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| From Father's Desk |
Click on the date below to see Fr. Dennis' weekly bulletin article:
December 27, 2009
December 20, 2009
December 13, 2009
December 6, 2009
November 29, 2009
November 22, 2009
November 15, 2009
November 8, 2009
November 1, 2009
October 25, 2009
October 18, 2009
October 11, 2009
October 4, 2009
September 27, 2009
September 20, 2009
September 13, 2009
September 6, 2009
December 27, 2009
Last Call, Folks! Sometimes that means a final drink before the bar closes, sometimes a final curtain call, time to take a last bow, if the show was successful. How badly wed feel if at the end of the show we went out for a curtain call and the only ones applauding were our mom and dad! Sheesh! If everyone in the audience (except Mom and Dad) already put on their coat and left the house, it means that the show was a flop.
Our folks can find something good in almost everything we do. Its what makes them so great. They have this wonderful ability to overlook our faults, or at least to try to do so. Their love for us is so-o-o unconditional that theyll find something to compliment.
If we get into trouble, Mom and Dad will be there to bail us out (literally, sometimes). Theyll forgive almost anything if we just tell them were sorry. Theyll love us even if we do something so dumb that it wins a Nobel Prize! We owe them everything, even our very life. We need to show them more often that we love them, too.
In fact, each of us needs to show each of our family members that we appreciate them. We need to be there for them in their need, to embrace them when they hunger for our affection, and to support and protect them.
My sister probably doesnt recall the event, but I distinctly remember one time in particular that I told a neighborhood kid to back off! Thats my sister and no one touches her! (Except for me, of course. Thats my job!)
But I wonder what I would say if, at the final curtain call, I stood before the Lord and He had to ask me why I didnt love my sister enough to stand up for her, or why I neglected my other brothers and sister, or why I dissed my Mom and Dad, or spoke with such bad language that my grandmother was embarrassed.
My siblings and I were blessed. Our Mom and Dad showed by their love for each other and their love for us what it meant to be family (and what was expected from us). They held us close when we were scared or hurt. They lifted us up when we were sad or down. They encouraged us to choose our vocation in life and to follow our dreams. And they continued to support us in all of our endeavors. What a gift God gave our family.
Well, this is Holy Family Sunday, the last Sunday of the year, the last call for us to reflect on how well we have fared as a family during the preceding calendar year. Lets take this last week and think about it.
What would you say if you had to stand before God tonight? Would there be a full house applauding, including your family members? Or would you hang your head in shame? I pray your family is as blessed as mine. If not, then begin making the necessary changes.
This could be the last call.
Blessings and Peace, Fr. Dennis
December 20, 2009
As we begin this final week of Advent, it is of value for us to pause in the midst of getting ready for the celebration of Christmas Day and ask how we have done so far in preparing for the Lord in our everyday life. Lets ask ourselves the following questions.
As a child, have I been nice to my friends and neighbors? Have I helped out at home? Have I shown respect for my family members? Have I picked up my dirty clothes and helped keep my room clean? Have I done the chores assigned to me without grumbling?
As a student: Have I changed the ways I view my classmates and schoolmates? Have I remembered that they are children of God just as I am? Have I made sure that I do not denigrate them, do not put any of them down and do not pick on those who are not my friends? Have I looked at the talents of all my friends and all those I consider not among my friends? Have I made sure that I did not shun anyone, did not reject anyone?
As an adult, have I, um, , er, well, how do I answer all of the above questions? Yep, the same questions apply to every adult as well as every child and every teenager, even to every Bishop and Priest, Deacon and members of the Religious life.
It all starts at home with the way all family members treat and honor each other: husband and wife, brothers and sisters, parents and children. The lessons of respect, esteem, gentleness, forgiveness, friendship, responsibility, helpfulness, support, justice, mercy and love must be taught in our home. If not, then they will never be learned.
If we do not offer these gifts to each other daily, then the gifts we buy, wrap and put carefully under the tree are meaningless. If we do not practice those acts of love, we cannot possibly offer them to God and so we cannot rightly ask God to offer them to us. We can only pray for forgiveness from God and sincerely make the effort to do better.
But it is not in failing to be perfect that we find ourselves on the path to perdition. It is in failing to work to perfect our imperfections. It is not just by falling into sin that we are in danger of spiritual death. It is in failing to stand up again after we have fallen. It is in failing to substitute good deeds for bad that we find ourselves falling again and again. Abigail Van Buren (Dear Abby) once put it: A Church is a hospital for sinners, not a museum for saints.
Oh my God, I am sorry for my sins with all my heart. In choosing to do wrong and failing to do good, I have sinned against you whom I should love above all things. I firmly intend, with your help, to do penance, to sin no more, and to avoid whatever leads me to sin. Our Savior Jesus Christ suffered and died for us. In his name, my God, have mercy. Amen!
This is a good prayer to say together at the supper table as part of grace before meals. And remember: practice makes perfect, my Brothers and Sisters, practice makes perfect! Practice your Faith and your faith will grow stronger.
