Forgiveness Part Two- How Often Must We Forgive?

March 29th was just two weeks ago. I bet many people have already forgotten what they did that day. However, if you are a dedicated fan of the Cleveland Cavaliers, I am almost sure you remember what happened that night.

That was the night that LeBron James and his Miami Heat teammates returned to Cleveland for the second time during the 2010-11 season. LeBron, who grew up in Akron and led the Cavs to much success during his first several seasons in the NBA, left Cleveland in the summer of 2010 and took his talents to South Beach. His first return to Cleveland was back in November and was much more hyped.

It was on national television and the fans of C-town got their chance to vocalize their feelings towards their former hero. To call it a hostile environment back in November would be a huge understatement. But to the chagrin of most everyone in Northeast Ohio (and many people across the country), LeBron and the Heat got the last laugh. The Cavs got down big and folded like a cheap tent.

So as I sat down to eat lunch on the 29th of March I started to think to myself. I wondered if the scene down at Quicken Loans arena would be any different. I wondered if any fans might just go overboard and try something crazy like attacking LeBron or throwing a hot dog at his head. The thought of hateful chants and derogatory signs entered my mind. And I'll admit it, being a Cleveland sports fan, a big part of me wanted it to happen. You see, guys like me who have spent their whole life in this city took his leaving for Miami as personal thing. Nine months after his departure I was still angry about the whole situation and I was sort of hoping those fans down at the Q would let him know about it.

At that very minute (probably because of the Holy Spirit), I felt compelled to do something my spiritual director had encouraged me to do... read the gospel reading for that day. I took out my Blackberry and pulled up the gospel reading from http://www.usccb.org/. Here is what I read:

Peter approached Jesus and asked him,“Lord, if my brother sins against me, how often must I forgive him? As many as seven times?” Jesus answered, “I say to you, not seven times but seventy-seven times. That is why the Kingdom of heaven may be likened to a king who decided to settle accounts with his servants. When he began the accounting, a debtor was brought before him who owed him a huge amount. Since he had no way of paying it back, his master ordered him to be sold, along with his wife, his children, and all his property, in payment of the debt. At that, the servant fell down, did him homage, and said, ‘Be patient with me, and I will pay you back in full.’ Moved with compassion the master of that servant let him go and forgave him the loan. When that servant had left, he found one of his fellow servants who owed him a much smaller amount. He seized him and started to choke him, demanding, ‘Pay back what you owe.’ Falling to his knees, his fellow servant begged him,‘Be patient with me, and I will pay you back.’ But he refused. Instead, he had him put in prison until he paid back the debt. Now when his fellow servants saw what had happened,they were deeply disturbed, and went to their master and reported the whole affair. His master summoned him and said to him, ‘You wicked servant! I forgave you your entire debt because you begged me to. Should you not have had pity on your fellow servant, as I had pity on you?’ Then in anger his master handed him over to the torturers until he should pay back the whole debt. So will my heavenly Father do to you, unless each of you forgives your brother from your heart.” (Matthew 18: 21-35)

All of sudden I had one of those moments. A moment where you want to say, "yeah, but God..." I felt like there should be a loophole. Forgiveness is good and all but we shouldn't have to forgive LeBron! Right?

I reflected on the things I was thinking just a moment earlier and how far off I was from truly living the gospel. I didn't feel too great about myself and I didn't like thinking that I was called to forgive LeBron. The reality is though, that is what Christ called his followers to do.

We all have different "LeBrons" in our lives. Not all of them are over 6' 8" and make millions of dollars each year. They come in the form of family members, friends, neighbors, former boyfriend/girlfriend/spouse, co-workers. Sometimes we are still carrying hurt from a fallout from years ago with a particular person. Sometime we are just mad at a nameless jerk who cut you off on the highway. At the end of the day, it's a pretty similar formula: somebody does or says something that hurts and angers you and the lasting effect is discord.

