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October 16, 2021
Lovely Lady
Lovely Lady dressed in blue –
Teach me how to pray!
God was just your little boy,
Tell me what to say!
Did you lift Him up, sometimes,
Gently on your knee?
Did you sing to Him the way
Mother does to me?
Did you hold His hand at night?
Did you ever try
Telling stories of the world?
O! And did He cry?
Do you really think He cares
If I tell Him things –
Little things that happen? And
Do the Angels’ wings
Make a noise? And can He hear
Me if I speak low?
Does He understand me now?
Tell me – for you know.
Lovely Lady dressed in blue –
Teach me how to pray!
God was just your little boy,
And you know the way.
This prayer-poem by Mary Dixon Thayer may bring back memories for you. It was made popular by Archbishop Fulton J. Sheen in the mid-1950s on his television show, “Life Is Worth Living.” It is beautiful in its simplicity.
The poem brings to mind some of the same themes we have examined or will encounter during these last few weeks in Ordinary Time. We ask how we should pray. We seek answers to questions about how to achieve eternal life and what we need to do to attain our ultimate goal. We have looked briefly into the lives of some holy people who can be good role models for us. We have heard Jesus speak of the beauty of the faith of the young – that we should become more like them in our openness to the Word of God and to His love. We pray the words of this beloved poem in a childlike manner.
Whether you are young, or just young at heart, open your heart and let the love you have for our Blessed Mother and her Son Jesus pour out. Let us conclude this month of the Holy Rosary with a renewed emphasis on saying the Rosary as a family and as part of a community. Lovely Lady dressed in blue, teach us how to pray.
May God bless you!Father Storey
October 10, 2021How to Inherit Eternal Life
“Good teacher, what must I do to inherit eternal life?
These words from a man who approached Jesus as He set out on a journey, open the Gospel (Mark 10:17-30) for today, the 28th Sunday in Ordinary Time, Liturgical Cycle Year B. The writings of Mark as well as some other Evangelists will guide us in answering this question as we near the end of this Liturgical Year. Mark’s Gospel is the shortest Gospel and was written some thirty years after the Resurrection. Mark gives us intimate glimpses of Jesus in an attempt to help us know Jesus personally.
Today’s Gospel has a three part focus: 1) how to inherit eternal life; 2) how difficult it is for those who are rich in earthly goods to enter the kingdom of God; and 3) how the experience of eternal life begins on earth.
In response to the man’s question, Jesus listed several commandments. The man attested he had been doing that since his youth; and Jesus, recognizing how sincere the man was, added to His original response a three part mandate: sell what you have; give to the poor; then come follow me. Because he was rich, the man dejectedly dropped his face, and walked away. Jesus then explained to the disciples that it was easier for a camel to pass through the eye of a needle than for a rich person to enter the kingdom of God.
The Gospel concludes with Jesus saying, “Amen, I say to you, there is no one who has given up … (earthly possessions) for my sake … who will not receive a hundred times more… in the age to come.”
How do we respond to this advice given by Jesus Christ? Do we clearly realize that the only way to heaven is through God? Are we willing to sacrifice our material goods to aid the poor and for the sake of God? Can we become childlike in our approach to God and honor His wishes, not just our own?
Servant of God, Father Emil Kapaun
We have been so pleased over the past few weeks with the news about Servant of God, Father Emil Kapaun (pronounced KAY pun), a native son of Kansas The cause for his sainthood has been accepted by the Vatican, and he was given the title Servant of God. Father Kapaun died in a North Korean prisoner of war camp in 1951 at the age of 35. His remains were returned to the United States as part of the 1953 Korean Armistice Agreement. He had been buried with a group of 866 others at the National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific, Honolulu, but his remains were not identified until March of this year.
They were formally returned to his family in a ceremony at Pearl Harbor on Sept. 23. A private service was to be held in his hometown Pilsen, KS before a public vigil and funeral Mass were celebrated in Wichita, KS. Father Kapaun’s body will be interred at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception in Wichita. There is a Jesuit high school named in his honor, Kapaun High School, nearby
Born 1916, Fr. Kapaun grew up on a farm in Pilsen, KS, and was ordained a priest for the diocese of Wichita, KS in 1940. He became an Army chaplain and served in both World War II and the Korean War. While he was serving in Korea, Fr. Kapaun regularly celebrated Mass, sometimes in the battlefield on the hood of a Jeep as a makeshift altar, and brought the sacraments to the troops. He was heroic in tending to injured troops – both his own and the enemy. Look for full coverage in The Leaven this weekend.
Father Storey
October 3, 2021The Family that Prays Together Stays Together
On Thursday, October 7, we celebrate the feast of Our Lady of the Rosary. In Catholic tradition the entire month of October is dedicated to our Blessed Mother Mary and the Holy Rosary.
According to legend, Our Blessed Mother Mary entrusted the Rosary to St. Dominic in the 13th century to aid in conflicts with the Albigensians. The Dominican pope St. Pius V increased devotion to the Rosary by introducing the feast day in 1571. Toward the end of the 19th century Pope Leo XIII promoted the practice of dedicating the entire month of October to the Rosary.
There are several different pieces of art that illustrate Our Lady of the Rosary. One of my favorites depicts Mary, seated on a pedestal, cradling her Son Jesus in her right arm. With her other hand she offers rosary beads to Saint Catherine of Siena kneeling to Mary’s left. The Infant Jesus similarly offers rosary beads to Saint Dominic kneeling to Mary’s right.
October is the month traditionally dedicated to our Blessed Mother under the title Queen of the Holy Rosary. As human beings, children of God, our hearts and souls long to be at peace with Him Who created us. It is through our Blessed Mother that we can achieve this more easily.
When we pray the Rosary, we focus on events in the lives of Christ and His Blessed Mother. We also concentrate on the promises of Jesus Christ, God who humbly takes on human flesh to share in our humanity. The Rosary helps us meditate and come to appreciate more fully the birth, the suffering, the death and the Resurrection, and the miracles of His life while He was with us here on earth. The Rosary – literally, a garland of roses – is not meant to be boring in its repetition, but rather to help us delve into the mysteries of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ and His Mother, Mary.
It is very likely that you have heard the saying, “The family that prays together stays together.” This slogan was created by Father Patrick Peyton, C.S.C. who was founder of the prayer movement called “Family Rosary Crusade.” Another favorite slogan of his was “A world at prayer is a world at peace.” Father Peyton was born in Ireland to a devout Catholic family in 1909; he died in 1992. His cause for sainthood has now progressed to the third of five required levels. He is now known as Venerable Father Patrick Peyton.
Father Peyton’s causes are similarly promoted by Pope Francis. The Pope has focused attention on the family. He pointed out that the Son of God chose to be born and immersed in the everyday life and routine of a simple family in a poor village. The family is so important, he explains, because that is where the “irreplaceable, indelible” start of one’s life story begins. Pope Francis also encourages each of us to pray for world peace.
Especially during these times of suffering and trials due to the COVID-19 pandemic, let us follow the examples of Fr. Peyton and Pope Francis. Pray the Rosary as a family, asking through the intercession of our Blessed Mother, for true peace throughout the world and relief from the pandemic and its variants. The Rosary is the perfect prayer to help bring us closer to one another through Christ.
Remember that the family that prays together stays together!
Father Storey
September 26, 2021Remember
Do you have any serious conflicts or needs in your life that you just cannot resolve? Let me share with you what one of our modern day saints would do. The holy person to whom I refer is well known to all of us: Saint Mother Teresa of Calcutta. Mother Teresa dedicated her life to aiding the poor of India. She was canonized by Pope Francis on September 4, 2016. Her feast day is September 5.
Saint Mother Teresa was very devoted to our Blessed Mother. She always had a rosary in her hands and her lips moved in constant prayer, sometimes out loud, sometimes in silent prayer. She was known for getting what she wanted – always for a holy purpose -- and she would overcome almost insurmountable problems in achieving these goals.
Mother Teresa had great confidence in God. She knew that He would answer her prayers, and she was wise enough to know that His answer might not be exactly what she was expecting – but he would always answer. She was particularly fond of the Memorare. The first word of the prayer in Latin, “Memorare,” means “remember.” In times of great need, when there appeared to be no viable solution to obstacles in her way, she turned to the Memorare. She called it her secret weapon and used it often as a novena, a series of nine prayers.
“Remember, O most gracious Virgin Mary,” she would begin. She was not asking the Blessed Mother to recall, but rather was reminding herself to keep the facts foremost in her own mind; “that never was it known that anyone who fled to thy protection, implored thy help or sought thy intercession was left unaided.” Mother Teresa wrapped herself in the mantle of our Blessed Mother.
With her heart overflowing with love of God, Mother Teresa would continue, “Inspired by this confidence, I fly unto thee, O Virgin of virgins, my Mother. To thee do I come, before thee I stand, sinful and sorrowful.” Knowing that Mary would espouse the cause of petitioners to her Son, Our Lord, and He would listen to what His mother asked, Mother Teresa concluded, “O Mother of the Word Incarnate, despise not my petitions, but in thy mercy hear and answer me. Amen.”
Mother Teresa called this her express novena. She was too impatient to wait for nine days or nine weeks for an answer to her prayers. So she said all nine of them at one time. She had such great faith in God that she would add a 10th recitation of the Memorare in thanksgiving for the favor that she was asking from Him.
Initially, the Memorare was part of a much longer prayer. Its author is unknown, but tradition attributes it to the abbot St. Bernard of Clairvaux who lived in the 12th century.
In our own times of great need, let us raise our voices in a novena of this beloved prayer through our Blessed Mother. Don’t forget the 10th one in gratitude and thanksgiving!
Remember, O most gracious Virgin Mary, that never was it known that anyone who fled to thy protection, implored thy help or sought thy intercession was left unaided. Inspired by this confidence, I fly unto thee, O Virgin of virgins, my Mother. To thee do I come, before thee I stand, sinful and sorrowful. O Mother of the Word Incarnate, despise not my petitions, but in thy mercy hear and answer me. Amen.
Father Storey
September 19, 2021
Together -- In Humble Service
I would guess each of us has had one of those embarrassing moments when someone has overheard us say something that was intended only for others. That happened to the disciples one day within the hearing of Jesus. In a debate amongst themselves, the apostles were arguing about who was the most important. When Jesus later asked them about it, they were embarrassed into silence.
The amazing thing about their argument was that Jesus had just explained that He was going to be delivered into the hands of men who would put Him to death. As the humble servant of His Father, Jesus was willing to undergo death, in contrast to those whose only thought was to rise to importance and power. He said to the apostles, “If anyone wishes to rank first, he must remain the last one of all and the servant of all.”
The disciples failed to comprehend Jesus’ words. To help them understand, Jesus resorted to using a favorite example. In a very poignant scene, He put His arm around a youth and said, “Whoever welcomes a child such as this for my sake welcomes me.” Children are a living example of the humility and simplicity we are called to practice.
At an early age, humility and simplicity lead most children to take for granted, in the best sense, that they are loveable. Usually this age is before they go to school and encounter the world of competition. The sad truth is, in school some children begin to lose confidence in themselves. There may be exaggerated expectations to produce, to get good grades. Perhaps they hear, “Why can’t you be more like your brother (or sister) who gets all A’s.” This kind of competition can make one doubt oneself.
As Christians, we must be aware of what is happening in the world today. A mainstay of modern TV is the “Reality Show” where members considered not as good as other cast members are “voted off.” We are saturated with sports, which again is full of competition. Don’t get me wrong, sports is not a problem in itself. But when things become “cut throat,” we need to stop and recognize God’s system of values.
We live in a world where greed and power make a person important. We must remember that we are children of the perfect Father, Who indeed loves us for who we are. We must never doubt that His love for us is the source of our worth and our value. Our goal must be to build up the Body of Christ, but not by being divisive, trying to determine who is most important while here on earth. Rather we must follow the example of Jesus, and work together in humble service. For in heaven we are all ONE!
Father Storey
September 12, 2021
Bearing Our Crosses
Twenty years ago this weekend on Sept.11, 2001, the United States of America came under attack from terrorists who hijacked four flights. Two were crashed into the Twin Towers of the World Trade Center in New York City, another into the Pentagon in Washington, DC. The fourth airplane was downed in a field in Pennsylvania. We recall how so many innocent lives were stripped away by the hideous acts of these terrorists. We also recall the heroic men and women who jumped in to help save thousands of lives, without regard for the perils that were posed to themselves.
What motivates people to take on risk, to overcome fear, to embark on a dangerous venture? The motive of the terrorists was to make a point. In contrast, the reason many men and women freely offered help was they knew it was the right thing to do.
Jesus was not a fatalist, but He knew how His life would end. It was His Father’s will that Jesus should die on the cross; not so He could make a point, but so He could bring us the gift of eternal life. Jesus willingly climbed the mountain of Calvary to open His arms on the cross to embrace all of us in His divine love. His death was not a disaster; it was the accomplishment of His mission on this earth.
There was no risk for Jesus. Risk means a chance of injury or death. For Jesus, death was a certainty. When Peter, with the best of intentions, tried to dissuade Him from following the way of the cross, Jesus responded harshly. He told Peter that he was not thinking according to God’s standards. In God’s plan, the death of His own Son was necessary for our salvation. God had been offended by the sinful acts of man. The Son of God, made Man, had to atone for the sins of mankind.