Blessings and Peace, Fr. Dennis
December 13, 2009
Have you ever stubbed your toe late at night getting up to go to the bathroom or checking to see if the kids are home from their date?
OUCH! DAGNABIT! Boy that smarts! Ooowee! Those may be the sounds that suddenly rip loose from our lips. (Maybe even: #*&*%*#@#!) On such a memorable occasion we cant help crying out in pain, then grabbing our foot and squeezing with all our might, as if by squeezing the stubbed toe the pain will squirt right out. But doing so somehow helps make it feel better, doesnt it? Sometimes we stub our toes so badly that we actually break it.
After it happens, we grumble and regret that we didnt turn on a light, eh? We know that walking around in the dark doesnt make sense. We can trip even in a familiar room where we think we know where everything is, so it makes even less sense if were walking about or wandering around in the darkness when in unfamiliar territory.
Bad things can happen when we are surrounded by darkness: stubbing toes, falling over footstools or kids toys or a box left on the floor. We might be mugged by a stranger or robbed by a burglar. We need light to dispel the danger of darkness.
We speak of being kept in the dark intellectually when we are lacking important information. The analogy works well because if we dont have knowledge of schedules, events, issues facing us, we can get hurt by that as well. Being kept in the dark can have harmful social, economic or emotional consequences. We prefer to be enlightened.
Maybe this is why the Church chose this time of year to begin the new liturgical year with Advent, the darkest time of the year when days are shorter and nights are longer than at any other time of year. Advent helps remind us that we are in darkness.
From a spiritual viewpoint, mankind had been in the dark since the fall of Adam and Eve. The consequences of Original Sin are such that we were cast out of the Garden of Eden into the darkness. The gift of enlightenment granted to our first parents was lost by their selfish, sinful pride and we were doomed to wander about the earth tripping over the many stumbling blocks in our way.
But our God is a loving God, an awesome God who reigns from heaven above. He sent His only begotten Son to be Light for the world. His Light dispels the darkness and gloom of sin. He lights up our life. He shows us the Way.
The 23rd Psalm tells us:
If I should walk in the valley of darkness, no evil would I fear:
You are there with your crook and your staff; with these you give me comfort.
He will pick us up. He will massage our stubbed toes and heal us. He will dispel the darkness of sin and fill us with the light of His love.
This week, pick up your bible and open to the Prologue of Johns Gospel. Read it slowly, carefully, and with great joy.
Blessings and Peace, Fr. Dennis
December 6, 2009
I thought it would be nice to hear the story that gives St. Nick his continuing presence in our yearly celebrations. In todays world we desperately need heroes to whom we can look for guidance and encouragement. Our saints certainly do that. Perhaps knowing more about St. Nicholas will help us to be more generous. The following comes from www.stnicholascenter.org
The true story of Santa Claus begins with Nicholas, who was born during the third century in the village of Patara. At the time the area was Greek and is now on the southern coast of Turkey. His wealthy parents, who raised him to be a devout Christian, died in an epidemic while Nicholas was still young. Obeying Jesus' words to "sell what you own and give the money to the poor," Nicholas used his inheritance to assist the needy, the sick, and the suffering. He dedicated his life to serving God and was made bishop of Myra while still a young man. Bishop Nicholas became known throughout the land for his generosity to those in need, his love for children, and his concern for sailors and ships.
Under the Roman Emperor Diocletian, who ruthlessly persecuted Christians, Bishop Nicholas suffered for his faith, was exiled and imprisoned. The prisons were so full of bishops, priests, and deacons, there was no room for the real criminalsmurderers, thieves and robbers. After his release, Nicholas attended the Council of Nicaea in AD 325. He died December 6, AD 343 in Myra and was buried in his cathedral church.
Through the centuries many stories and legends have been told of St. Nicholas' life and deeds. One story tells of a poor man with three daughters. In those days a young woman's father had to offer prospective husbands something of valuea dowry. Without a dowry, a woman was unlikely to marry. This poor man's daughters, without dowries, were therefore destined to be sold into slavery. Mysteriously, on three different occasions, a bag of gold appeared in their home-providing the needed dowries. The bags of gold, tossed through an open window, are said to have landed in stockings or shoes left before the fire to dry. This led to the custom of children hanging stockings or putting out shoes, eagerly awaiting gifts from Saint Nicholas. And so St. Nicholas is a gift-giver.
St. Nicholas has continued to be venerated by Catholics and Orthodox and honored by Protestants. By his example of generosity to those in need, especially children, St. Nicholas continues to be a model for the compassionate life.
Widely celebrated in Europe, St. Nicholas' feast day, December 6th, kept alive the stories of his goodness and generosity. In Germany and Poland, boys dressed as bishops begged alms for the poorand sometimes for themselves! In the Netherlands and Belgium, St. Nicholas arrived on a steamship from Spain to ride a white horse on his gift-giving rounds. December 6th is still the main day for gift giving and merrymaking in much of Europe. For example, in the Netherlands St. Nicholas is celebrated on the 5th, the eve of the day, by sharing candies (thrown in the door), chocolate initial letters, small gifts, and riddles. Dutch children leave carrots and hay in their shoes for the saint's horse, hoping St. Nicholas will exchange them for small gifts. Simple gift-giving in early Advent helps preserve a Christmas Day focus on the Christ Child.