That discord does not solve anything. Those negative thoughts won't remedy the situation. Jesus knew this and He knew those are things the devil will use to rip marriages, families, friendships, communities, and ultimately God's world apart. Jesus tells us we shouldn't be keeping score. We ought not limit our forgiveness. Christ knew the true way to resolve the brokenness is through forgiveness.

And being the Son of God, Jesus Christ was wise enough to continue to tells us another reason why we need to forgive. In the scripture passage above, Christ basically says the servant should be forgiving since he was forgiven. Therefore, we, as forgiven sinners, must be forgiving. God is not a god of second or third chances... in His mercy He is a God of infinite chances. He is always there with open arms for us to return to Him. His request to us: Pay it forward. We can't forgive God since He is a perfect and loving father. We need to be mindful that despite the countless times we fail Him, He forgives us and we need then show that love and mercy to those who have failed us.

Forgiving isn't easy, but like most things that can be challenging, it is so worth it.

The Cavs won that night. That felt great. So does letting go of grudges and hatred.

Questions for reflection:

1) Do you take God's forgiveness of your own sins for granted or are truly grateful for His mercy?

2) Why might we take Christ's instruction to forgive those who have hurt us and to love our enemies lightly?

3) Who do you need to forgive? Have you asked God to help you forgive that person?

Five Questions with Fr. Joe

Here is the latest from Fr. Joe!

If you have a question about the Catholic faith, Church history, or just want a clarification on Catholic teaching, here is your chance. Even if you just want some advise on a situation that you are dealing with or need some guidance on your personal faith journey, here is an opportunity to do so. Just email your questions to blog.of.daniel@gmail.com or DBender45@yahoo.com

1) The Catholic Church is opposed to contraception because it negates the life giving power that is a major part marital union. Is it morally acceptable for one to use birth control if it is prescribed by a doctor for other medical conditions?

This is a very good question and one that happens with regular occurrence. The Church has always held a strong prohibition about the use of artificial birth control. This was re-affirmed in the 1968 document, Humane Vitae, by Pope Paul VI. Yet, in terms of using birth control for other reasons, within the same document, there is a line that states “on the other hand, the Church does not consider at all illicit the use of those therapeutic means necessary to cure bodily diseases, even if a foreseeable impediment to procreation should result there from—provided such impediment is not directly intended for any motive whatsoever (15) ". Given this provision, it would seem that as long as the rationale for the prescription was indeed for the medical problem, not to regulate birth, one would be allowed to use the medicine.

2) In the last "Five Questions with Fr. Joe," you mentioned the only sin that is unforgivable is a "sin against the Holy Spirit." This response generated some discussion amongst the readers of this blog. What exactly is a sin against the Holy Spirit and why can't it be forgiven? Is this referenced in the Bible?

Even though we commonly say, “sin against the Holy Spirit”, one can find a reference to blaspheming against the Holy Spirit, in the Catechism of the Catholic Church, #1864. Click here for a link to the paragraph. http://www.scborromeo.org/ccc/para/1864.htm. Scripturally, one finds references to this sin in Mark 3:29, Matthew 12:32, and Luke 12:10. In case you’re worried about committing it, I heard it said once that if you’ve worried about it, you’ve never committed it and probably won’t commit it either. It seems quite intentional to commit.

3) Catholics tend light candles in Churches and at other places (shrines, etc.) at the same time when they offer up a prayer to God. Why do we light candles and are there certain occasions when should or should not light a candle?

I’m not too sure where and when the practice of lighting candles began. However, I think it might be related to the idea of our prayers rising like incense before God, as we hear in Psalm 141. Just as incense rise to the heavens, the lights of candles illuminates and signifies our prayers “lit” before God. Sometimes, during Lent, parishes remove candles, but if there are candles out, one shouldn’t feel that they have to light or not them; whether they’re lit or not, God will hear our prayers.

4) Protestants reference certain scriptural passages in making the argument that priest should not be celibate. Furthermore, St. Peter, our first pope, was married and there were periods in the Church's history where priest were married. What is reason behind the vow of celibacy that priest take? Can you explain how this is a "discipline" and not a "dogma"?