We may feel that there is a risk in following Jesus, but this is not so. It is a certainty. If we are to follow Him faithfully, we must deny our very selves, take up our cross, and follow in His steps. Then our cross will be grace filled.
We understand that the cross for us may be the loss of a job, or grave illness, or the necessity of making significant sacrifices to care for a family member. The cross for parents may be seeing their children leave the Church and take on the worship of drugs or other things. The cross for children may be the grief of living with alcoholic parents, or the sorrow that divorce inflicts. The cross for all of us is the death of a loved one.
Some crosses in our life may be small; others dramatic. Some crosses will not bring on tragedy, nor mean disaster. Enduring our cross in accord with the will of God will lead to everlasting life. The cross means living in union with Jesus. It means sharing in His suffering and death, which will grant us the Father’s gift of eternal happiness in our heavenly home.
We should not fear our cross. When we follow Christ’s foot steps, our cross can be grace filled, a way to live life to the fullest.
Father Storey
September 5, 2021
St. Joseph, a Model for All Workers
Pope Francis, recalling the 150th anniversary of the declaration of St. Joseph as Patron of the Universal Church, proclaimed a “Year of Saint Joseph” to extend from December 8, 2020 through December 8, 2021. The Church has long celebrated March 19 as the Feast Day of St. Joseph, husband of Mary, foster father of Jesus, and patron of the Universal Church. In 1955 Pope Pius XII created a new feast: May 1 – the Feast of St. Joseph the Worker.
Labor Day is a time off from work – it gives us more time for our own labor of love, more time for our families. Let us model our lives after that of St. Joseph and raise our voices in prayer through St. Joseph, patron saint of all workers.Prayer for the Spirit of Work
Fr. Storey
Glorious St. Joseph, model of all who pass their life in labor, obtain for me the grace to work in a spirit of penance to atone for my many sins; to work conscientiously, putting the call of duty above my own inclinations; to work with gratitude and joy, considering it an honor to use and develop by my labor the gifts I have received from God; to work with order, peace, moderation, and patience, without ever recoiling before weariness or difficulties.
Help me to work, above all, with purity of intention and with detachment from self, having always before my eyes the hour of death and the accounting which I must render of time lost, talents wasted, good omitted, and vain complacency in success, which is so fatal to the work of God. All for Jesus, all for Mary, all after your example, O Patriarch Joseph! This shall be my watchword in life and death. Amen.
St. Joseph was a humble servant who did not seek to be served, but to serve. In Matthew (1:19), he is called a “just” man. When creating the feast day of St. Joseph the Worker, Pope Pius XII described a just man as one who prays, lives by faith, and seeks to do good in every circumstance of life.
We rarely hear about St. Joseph in sacred scripture, and when we do he is always in the background. St. Joseph sets an inspirational example for us. He was a family man. He was a just man. St. Joseph provided well for his family, and not just the things that are needed to physically survive, but more importantly he provided for their spiritual needs. His labor was truly a labor of love. It also exemplified his love for God, for Joseph knew that his wife, Mary, bore the Son of God; and he, Joseph himself, gave the Child the name provided by an angel of God, Jesus.
As we near the end of this Year of Saint Joseph, let us renew our devotion to him, and vow to become better workers for Christ, striving always to do the will of God. Amen.
August 29, 2021
Dear Curé Parishioners,
What an extraordinary year and an exceptional Parish. As I look around the Curé of Ars campus, I am amazed at all that has been accomplished this year. To all that have given of their time, for the many that have kept us in their prayers, and to all that have sacrificially supported the mission of our parish, we appreciate all of you and the efforts you have made to propel us forward.
With the support of the Finance Council, it is with much gratitude and blessings that I present to you the State of the Parish for FY 2020-2021. Through your generosity, we completed FY 20-21 with collections exceeding prior year by almost 5%. Expenses for the Church and School were under budget.
Looking ahead to the Budget for FY 21-22, collections are budgeted at $4,800,000. Through careful stewardship of our parish resources we have strived to only increase the FY 21-22 budget minimally. The Annual Curé Soirée held February 2021 had another fantastic year. Although, the auction’s format was entirely virtual this year, the event grossed an astounding $645,000. These funds will be used to support the 21-22 operating budget of the school, to include some technology upgrades, as well, as security and infrastructure upgrades for the church and school.
The start of this fiscal year we are embarking on a Strategic planning process. The Finance Council has asked that the Building Committee assess the additional needs of the campus that were not incorporated into the first phase of the master plan. The school is partnering with NB consulting to create a plan for the future of education at Curé and the parish will be focusing on revitalizing our Ministry Groups and bringing back Parish-wide events. We are excited to announce that we will have an Open House on September 26, 2021. Save the Date and we will have more details coming soon.
It is an exciting time at Curé of Ars as we continue to look to the future of our faithful community.
Yours in Christ,
Father StoreyFINANCE COUNCIL WITH SUBCOMMITTEES
Bill Conway, Chairperson Tim Dunn, Finance Christina Gyllenborg, Finance Jim Bellinghausen, Review Dan Euston, Building Committee Liaison Nelson Newcomer, Review Ben Cindrich, Review Brigetta Fortin, Finance Adam Zieren, Review & Audit JP Claxton, Review Melissa Grams, School Advisory Liaison
LIVING OUR FAITH (20-21)
2562 TOTAL HOUSEHOLDS (As of 6/30) 136 PRESCHOOL STUDENTS 1481 TOTAL CONTRIBUTING HOUSEHOLDS (58%) 619 ELEMENTARY STUDENTS 187 BAPTISMS 118 SCHOOL OF RELIGION STUDENTS 127 FIRST COMMUNIONS 6 RCIA 92 CONFIRMATIONS 99 FUNERALS 18 WEDDINGS
“You Have the Words of Eternal Life”August 22, 2019
God invited His people of the Old Testament to become His partner in a covenant, which was a spiritual form of marriage. Joshua, the leader of God’s people after the death of Moses, understood the importance of this covenant. Joshua challenged the people: “If it does not please you to serve the Lord, decide today whom you will serve…As for me and my household, we will serve the Lord.” Joshua had made his decision.
Centuries later Jesus confronted those who had heard Him preach. He challenged them to make a decision about Himself. He proclaimed a doctrine that they clearly understood: “The bread that I will give is my flesh for the life of the world. Those who eat my flesh and drink my blood have life everlasting, and I will raise them up on the last day.”
They understood Jesus so clearly that they objected, “This sort of talk is hard to endure! How can anyone take it seriously?” But to take it seriously is exactly what Jesus demanded. When His objectors turned their backs on Him to walk away, He let them go. It was the day of decision. It was not possible to profess faith in Jesus and at the same time reject His promise of the Holy Eucharist.
Jesus then challenged those closest to him, the Twelve: “Do you want to leave me too?” Peter, in a declaration of loyalty that has been repeated down through the ages by men and women of faith, declared, “Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life. We have come to believe; we are convinced you are God’s holy one.”
Peter’s profession of faith was not forced upon him. He received a grace that was not unlike a proposal of marriage. To this grace he freely responded. He made a decision to bind himself so closely to Christ that, despite his later momentary lapse, he would be of one mind in faith with Christ. In effect, he said that he wanted to enter into a permanent, loving relationship of fidelity with Christ.
We have the same grace. This means we have the same challenge, the same decision to make. Christ made faith in the Eucharist the ultimate test of faith in Himself. We believe in the Eucharist and value this wonderful sacrament. The Mass is the highest expression of Catholic devotion. All this because Jesus Christ has the words of everlasting life, and we believe that He is the Holy One, the Son of God.
My Jesus, I believe!
Father StoreyNOTE FROM FATHER QUY
Dear COA's Parishioners,After three canceled flights, I finally got a flight ticket on August 18. I returned to Vietnam safely on August 20. I am living in quarantine for 14 days. It was blessed for me to serve at Cure of Ars and also blessed for me to return and serve seminarians of the Archdiocese of Hanoi.
Thank you for all your support and prayers.May God bless each of you and bless the Cure of Ars.Love and thanks,Fr. Quy Ta
Hail MaryAugust 15, 2021
“Hail Mary, full of grace the Lord is with you.” These words beg to be shouted out today.
August 15, is the Solemn Feast of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary. The Gospel is a
continuation of St. Luke’s Gospel used for the Feast of the Immaculate Conception, and is the basis
for two of our beloved prayers to our Blessed Mother, the Hail Mary and the Magnificat. We say the
Hail Mary 53 times every time we recite the Rosary.
This Gospel is a narrative of Mary’s visit to the home of Zechariah and Mary’s cousin Elizabeth in
the town of Judah in the hill country. When Mary arrives at the home of Zechariah, she excitedly greets Elizabeth (soon to become the mother of John, the Baptist). The baby in Elizabeth’s womb leaps for joy.
Elizabeth, inspired by the Holy Spirit, says to Mary the very words that are now such a central part of our beloved prayer, “Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb.” These two expectant mothers revel in the joy of being together, humble and dedicated servants of the Lord. Both of them defer to divine power, the will of God.
Mary responds to Elizabeth’s greeting with these words:
“My soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord; my spirit rejoices in God my Savior for He has looked with
favor on His lowly servant. From this day all generations will call me blessed: the Almighty has done
great things for me and holy is His Name.”
In 1950, Pope Pius XII, infallibly proclaimed the dogma of the Assumption, and 14 years later the dogma was
restated by Pope Paul VI in the Vatican II Documents:
The Immaculate Virgin, preserved free from all guilt of original sin, on the completion of her earthly
sojourn, was taken up body and soul into heavenly glory, and exalted by the Lord as Queen of the universe
(n. 59).
These documents closely align the doctrine of the Immaculate Conception with that of the Assumption. Mary,
always free from Original Sin, was assumed, body and soul, by God to heaven as its Queen. In the Responsorial
Psalm for the Feast of the Assumption we sing the prophetic words of the Psalmist David:
“The queen stands at your right hand, arrayed in gold.”
We ask the Blessed Mother to intercede on our behalf, that we may come to know and love her Son, Jesus Christ, the Savior of the World; and that we may some day merit to be sharers of her glory in heaven.
Today – and every day – let us raise our voices in unison and loudly beseech our Blessed Mother:
Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us sinners now and at the hour of our death!
Father Storey
Taste and SeeAugust 1, 2021
“Taste and see how good the Lord is; blessed the man who takes refuge in him.” (Ps 34:9)
These words of the Responsorial Psalm summarize the outlook of the prophet Elijah in today’s First Reading. Elijah had confronted King Ahab and the people of Israel who were divided in their loyalty between the God of Abraham and Isaac and the false gods of Baal. King Ahab had betrayed the prophet, and fearing for his life, Elijah was fleeing from the wrath of Ahab and his wife, Jezebel, a devotee of Baal. It was no wonder that Elijah was desolate and desperate.
Elijah sat beneath a broom tree and prayed for death. He hungered for the Lord. Exhausted from his forced travels and his emotions, he fell sound asleep. Elijah was awakened by an angel of the Lord who told him to eat the hearth cake and drink the water that was placed in front of him. Elijah did so, and then promptly fell asleep again. The angel returned and ordered him to get up and eat, “...else the journey will be too long for you!” Gaining strength from the sustenance provided by the Lord, Elijah then walked 40 days and nights to the mountain of God, Horeb.
“When the afflicted man called out, the Lord heard, and from all his distress he saved him.” (Ps 34:7)
In the Gospel, John 6:41-51, we hear Jesus responding to the grumblings of the Jews. They challenged how he
could claim to be from heaven. After all, they knew he was the son of Joseph! They knew his father and mother. How could he claim to be from heaven?
Jesus stated emphatically, “No one can come to me unless the Father who sent me draw him, and I will raise him on the last day.” Jesus knew that the Jews were hungering and thirsting for what only He could give them. They were aware that their ancestors had been given manna in the desert.
Next Jesus offers them a morsel of hope. “Everyone who listens to my Father and learns from him comes to me.” With their appetites fully engaged, Jesus continues, “Amen, Amen, I say to you, whoever believes has eternal life. I AM THE BREAD OF LIFE.” Jesus reminds them of their heritage: “Your ancestors ate the manna in the desert, but they died; this is the bread that comes down from heaven so that one may eat it and not die.”
Jesus had answers for all their grumbling, but these people had not been given the gift of faith. We must thank
God almighty for our gift of faith, and for the wondrous gift of His own Body and Blood.
We hunger. We are in want of sustenance. We know that something is missing in our lives.
We can appreciate the longing of the Old Testament people who waited so long for the Messiah. We, too, are
waiting – this time for the Second Coming of the Lord!
“I am the living bread that came down from heaven; whoever eats this bread will live forever and the bread that I will give is my flesh for the life of the world.” (John 6:51)
TASTE AND SEE THE GOODNESS OF THE LORD.
Father Storey
JESUS FEEDS 5000July 25, 2021
Today’s Gospel, John 6:1-15, was written some 60 years after the death and Resurrection of Jesus. Celebration of the Eucharist had been established as an expression of what it means to be a disciple of Christ. John constructed this 6th chapter in such a way that readers would see their Sunday observance reflected in his Gospel. Almost 20 centuries later, we see this same reflection in our Liturgy.
The chapter opens with a narrative of how Jesus fed five thousand people with just five barley loaves and two fish. John is showing us the Mass is not a private devotion nor the privilege of only a select few. It is a celebration of ‘all’ who choose to participate throughout the world.