So if you hung your stocking out last night and found some goodies in it this morning, thank St. Nicholas for starting this fine tradition of giving and receiving.
P.S. I hope the stocking you hung up was clean and fresh! Ewww!
Blessings and Peace, Fr. Dennis
November 29, 2009
Happy New Year, Everyone! Liturgically speaking, that is. Today marks the beginning of the new Liturgical year. Advent has arrived and the cycle begins again.
The Scripture readings for the Advent season do double-duty. The same Scriptures that advised the folks of the coming of Christ the first time, when He took on human flesh and became one of us in all things but sin, serve also to direct our attention to the coming of the end-times, i.e. the Second Coming of Christ at the Final Judgment.
In addition, there is a call to remember that Christ comes each time we celebrate Eucharist, for when the priest prays the words of consecration, God obeys (as it were) mankind and bread and wine become the Body and Blood of Christ in sacramental form.
I find it interesting that the secular calendar, which begins anew each January, is named after the pagan god Janus, the gatekeeper god who has two faces, one looking backwards and one forward, i.e. one watching the past and one looking to the future.
Our Advent readings do the same for us: they help us in todays Church look to the past to see how Gods promise of a Messiah was anticipated and fulfilled while at the same time pointing forward to the end-time in anticipation of the fulfillment of the promise of the Second Coming and to remind us to be ready, to prepare.
Advent helps us recognize that Gods written Word is universal, has application and meaning for all generations, for all time. It helps us realize that Gods plan of salvation does not begin and end with the Israelites but, as St. Paul so eloquently argued in word and action, is open to all people who seek the Lord and live in His love.
Advent also speaks eloquently to us of the darkness of sin, of the joy and light of Gods grace. Where so often we find sadness and despair, Christs love reminds us that there is reason for joy and hope. Like a friend who walks with us through a tragedy or a family member who buoys us up during difficult times, so too the love of God for us holds our hand and lifts us up during times of doubt and when we are weary.
Observe the cloths draped in our sanctuary these four weeks as they change from darker to lighter colors. Know that just as the darkness of night is dispelled ever so slowly with the drab, cold winter season moving towards the light and warmth of spring, so too as the time of Jesus birth and second coming draw closer, the darkness of sin gives way to the brighter grace-filled days of hope, peace and everlasting joy.
Listen up, everyone! Listen to the call of John the Baptist! He speaks to us today just as strongly as he did to the people in his own day: Prepare ye the way of the Lord!
Get ready now! The Lord is coming! He has already come. He is here. He extends His hand to you. Grasp it and hold it tightly! He has come for you!
Blessings and Peace, Fr. Dennis
November 22, 2009
Before Halloween arrived, commercials began to broadcast that Christmas is coming soon and that we should get out now and start buying, buying, buying. Perhaps the one good thing about this happening so early is that the barrels for receiving non-perishable food items to help feed the hungry were put in place.
We had our usual reverse-collection here at St. Theresa to re-supply the Eagle Community Food Pantry housed in our building. Although Eagle is a small Village in the eyes of many, and the number of hungry are fewer here than in near-by Palmyra and Mukwonago, the need is still great and our pantry supplies were dwindling. Lots of needed supplies were donated by parishioners and for that we are very pleased.
We must not forget, however, that the need continues throughout the year and so should our generosity. Perhaps each week, as we shop for our own family, we can purchase one or two items for the pantry. The demands are greater this year than in recent memory.
Twice a year we have a second collection in the parish to help our St. Vincent de Paul Societys work with the poor in our parish area. The monies collected are used to offset electric bills, food and clothing needs, etc. when our neighbors are in special need. The most recent collection garnered $2,444.00. Thanks for your support.
Perhaps more than ever we ought to re-read The Christmas Carol, or re-watch one of the many movie versions, not for the entertainment value but for the moral ethic which is being proffered for our perusal. If we view it and discuss what action the story is attempting to incite us to engage in, we might include it in our every day living. May we never hear a single Bah! Humbug! or Dont they have workhouses to go to?
As we approach Thanksgiving Day and the feasting on Thursday, lets be especially grateful for what we are about to receive, the nourishing food placed on our tables, the warmth in our homes. Lets think about all we have for which we ought to give thanks.
Lets gather on Thanksgiving morning at 9:00 to offer the Eucharist, giving thanks to God Almighty for the freedoms we enjoy and the many gifts bestowed upon us, to give thanks for our ancestors who came to America, for the founders of our great country whose thoughtful work enacted the Constitution and the Bill of Rights.
Lets thank God for the rights we exercise by virtue of our citizenship and give thanks for all those men and women who fought and are fighting to preserve not only our freedoms in America but also for the freedom for all this worlds citizens. In the words of Tiny Tim: God bless us, every one!