While there are passages that suggest priests should not be celibate, there are passages that suggest some are given a grace to be celibate for the sake of the kingdom, see Matthew 19:12. This is one of those cases that both being married and celibate are to be respected as valued ways of living life. I think it’s important for us to see both marriage and celibacy as important ways of living one’s devotion to Christ. It’s not a dogma, but a discipline, because it doesn’t attain the same level of teaching on things such as the Blessed Virgin Mary and the Eucharist. One quick way of distinguishing, most dogmas are contained in the Nicene Creed, which disciplines are not. In terms of rationale behind the mandatory celibacy for priests, there are several reasons – some spiritual and some practical. One of the most practical, at times, when married priests were dying, Church property was being left to families and not the Church. Secondly, being unmarried allows for a great deal of freedom – it’s easier to move one person than an entire family to a new assignment. Now, it terms of spiritual rationale, there is a belief and from my experience, it’s true, that celibacy allows a priest to be focused on the work of the parish without concern of one’s family. I’d certainly welcome an ongoing discussion of this.

5) What is Canon Law and what are the origins for it? To what extent should the laity (non-clergy members of the Church) be concerned with regarding Canon Law?

Canon law is the law of the Church. Like any other institution, the Church needs rules and Canon Low provides that for us. It provides for many aspects of the Church’s internal make up. One of the reasons laity should be aware of it is because it does continue obligations and rights for the Christian faithful, which need to be assured. You can find a link to the entire body of text on the Vatican website, http://www.vatican.va/archive/ENG1104/_INDEX.HTM. You will want to pay special attention to the part on the obligations and rights of all the Christian Faithful, which is Part I of Book II.

Thanks Fr. Joe!!

March Madness- Catholic Style!

We are finally here. The week of the NCAA tournament. Right now, 68 teams have a shot at winning a National Championship but in the end, there will be just one winner. And if you are like a lot of people, you filled out bracket and know exactly who you will be cheering for in the coming weeks. Hopefully you have done your homework and will be successful.

There are several Catholic Universities who have punched their ticket to the big dance. Since we will be hearing a lot about their teams, their players, and their coaches, I thought it would be good to look at the holy Catholic men and women who these schools are named after. I not saying any of them are a lock to get past the first round but maybe this information can help you know more about these people who allowed the light of Christ to shine through them.

Xavier University (Cincinnati, OH)- St. Francis Xavier, born Francisco de Jasso y Azpilicueta (7 April 1506 – 3 December 1552) was a pioneering Catholic missionary born in the Kingdom of Navarre (Spain) and co-founder of the Society of Jesus. He was a student of Saint Ignatius of Loyola and one of the first seven Jesuits who dedicated themselves to the service of God at Montmartre in 1534. He led an extensive mission into Asia, mainly in the Portuguese Empire of the time. He was influential in the spreading and upkeep of Catholicism most notably in India, but also ventured into Japan, Borneo, the Moluccas, and other areas which had thus far not been visited by Christian missionaries. In these areas, being a pioneer and struggling to learn the local languages in the face of opposition, he had less success than he had enjoyed in India.

Gonzaga University (Spokane, Washington)- Saint Aloysius Gonzaga (March 9, 1568 – June 21, 1591) was an Italian Jesuit. (You'll find out that that Jesuit Universities tend to have good basketball teams!) He was born at his family's castle in Castiglione delle Stiviere, between Brescia and Mantova in northern Italy in what was then part of the Papal States. He was a member of the illustrious House of Gonzaga. In November 1585, Aloysius gave up all rights of inheritance when he became a priest and a Jesuit. Purity was his notable virtue; he never looked even upon his mother's face and never looked at his queen so that he could only recognize the queen by her voice. St. Maria Magdalena de Pazzi saw him in a vision in a great glory because he had lived a particularly strong interior life. Pope Benedict XIII declared him to the patron saint of young students in 1729. In 1926, he was named patron of Christian youth by Pope Pius XI. Owing to the manner of his death, he has always been considered a patron saint of plague victims.