John mentions that the Jewish feast of Passover was near. That was not so much a designation of time as it was an indication of the meaning of the Eucharist. The Eucharist is our Christian Passover: the celebration of the sacrifice which has given us the gift of freedom from sin and established us as God’s people.
When it was time to feed the people, a boy came forward with five loaves and two fish and gave them to Jesus. It seemed like almost nothing considering the needs of so many.
In the same way at Mass, representatives of the people bring forward bread and wine to begin the preparation of the gifts. They are that lad of the Gospel, and the gifts presented to the priest seem insignificant in comparison with what they will become.
Jesus performed Eucharistic actions. He took the loaves of bread and gave thanks -- the very word Eucharist means to give thanks. Matthew in his narrative of the same event provides an important detail. He states that after Jesus looked up to heaven and gave thanks, He broke the bread and gave the loaves to His disciples, who distributed the bread among the people. That looks exactly like what happens at Mass. The fish? They are not part of our Eucharistic meal, but a fish is an ancient, and still current, Christian symbol. The initial letters in Greek for “Jesus Christ, God’s Son, Savior” form an acronym which spells out the Greek word for fish: “ICHTHUS.”
This narration of the multiplication of loaves and fish sufficient to feed five thousand is one of only a few that appear in all four Gospels. John’s version is the only one that mentions barley loaves, thus tying it back so distinctly to the story of Elisha, the holy man of God in our first reading 2 Kings 4: 42-44, who miraculously multiplied the barley loaves into quantities large enough to feed one hundred people and have leftovers.
The other three Gospel narratives are found in Matthew 14:13-21, Mark 9:32-44, and Luke 9:10-17. You might find it interesting to read all the versions and compare details for a composite picture of this event.
God has truly blessed us with this great gift of His Body and Blood, the Most Holy Eucharist. It has been just over a month now that the restrictions on attending Mass in our Archdiocese were eased. Let us renew our thanks to the Lord for this blessing.Father Storey
I Am the Good ShepherdJuly 18, 2021
Once again this week, we find our First Reading giving us a preview of what is coming in the Gospel. The prophet Jeremiah delivers a strongly worded message to errant shepherds who do not fulfill their mission of properly caring for their flocks (the people of God). He quotes the Lord God: “You have scattered my sheep and driven them away. You have not cared for them, but I will take care to punish your evil deeds. I myself will gather the remnant of my flock from all the lands … I will appoint shepherds for them who will shepherd them so that they need no longer fear and tremble.”
The metaphor of shepherding was widely used in the ancient world to describe the responsibility of kings and leaders toward their people.
Now we see in the Gospel how Jesus is fulfilling Jeremiah’s prophecy --- not His words, but His actions say, “I am the Good Shepherd.”
If you have ever had an opportunity to go to Rome, you may have visited the catacombs. The catacombs had small rooms where early Christians gathered to worship. One of the earliest representations of Jesus Christ found in the catacombs is that of the Good Shepherd. We can visualize through this image Christ our Shepherd. We are the sheep of His flock.
“When he disembarked and saw the vast crowd, his heart was moved with pity for them, for they were like sheep without a shepherd, and he began to teach them many things” (Mark 6:34). These concluding words of today’s Gospel give us a deep insight into the great compassion of Jesus Christ. Jesus had been trying to protect His disciples who had not even had time to eat; He urged them to go by themselves to a deserted place to rest and get refreshment. When the people learned of this, they gathered from all the surrounding towns and arrived there on foot before Jesus and His disciples.
John, in (10:27), describes a good shepherd: “My sheep hear my voice, says the Lord; I know them, and they follow me.” What happens to sheep that do not have a shepherd?
Without a faithful and dedicated shepherd who is willing to lay down his life, the sheep will always go astray. A good shepherd is present to his flock. A good shepherd knows his sheep; he defends them from their foes.
Christ came to lead and protect us. He died for us defending us from sin. He teaches us there is no greater love than this. Jesus gave His disciples their mission to preach and teach all whether Gentile or Jew. Now He invites us to fulfill our mission, to serve others with compassion even those who are different from us. How will we respond to our call to serve? Will we faithfully follow our Good Shepherd and respond in love and compassion?
Jesus felt compassion for those who wanted so badly to know God. He satisfies their spiritual hunger by His teaching. Next week we will witness His satisfying their physical hunger by the miracle of the fish and the barley loaves. The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. (Psalm 23:1)Father Storey
How to ServeJuly 11, 2021
Today, the 15th Sunday in Ordinary Time (Year B), we hear Jesus give His disciples the mission of serving by teaching and healing.
We often see in our First Readings during Ordinary Time, Old Testament prophets being chosen by God to prophesy to His people, the Israelites. Last week we read about the reluctant prophet Ezekiel; next week it will be Jeremiah. Today we hear Amaziah, priest of Bethel, banish the prophet Amos, forbidding him to carry out his mission by saying “Off with you, visionary, flee to the land of Judah! … never again prophesy in Bethel.” Amos protested that he was just “a shepherd and a dresser of sycamores,” but his words fell on deaf ears.
These words act as a prelude to today’s Gospel, Mark (6:7-13) in which Jesus instructs His disciples how they should serve. Jesus spoke from experience; as we heard in last week’s Gospel (the six verses just preceding this week’s), Jesus was rejected in His own home town of Nazareth. Jesus tells the disciples, “Whatever place does not welcome you or listen to you, leave there and shake the dust off your feet in testimony against them.”
Many people in the first-century world believed that illnesses were the result of demonic possession, hence the notation that Jesus gave them authority over unclean spirits. He sent them out two by two to heal wounds, cure the sick, preach good news and call for repentance.
He sent them in pairs so they could be true witnesses to Christian values in how they respected, treated and supported each other. They tolerated one another’s weaknesses; they sustained each other in good times and in bad. They understood and listened to each other; they were willing to forgive each other.
Jesus dispatched His disciples knowing they would face many challenges. He instructed them “take nothing for the journey but a walking stick—no food, no sack, no money, and not a second tunic.” Jesus taught them to trust totally in Him and depend on Him and others.
Last week we reflected on how all of us are called to serve. God invites each of us to undertake our own personal mission, knowing it will not be without obstacles. He asks us to place our trust in Him. He gives us the where-with-all to overcome these challenges. God has given us many gifts and talents, including faith and compassion. He has given us the sacraments, especially the sacraments of the Most Holy Eucharist and Reconciliation.
We should be mindful of the missions of the prophets and the disciples. They overcame challenges and rejection. Wherever we may be at any point in our lives, we must strive to do God’s will. He asks us to glorify Him in our thoughts, our words, and our actions.
“It was not you who chose me, but I who chose you and appointed you to go and bear fruit that will remain” (Jn 15:16). God chooses and calls each of us in a unique and special way to carry out His mission. Are we ready to accept the mission He has chosen for us? We should also be aware that our ministry could be rejected. In those times, we must renew our trust in God.
Father Storey
Called to Serve
July 4, 2021
In today’s First Reading, the Lord has His work cut out with the reluctant prophet Ezekiel. Despite Ezekiel’s best efforts to resist, the Spirit entered into him and set him on his feet. Then we hear the Lord speaking to Ezekiel, “I am sending you to the Israelites, rebels who have rebelled against me...Hard of face and obstinate of heart.” The Lord continues, “They shall know that a prophet has been among them.” In spite of himself, Ezekiel is being called to serve.
Hard of face? Obstinate of heart? These are very apt descriptions of the townsfolk we find in the Gospel. Jesus has returned to his hometown of Nazareth and is teaching in the synagogue on the Sabbath. Many who heard Him refused to believe Him or His works. They objected that these could not come from one they knew to be a carpenter who had grown up among them, the son of Mary. It was just beyond their ability or desire to comprehend. He seemed to be so different from them.
Then Jesus said to them, “A prophet is not without honor except in his native place and among his own kin and in his own house.” In the end, Jesus’ full healing power could not take effect in Nazareth because of the people’s lack of faith.
If we look deep within ourselves, we might be shocked at what we see. Are we reluctant to answer God’s call to serve others? How do we treat others? Are our faces hard and our hearts obstinate? Do we treat others poorly for no reason other than they look different from ourselves? Let us ask the Lord God to open our hearts and soften our outlook. May He grant us the faith and grace to serve others to improve the quality of their lives, and to view and treat others the way that He would.
Today we celebrate the Fourth of July, Independence Day, the day we commemorate the beginning of our country in 1776. Our founding fathers were also called to serve. They willingly served and gave of themselves. To all who serve, and in a special way all those who are serving others in our war on the COVID-19 pandemic, I dedicate this song:
God Bless America
Lyrics by Irving Berlin
"While the storm clouds gather far across the sea,
Let us swear allegiance to a land that's free,
Let us all be grateful for a land so fair,
As we raise our voices in a solemn prayer."
God Bless America,
Land that I love.
Stand beside her, and guide her
Thru the night with a light from above.
From the mountains, to the prairies,
To the oceans, white with foam,
God bless America, My home sweet home.
May God bless each and every man, woman, youngster and child who have served, who have tried to improve the quality of life for others. May they always be blessed by God’s presence in their lives! Amen.
Father Storey
Faith and HealingJune 27, 2021
Oftentimes when I am preparing Pastor’s Notes, I will look outside that day’s Gospel and find some related material to enhance its content or add some interest for the reader, but not today. On this Thirteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time Cycle Year B, I want to have space for both inspirational miracles of faith and healing about which the evangelist Mark (5:21-43) wrote; they occur one interspersed within the other today. We often hear about only one of these because we tend to use the short form of the Gospel featuring Jairus. Today we will look at both in tandem to obtain a fuller perspective of the mercy, kindness and love that the Lord God has for us.
The narrative begins with a desperate Jairus risking his reputation as a synagogue official by approaching Jesus. Jairus’ 12 year old daughter is gravely ill, and he begs Jesus to heal her. Jesus agrees to accompany Jairus to his home. Jairus has such intense faith and trust in Jesus that he, Jairus, is willing to risk everything in order to have Jesus heal his daughter.
At this same time, a woman who had been suffering from hemorrhages for 12 years worked her way through the crowd surrounding Jesus until she could touch His cloak. She was so filled with faith that she was certain she could be healed if only she could touch His garment. Jesus, feeling power had gone out from Him, questioned as to who had caused it.
The woman, falling to her knees admitted all. Reaching out to her, Jesus said, “Your faith has saved you. Go in peace and be cured of your affliction.”
As Jesus was still speaking, a messenger arrived from Jairus’ house with news that the girl had died. Ignoring this news, Jesus said to Jairus, “Do not be afraid. Just have faith.” Jesus continued on with Jairus to his house.
Jesus dismissed the crowd that had gathered, permitting only His three closest disciples and the girl’s parents to accompany Him inside.
Jesus entered the girl’s room; He reached out, took her hand, and said “Talitha koum” which means “Little girl, I say to you, arise!” And the girl did! Once again, Jesus showed His power over death.
It doesn’t matter how often we have fallen; it doesn’t matter what we have done, how we have sinned. It just takes faith and a desire for reconciliation. Jesus is there for us. Just as He took the hand of Jairus’ daughter, or reached out to the woman who suffered from bleeding, He reaches out and takes our hand in the Sacrament of Reconciliation. He tells us “Arise!” Rise from our sin. Seek healing. Seek forgiveness.
“Do not be afraid. Just have faith.” The cure is right there. Reach out to Jesus. Let Him take your hand and say “Arise! Go in peace.”
Lord Jesus, bless us with the faith and trust of Jairus and the woman who suffered from hemorrhages. Let us always seek your mercy and forgiveness.Father Storey
Who Then Is This?June 20, 2021As I read Mark 4:35-41 in preparation to write these Pastor’s Notes for the 12th Sunday in Ordinary Time (B), I was struck by his description of the violent squall in the Sea of Galilee since I had just learned that we were under a severe thunderstorm warning for our area. To protect the fruits of my labor, I put my trust in my laptop, with battery back-up in case we were to lose power. Turns out to be a very prudent decision on my part, since we did indeed have a Kansas mid-June storm of near-biblical dimensions.
In today’s Gospel, the Evangelist Mark paints a striking scene. The disciples along with Jesus are crossing the Sea of Galilee, a body of water in northern Israel, nearly eight miles wide and twelve miles long. It is located 700 feet below sea level and is highly prone to frequent and violent storms. Jesus was asleep in the back of the boat when one of those storms came up with waves that threatened to swamp the boat. In a panic, the disciples woke Jesus, who ordered the sea, “Quiet! Be still!” In awe, the disciples remarked to one another: “Who then is this whom even wind and sea obey?”
We of course, know now that He is Jesus Christ, Son of the Father. He has been sent to save us. On this Father’s Day, to remember our earthly fathers and to honor our Heavenly Father and His undying love for us, let us focus on the prayer that Jesus Himself gave us. In St. Luke’s Gospel 11: 2-4 Jesus instructs us: “When you pray, say: ‘Father, hallowed be your name...’”
This perfect prayer, the Our Father, given to us by Christ Himself, is full of everything we need. Yet how many really stop to think about what we are saying? We must slow down and truly understand the words we are saying:Our Father, Who art in heaven; hallowed be Thy name. We acknowledge God as Creator of heaven and earth and of all that is seen and unseen. We worship Him, we look to Him for all.