Almighty and ever-loving God, we thank you for your continued blessings on this great land of ours. Protect and guide us from enemies within and enemies without. May the virtues we proclaim always be at the forefront of all we do as politicians and citizens.
Blessings and Peace, Fr. Dennis
November 15, 2009
I was reading a spy novel last week and one of the characters mistranslated an old axiom from his own language into English: Birds of the similar plumage are found together. We all know that in seeking friends we look for commonalities. In this month of the Feast of All Saints, I was reflecting on some of the saints and their known companions.
The first to come to mind, of course, are Mary and Joseph, parents of Jesus, the Son of God! The trials they faced from the very beginning would make any couple want to run and hide. Zachary and Elizabeth (Nov. 5th) is another exemplary couple, what with John the Baptist as their son. I think they run a close second to Mary and Joseph.
Man, O man! Did those four ever have tough tasks ahead of them, eh? But when push came to shove, they hung in there and kept their faith in God and it saw them through to the very end. They helped their spouses to become saints.
The most famous of companion-saints include the Apostles, of which there were two sets of brothers: Peter and Andrew, James and John. This motley crew, to say the least, all influenced and encouraged each other on the path to sanctity.
St. Teresa of Avila (Oct. 15th) is of particular interest to us since she is our parish patroness. She worked for a long time to reform the Carmelite order of Sisters. She was a contemporary of St. John of the Cross (Nov. 24th) and their paths crossed with some frequency. Their lives were inter-twined so much so that they were not just contemporaries but good friends.
Both Sts. Teresa and John of the Cross were mystics of profound spiritual depth and influence in the Church and each other by their lives and writings. Both are honored as Doctors of the Church. St. Peter of Alcantra (Oct.19th), another contemporary, had an influence on their lives as well but is lesser known due to their prestige at the time.
Some other good friend/contemporaries include St. Francis of Assisi (Oct. 4th) and St. Clare; St. Benedict (Mar. 21st) who founded the Benedictine orders, and his twin sister, St. Scholastica (Feb. 10th) who apparently founded a group of Benedictine nuns and was their Abbess. (We learn about St. Scholastica from the writings of St. Gregory.)
Whats the point? Well, if historically so many of our canonized saints influenced each other and their common influence helped bring their contemporaries into the canonized Communion of Saints, shouldnt we look to them for guidance and direction? Shouldnt we ask if our companions are leading us to God? And are we leading them to God?
And if not?
Blessings and Peace, Fr. Dennis
November 8, 2009
U.S. Rep. Patrick Kennedy, the late Ted Kennedys son, recently made news when he raised a spurious complaint that the Catholic Bishops are spreading dissent and discord health care reform. He apparently thinks that the Church has no right to speak up and should just shut up and be quiet. He babbles either out of obvious ignorance of or blatant disregard for basic teachings of the Catholic Faith. Another nominal-Catholic. The acorn doesnt fall far from the tree.
Archbishop Dolan commenting on Kennedys remarks wrote: The Catholic community in the United States hardly needs to be lectured to about just healthcare. Weve been energetically into it for centuries. And we bishops have been advocating for universal healthcare for a long, long time.
All we ask is that it be just that -- universal -- meaning that it includes the helpless baby in the womb, the immigrant, and grandma in a hospice, and that it protects a healthcare providers right to follow his/her own conscience.
This is what the President says he wants; this is what we bishops say we want, he continued.
Bishop Thomas Tobin of Province, Rep. Kennedys bishop, called Kennedy a disappointment to the Catholic Church and criticized his remarks as irresponsible.
The Church not only has a right to speak up against an immoral bill about to be foisted on our nation, it has an obligation to do so. It not only has a right to object to a bill that can dissolve the rights of health care professionals to refuse to perform abortions, it has an obligation to do so.
By virtue of its basic tenets, the Catholic Church has always been and will always be against aborting unborn children, at any stage of development. If these abominations were not being promoted over and over again there would be no need to address them over and over again. But as often as someone promotes evil as a way of life, that often must we contradict the evil with correct teaching and admonition.
If your son takes the family car without permission, dont you say something?
If your daughter goes on a date and comes home drunk, dont you say something?
If a CEO of a corporation runs off with your money, dont you want him arrested?
If someone burgles your house, dont you call the police and have him jailed?
If someone presents immorality to us, shouldnt we also do something?
Why arent we riled up when our government endorses immoral, unethical behavior?
Our Bishops have asked us to request that any universal health care bill include provisions protecting the rights of health care professionals to act in good conscience as well as ensuring that our taxes not be used to pay for abortions. This part of the bill is pretty simple to achieve: include an amendment that so provides.
Why are our representatives so reluctant to do so?
Why wont they present a bill that really cares for all people?
Why wont they propose a bill that cares for people from conception until natural death?
THAT would be universal health care!
The only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is for good men to do nothing.