Villanova University (Philadelphia, PA). St. Thomas of Villanova (1488 - September 8, 1555), was a preacher, ascetic, writer and Spanish friar of the Order of Saint Augustine. Thomas grew up and was educated in Villanueva de los Infantes, in the province of Ciudad Real, Spain, where his parents owned a prosperous estate; therefore the name Thomas of Villanueva. Part of the original house still stands, with a coat of arms in the corner, beside a family chapel. In spite of his family's wealth, as a young boy he often went about naked because he had given his clothing to the poor. Even though he studied Arts and Theology at the University of Alcalá de Henares and became a professor there, he decided to enter the Augustinian order in Salamanca in 1516, and in 1518 was ordained a priest. He was well known for his great personal austerity (he sold the straw mattress on which he slept in order to give money to the poor) and for his continual and untiring charitable efforts, especially towards orphans, poor women without a dowry, and the sick. He possessed, however, an intelligent notion of charity, so that while he was very charitable, he sought to obtain definitive and structural solutions to the problem of poverty; for example, giving work to the poor, thereby making his charity bear fruit. "Charity is not just giving, rather removing the need of those who receive charity and liberating them from it when possible," he wrote. In 1533, he sent out the first Augustinian friars to arrive in Mexico. He began to experience mystical ecstasies during Mass and when reading the psalms.

University of Notre Dame (South Bend, IN)- Mary, Mother of God. Okay, this is a big one! For the other schools, I'll admit, I used the internet to research some but this one I have a good base of knowledge on. "Notre Dame" is French for "Our Lady." The Virgin Mary was a young girl when the Angel Gabriel was sent from God to Nazareth to tell Mary, "Behold, you will conceive in womb and bear a son, and you shall name him Jesus." (Lk 1:31) I think you know the rest of the story. Often times, Protestants believe that Catholics worship Mary but that is not correct. We venerate her and ask her to intercede on our behalf. We also look to as an example of someone who said yes to God and was faithful enough to allow His will be done with her. Mary has been discussed in a couple of my post already and will be in the future. For more information on Mary, click here.

St. John's University (New York, NY). After extensive research, and even a call to the University's Campus Ministry office, I could not determine which St. John the University was named after (there are many "St. John's" in the Catholic Faith... St. John the Baptist, St. John of the Cross, St. John Neumann, and many more). What I was able to find out is that St. John's University was founded by the Vincentian Fathers. St. Vincent de Paul (1581-1660) was from southern France, Vincent pursued the priesthood as a way to assure a comfortable life. Through a profound conversion experience in his early ministry, Vincent unraveled a central paradox of life: it is in giving that one receives. In a Paris marked by great affluence enjoyed by a few as well as by dire poverty endured by the masses, Vincent discovered that one finds God and oneself in service to others. A man of deep faith, keen intellect, great business acumen and enormous creativity, he was at home in the hovels of the poor and in the palaces of royalty. Respected by the powerful and loved by the poor, Vincent bridged social classes through his works of charity and his advocacy for the disenfranchised. Vincent organized hospitals for the poor; founded asylums for the orphaned; opened workshops for the unemployed; championed literacy for the uneducated; advocated for the incarcerated; established local charities; and reformed the education and formation of the clergy throughout France where his community of priests and brothers undertook the spiritual care of the poor, particularly those in rural areas.

St. Peter's College (Jersey City, NJ)- St. Peter's College is yet another Jesuit institution. While I could not completely confirm, I believe that this school is named for Simon Peter, our first pope. St. Peter was the Apostle who denied Jesus three time times before Christ was crucified. However, God is merciful and still worked though St. Peter (which means 'Rock'). During his public ministry, Christ said, "You are Peter, and on this rock I will build my Church." (Mt 16: 18) Thus the Church of Christ was founded on St. Peter who later went to Rome and was killed for his belief in Jesus Christ. Simon... a simple fisherman would go on to be Saint Peter, our first Pope (a great fisher of men).