Thy Kingdom come; Thy will be done... It is the will of God that we must accept and trust; He is above all things and we must conform to Him and His laws.
On earth as it is in heaven. Heaven and earth are not completely separate, but are one. We are one with God while here on earth and for eternity.
Give us this day our daily bread... It is in and through the Body and Blood of our Lord Jesus Christ that we will be satisfied; it is in and through the Word of Scripture that we will be filled. We long to be one with the Word and the Eucharist.
And forgive us our trespasses... We seek forgiveness for the wrong we have done – and for any wrong we have caused others to do. Forgive us of anything that has separated us from the love of God.
As we forgive those who trespass against us. We pray that God will forgive those who have done wrong to us, and that He will bring those who have caused us to sin to see His light and forgiveness.
And lead us not into temptation...We pray that we will be able to withstand any temptation that comes our way.
But deliver us from evil...We pray the devil will not overtake our souls, that he will not persuade us to turn from God and look to evil.
Remember in praying for the things we need, that God certainly hears our prayers. We must pray with true faith knowing God does hear, and in His love, He answers in the way He knows is best.
Today in a special way we remember our fathers, both living and deceased. May every father cherish the great vocation to which he has been called, and recognize his importance to his family and to our Church. I ask Almighty God to bless all our parish members, families and guests. May we all strive to emulate the undying love our Heavenly Father has for us.Father Storey
Have You Heard a Good Story Recently?June 13, 2021
Have you ever tried to hold a single mustard seed in your hand? It is nearly impossible to do because the seed is so small that you almost need a magnifying glass just to see it. Yet from this tiniest of seeds, once it is sown, comes a magnificent plant with branches so large that birds can come rest in its shade.
We are once again in the numbered (ordinal) Sundays of our Liturgical Year. The priests and deacons wear green vestments – a sign of hope and new life. Our readings speak of miracles, parables and love that was portrayed in Christ’s ordinary life.
A parable is a comparison of something that is mostly unknown to the listener to something that is relatively familiar, so that the listener then has a better understanding of the new concept. We might wonder why Jesus so often taught in parables. In today’s Gospel for the 11th Sunday in Ordinary Time, Cycle B, the evangelist Mark gives us an explanation.
Because the average person in the crowds that gathered to hear Jesus did not have a formal education, Mark explains: “With many such parables he spoke the word to them as they were able to understand.” Mark then contrasts the approach that Jesus used with His disciples, “Without parables he did not speak to them, but to his own disciples he explained everything in private.” (Mark 4:33-34)
Jesus talked to the crowds, teaching them in parables, using examples that they could understand, but used a different approach with His disciples. He instructed them in private. It is worth mentioning that even though Jesus taught His disciples in private, they did not understand everything until the Holy Spirit, the Advocate that Jesus asked His Father to send, came upon them on Pentecost opening their hearts and their minds to the ways of God.
In today’s Gospel, Jesus uses two short parables to simply explain the kingdom of heaven. The kingdom of heaven was well beyond the comprehension level of most of Jesus’ listeners. The first parable fosters trust in Jesus because in Him, God’s kingdom is already taking root and growing. Invisible at first, the seeds will sprout; from an initial small blade, the seed will develop in stages into full growth.
The mustard tree, while not familiar to us, was a very common sight in the area where Jesus lived and taught. The plant didn’t just happen. It had to be planted and nourished. It had to have moisture ... had to be fed, cared for so that people could gain the benefit of its fruit. The small mustard seed implies the beginning of Jesus’ ministry, while the huge tree symbolizes the fulfillment of God’s kingdom. These parables gave the crowd something concrete to which they could relate, a message to ponder, while trying to understand the mystery of the kingdom of heaven.
We can renew ourselves as we progress on this journey through Ordinary Time. We can grow in our faith and love of the Lord. Let us reflect on these stories (parables) that Jesus tells. Where we are in our lives right now may lead us to find new messages or a deeper meaning in the stories that Jesus so masterfully weaves together.In faith, hope and love!
Father Storey
The Covenant is Fulfilled
June 6, 2021
Today’s Gospel for the Feast of Corpus Christi (Latin for Body of Christ) is a narrative taken from the Passion according to St. Mark that we read on Palm Sunday, and focuses on the covenant that is offered by Jesus near the end of the Last Supper.
In the ancient world, to share a meal was to invite your guests into an environment of hospitality and protection that makes them family. The Passover meal was a reminder of God’s graciousness and protection of the Israelites. God extended a covenant to them as them as they were about to be freed from captivity in Egypt.
We see many parallels when we compare today’s readings and events to Old Testament times. Passover is the commemoration of the Angel of Death “passing over” the homes of Israelites being held captive in Egypt. The symbol used by the angel to identify which households to spare was the blood of a sacrificial lamb prominently displayed on their door step.
Jesus and His disciples have convened just outside the city of Jerusalem. They, along with many other visitors, are on their way to the city to celebrate a Passover meal during the Feast of Unleavened Bread. The sacrificial lambs have already been slaughtered in the Temple in Jerusalem. Today’s Gospel opens with Jesus telling two of His disciples to go to the city and find a man bearing a jug of water. The disciples carry out Jesus’ instructions precisely, and Jesus welcomes His family at sundown in the Upper Room in Jerusalem.
In the greatest act of love of all time, God gave to us the Gift of His only Son, Jesus Christ, to be our Redeemer, our Savior. We see a manifestation of this love in the words spoken by Jesus at the Last Supper: “He took bread, said the blessing, broke it, gave it to them, and said, ‘Take it; this is my body.’ Then he took a cup, gave thanks, and gave it to them...He said to them, ‘This is my blood of the covenant which will be shed for many.’” (Mark 14:22-26)
St. Paul, in writing of these same events of the Last Supper in a letter to the Corinthians, relates how Jesus took bread, broke it and gave it to the disciples saying, “This is my body that is for you. Do this in remembrance of me.” Then Jesus gave them the cup of wine: “This cup is the new covenant in my blood. Do this as often as you drink it in remembrance of me.” In the magnificence of the Most Holy Eucharist, His Body and Blood, we are nourished and renewed in Christ. We eat, we drink, and we are satisfied!
The covenant is fulfilled. The Body and Blood sacrifice of Christ on the Cross redeems and restores our relationship with God permanently; it spares us from death. Every Eucharist that we celebrate highlights these words. So we follow Christ’s wish, “Do this in remembrance of me.”
CONGRATULATIONS, FR. DON CULLEN!
The priests, staff and members of Curé of Ars parish join together in congratulating Father Don Cullen on the occasion of the fiftieth anniversary of his ordination to the priesthood. He has been a fellow priest, an advisor, a confessor, a confidante, a role model and great friend to so many of us. Thank you for sharing this special event with us today.May God bless you always!
Father Storey
God is LoveMay 30, 2021
Today we celebrate the feast of the Most Holy Trinity, three Divine Persons in one God. Every Mass, every sacramental rite we celebrate, begins with the Sign of the Cross: “In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen!” This concept of the Holy Trinity is a profound mystery that we will never fully understand while we are here on earth.
Yet, Christ Himself gave us a small glimpse of the Trinitarian relationship. In John 14, He says, “If you know me, you know my Father too. You must believe me when I say that I am in the Father and the Father is in me... I shall ask the Father, and He will give you another Advocate to be with you forever, that Spirit of truth.” This is an exquisite interaction of love that exists within the Holy Trinity.
Today’s Gospel is the concluding verses of St. Matthew’s account: dynamic, precise lines that offer the clearest expression in the New Testament of the Triune relationship. Jesus directs the eleven disciples to convene on a mountain in Galilee, then tells them: “Go, therefore, and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, until the end of the age.”
The disciples saw the risen Christ and worshiped Him, but they still were doubtful. Yet Jesus entrusted them with His mission to teach and baptize people of all nations, not just that of Israel, and He promised to be with them always to the end of the age. They were the first evangelists.
Pope Francis encourages all of us in his Apostolic Exhortation: Evangelii Gaudium to be joyful evangelists. “I invite all Christians, everywhere, at this very moment, to a renewed personal encounter with Jesus Christ, or at least an openness to letting Him encounter them; I ask all of you to do this unfailingly each day...no one is excluded from the joy brought by the Lord.” On this feast of the Holy Trinity, let’s renew our own efforts to be joyful evangelizers and heed the words of St. Francis: “Always preach the gospel ... use words if necessary.”
I like to use the outline of a heart to describe the relationship of love that exists within the Trinity: the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit. Starting at the upper mid-point of the image, and gently arching upward before continuing downward to the lowest mid-point, the love emanates from the Father, forming one side of a heart as He sends His Son to be our Redeemer. Now reversing direction and forming a mirror image of the side just completed, flowing upward and arching back to the Father, Jesus asks His Father to send another Advocate, the Spirit, to guide and lead us back to the Father, thus completing the image of the heart.
We flourish in that love.
Father Storey
Pentecost – Birth of the ChurchMay 23, 2021
“Suddenly there came from the sky a noise like a strong driving wind, and it filled the entire house in which they were. Then there appeared to them tongues as of fire, which parted and came to rest on each one of them. And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit.” (Acts 2: 2-3) Thus was fulfilled Christ’s promise; this was the birth of the Church.
As we reflect on the Readings of the past few weeks, many scenarios unfold before us. We see Jesus, the Leader, the great Teacher, the One who loves us, the One who heals and gives us hope. Jesus promises to be with us always. He asks us to relax and trust in Him. He said He would ask His Father to send the Spirit to us. His promise: “The Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you everything and remind you of all that I told you.” (John 14: 16)
Just before He ascended to heaven, Jesus told His followers not to leave Jerusalem, but to wait for the promise of the Father. He reminded them that John baptized with water, but soon they were to be baptized with the Holy Spirit.
On the tenth day after His Ascension, the disciples along with the Blessed Mother gathered in the Upper Room in Jerusalem to celebrate the Jewish Pentecost, a tradition in which pilgrims would come from all over to thank God for the year’s harvest. Mary and the disciples were in the same room where the Last Supper had taken place. The Holy Spirit descended upon each of them to remind them of all that Jesus said and did, and to enable them to go forth in the name of the Lord to teach all nations. They were given the gift of tongues, so that each person who listened to them heard in his own native language.
The word Pentecost means 50. Fifty days after the Resurrection, we now celebrate Pentecost. It is the fulfillment of Jesus’ promise; it is the birthday of the Church. We, too, have been given the Holy Spirit, through the Sacraments of Initiation. In our Baptism, we receive the indwelling presence of the Holy Spirit and new life in Christ. In our Confirmation, we are strengthened by the Gifts of the Holy Spirit that we may share with others the Good News of Jesus Christ.
We see signs of healing and hope in our battle against COVID-19 pandemic. After many months restrictions are being lifted, and a glimmer of normalcy may be on the horizon. We are cautiously optimistic as we make adjustments in our daily lives. Now as we celebrate Pentecost, the birth of our Church, let us vow to be born again in our faith, hope and love of God. We should thank Him for all His gifts and try to utilize them to the best of our abilities, to draw closer to the Father and to share the Good News with all those we encounter. Let us use our gifts wisely and on this feast day we can experience a renewal of our lives in our church.
Thanks be to God!
Father Storey
The Way, the Truth, and the Life
May 16, 2021
Today, we celebrate the Solemnity of the Ascension. Many of us grew up celebrating it as Ascension Thursday, a Holy Day of Obligation, 40 days after Easter. Because of its importance as a feast day, it was made a diocesan option in the United States to celebrate the Ascension on the traditional Thursday or on the following Sunday as we now do in the Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas. Through the different Evangelists, we learn that Jesus appeared to His disciples and to others multiple times during those 40 days following His Resurrection, but they did not know Him. It was only when their eyes were opened that they recognized the Lord.
We might be a bit surprised to learn that St. Luke was the writer not only of a Gospel, but also of the Acts of the Apostles. This knowledge may have escaped us because when we read from Acts during the Liturgy of the Mass, selections are introduced as “A reading from the Acts of the Apostles,” with no author cited. Both Luke’s Gospel and his Acts of the Apostles were addressed to “Theophilus” which means “Friend of God.” Luke wanted to use his writings to influence his friend, whom he addresses as Theophilus, to draw closer to God.
Interestingly, in the final chapter of his Gospel, Luke notes the time of the Ascension as the evening of Easter Sunday, the same day that the empty tomb was discovered. In Acts, Luke places it 40 days later. We must recall that Luke was not delineating an historical timeline; rather, he was teaching spiritual truths.
As the time neared for Jesus to return to the Father, He told His disciples that He had to leave – but He let them down ever so easy. We read in John 14: “Do not let your hearts be troubled. You have faith in God; now have faith in me.” Jesus explained, “In my Father’s house there are many dwelling places. I am going to prepare a place for you. I will come back and take you to myself. Where I am going you know the way.” Thomas objected, saying “we do not know where you are going. How can we know the way?” Jesus enlightened him: I am the Way, the Truth and the Life. No one comes to the Father except through me.
Luke described how Jesus was taken from the sight of His disciples. In the detail that Luke provides in Acts, note the similarity to what occurred at the empty tomb early on Easter morning. “While they were looking intently at the sky as He was going, suddenly two men dressed in white garments stood beside them. They said, ‘Men of Galilee, why are you standing there looking at the sky? This Jesus who has been taken up from you into heaven will return in the same way as you have seen Him going into heaven’” (Acts 1:10-11). Just before He ascended into heaven, Jesus commissioned the disciples to go preach to all nations, to baptize and to live what He had taught them. He told them to stay in Jerusalem to wait for the promise of the Father because in a few days they would be baptized with the Holy Spirit. Then He was lifted up and taken from their sight.
