  People leave, or never think to come into, the Christian community because they have never met Jesus!   We are called, as fishermen, to introduce Him to them!

Awareness ALWAYS precedes change!

       When there is a willingness to see the need or the problem in my life – and there is a willingness to except it, then there will be the willingness to reorient my life.

HOW CAN I BECOME AN EFFECTIVE EVANGELIZER?

A few questions . . .

Do I see myself as able to make a success of my life through the determined use of my talents, skills, and resources?

Do I focus my attention on what I can do in this world?

Do I see myself as a creature that has, along with many wonderful God given gifts, also having flaws and limitations?

What does the “message” of the Gospel mean to me today, here and now?

SOME ENCOURAGING WORDS

FROM MOTHER TERESA . .

·         “God doesn't require us to succeed; he only requires that we try.”

·        “Joy is a net of love by which you can catch souls.”

·        “If you can't feed a hundred people, then feed just one.”

·        “Spread love everywhere you go. Let no one ever come to you without leaving happier.”

And three final questions . . .

What do I believe?

Why do I believe it?

What difference does my belief make in my life?

How Is Your Day Going?

How Is Life Treating You?

“Today” is the only day any of us has.

There is no “re-doing” of yesterdays,

and there is no “promise” of tomorrow,

there is only today. 

Don’t let today’s

love and joy get diminished or tarnished

by yesterday’s regrets or tomorrow’s fears. 

Life is – and always has been – a mystery and challenge.

The best we can do each and every day

is to make sure

our mind and outlook is fed with positive attitudes

and our body 

is fed with good nutrition and sensible exercise.

It is our belief

to “work like it is all up to me –

and pray like it is all up to God.”

                “God our Father, you conquer the darkness of life by the light of your Word. Strengthen within our hearts the faith you have given us; let not the trials of life ever quench the fire that your love has kindled within us!”

A Prayer for Our Country

at the

Democratic National Convention

Cardinal Timothy Dolan offers benediction—as well as moral exhortation, a lesson in . . .  political philosophy, and a challenge to recognize and grapple with first principles:

We beseech you, almighty God to shed your grace on this noble experiment in ordered liberty, which began with the confident assertion of inalienable rights bestowed upon us by you:  life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.

Thus do we praise you for the gift of life.  Grant us the courage to defend it, life, without which no other rights are secure.  We ask your benediction on those waiting to be born, that they may be welcomed and protected.  Strengthen our sick and our elders waiting to see your holy face at life’s end, that they may be accompanied by true compassion and cherished with the dignity due those who are infirm and fragile.

We praise and thank you for the gift of liberty.  May this land of the free never lack those brave enough to defend our basic freedoms.  Renew in all our people a profound respect for religious liberty:  the first, most cherished freedom bequeathed upon us at our Founding. May our liberty be in harmony with truth; freedom ordered in goodness and justice.  Help us live our freedom in faith, hope, and love.  Make us ever-grateful for those who, for over two centuries, have given their lives in freedom’s defense; we commend their noble souls to your eternal care, as even now we beg the protection of your mighty arm upon our men and women in uniform.

We praise and thank you for granting us the life and the liberty by which we can pursue happiness.  Show us anew that happiness is found only in respecting the laws of nature and of nature’s God.  Empower us with your grace so that we might resist the temptation to replace the moral law with idols of our own making, or to remake those institutions you have given us for the nurturing of life and community.  May we welcome those who yearn to breathe free and to pursue happiness in this land of freedom, adding their gifts to those whose families have lived here for centuries.

Read the entire prayer on the Cardinal's blog:

http://blog.archny.org/index.php/a-prayer-for-our-country-at-the-democratic-national-convention/