There are at least two other Catholic/Jesuit schools in the dance... Georgetown (based in Washington D.C.) and Marquette (Wisc.)

In no way am I claiming that all of those who are associated with these schools and their basketball teams are saintly 24/7 but it is worthwhile to learn about the lives of our Saints. They lived amazing lives and are in heaven now praying for us. You should get to know them!

Let the Madness begin!

Lent: An Opporunity To Fast As Well As To Feast

As we start Lent, it's good for us to think about what can do to make these next 40 days truly transformative. Ask yourself: What can I do to make these next 40 days filled with God and void of the things that take me away from God? And once Easter Sunday comes, we shouldn't revert to our "old ways" but continue to keep striving to keep Christ at the center of our lives.

As we abstain from meat on Fridays and abstain from other things we've decided "to give up", keep in mind what Jesus Christ taught about fasting: "When you fast, do not look gloomy like the hypocrites. They neglect their appearance, so that they may appear to others to be fasting. Amen, I say to you, they have received their reward. But when you fast, anoint your head and wash your face, so that you may not appear to be fasting, except to your Father who is hidden. And your Father who sees what is hidden will repay you." (Matthew 6: 16-18)

In other words, don't do a press release about your fasting. Don't look for sympathy from friends and family because you are giving something up or incorporating something else good into your life (going to daily mass, reading more scripture, participating in charity work, etc.). These things are being done to atone for your sins and to connect your sacrifice to the sacrifice experienced by Christ on the cross.

If you haven't come up with something to do for Lent, whether it be adding something or giving something up; here is a list of things worth trying to both fast from, and feast on:

• Fast from emphasis on differences; feast on the unity of life.

• Fast from apparent darkness; feast on the reality of light.

• Fast from thoughts of illness; feast on the healing power of God.

• Fast from words that pollute; feast on phrases that purify.

• Fast from discontent; feast on gratitude.

• Fast from anger; feast on patience.

• Fast from pessimism; feast on optimism.

• Fast from worry; feast on divine order.

• Fast from complaining; feast on appreciation.

• Fast from negatives; feast on affirmatives.

• Fast from unrelenting pressures; feast on unceasing prayer.

• Fast from hostility; feast on non-resistance.

• Fast from bitterness; feast on forgiveness.

• Fast from self-concern; feast on compassion for others.

• Fast from personal anxiety; feast on eternal truth.

• Fast from discouragements; feast on hope.

• Fast from facts that depress; feast on verities that uplift.

• Fast from lethargy; feast on enthusiasm.

• Fast from thoughts that weaken; feast on promises that inspire.

• Fast from shadows of sorrow; feast on the sunlight of serenity.

• Fast from idle gossip; feast on purposeful silence.

• Fast from anxiety, feast on trusting in God's providence.

May you all fast from those things that distract us from being the people that God has made us to be. May you all feast on the opportunity to grow closer to our Lord!

Forgiveness Part One- Taylor Swift and The Prodigal Son

"A man had two sons, and the younger son said to his father, 'Father, give me the share of your estate that should come to me.' So the father divided the property between them. After a few days, the younger son collected all his belongings and set off to a distant country where he squandered his inheritance on a life of dissipation. When he had freely spent everything, a severe famine struck that country, and he found himself in dire need. So he hired himself out to one of the local citizens who sent him to his farm to tend the swine. And he longed to eat his fill of the pods on which the swine fed, but nobody gave him any. Coming to his senses he thought, 'How many of my father's hired workers have more than enough food to eat, but here am I, dying from hunger. I shall get up and go to my father and I shall say to him, "Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you. I no longer deserve to be called your son; treat me as you would treat one of your hired workers."' So he got up and went back to his father. While he was still a long way off, his father caught sight of him, and was filled with compassion. He ran to his son, embraced him and kissed him. His son said to him, 'Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you; I no longer deserve to be called your son.' But his father ordered his servants, 'Quickly bring the finest robe and put it on him; put a ring on his finger and sandals on his feet. Take the fattened calf and slaughter it. Then let us celebrate with a feast, because this son of mine was dead, and has come to life again; he was lost, and has been found.' Then the celebration began. (Luke 15: 11-24)