Lord Jesus, open our eyes as you did for your disciples that we may truly see you. Open our hearts that we may truly love you and be guided in your way by your truths and your light. Lead us to the place you have prepared for us in your Father’s house. Amen!Father Storey
Lessons in LoveMay 9, 2021
As we near the end of the Easter Season, we continue our journey through Chapter 15 of John’s Gospel. We see a progression as Jesus reveals Himself to us. During Lent, when Jesus was asked “Who are you?” He would skirt the issue. Then closer to the Crucifixion He stated, “I am in the Father, and He is in me.” Now Jesus envelopes us in His response, “I am in you and you are in me.” What a beautiful expression of Jesus’ love for us.
Today we are treated to a three-fold tutorial on love. Each Reading gives us a slightly different glimpse as to what love truly is. In Acts, prior to today’s Reading I, the Roman centurion Cornelius has a vision that prompts him to seek a meeting with Peter. About the same time in Poppa, Peter also has a vision about being ordered to eat unclean animals; it’s meaning eludes him. Peter, a Jew, has a deep-seated aversion for Gentiles, but he accepts the invitation of Cornelius. Cornelius welcomes Peter by falling to his knees in homage. This causes Peter to protest that he is only human. During the process, however, Peter understands the meaning of his own vision.
Each man experiences a conversion: Cornelius to belief in Christ, and Peter to acceptance that Gentiles are to be welcomed in the community. He points out a truth: “God shows no partiality.” True love is given without bias or reservation. God loves each of us just as we are.
The poem that is today’s Reading II, 1 John 4:7-10, is sometimes chosen for weddings or funerals. It is not meant so much to instruct, as it is to draw those who hear it into a loving relationship with God. The continuation of John’s letter is used for the 7th Sunday of Easter: “Beloved, if God so loved us, we also must love one another. No one has ever seen God. Yet if we love one another, God remains in us, and his love is brought to perfection in us. God is love, and whoever remains in love remains in God and God in him.” (1 John 4:11-12,16)
The Gospel, John 15:9-17, continues last week’s narrative in which Jesus teaches His disciples about the vine and branches: “As the Father loves me, so I also love you. Remain in my love.”
John is such a perfect writer to analyze God’s love for us. He was humble and never used his given name; rather he referred to himself as the beloved disciple. John was steadfast in his love for Jesus. He was one of the three disciples to witness the Transfiguration. At the Last Supper, seated to the left of Jesus, he put his head on Jesus’ heart as they sat at table. He never abandoned Jesus. He went to the Garden of Gethsemane to keep watch. John stood at the foot of cross with the three women. He heard the words of Jesus on the cross: “Son, behold your Mother;” and “Mother, behold your son.” He accepted the responsibility of caring for the Blessed Mother. John took her into his home at Ephesus where he cared for her during the rest of her earthly life. John never wavered in his love of Christ and His mother, Mary.
Happy Mother’s Day!
Today we reflect on the three Mothers in our lives: Mary, the Mother of God; our Holy Mother Church; and, of course, the mothers with whom God has gifted our lives. For over 700 years, the Catholic Church has had the custom of dedicating the month of May to the Blessed Virgin Mary. Mary is the model for all mothers; she is also the model for the Church. At times you will hear people refer to the Church as “Holy Mother Church,” a most appropriate title because what Mary did for Jesus, the Church does for us. Mary, like all mothers, carried her Baby in her womb, gave birth from her body, nourished Him, taught Him the customs of the Jewish faith, and taught Him about life.
May God bless our mothers, both living and deceased, this day! May He keep each of you in His care. May you cherish the great vocation to which each of you has been called, and your importance not only to your children, but to the entire Church.
Father Storey
May 3, 2021
Dear Curé of Ars,
This past week the Johnson County Health Department lifted the mandated mask wearing in public places. This is certainly good news to some and to others who are dealing with compromised health it is a bit alarming.
As we move forward here at Curé of Ars, we would like to be respectful to all who attend. As we transition into this way of life let us first be respectful of each other and not make this a political agenda. There are still some who are very concerned about being in public with no mask. Some of you have compromised health and others are still being very cautious until we know this virus is truly contained and behind us.
To help all we will continue to leave every other pew marked off on the left side of Church as you enter. The right side will continue to be completely open. The county has lifted the mask mandate and thus it is up to each and every person as to if you choose to wear the mask or not. The priests here at Cure of Ars will not be wearing a mask, but will have one on us at all times for those wanting to meet and feel more comfortable with the priest wearing a mask.
As we move forward let us do so with Christian charity. This has been a crazy year, one filled with anxiety, fear and uncertainty. We are now living in the same world and things will be different and we have to move forward respecting each other and what each are comfortable doing.
Thank you for your patience in wearing your masks these past months. As we move forward, let us not forget the time we were given that allowed our lives to be at a much slower pace. As we now go forward into a more “normal” way of living I pray we all slow down and enjoy this life and spend time with family and friends and above all with the Lord.
God bless you all,
Fr. Storey and the Curé of Ars Priests, Deacons and ReligiousThe dispensation from the Sunday obligation to attend Mass remains in place. Those with higher vulnerability to the virus are strongly encouraged to take advantage of this dispensation and refrain from attending Mass.
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PLEASE DO NOT ATTEND Mass if you
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are in a high-risk category or live with someone at high-risk;
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have an underlying health condition;
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feel it is more prudent to stay at home;
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are ill;
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are experiencing any virus symptoms;
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have recently been sick;
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have been exposed to someone with Covid-19 or Covid-19 symptoms
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We will continue to offer daily Mass online Monday through Friday at 8:15 am and Weekend Mass online Saturday at 4 pm. You can watch these Masses any time on our website or Facebook page.
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Pews on the left side as you enter will be every other pew available. Pews on the right side and in the back chapel are all available to sit in.
Remain in Me
May 2, 2021
Today Jesus uses the metaphor of a grapevine to illustrate a message that He wants to deliver to His disciples: “I am the true vine, and my Father is the vine grower.”
Imagine yourself on a tour bus in California’s wine growing region, or on a river boat cruising down the Rhine River in Germany, with grape vines climbing like a wall, covering the hills that seem to soar straight up from the river. Look closely at a vine. Each has a single, sturdy stem from which emanate multiple branches that can bear many bunches of grapes. Jesus Christ often used familiar objects to illustrate the knowledge that He was imparting to His listeners. We can easily visualize the image of a vine as we hear Jesus speaking to His disciples in today’s readings.
We have a rare opportunity on this the Fifth Sunday of Easter to hear two different Readings from the same writer: Reading II is 1 John 3:18-24, and the Gospel is John 15:1-8. A key theological and verbal link between Reading II and the Gospel is the word “remain.” Reading II concludes, “Those who keep his commandments remain in him, and he in them, and the way we know that he remains in us is from the Spirit he gave us. Similarly, we hear in the Gospel, “Remain in me, as I remain in you...Whoever remains in me and I in him will bear much fruit, because without me you can do nothing.”
In his letter, John masterfully weaves together the themes of love, truth, belief and obedience. Central throughout this epistle is “love.” John states, “Children, let us love not in word or speech but in deed and truth.” The community to which he is writing is beloved, signifying both their intimate union with God who is love (1 John 4:8,16), and the love they have for one another. John tells us our actions must bear witness to this love. We are given a two-part commandment: believe in Jesus, and love one another as He commanded.
The metaphor of the vine has long been a part of the Jewish tradition. The Prophets Jeremiah and Isaiah both wrote of a covenant relationship that had gone wrong. God had planted a choice vine, but Israel became a wild, untamed vine instead. Whereas the old vine did not produce good fruit, Jesus presents a new image of the vine: “I am the true vine, you are the branches. Whoever remains in me, and I in him, will bear much fruit ... 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.”
On this, one of the last Sundays of the Easter Season, we are leading up to a celebration of Pentecost, when God’s promise to send the Holy Spirit was fulfilled. Jesus created a connectivity with His disciples. Because they remained in Him, and His words remained in them, His disciples were able to bear fruit. Without Him, they could do nothing.
Let us renew ourselves in Christ. Let us strive to maintain connectivity with Him, and remain in Him. We can bear much fruit; our prayers will be answered. Our ministries will be fruitful. We, too, can become true disciples of Christ. We must let His words remain in us, and love as He commanded us.Father Storey
HungerApril 25, 2021
Today’s Gospel (John 10:11-18) is part of a lengthy section of John’s Gospel (10:1-42) known as the Good Shepherd discourse. It is addressed to Jews as well as Greeks and probably Samaritans. Jesus identifies Himself as the good shepherd who lays down His life for the sheep. The sheep symbolize the Jewish people, while the wolf represents threats that come in the form of false messiahs and others who claim to provide a path to salvation. Jesus further describes how His sheep know Him but says He must also provide guidance and leadership to others.
Jewish religious authorities were divided over what they thought about Jesus. Jesus’ words likely infuriated them because they felt He was criticizing their leadership abilities.
Hunger is acute awareness of something missing. It is a discomfort or weakness caused by having little or nothing to eat; it is any strong craving or desire. We hear in the readings during the Easter Season that the disciples were anxious after the death of Christ; confused, longing for the presence of Jesus. When He appeared to them, they did not recognize Him until He ate a meal with them; they saw Him in the breaking of the bread.
Throughout His ministry, we witness occasions of Christ feeding the people. It is only natural that He should reveal Himself to His followers through food, especially the breaking of bread. On one occasion He fed 5000 with only 2 fish and 5 loaves of bread. Another time in the early dawn hours, He provided for the hungry Apostles. They had been fishing for hours, yet had nothing to show for their efforts. Jesus told them to cast their net to the other side of the boat, resulting in a catch that nearly burst their net.
The Disciples hungered for the presence of Jesus. Without Him, they were fearful, afraid of the Jews. They hungered for truth, justice, peace. When Christ entered the upper room in Jerusalem, He said to the Disciples, “Peace be with you!” He opened their minds teaching them as He did before. Even Thomas hungered. He hungered to see Christ so that he could believe.
We hunger – for truth, justice, freedom, peace. We hunger for the True Presence of Christ here on earth. The Eucharist is what unites us; it should never divide us. Jesus says to us, “Peace be with you;” not “Shame on you and go away hungry.” He tells us to go share the Good News with others. Evangelism is our responsibility as good Christians.
Let’s allow Christ to lead us to these gifts: peace, the Holy Spirit, penance, and especially to the True Presence of Christ here on earth. It is through Our Lord and Savior that we can find satisfaction for our hunger; though this hunger will never truly be sated until we are in heaven. Jesus feeds us with knowledge of His Father’s will. He will lead us to His Father. Jesus is present as the risen Messiah. He has fulfilled the Scriptures; the Paschal Mystery is the lens to understand the Scriptures. We will meet Him when we gather together particularly in the Eucharist.
The truth of Christ will set us free. Free to love as Christ loves. Alleluia! Jesus is risen!Father Storey
Open Our MindsApril 18, 2021
In the readings for Easter and the next few Sundays, we see a departure from the usual. For Reading I, instead of being from the Old Testament, we now have selections from the Acts of the Apostles, a book written by St. Luke.
Instead of Gospel readings from the featured evangelist for the current Liturgical Year, we hear primarily selections from St. John, the Beloved Disciple, with a smattering of selections from St. Luke. St. Luke’s Gospel (24:35-48) for today, the Third Sunday of Easter, concludes with a profound statement: “Then he (Jesus) opened their minds to understand the Scriptures. And he said to them, ‘Thus it is written Christ would suffer and rise from the dead ... and that repentance, for the forgiveness of sin would be preached in his name ... to all nations, beginning from Jerusalem.’” As we reflect on this passage, we come to the realization that faith is a gift from God. Without Him we are nothing.
We did not delve into John’s Gospel for last Sunday because we wrote about the meaning of Divine Mercy Sunday. However, we can learn about both Gospels through some of the striking parallels that exist between them. Both Gospels tell how the risen Jesus appeared to His disciples very soon after the Resurrection.
Both Gospels relate how frightened the disciples were as Jesus entered the room in spite of the secured latches. The disciples cowered in fear, but Jesus did not berate them. He lovingly said, “Peace be with you!” assuring his fearful disciples that He was victorious over death, and He fulfilled the promises He made at the Last Supper. Peace was His farewell gift to them.
There are also differences between the two accounts. John attributes the paralyzing fear of the disciples to their being afraid that the Jewish religious authorities would find them and kill them just as they had done with Jesus. In Luke’s version, their fright was due to the disciples thinking they were seeing a ghost. Luke dispels this notion of Jesus being a ghost by relating how Jesus told them to touch His hands and feet because a ghost does not have flesh nor bones. Luke goes on to relate how Jesus asked for food, which He took and ate in front of them. A ghost would have no need of sustenance.
The concluding words of John’s Gospel used for the Second Sunday of Easter include this inspiring message: “Now Jesus did many other signs in the presence of his disciples that are not written in this book. But these are written that you may come to believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that through this belief you may have life in his name.” With all love and forgiveness, Christ gave the gifts of peace and the Holy Spirit to the disciples who had abandoned Him during His Passion. Then He instructed them to go share His love and forgiveness with all the world.