Blessings and Peace, Fr. Dennis
November 1, 2009
The time has come, the Walrus said,
To talk of many things:
Of shoesand shipsand sealing-wax
Of cabbagesand kings
And why the sea is boiling hot
And whether pigs have wings.
(The Walrus and the Carpenter by Lewis Carroll)
These few words in poets rhyme come to my mind today
As I sit down at my P.C. and ponder what to say.
The last two stanzas of that poem are something we should read
There is a dreadful message there that we should surely heed.
We clean the oil-spill off the ducks and birds and otters, too.,
The task seems insurmountable. We wonder what to do.
Our hearts go out for baby seals. We see them clubbed to death.
Were told that global warming takes the polar bears last breath.
Those skinny cats in T.V. ads we watch with tearful eye,
They pluck upon our heart strings as we each give up a sigh.
The puppy dogs look up at us, they seem so very sad.
If anyone should harm them we will certainly get mad.
Arrest those fiends and lock them up and throw away the key!
Wed like to see them rot in jail and never more be free.
Abusers of our animals and trashers of our earth,
We ought to shun them, everyone, and give them quite wide berth.
Well save the snail and minnow, no matter what the cost
To farmers and to orchards. Just look at what theyve lost.
How strange a world were living in, concerned oer so much stuff.
And when we see our bank accounts we say: Weve got it rough.
Will President and cabinet, the Senate and the House,
Let our unborn children die but never hurt a mouse.
Our unborn kids, aborted now, have nothing left to lose.
A health-care plan for everyone? It must be just a ruse.
Blessings and Peace, Fr. Dennis
October 25, 2009
Gobble-Gobble-Gobble! That sound filled the parish hall last weekend. Noit wasnt the wild birds running through the parish dining area. It was the sound of 1455 diners being consumed by folks that came from all the surrounding counties: Milwaukee, Racine, Waukesha, Walworth and Jefferson.
They consumed 1400 pounds of turkey meat that the kitchen crew cooked, deboned and sliced for serving. Our guests devoured hundreds of pounds of real, mashed potatoes smothered in home-made gravy. Buttered carrots, peeled and sliced came from the kitchen by the bowls-full, and again hundreds of pounds had been prepared.
Homemade cabbage slaw was delivered to the guests along with our famous pickled beets and tart cranberry relish. Fresh dinner rolls and butter were waiting at the tables. Glasses of fresh cold milk, ice water and steaming cups of coffee were offered to slake the diners thirst. As usual, everyone had a choice to make as they entered and passed by the dessert table! And yes! I did get my piece of raspberry pie and it was m-mm-good.
Tables set ahead of time in anticipation of our first guests were continuously cleared and re-set for the next batches of hungry folks. So many parishioners, adults, grade school, high school and college students, kept things moving smoothly. Our wait persons worked so quickly that the chairs often didnt even cool off before the next guest sat down to sup.
Table servers were so diligent that the kitchen crew was on the move constantly, hustling the dirty dishes into the dishwasher and to ready them for the next setting, all the time replenishing the often emptied bowls with more delicious delicacies.
While all this was happening downstairs, the arriving guests wandered the upstairs to peruse gently used books for their reading pleasure and to purchase dinner tickets. They stepped into the Country Store to purchase homemade canned goods and fresh-baked goodies donated by parishioners. I scammed a couple of jars of raspberry jelly for my morning PB&J toast and hot Java.
Folks purchased tickets for prizes from the Blueberry Bush and Cherry Tree. They rambled through the craft room to get Christmas or birthday presents or for their own home decorations. When they stepped into the beverage room to get a soda to drink, they had an opportunity to purchase or order some wonderful items from the Pampered Chef. I purchased some items for our family Christmas present swap!
God bless every one who prepared for and worked the dinner and upper rooms or who cleaned up afterwards. Your gifts of time and talent showed everyone who attended once again the wonderful camaraderie and fellowship that makes St. Theresa Parish who we are. I am proud of all of you and I thank you all for your loving help. You are the hand and feet St. Theresa speaks of in her prayer. You are the ones doing Gods work. Thanks again and again.
Blessings and Peace, Fr. Dennis
October 18, 2009
Some 40+ years ago, back when I was a student in the Seminary, we had a professor of church history who was affectionately known as Doc Johnson. Peter Leo Johnson was born in 1888, ordained in 1912, entered the Army Chaplaincy in 1918 and spent a year in France during World War I. He retired from the Wisconsin National Guard and Army Reserve in 1949 with the rank of Lieutenant Colonel.
Msgr. Johnson taught church history at St. Francis Seminary from 1920 until his retirement in the 1960s and was one of our beloved professors. If he picked you to walk with him after the evening meal, it was an honor. The conversation during the stroll was mostly one-sided as Peter Leo pontificated about some historical point or two but it was well worth the brief yet brisk circuit about the seminary grounds. Well over six feet tall in his youth, he was a bit bowed over by the time I sat in his class yet he still stood tall in our eyes.