You may have heard this passage from scripture before. "The Prodigal Son" is often referenced even in secular circles but I wonder how much time we actually spend reflecting on all that is in this parable. I have actually been thinking a lot about this passage the past few weeks. However, it hasn't been when I've been sitting in the pew at Mass, reading scripture, or even praying. The story of the Prodigal Son keeps coming to mind every time I listen to Taylor Swift's latest album, "Speak Now."

Yes, I'll admit it. In the "thirty and over men's division," I might be the biggest Taylor Swift fan out there. I got my hands on her CD a couple days after Christmas and have been listening to it religiously.

Several songs from "Speak Now" deal with themes consistent in the parable from Luke's gospel. Her hit single "Back to December" discusses a relationship in need of mending and a decision she regrets making. The song "Never Grow Up" echos a longing for yesteryear when things were more pure and simple. As a listener, you can easily relate to this notion that things aren't always what they are cracked up to be and it would be great to return to being a child. And lastly, the song "Innocent" is focused on showing that we do make mistakes but on the bright side, we are not defined by our sins, shortcomings, and bad decisions. However, I do think that people often struggle in realizing this.

The older I get, the more clearly I can see how these elements of regret, shame, remorse, and a desire to return to time prior to treasured relationships going astray play out in the lives of many. The Prodigal Son really represents all of us in our human experience. We frequently become enamored in all of the worldly temptation out there. We turn our backs on the lives we are called to live in pursuit of a bigger house, a faster car, a more attractive mate, or a wilder party. In the end, we look back on the wake of destruction that our pride has caused. If only we could turn back the clock to better time or at least get a "do-over," things would be so much better.

The reality is, there is no magical DeLorean that can take us back in time. Our profound ability to hurt as well as be hurt must be acknowledged and remedied. The antidote for all this mess... forgiveness.

First, we must seek forgiveness from those who we have hurt. Beyond this, we need to seek forgiveness from a loving and merciful God whom we have offended. Secondly, need to grow in mercy so that we can be forgiving as Christ calls us to be. This is really summed up in the Our Father when we pray, "forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us."

Because I think forgiveness is so critical to who we are and the relationships we have, I have decided to dedicate the next few post to this subject. I will try share some things I have learned over the years as well as tell some inspiring stories related to forgiveness. I hope to bring these posts to you in the upcoming weeks.

And back to Taylor really quick. In that song "Back to December," she sings "if the chain is on your door, I understand" in reference to the fact that she understands if her former boyfriend doesn't take her back because she had previously hurt him. When I think of that song I realize that we may have people in our lives who will have chains on their doors and we might just never reconcile those relationships. With God, however, when we humble ourselves like the Prodigal Son, we will be greeted with open arms by our heavenly father. And then, as scripture tells us, the celebration will begin!

I told you I listened to that CD religiously.

St. Stephen's Day

This past Sunday, December 26th, was a big day for me. It was my 30th Birthday. I started the day with going to Mass, then the Browns game, then a little surprise party with friends and family. It truly was a wonderful day and I am thankful for everyone who helped make it so special.

Now that I am 30, I guess Oklahoma State football coach Mike Gundy would say that I am at least three-fourths of a man. If you don't understand what I am talking about here just go to youtube.com and type in "I am forty, I am a man."

As mentioned, I started my day by going to Mass. But instead of going to our normal parish, I attended St. Stephen's Parish on West 54th Street in Cleveland. It is beautiful church, one which I have family ties to. My father's grandparents were parishioners there many decades ago. But the real motivator behind us going to celebrate Mass there was the fact that December 26th is St. Stephen's Day. And since my birthday falls on that feast day, my parents gave the middle name of Stephen to me on that winter day back in 1980. (As a side-note, my older brother Mark's middle name is Steven. By having three older brothers I grew used to "hand-me-downs" but a middle name?? At least my parents gave me the "ph" version... aka "the right way" to spell it.)