Lord, our God, open our minds that we may understand your Scriptures. Deepen our faith that we may believe in you. Guide our hearts to love you as you loved the Father. Give us the right spirit to live our lives in fulfilling your commandments. May we be fruitful evangelists for you and by our lives may we preach forgiveness in your name. Amen.Father Storey
Reprinted from Divine Mercy Sunday, April 8, 2018
A Gift from St. John Paul II
April 10, 2021
April 30, 2000, on the occasion of the canonization of St. Faustina, then Pope John Paul II granted the Feast of Divine Mercy to the Universal Church, to be celebrated the first Sunday after Easter. Fourteen years later, on April 27, he was canonized and henceforth would be known as St. John Paul II, or St. Pope John Paul II.
“Like newborn infants, you must long for the pure, spiritual milk, that in Him you may grow to salvation, alleluia.” These profound words, from St. Peter’s 1st Epistle, form the Entrance Antiphon for today, Divine Mercy Sunday. The Divine Mercy devotion is based on the diary of St. Faustina Kowalska, a young Polish nun who died in 1938. At the direction of her spiritual director, St. Faustina wrote almost 600 pages describing the messages of mercy she received from Jesus Christ, beginning on February 22, 1931, and continuing throughout the remainder of her life.
The messages were a reinforcement of what Christ always taught: God loves us no matter how great our sins. He wants us to come to Him with trust, receive His mercy, and let it flow through us to others. We can relate to these A B Cs of Divine Mercy: Ask for His Mercy. Be merciful. Completely trust in Jesus.
St. Faustina’s first entry in her diary describes the image she saw of “Jesus clothed in a white garment ... From the opening of the garment at the breast there came forth two large rays, one red and the other pale.” Later these images were explained to her: “The pale ray stands for the Water which makes souls righteous; the red ray stands for the Blood which is the life of souls. These two rays issued forth from the depths of My most tender Mercy at that time when My agonizing Heart was opened by a lance on the Cross.”
In her diary entry 1320, St. Faustina describes the importance of 3:00 p.m.: “At three o’clock, implore My mercy, especially for sinners; and, if only for a brief moment, immerse yourself in My Passion ... This is the hour of great mercy ... In this hour I will refuse nothing to the soul that makes a request of Me in virtue of My Passion.”Today, let us cherish the beautiful gift of this feast day and practice the A B C’s of Divine Mercy:
Ask for His Mercy. Be merciful. Completely trust in Jesus.Father Storey
Jesus Christ is Risen Today!
April 4, 2021
I want to extend a warm welcome to all our parishioners, their families and guests, as we celebrate this Feast of the Resurrection of Our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.
“Exult, let them exult, the hosts of heaven; exult, let Angel ministers of God exult; let the trumpet of salvation sound aloud our mighty King’s triumph! Be glad, let earth be glad, as glory floods her, ablaze with light from her eternal King...” These words from the Easter Proclamation (Exsultet) bring joy to our hearts and music to our ears as we begin our celebration of The Easter Vigil on Saturday evening.
The summit of our liturgical year is the Easter Triduum. The Triduum, chronologically three days, is liturgically one day. In Jewish liturgical designation, celebrations begin at sundown of the preceding day; hence Triduum starts on Holy Thursday evening and continues to sundown on Easter Sunday. (This explains why there is no evening Mass on Easter.)
On that awe-inspiring night of the Last Supper, Jesus was thinking of His final act of love while on this earth: His death on the cross. So that His followers might be able to share in His sacrifice throughout all ages, He instituted the Sacrament of His Paschal Mystery, His death and Resurrection. At His supper “under the appearances of bread and wine, Jesus offered His Body and Blood, gave them to His apostles to eat and drink and then commanded them to carry on this mystery” (Roman Missal, 55).
On Friday afternoon, Jesus offered the sacrifice of Himself which He had instituted as a sacrament on the previous night. On Saturday, the second day of the Triduum, Jesus was in a tomb. It is the day of supreme quiet, the great silence of the liturgy. The liturgy invites us to remain at the tomb of Jesus, in peaceful expectation of a brilliant future.
At the Easter Vigil, we celebrate the Mass of the Resurrection of the Lord. We break the great silence, going from darkness into the Light of Christ. We punctuate our songs and prayers with Alleluias; we rejoice in the Risen Lord. It is symbolic, that after a six weeks’ absence from our liturgy, the words, first voiced by a chorus of angels at Christmas over 2000 years ago, are once again sung at Easter: Gloria in excelsis Deo! Glory to God in the highest. Masses on Easter Sunday continue the celebration of the Lord’s Resurrection.
The Holy Feast Days of Easter and Christmas are complementary of one another. We cannot focus on one without recalling the other. One is not complete without the other. We are the recipients of the Greatest Gift that God could give – His only Son.
From His first cry in the manger in Bethlehem to His last cry on the cross of Calvary, He has given us the Gift of His undying love.
Jesus’ suffering led Him to a deeper relationship with God. Out of love, Jesus did the will of His Father that we might have new life. This is evidence of our great healing and hope. Christ came to live, to die and now He comes to rise for each of us – making our lives so very blessed and so very important. We were once dead, and now we live because JESUS CHRIST IS TRULY RISEN TODAY!
Alleluia! Alleluia!
Father Storey
Hosanna in the Highest!March 28, 2021
Today, as we begin Holy Week, we find ourselves having to adjust our celebration of the Liturgy due to the worldwide pandemic of COVID-19 limiting us in our contact, dictating social distancing and not being able to have multiple people use the same small missals in order to participate in the reading of the Passion. Some of the descriptions that I am about to share with you will not be possible today; rather they invoke the meanings and practices that were present pre-pandemic. Let us thank God for what has been accomplished so far, and pray for even more success in the future.
Each of the four evangelists presents us with a slightly different perspective in his version of the Passion and Death of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. The one that we use in Liturgical Year Cycle B is from Mark. Mark was a disciple (follower) of Christ, though not one of the original 12. Mark, as described in the Acts of the Apostles, was an assistant who accompanied Paul and Barnabas for three years on their journeys. He was the first to write his Gospel, having done so sometime between 66 and 74 AD.
One image seems to stand out when we think about Palm Sunday. In Mark 11:1-10, a Gospel often read for the blessing of palms on this day, we see Jesus seated on a colt, riding into Jerusalem, flanked by townsfolk who waved palm branches and loudly cried out “Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord! Hosanna in the highest!”
Holy Week commences today, Palm Sunday of the Passion of the Lord, and reaches a climax in the three days we call the Triduum. In Jewish liturgical designation, celebrations begin at sundown of the preceding day; hence Triduum starts on Holy Thursday evening and continues up to sundown on Easter Sunday. (This explains why there is no evening Mass on Easter.)
Today’s Liturgy begins to unfold a series of events that God the Father planned, and that He guided by means of the Holy Spirit in order to accomplish our salvation. In the center of this divine drama stands, not an actor, but the eternal Son of God. He is Jesus, the Savior. He is the Christ, the one anointed by God to be the Lamb who takes away the sins of the world.
We have a unique opportunity to become immersed in the divine drama by actively participating in the reading of the Passion. We don’t just listen or observe – we take on the role of members of the crowd surrounding Jesus. It is impossible not to be moved by the words we utter. We are there!
On that awe-inspiring night of the Last Supper, Jesus was thinking of His final act of love while on this earth: His death on the cross. So that His followers might be able to share in His sacrifice throughout all ages, He instituted the Sacrament of His Paschal Mystery, His death and resurrection. At His supper “under the appearances of bread and wine, Jesus offered His Body and Blood, gave them to His apostles to eat and drink and then commanded them to carry on this mystery” (Roman Missal, 55).
On Friday afternoon, Jesus offered the sacrifice of Himself which He had instituted as a sacrament on the previous night. On Saturday, the second day of the Triduum, Jesus was in the tomb. It is the day of supreme quiet, the great silence of the Liturgy. The Liturgy invites us to remain at the tomb of Jesus, in peaceful expectation of a brilliant future.
On Easter Sunday Jesus broke the bonds of death. By dying He destroyed our death, and by rising He restored our life. Now in the Eucharistic celebration, His Resurrection cannot be separate from His death; we will proclaim yet again, “By your cross and resurrection you have set us free; you are the Savior of the World.”
May this week truly be holy for all of us, and may our hosannas ring out in chorus with those of the throngs on the way to Jerusalem.Father Storey
Making Healing and Hope Personal3.21.2021
As we enter these last two weeks of Lent we find a richness of healing and hope in our readings. Reading I is a mere 4 verses in length –Jeremiah 31:31-34 –yet it is a basis for biblical literature, a prophecy based on hope and the promise of restoration for Israel: “The days are coming when I will make a new covenant with the house of Israel and the house of Judah. It will not be like the covenant I made with their fathers ... I will place my law within them and write upon their hearts; I will be their God and they shall be my people. All shall know me.”
The Prophet Jeremiah, in his chapters 30 –33, which are often referred to as the Book of Consolation, gives hope to people restoring their faith that God will make them His beloved people. He will forgive their wrongdoing and will “remember their sin no more.”
The selection from St. Paul’s Letter to the Hebrews (5:7--9) though only 2 verses long, speaks volumes to us. It portrays Christ as the compassionate high priest, who is able to sympathize with humanity: “He became the source of eternal salvation for all who obey him.”
In today’s Gospel (John 12: 20 –33) we hear the words, “Unless a grain of wheat falls to the ground and dies, it remains just a grain of wheat; but if it dies, it produces much fruit. Whoever serves me must follow me. Where I am, there also will my servant be.” If we want to achieve our fullest potential, we should pay particular attention to these words of Jesus Christ.
Like the grain of wheat, we must die to ourselves in order to bear much fruit, to go out and spread our faith and serve our Lord. The symbol of wheat is a familiar one to us who live in Kansas, the Wheat State. We know only too well the effect of the perils of drought and pestilence on the main agricultural crop of our state. Through our Lenten prayers, fasting, almsgiving and other good works, we seek God’s help in avoiding the perils of our daily lives. We want to grow in our faith and bear much fruit in the service of our Lord.
We must persevere in the growth of our faith life as we continue our journey of Lent in order to fully experience the joys of Easter. We may have hit some low spots, encountered times of little or no spiritual rainfall or nourishment, or too many distractions in our everyday lives.
In these last two weeks of Lent especially, we want to renew our resolution of seeking reconciliation with our Lord. There is absolutely no need for fear, no matter how long it has been since you have gone to confession. Our Lord is reaching out to each of us and offering us His forgiveness through the Sacrament of Reconciliation. Elsewhere in this bulletin we list many opportunities for the Sacrament over these next two weeks. Let us die to ourselves so that we may bear much fruit in the service of God, and stay the path of our Lenten journey.Father Storey
Patris Corde
“With a Father’s Heart!” What a beautiful title Pope Francis has chosen for his most recent Apostolic Letter, declaring a “Year of St. Joseph” to run from December 8, 2020, to December 8, 2021, marking the 150th Anniversary of the naming of St. Joseph as Patron of the Universal Church. Today is Laetare Sunday, just over half-way through Lent. Laetare is one of the words in Latin for rejoice and is the first word in today’s Entrance Antiphon. Today we have multiple reasons to rejoice as we celebrate this year in his honor. On Friday this week, March 19, we celebrate one of the two Feast Days of St. Joseph. The other is May 1, Feast of St. Joseph the Worker.
In his Apostolic Letter, Pope Francis clearly shows his love and devotion for the foster father and guardian of Jesus as he presents St. Joseph as an icon of healing and hope – another illustration of our Lenten theme. Our Holy Father explains “Every prayer book contains prayers to Saint Joseph. Special prayers are offered to him each Wednesday and especially during the month of March, which is traditionally dedicated to him. This last sentence is followed by [10]. Tracing this annotation though the footnotes rewards the reader with this beautiful insight into the spirit of Pope Francis:
[10] Every day, for over forty years, following Lauds, I have recited a prayer to Saint Joseph taken from a nineteenth-century French prayer book of the Congregation of the Sisters of Jesus and Mary. It expresses devotion and trust, and even poses a certain challenge to Saint Joseph: “Glorious Patriarch Saint Joseph, whose power makes the impossible possible, come to my aid in these times of anguish and difficulty. Take under your protection the serious and troubling situations that I commend to you, that they may have a happy outcome. My beloved father, all my trust is in you. Let it not be said that I invoked you in vain, and since you can do everything with Jesus and Mary, show me that your goodness is as great as your power. Amen.”
Writing during the first year of the Covid-19 pandemic, the Holy Father says Patris Corde has helped us see more clearly the importance of ordinary people who, though far from the limelight, exercise patience and offer hope every day. In this, they resemble St. Joseph, “the man who goes unnoticed, a discreet and hidden presence,” who nonetheless played “an incomparable role in the history of salvation.”
Pope Francis often quotes his predecessor, St. Paul VI, who gifted the Universal Church with its patron 150 years ago, presenting a composite of quotations, citations and remembrances. Each is a title of a section in his letter. He paints a vital portrait of St. Joseph as a beloved, tender, loving, obedient father who expressed his fatherhood by making an offering of himself in love, placed at the service of the Messiah who was growing to maturity in his home. In the letter, each of these titles is followed by a few short paragraphs shedding light for us as to how valuable and influential a person Saint Joseph was in the Holy Family.