He would inevitably interrupt whoever was giving the history report in class, tossing out some bit of humor or random historical comment, like the time he reported how lucky he and his men were to dine on the carcass of a dead horse during a bitter cold winter in order not to starve. Then he would chuckle and let you decide the application of his words to your own life.
I remember most vividly, however, the time he interrupted my report with a few words about his own prayer life. He was a priest of over 50 years at the time. Well, bo-o-oys! he commented, his voice crackling under the weight of years, Ah-h-h-h-hI almost made it through the whole Our Father last night without a single distraction. But then I didnt. Ah-h-h-hcontinue, Dennis.
That was it. There was no connection to the lesson of the day or my presentation. It was just one of those bits of wisdom, a gem from his own experience, a pearl of great price that I would gradually come to understand and appreciate as I struggled with my own prayer and the multitude of distractions that seem to pry their way into my prayer life.
Wow! In my youthful days it never entered my mind that I could be distracted during Mass when I am celebrant. How irritating it is! Yet it happens often. So what do I do when it occurs? I struggle to get back on-line, as it were, and I get a bit upset with myself. I ask God to redirect my thoughts. And I keep praying that Ill do better next time.
Oh, and by the way, last night I almost made it through the whole Our Father without a single distraction. But then I didnt.
Blessings and Peace, Fr. Dennis
October 11, 2009
There is an old axiom about a frog in hot water. If you drop a frog into a pot of water and begin heating it up, the frog will remain swimming in the pot as the water gets hot enough to cook the frog. But drop a frog into very hot water and it will try to jump out!
That makes sense to me. In the morning I turn on the shower and test the temperature of the water. If it feels comfortable, I step in and once Im used to it, I ramp up the temperature. If I tried to step into the shower at the hotter temperature, Id hop back out faster than you can say Jack Robinson! But once I am used to it
This principle holds true in other aspects of life. If we begin driving at a low speed, gradually increasing speed to 80 or 90 mph, we feel comfortable at the higher speed and when we slow down to 35 mph it seems like were standing still. Again, we dont usually start out abusing hard drugs. We begin with less harmful drugs and then after we get used to them, we graduate to more dangerous drugs in order to achieve the same high.
We seldom start out committing serious (mortal) sin, the kind that isolates us completely from the Grace of God. We first get comfortable with less serious (venial) sins and then having become used to them (addicted?), we might be tempted to try a sin that is more appealing, more dangerous, some sin that, like a vampire, sucks the spiritual life-blood (Gods Grace) out of us. Its more difficult to turn back, once we are used to it.
If we become comfortable with little white lies, were soon telling those big fat black lies! It all sort of creeps up on us little by little, inch by inch, step by step, and then POW we stop dead in our tracks and realize that we stepped wa-a-a-ay over the line. Now how do we get back? Its that slippery slope that everyone speaks about to us.
But lest we become disheartened, remember we can reverse sinfulness. We can reverse the downward spiral to sin. We can recover. We can receive a spiritual blood transfusion. But this one doesnt come from the Red Cross. It comes from a wooden cross, the Cross on which has hung our Salvation: the Cross of Jesus Christ!
Just as the journey into the pitch darkness of sin doesnt happen overnight, so, too, the journey into the Light doesnt happen overnight. The struggle may seem difficult at first, but it begins with that first step upward and forward. The gradual march back into Grace takes the determination of the Little Engine that could: I think I can. I think I can. I think I can. I know I can. I know I can!
Jesus said: Come to me, all you who labor and are burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart; and you will find rest for yourselves. For my yoke is easy and my burden light. Mt. 11:28-30
We respond: Jesus, meek and humble of heart, make our hearts like unto thine!
Blessings and Peace, Fr. Dennis
October 4, 2009
Last Sunday in the Gospel, we heard Jesus refer to the evil of sin, especially of the sin of scandal. He warned us against leading others away from God, causing them to lose their faith, especially the young members of our community. The discussion is quite graphic.
Jesus tells us that it would be better to be tossed into the sea with a millstone tied round our neck than to scandalize children. He goes so far as to tell us that if a part of our body causes us to sin and fall from Gods grace, it would be better to cut off or pluck out the offending part. Whoa Nellie! With the language that spews forth from some folks, it would mean theyd have to cut out their tongue!
The practical application is to the Body of Christ, the Church. St Paul tells us that you and I are parts of the Body with Christ as the Head. We can read this in Romans (ch.12), I Corinthians (ch.12) and Ephesians (ch.4). The New Testament makes these references to remind us how we must be one in the Spirit, one in the Lord.
Because we are all parts of the one body, like a cancer that spreads and infects the whole body the sinner can cause others to become sick as well. This being so, Jesus tells us to cut that person off from the body, to distance ourselves from that sinful part/person.
He tells us that if a sinner is infecting the body, causing spiritual harm to others, we must cut the offender off from the community. That could mean a formal excommunication whereby the offender is excised from, kicked out of the community. We do this in regular society often enough. We incarcerate certain types of criminals, the bigger the crime the longer the sentence.