St. Stephen was a deacon who is the first recorded martyr (a person who dies for his or her beliefs) of the Church. The story of Stephen is told in chapters six and seven of the Acts of the Apostles. He was stoned to death for professing his belief in Jesus. In Act 7: 59-60 we read, "As they were stoning Stephen, he called out, 'Lord Jesus, receive my spirit.' Then he fell to his knees and cried out in a loud voice, 'Lord, do not hold this sin against them'; and when he said this, he fell asleep."

Jesus taught "Blessed are they who are persecuted for the sake of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are you when they insult you and persecute you and utter every kind of evil against you because of me. Rejoice and be glad for your reward will be great in heaven." (Mathew 5: 10-12) He is telling us that when we live the Christian life and boldly witness to Christ and his Church, we will be rejected by a world that is so often focused on worldly things. In other words, Christ is saying that "following me won't be easy but it will be so worth it!"

St. Stephen and the other martyrs of our Church provide an excellent example of what it means to truly live out the beatitudes that Jesus taught in the 5th chapter Matthew's gospel. And like Jesus himself who forgave those who crucified him, St. Stephen prayed for those who were taking his life. His devotion and willingness to forgive those who were killing him makes me pause and think about what I would do in that position. I pray that I can have the courage and compassion that St. Stephen showed the world.

Questions for reflection:

1) Would you be willing to die for your faith? Why or why not?

2) How do you feel when people discuss faith in social settings?

3) Are you comfortable sharing your faith with others?

4) In what ways have you been persecuted for your beliefs?

5) How do you think you could obtain the courage needed to stand up for your beliefs in difficult situations?

6) Who has hurt you?

7) Have you forgiven them? If not, why not?

Pray: Lord, thank you for the example of St. Stephen. Grant that we always strive to be true disciples of Your Son even though that will require rejection and persecution. Help us to know you are always with us and let us be filled with your Spirit so we can forgive those who have hurt us. St. Stephen, pray for us. Amen.

I'll Be Home For Home For Christmas

So I have sort of been reading this little, blue book. It is titled, "The Little Blue Book: Advent and Christmas Seasons 2010-2011". Creative, huh? This little, blue book was given out to parishioners of my parish at the start of the Advent season (the four weeks leading up to Christmas). It has a reflection for everyday leading up to Christmas as well as the couple weeks that follow December 25th.

The passage from the other day struck a chord with me because of the intent of this blog. As stated above, one of the major goals of this blog is to reach "Christmas and Easter Catholics." So I hope this blog is indeed being read by at least a few "Christmas and Easter Catholics" who might be feeling compelled to grow deeper in their Catholic faith. And if you are one that truly is a Catholic that attends mass on Christmas and Easter, this is the one week that you could say in all honesty that you intend to go to mass. Let me be the first to say, "welcome back!"

The passage in the book from this past Sunday, December 19th, was titled "The House Church." Here is what is said:

On October 4, 1943 in the middle of World War II, Bing Crosby recorded, "I'll Be Home For Christmas," one of his most famous Christmas songs (surpassed only by his "White Christmas" and "Silent Night"). The song became emblematic of the separations caused by the war.

"Wars" in families can cause separations too.

Christmas is six days away. Make plans to to come home to your family, even if it involves some forgiveness.

Come home to your Church, even if that involves some forgiveness- perhaps in both directions.

No home, no Church is perfect. It's simply a place where imperfect people treat each other with a kindness that no one has to earn.

At Christmas time we belong with our family, and with our Church- it's the birthday feast of the Son of God who called everyone his brothers and sisters.

"I'll be home home for Christmas." There's a beautiful ring to those words. May it be our song this Christmas season.