Pope Francis continues highlighting qualities of St. Joseph along with illustrative examples: an accepting father, a creatively courageous father, a working father. The pope’s final title paints St. Joseph as a father in the shadows. A haunting image portrays St. Joseph as the earthly shadow of the heavenly Father. I don’t have room in this one brief article to do justice to the Apostolic Letter, but I would strongly encourage you to get a copy of it, read and meditate on the whole letter. It will be well worth your time.
“With a Father’s Heart” concludes with this evocative prayer. Let us pray it together:Hail, Guardian of the Redeemer, Spouse of the Blessed Virgin Mary,
To you God entrusted his only Son; in you Mary placed her trust;
With you Christ became man.
Blessed Joseph, to us too, show yourself a father and guide us in the path of life.
Obtain for us grace, mercy and courage,
And defend us from every evil. Amen.
Father Storey
A Trek of Healing & Hope in Christ
March 5, 2021
On the Third Sunday of Lent, we acquire St. John the Evangelist as “tour guide” on our trek of healing and hope in Christ. In Cycle B, we usually are immersed in the Gospel according to Mark, but today we gain insights from John. John 2:1-12 relates the first miracle performed by Jesus – at the Wedding at Cana. It is a foreshadowing of the kingdom to come, in which Jesus demonstrates that those who wait patiently for the kingdom will not be disappointed. Today’s Gospel (John 2:13-25) follows immediately and also is a foreshadowing of the kingdom. It shows a forceful Jesus protecting His Father’s house and being a prophet: “Destroy this temple and in three days I will raise it up.” Of course, the Jews did not realize that it was Jesus’ own body that He referred to as “this temple.”
When writing, John intended that these two narratives be read one right after the other. They both demonstrate the abundance of the Kingdom of God to come. When we hear them in the Liturgy of the Word, we hear only one at a time, each a unique landmark on our journey of healing and hope.
As we progress through Lent, we are brought to the realization that our whole life is a journey with Christ – not just during these 40 days. When we go on a trip of any kind, we have to make certain preparations. We have to plan. We make sure our house is properly secure – doors locked, water shut off if the weather is extremely cold. We must determine what we need to take for our journey and pack a bag. Then there’s that nagging feeling we have forgotten something – something that we really need.
In the Gospel readings for Lent, we see Jesus setting off on His journey. He has already been baptized in the Jordan, and now He is ready to start His mission. He is gradually moving along a road mapped out by His Father which will lead to the Holy City, Jerusalem. During His journey, He stops along the way, meeting people, talking to them. He pays special attention to those who are sick, crippled, blind, even those suffering from leprosy, healing them and giving them hope. He teaches us in a loving way that we need to repent and change things in our lives. He is proclaiming the Kingdom of God. He is giving us everything we need for our journey.
Jesus tells us we must keep our eyes focused intently on the beautiful city of Jerusalem. It was promised that in this city Christ would fulfill His covenant – the purpose of His coming among us. Through His death and Resurrection, we would be freed of our sins, and He would go before us to prepare a place for us. When He is ready He will come back again and take us to Himself, so that where He is, we also may be. It is no surprise then, at the end of our earthly journey when our bodies are brought to the church for the last time, the words of the Final Commendation in the funeral Mass resound: “Set them free in the new and eternal Jerusalem.”
Jesus has given us a road map for our journey, and He is our personal Guide. He exhorts us, “Do not let your hearts be troubled. I have gone before you. I went before you in the Jordan. I will go before you again.” He explains, “I am the Way and the Truth and the Life. No one comes to the Father, except through Me.”
We have contemplated what to pack for our journey. Have we forgotten anything? On our life journey with Christ, let us pack our bags with faith, hope and trust in God; then there is no need to fear. We have everything we need.Father Storey
A Trilogy of Healing and Hope
February 28, 2021
The Liturgy of the Word in our Sunday celebration of the Mass presents a trilogy: three readings closely related, each revealing a different facet of a story. Today’s readings for the Second Sunday in Lent give us an exquisite view of healing and hope as they focus on the ultimate sacrifice.
In the first reading from Genesis, Abraham is told by God to make an extreme sacrifice – that of Abraham’s only son whom he dearly loved. Abraham does not hesitate. He takes Isaac to the designated place on a high hill, and erects an altar upon which to carry out God’s will. Abraham’s raised hand, clutching the knife, is stopped only by the mandate delivered by God, “Do not do the least thing to him.” Abraham then sacrificed the ram he saw caught in a nearby bush. Abraham’s trepidation had to be replaced with great hope as he obeyed God’s command.
In the Gospel, six days after explaining to His apostles that He had to go to Jerusalem to suffer, die and then be raised up, Jesus led Peter, James and John up on a high mountain where He was transfigured before them. Jesus’ garments became dazzling white. Elijah and Moses appeared in conversation with Him. The apostles were terrified. God made sure there was no doubt Who this was. Just as we heard at the baptism of Jesus in the Jordan, a voice came from a cloud, “This is my beloved Son. Listen to Him.” Immense healing of their fears as well as hope had to have overcome the three apostles who witnesses this transfiguration.
The transfiguration was a visualization of the meaning of the Paschal Mystery – Christ’s work of redemption accomplished principally by His Passion, death, Resurrection, and glorious Ascension. The Liturgy of the Mass urges us to embrace a constant meditation and reflection on the Paschal Mystery because it is the fulfillment of Christ’s coming into our world.
In the second reading, St. Paul assures us of God’s complete and total commitment to us. God’s sacrifice of His own Son for our salvation is proof of His love and fidelity. “God ... did not spare His own Son, but handed Him over for us all.” (Romans 8). Can there be any greater display of healing and hope than this ultimate sacrifice!
How should we respond? In total healing and hope! The first time each of us experiences the Paschal Mystery is at our Baptism. We are a people who have been washed clean with the water of Baptism into the death of Christ, and we have been raised with Him to the newness of life. Baptism is a onetime experience, but this initial sacrament leads us to the Eucharistic celebration of the Paschal Mystery. When bread dies to become the Body of Christ, and when wine perishes to become the Blood of Christ, that is the Paschal Mystery.
Our sharing in the Paschal Mystery is our physical death, which brings us to enjoy the fruit of the Resurrection, sharing everlasting life with our Savior Jesus Christ. Each time we celebrate Mass together we are called to enter into the Paschal Mystery, to imitate Christ fully for Christ came to “first suffer and so come to the glory of the Resurrection.” Truly we are part of the ultimate sacrifice. We cherish our participation in this reenactment of healing and hope.Father Storey
YOU’LL NEVER WALK ALONE
February 21, 2021
On this First Sunday of Lent, we contemplate our dual themes of healing and hope. With the COVID-19 pandemic and now the mutations that are bombarding our nation, we observe an enormous need for physical healing. In parallel with that, we rejoice in hope in the increase in availability of existing vaccines and the introduction of new vaccines. With so much focus on the pandemic and other forms of the virus though, have we lost sight of the need for our spiritual healing and hope?
We know that our spiritual healing must begin with forgiveness, and we are drawn to reflect on that forgiveness. We know that we should seek forgiveness through the Sacrament of Penance/Reconciliation, but for way too many of us, we just do not. We create our own roadblocks; we let our pride get in the way.
There are three ways to seek/receive forgiveness. The first two come to mind immediately: ask God to forgive us, and ask the forgiveness of others. The third might not be quite so obvious – we must be willing to forgive ourselves. Sometimes seeking forgiveness can be very difficult, but we must remember we are not alone. We must set aside our pride, and place our trust in God. Therein lies our hope.
Today’s Gospel (Mark 1:12-15) relates how the Spirit led Jesus into the desert to be tempted by the devil. Jesus withstood three different temptations by the devil, and then angels of God came and ministered to Him. Jesus was not alone.
As we navigate the path of our personal Lenten journey into the desert, we can find ourselves fearful and anxious. One might ask, “How am I going to handle all these obstacles?” It’s OK to have fears, struggles and anxiety. Just remember you don’t have to face them alone. Recall the song of Rogers and Hammerstein featured in the musical “Carousel.”When you walk through a storm
Hold your head up high
And don’t be afraid of the dark
At the end of the storm is a golden sky…
Ask the Blessed Trinity: Father, Son and Holy Spirit, to accompany you and guide you on this journey.
Walk on through the wind,
Walk on through the rain
Though your dreams be tossed and blown
Let Them lift your burdens and ease your anxiety and fears:
Walk on, walk on with hope in your heart
And you’ll never walk alone.
Yes, place your trust in God and you will never walk alone.Father Storey
Capital “H”
February 14, 2021
Grammatically speaking, our current pre-Lent and Lenten theme, “Healing and Hope,” is incorrectly capitalized; but effectively, as illustrated in our Gospel today, the Sixth Sunday in Ordinary Time, the last Sunday before Ash Wednesday, it should be all caps: HEALING AND HOPE. Mark 1:40-45 shows a loving and merciful Jesus bestowing healing and hope on a leper who initiated a conversation with Him in a town in Galilee.
The disease of leprosy has pretty much been eradicated from contemporary society, but in Jesus’ day it was the most dreaded of all illnesses. It gravely disfigured its victims, forced them to live in the desert apart from family and friends, and rendered them unfit for public worship.
When the leper approached Jesus to seek a cure, he really was out of line. He had no business leaving his place of exile to go where people gathered. He was an ostracized degenerate. Rather than asking for help from Jesus, he should have been crying out, “Unclean, unclean,” the mandated words of warning, so that no one would come near him.
The episode in today’s Gospel is altogether amazing. Jesus not only welcomed the man, He actually reached out and touched him. He was not repulsed by this poor disfigured person. According to the book of Leviticus, the law prescribed for the priests of the tribe of Levi, anyone who touched a leper was rendered unclean. This meant that he or she also was unfit for public worship. However, Jesus invoked an authority higher than that of the Levitical law. Jesus came to perfect the law, and by His actions He showed that charity is that perfection.
After Jesus cured the leper, He told the man to show himself to the priest of the temple so that the priest could declare him cleaned of his leprosy and admit him once again to public worship.
Jesus wanted to change the attitude towards lepers. He wants to change our attitude also, toward the outcasts of our society. We need to accept this challenge from Jesus, not regarding lepers whom we never see, but regarding those people who are held in contempt by our contemporaries.
It is rare to see a case of leprosy today, but rampant among us are the festering lesions of hatred, self-righteousness, and the rejection of fellow human beings. These modern day diseases are just as contagious and insidious as leprosy; they also require a cure.
Conscientious people must have no part of a spirit which is so foreign to that of Jesus Christ. Rather they must invoke the spirit of charity, exemplified by Christ Himself.
Emulating the leper in today’s Gospel, we might consider capitalizing our traits of Humility and Faith, and go to our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, pleading: “If you wish, you can make me clean.”Father Storey
Walking the Walk
February 7, 2021
No doubt you have heard the saying that one must “walk the walk” not just “talk the talk.” St. Francis of Assisi put it this way: “Always preach the Gospel; use words if necessary.” Pope Francis is a living embodiment of this principle as well. His actions speak volumes, and his words underline what he has shown us by example.
Today’s Gospel ( Mark 1:29-39) is a perfect illustration of Jesus Christ doing this – walking the walk. Mark begins his Gospel with a strong emphasis on Christ’s deeds rather than words in Galilee. Mark’s enumeration of the activities that day in Capernaum gives us a powerful insight into what Christ’s ministry was all about – love and serving others. We see a multi-faceted focus on Christ’s loving healing of Peter’s mother-in-law and the hope He gave her, followed by many more healings and exorcisms in the evening. Jesus prayed early the next morning, and when His disciples found Him, He told them He must leave Capernaum to preach in other villages. Here Christ is not just talking; He is doing. He is showing us how to love by serving others in multiple ways. Jesus explained His mission was to preach and to teach many, not just a few.
What can we do to follow the Lord’s loving example of service, healing, hope, prayer, teaching, spreading the good news? One way is to participate in the Archbishop’s Call to Share; here we have multiple opportunities to walk in the footsteps of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, to serve the poor, the vulnerable, the marginalized. Call to Share provides funds to nearly 50 different ministries and programs. It serves 181,000 Catholics in 107 parishes in 21 counties and 8 Pastoral Regions of the Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas. Call to Share focuses on multiple areas: evangelization, education, outreach, stewardship, and conversion.
This year’s Call to Share theme is a repeat of 2020’s: “First Fruits.” We are urged to give, not from our leftovers, rather from the best of what we have. We are asked to donate generously and freely, giving our best to the Lord, doing our part to promote healing and hope in these exceptionally difficult times.
In these past few weeks of Ordinary Time, we have witnessed Jesus calling His disciples, inviting them to follow Him, ultimately to spread His Good News to all the nations. In Christ’s life here on earth, He led the way by example. Not only did He teach His disciples, He showed them the way by His actions. Now is our turn to walk the walk. We, too, are called by Christ to follow Him, to love and serve others. We should actively participate in these ministries where we can, and support them financially to the extent we are able. We know fully that our acts of sharing with others will be blessed by God as we walk the walk.Father Storey
Healing and Hope
January 31, 2021
As we progress through these Sundays of Ordinary time, we find a common thread carefully woven in the Gospel messages. The very fabric of these readings speaks of healing and hope, curing and cleansing. This theme will lead us into Lent and our preparation to celebrate the great Easter Mystery.