Do you remember your parents telling you not to associate with someone who was a bad influence? They knew, in spite of your youthful protests, that that person might lead you astray, to actions harmful to you. Your parents saw the harm if you continued hanging around with bad apples and so they prohibited you from being friends with certain kids. Wow! They were actually doing what Jesus tells us we should do!
There is a stricter type of excommunication that involves not even speaking to the person, avoiding them at all costs, ostracizing them completely. Thats like solitary confinement. Some, e.g. murderers, are given life without parole. In the past weve even put some to death! (Shudder to think.) Now thats strict! Is there a less harsh response we can get?
Yes! Jesus warns us of the dire consequences of sin, but he also gives us a chance to change things with less drastic action. He told the woman caught in adultery: Has no one condemned you? Then neither do I. Go and sin no more! And again He says: I do not want the death of the sinner, but that he be converted and saved. He will commute the sentence if we no longer commit the sin.
Jesus, Savior, Son of God, have mercy on us.
Blessings and Peace, Fr. Dennis
September 27, 2009
If I gave you $168 and then asked you to give me $2 back so I could go buy myself supper, would you do so? I think you would, dont you?
If I promised to give you $168 every week for as long as you live, if you just gave me $2 back for my supper, would you do so? I really think you would.
Do you think the majority of people would be willing to make such a deal with me? Thats a good deal! I know Id jump at it.
I think most of folks would keep the promise to give me $2, but then some would forget their promise after a while, after it became a regular routine.
I think a whole bunch of them would begin to take the $168 for granted, as if they deserved it from me, as if they had a right to it, and then they would become selfish and not want to give me the $2.
I think theyd say, Look, if you can afford to give me $168 each week, then you certainly dont need $2 back from me. I dont understand why I should need to give you $2 back.
I think pretty soon many of the folks would take the $168 for granted and ignore my request for a measly $2. Thats one reason I wont give you $168 weekly. Wellactually its because I dont have it to give. Sorry.
On the other hand, God gives us each 168 hours of life every week of our lives and asks us to give back just one hour each week, on Sunday, give or take 10 minutes if there is a baptism.
The Lord Jesus doesnt want to eat Supper alone. He wants you to join Him. He has personally invited you to the Lords Table. Can you make it for dinner once a week for an hour or a little bit more? Were having Lamb.
Blessings and Peace, Fr. Dennis
September 20, 2009
In 1862 during the Civil War, Union Army Capt. Robert Ellicombe was with his men near Harrison's Landing in Virginia. The Confederate Army was on the other side of the narrow strip of land. During the night, Capt. Ellicombe heard the moans of a soldier who lay severely wounded on the field. Not knowing if it was a Union or Confederate soldier, the Captain decided to risk his life and bring the stricken man back for medical attention.
Crawling on his stomach through the gunfire, the Captain reached the stricken soldier and began pulling him toward his encampment. When the Captain finally reached his own lines, he discovered it was a Confederate soldier, but the soldier was dead. The Captain lit a lantern and suddenly caught his breath and went numb with shock. In the dim light, he saw the face of the soldier. It was his own son. The boy had been studying music in the South when the war broke out and without telling his father, the boy enlisted in the Confederate Army.
The following morning, heartbroken, the father asked permission of his superiors to give his son a full military burial, despite his enemy status. His request was only partially granted. The Captain had asked if he could have a group of Army band members play a funeral dirge for his son at the funeral. The request was turned down since the soldier was a Confederate. But, out of respect for the father, they did give him one musician.
The Captain chose a bugler. He asked the bugler to play a series of musical notes he had found on a piece of paper in the pocket of his dead son's uniform. This wish was granted and the haunting melody we now know as "Taps" was born.
The words put to those notes are:
Day is done, Gone the sun, From the lake. From the hills, From the sky,
All is well, Safely rest, God is nigh.
Fading light, Dims the sight, And a star, Gems the sky, Gleaming bright ,
From afar, Drawing nigh, Falls the night.
Thanks and praise, For our days, Neath the sun, Neath the stars, Neath the sky,
As we go, This we know, God is nigh.
At the end of each day, as you lie down upon your bed and rest your head upon a soft pillow in the comfort of your safe and secure home, remember to pray for our men and women serving in the Armed Forces, whether in war zones or in peace zones, in combat or behind the lines, in a far off country or standing at our borders, whether on land, at sea or in the air. Each of them is willing to put their lives on the line for us. Each is willing to die for us. Many already have.
Eternal Father, watch over our brothers and sisters in arms. Send your peace into our world with greater force than ever and guide leaders of nations to find means of ending conflict. Bring safely home those who have not yet had to make that greatest sacrifice of laying down their life for us.
And for those whom you have already taken home: Eternal rest grant unto them, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine on them. May they rest in Peace!
Blessings and Peace, Fr. Dennis
September 13, 2009
Whenever your children are out of control, remember that Gods omnipotence did not extend to His own children. And the first thing He said was DONT!
Dont what? Adam replied. Dont eat the forbidden fruit. God said.
Forbidden fruit? We have forbidden fruit? Hey Eve, we have forbidden fruit!
No Way! Yes way!
Do NOT eat the fruit! said God.
Why? Because I am your Father and I said so! God replied, wondering why He hadnt stopped creation after making the elephants.
A few minutes later, God saw His children having an apple break and He was ticked. Didnt I tell you not to eat the fruit? God asked. Uh huh, Adam replied. Then why did you? sad the Father. I dont know, said Eve. She started it! Adam said. Did not! Did too! Did not!
Having had it with the two of them, Gods punishment was that Adam and Eve should have children of their own. Thus the pattern was set and it has never changed.
If you have persistently and lovingly tried to give children wisdom and they havent taken it, dont be hard on yourself. If God had trouble raising children, what makes you think it would be a piece of cake for you?
Think about this:
You spend the first two years of their life teaching them to walk and talk. Then you spend the next sixteen telling them to sit down and be quiet.
Grandchildren are Gods reward for not killing your own children.
Children seldom misquote you. In fact, they usually repeat word for word what you shouldnt have said.
The main purpose of holding childrens parties is to remind yourself that there are children more awful than your own.
We childproofed our homes, but they are still getting in.
Some good advice: Be nice to your kids. They will choose your nursing home one day. If you have lots of tension and you get a headache, do what it says on the bottle: Take two aspirin and Keep away from children.
In fact, children are Gods way of telling us that He still believes in redeeming us and that He still knows we are worth it all. His Son did not come in vain or without promise.
These precious gifts from God are again back in school. The youngest may suddenly run out into streets from between cars and the teens are so busy texting that they dont look up, so drive carefully! The only statistics we want to see about them is how well they are doing in school and how well their sports teams are doing.
Good luck, kids. Study hard, play well together, share with and care about each other. Tell your parents that you love them and pray for them daily. Show it by your actions.
Parents, pray for your kids daily, especially as you think of them during the day. Tell them often that you love them and show it by your active concern for them.
As Tiny Tim said at the end of The Christmas Carol: May God bless us everyone.
Blessings and Peace, Fr. Dennis
September 6, 2009
On December 23, 1776, Thomas Paine wrote these famous words, the first sentences of which I remember from my high school days (said days arriving two centuries hence!):
THESE are the times that try men's souls. The summer soldier and the sunshine patriot will, in this crisis, shrink from the service of their country; but he that stands by it now, deserves the love and thanks of man and woman. Tyranny, like hell, is not easily conquered; yet we have this consolation with us, that the harder the conflict, the more glorious the triumph. What we obtain too cheap, we esteem too lightly: it is dearness only that gives every thing its value.
Mr. Paine was writing, of course, at the time of this countrys birth, just months following upon the signing of the Declaration of Independence. Paine had previously published a pamphlet entitled Common Sense in which he called for independence from Englands taxation tyranny. Standing up against unjust taxation on tea and other commodities, the colonists knew that they were entering into what would be a difficult war with the country that then ruled the seas.
I recall Thomas Pains words because we find ourselves in crisis and troubled times again today, experiencing a country-wide, indeed, a world-wide recession. Financial difficulties plague us all, some more so than others. The quote from Paine is appropriate because whenever we experience a crisis, we must struggle through the difficulties and weather the storm, as it were, with the same courage that ran through the veins of Americas founding fathers and mothers.
The first to feel the financial hit has been families, then small businesses and charities, including churches and their charitable works. Yet during the past year our little country parish has continued to see your generosity flourish. Like the pioneer families who founded Eagle and built our church, you have continued to keep St. Theresa Parish financially strong. No summer soldier and sunshine patriots are you and you deserve our thanks!
Along with your generous support, we have relied on a frugal approach to spending. Our trustees, finance committee, and parish council have kept a watchful eye on the gifts entrusted to the parish. The Buildings and Grounds committee practiced prudence by careful selection of projects necessary for the upkeep of our church and parish hall. The Parish Office Staff and Directors of Religious Education and Youth Ministry have been judicious in the use of goods.
We continue to practice good stewardship because we know that the harder the conflict, the more glorious the triumph. What we obtain too cheap, we esteem too lightly: it is dearness only that gives every thing its value.
In todays bulletin you will find an insert that includes the year end fiscal report for St. Theresa Parish along with a letter from Finance Committee Chair, Mary Anderson, and me.
Once again, thanks and blessings to you all for your generous sharing of time, talent and treasure.
Blessings & Peace, Fr. Dennis
P.S. Mr. Paines later thoughts on religion brought him much scorn, as much as the Common Sense and Crisis pamphlets brought him praise. Maybe he went overboard in elevating himself after achieving acclaim for his earlier works that help to spark the Revolution.
136 W. Waukesha Road, Eagle, Wisconsin
Eagle, WI 53119
Parish Office: 262-594-5200
Fax: 262-594-5201
Christian Formation Office: 262-592-3075
School Kitchen Phone: 262-592-3075
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