As we look around and within ourselves, we see a great need for healing and hope, beginning with ourselves and expanding to our families, our communities, states, nation, and to the entire world. We are surrounded by tensions, fears, civil unrest, worldwide pandemic, crises on all sides. But along with it all, there is hope. We must keep in mind that it has to begin with ourselves.
Biblical scholars have long been comparing and contrasting the works of the four evangelists. One of the theories that gained acceptance in the early 1900s is called the “messianic secret.” It contends that Mark’s Gospel portrays the disciples and those closest to Jesus as not understanding His true identity as God’s Son. Another characteristic of the theory is that demons are able to see who Jesus is. We observe both of these in today’s Gospel (Mark 1:21-28).
Early in His public ministry, Jesus was delivering a very powerful message in Galilee: “This is the time of fulfillment. The kingdom of God is at hand. Repent and believe in the Gospel.” (Mark 1:15) As He walked along the shore of the Sea of Galilee, Jesus saw two fishermen. It was here that He called the first of His apostles. He recruited Simon, who would later be known as Peter, and his brother Andrew, sons of John, promising that they would become “fishers of men.” Then He invited James and John, sons of Zebedee. They, too, answered His call.
The beginning chapters of Mark’s Gospel tell of Jesus performing many miracles, especially healing and exorcisms. In today’s Gospel, we witness Jesus teaching in the synagogue in an authoritative manner. Suddenly, Jesus is confronted by a man possessed by an unclean spirit. Jesus launches into conversation with the demon, and demands that it leave the man. Much to the surprise of the people gathered there, the demon follows His orders.
Do we sometimes harbor demons? What form or shape do they take? Are we letting our own personal demons (sins and transgressions) keep us from entering into a deep relationship with God? We, too, hear Jesus Christ calling us to follow Him. Are we so consumed by our demons that we fail to answer Him? Jesus asks only that we repent and believe. He gave us the wonderful gift of Reconciliation. Let us put our hope and trust in Him. Let us ask for His forgiveness and healing. Let us forgive one another as He forgives us.
When we start the process of healing and growing in hope, we know it has to start with us. We can look for opportunities to volunteer, give one-on-one assistance to others. Look for an elderly person who would benefit from your giving of yourself. We can make donations to those in need. We can gain hope from events as they unfold around us. Sign up to get the Coronavirus vaccine as it becomes available to your age group and occupation. Never forget the wonderful power of prayer. HEALING AND HOPE BEGINS WITH ME.St. Francis of Assisi put it so beautifully: “Preach the Good News always. Use words if necessary.”
Father Storey
Answering God’s Call
January 24, 2021
In these Sundays of Ordinary Time following the Christmas Season and preceding Lent, we get an introduction to the public life, events, miracles, and teachings of Our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. The number of Sundays varies depending upon the related dates of Ash Wednesday and Easter. The remaining Sundays in Ordinary Time are adjusted following Pentecost and conclude with the last, the 33rd Sunday in Ordinary Time.
Today, the 3rd Sunday in Ordinary Time, we find ourselves less than four weeks away from Ash Wednesday, February 17, the beginning of Lent. We are also nearing 11 months of this COVID-19 pandemic.
We find a common message throughout the readings of these Sundays. We are called not just to hear, but to really listen. In today’s First Reading, Jonah 3:1-5, 10, Jonah answers God’s call to go to Nineveh, a city so large that it would take three days to cross. Jonah proclaims God’s message to repent telling the townsfolks, “Forty days more and Nineveh shall be destroyed.” After a single day of Jonah’s crossing Nineveh, God observed the repentant actions of the people, so He relented in His decision to destroy the city.
How we answer God’s call is important. Last week, we witnessed in 1 Samuel how the Lord called Samuel three times. After the third time, Eli told Samuel to go sleep, and if Samuel was called again, he was to reply, “Speak, Lord, for your servant is LISTENING.” Because Samuel listened to the Lord, the Word of God became effective and bore fruit. Samuel acted on God’s instruction and took on his role as judge and prophet. The message of the Old Testament gives us a glimpse of what is to come in the Gospel. In last week’s Gospel, John the Baptist tells his disciples, “Behold, the Lamb of God,” an identification with many intricate meanings. John’s disciples follow Jesus to learn more about Him, to ask questions, and get to know Jesus. The evangelist John gives us a tutorial in vocabulary that will help in our understanding throughout the Gospels. Rabbi means Teacher; Messiah translates into Christ, and Cephas becomes Peter (rock). You may sense that Jesus seems to enjoy a play on words. In another Gospel segment, we read that Jesus said, “You are Peter, and upon this rock, I will build my church.”
Now in the Gospel for today, the 3rd Sunday of Ordinary Time, we find some more parallels: Jesus is calling His first disciples. As Jesus walks by the Sea of Galilee, He sees Andrew and Simon fishing. Jesus invites them to follow Him, and in another play on words says, “I will make you fishers of men.” They listen and follow Jesus. Soon thereafter, Jesus sees James and his brother John, sons of Zebedee, mending their nets. James and John also respond to Jesus’ call and follow Him.
Like the people in both the Old and the New Testament, we are called to really LISTEN, then RESPOND and ACT. During this coming week, we will probably hear some really disturbing voices. We must listen for the voice of God. Do we listen, really listen? In these times of civil unrest, suffering, and pandemic, are we striving to do God’s will? Do we remember God’s greatest Commandment? Love the Lord, your God, above all things. Love your neighbor as yourself. Put God first in your response, and you cannot go wrong! We don’t want to be listening to the wrong voices. Find God; pray to Him. Heed His call.
May our response always be, “HERE I AM, LORD; I COME TO DO YOUR WILL.”
Father Storey
Hear, Listen, Respond, Act!
January 17, 2021
Lord, open my heart, my ears and my mind to hear your call.
Then, let me respond and act according to your will.
Today’s readings, for the Second Sunday in Ordinary Time, are about listening to the Lord and heeding His call. In Old Testament times, most of the calling of prophets seemed to invoke a great drama, except for Samuel. For example in Genesis 12, we see a 75 year old Abraham leaving his homeland, Harran, with his elderly wife and all his valued possessions in response to God’s promise to make of him a great nation. In Exodus 3, we learn that the voice of God came from a burning bush, calling Moses to liberate the Israelites from their slavery in Egypt. The Old Testament seems to suggest that God chose people who were hesitant to follow His command; but not Samuel.
Samuel was born to Hannah long after her normal childbearing years had ended, and he was placed in the care of the temple priests where he spent much time watching over the Ark of the Covenant. The young Samuel was eager to please, and when he heard his name called in the middle of the night, he raced to the high priest Eli saying, “Here I am, you called me.” Eli denied having called Samuel and told him to return to sleep. A second time an identical sequence of events occurred. The third time Samuel went to Eli, Eli realized who was the source of the voice and instructed Eli, if it happened again, to respond, “Speak Lord, for your servant is listening.” Eli’s enlightening response allows us to realize that something very important is about to happen to Samuel.
The next time that God called out to Samuel, the eager youth enthusiastically responded, “Speak, Lord, for your servant is listening.” Samuel discerned God’s call to him and became a selfless prophet who truly listened to the voice of God, and “the Lord was with him, not permitting any word of his to be without effect.”
Similar to what Eli did in Reading I, John does in the Gospel. He exclaimed to his followers as he watched Jesus walk by, “Behold, the Lamb of God.” When Jesus asked John’s disciples what they were looking for, they responded “Rabbi” or teacher. In response to their inquiry as to where He was staying, Jesus’ answer was very simple and straight forward, “Come, and you will see.” We contemplate about the depth of meaning of the word “see.” Jesus, the Teacher, is educating His new companions through first-hand observation. Jesus offered His soon to be disciples the opportunity to hear – to really listen. Then they were able to discern and respond; finally to act. After staying the night with Christ, Andrew left to find his brother Simon and bring him back to Jesus. Andrew excitedly told Simon, “We have found the Messiah.” Jesus welcomed Simon to His then small group and gave him a new name.
What are we to do in these unprecedented times of pandemic illness, political turmoil and unrest? We must hear, but even more so, we must listen to the right voices. Let us heed God’s call. Let us open our hearts, our ears and our minds to listen carefully to discern what He is saying. May our response always be “Here I am Lord; I come to do your will.”Father Storey
A Promise Renewed
January 10, 2021
“Thus says the Lord: All you who are thirsty, come to the water! Come to me heedfully; listen, that you may have life.” I will renew with you the everlasting covenant. These words are from Isaiah 55:1-11, one of two selections approved for use as Reading I in the Liturgy for today’s feast of the Baptism of the Lord. Come to the water! What a beautiful invitation we receive from Christ Himself; this time at His baptism by John in the Jordan. Water: that which cleanses us; that which sustains life.
In last week’s Pastor’s Notes, we explained that Christmas actually begins a fourfold manifestation of Jesus Christ with the announcement to the shepherds of the birth of the Infant Jesus. This is followed by the Epiphany celebrating the revelation of the Infant to the Wise Men and symbolically to the world.
Today’s feast of the Baptism of Jesus is the third of those four manifestations. All four of the Evangelists have a slightly different version of the Baptism of Jesus. The versions from Matthew, Mark and Luke are used in Liturgical Year Cycles A, B and C respectively. In years, when Christmas falls on a Sunday, we do not have a Sunday celebrating the feast, but we do have John’s account of the Baptism of the Lord as the Gospel for the Second Sunday in Ordinary Time.
As you know, Christ is the fulfillment of Isaiah’s prophesy found in today’s first reading. In these extremely difficult times that we are experiencing during this worldwide pandemic, we can take a measure of hope and reassurance from the renewed promise of God.
We find John’s narrative in 1:29-34: John the Baptist, when he sees Jesus walking toward him, announces, “Behold, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world... I did not know him, but the reason why I came baptizing with water was that he might be made known to Israel.” John tells us that Jesus will give us the saving waters: “On whomever you see the Spirit come down and remain, he is the one who will baptize with the Holy Spirit.”
Mark, in the Gospel used in today’s Liturgy, tells us, “After Jesus was baptized, he came up from the water and behold, the heavens were opened for him, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and coming upon him. And a voice came from the heavens, saying, ‘This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased’” (Matt. 3:16-17). We Christians find our Savior by entering the water of Baptism. Christ calls us to the water. He goes into the water before us to lead us, to guide us, to reveal the image of God His Father.
Today He is still with us. We continue our journey through Him. Christ leads us to the water; He renews us. We must remain focused on Christ and we will be rewarded.
All you who are thirsty, come to the water!... I will renew with you the everlasting covenant.Father Storey
Follow the Spirit
January 3, 2021
In the great Solemnity of Christmas and the ensuing Christmas Season, we hear the good news that God is truly here among us. Through the Person of His beloved Son, He comes close to us. He has become part of our human family and entered the world which He entrusts to humanity. We celebrate in thanksgiving the God Who created us, Who loves us, the God Who is wanting to show His face. He reveals to us that He is truly the Messiah, the one coming to save.
The Evangelist Matthew was writing for a Jewish-Christian audience and weaves their Scriptures, symbols and allusions to their ancestors into his Gospel. He gives their Hebrew texts new meaning, showing fulfillment in unforeseen ways in light of Jesus the Messiah.
We celebrate a fourfold manifestation of Jesus Christ that begins with the announcement to the shepherds of the birth of the Infant Jesus, and continues with the Epiphany wherein God shows Himself to the world through the eyes of the Wise Men. The three Wise Men embarked on a Christian journey, totally on faith – their only guide, a star. They had to have days of doubt, of frustration, sickness. Days of just wanting to turn away from this journey to which they had been called. Especially when the star grew dim and disappeared from their sight. But they persevered, and they were rewarded.
We read in Matthew’s Gospel, “After their audience with the king (Herod) they set out. And behold, the star that they had seen at its rising preceded them, until it came and stopped over the place where the child was. They were overjoyed at seeing the star, and on entering the house they saw the child with Mary his mother” (Matt. 2:9-11). This overwhelming joy which embraced the Wise Men can be ours!
Like the Wise Men we must persevere in our pursuit of God, not become disheartened. The joy of the Gospel will fill the hearts and lives of all who truly encounter Jesus.
The Baptism of the Lord is the third part of the manifestation. In today’s Gospel, God again shows His face to us. Let’s imagine ourselves on the bank of the River Jordan with other followers who had come to John to be baptized. Out of the crowd gathered there, came a Man from Galilee who also sought to be baptized. John protested vigorously that he, John, should not be the one who was baptizing; rather their roles should be reversed. But Jesus prevailed, and John did as Jesus asked. Then it became evident to all around just who the newly baptized Person actually was.
Luke tells us in his Gospel how God made His presence known: “After…Jesus also had been baptized and was praying, heaven was opened and the Holy Spirit descended upon him in bodily form like a dove. And a voice came from heaven, ‘You are my beloved Son; with you I am well pleased’” (Luke 3:21-22). The fourth manifestation takes place at the celebration of the marriage at Cana. Jesus, through His miraculous changing of the water into wine, reveals that He truly is God.
The Spirit of the Lord is here among us guiding us on our journey back to the Father and eternal life. As we seek Him, do we have a plan, a star to follow? Has this worldwide pandemic and the ensuing difficulties caused our guiding star to dim? Have we paused to ask directions? On this beautiful feast day of the Epiphany, let us renew our search. Spirit of the Living God, fall afresh on us!
Father Storey
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