Tag: Father Mark

Once a third-grade teacher told her class,

Today we will be discovering where objects come from. 

She then held up a piece of paper and asked,

Where does paper come from?

Immediately a girl answered,

Paper comes from fibers that are extracted from a tree and converted to pulp, which is then combined with water, flattened, dried, and cut into sheets.

The teacher said,

Very good!

Next the teacher held up an eraser and asked,

Where does an eraser come from?

A young boy proudly said,

Erasers are made from either natural or synthetic rubber. 

The teacher said,

Wonderful!

Then the teacher held up an apple that a student had given her that day and asked,

Where does an apple come from? 

All of the students yelled out in unison,

From the grocery store!

What a beautiful Gospel from Matthew! We all are aware that as we journey as disciples of Jesus, we will have so many opportunities to have great influence on many people. This can be from our good example or from our sinfulness. What we do with our sinfulness also can have a great influence on others! Strive to plant the seeds of Christ by your daily actions! If you do so, you may never know the goodness you plant, but as Jesus says it will multiply 30, 60, or even 100 times!

I know, it is another short homily!  

Forgive me!

Readings for Sunday, July 12, 2020

Did you notice a word that was in the 1^st reading that was also in the Gospel? The word was Meek. What does ‘Meek’ mean? Meek is from the Greek language Praotes meaning “Not easily provoked.” It is the virtue between the extremes of excessive anger and a complete lack of it; the perfect balance point where the control and direction of one’s temper displays moral character and power. Meekness is not weakness, but power fully controlled. Think about the power of fire — uncontrolled it burns down a house, but a controlled fire properly heats a house.

In the Gospel we hear of the word Yoke. Jesus knowing the trade of carpentry, would have probably measured and fitted many yokes for animals to work together. The yoke is a symbol of discipleship. If we are to be disciples, we have no choice but to be ‘Yoked’ up with Jesus. Remember what he says,

He wants us to give him everything that is weighing us down. He wants to take on what we can’t do ourselves. Why? Because he knows that if we are supposed to take care of our brothers and sisters, then our loads need to be lightened first. This is why both prayer and relationship go hand-in-hand.

A joke, written by Sheldon Levitas: 

Believe it or not, I just received a check from Medicare for all of one cent.  Why, I don’t know, but concerned that some arcane regulation — complete with penalty — would apply for not cashing a government check, I took it to the bank. The teller looked at the amount, checked the endorsement and then asked, “How would you like this, heads or tails?”

Things in our world today really don’t have to make much sense, for them not to be real. Yes, as disciples we are called to be Meek, and we are expected to give over to Jesus, what we simply can’t handle on our own, but most especially we have to be willing to be Yoked up with Jesus, knowing that he will steer us onto a straight path, and also give us the added strength to continue to work in the Kingdom of God!

Readings for Sunday, July 5, 2020

My Father’s Day Joke written by James C. Bush:

When we moved cross country, my wife and I decided to drive both our cars. Nathan, our eight-year old, worriedly asked, “How will we keep from getting separated?” “We’ll drive slow so one car can follow the other,” I reassured him. “Yeah, but what if we get separated?” he persisted. “Then I guess we’ll never see each other again,” I quipped.

“Okay,” he said, “I’m riding with Mom.”

It is really hot in here… and all of you are wearing masks! So, I would simply like to wish all the fathers, living and deceased, a Happy Father’s Day!

I would like to wish our common Father, God our Father a major thank you! And, as an expression of my thanks, I will do everything in my power to sacrifice for you to do what is right and just. Hopefully, my actions will benefit people in the future that I will never even meet, all because you loved me and sacrificed your Son for me.

Thank you for giving me the virtues and the people in my life to live out a vocation of service to you and all of our family.

Happy Father’s Day!

Amen!

Readings for Sunday, June 21, 2020

Solemnity of the Most Holy Body and Blood of Christ

Joke:

Sue passed away, so her husband, Robert, called 911. The operator said that they’d send someone out right away.  The operator asked,

Where do you live?

Robert replied,

At the end of Eucalyptus Drive.

The operator asked,

Can you spell that for me?

There was a long pause……… Finally, Robert said,

How about if I carry her over to Oak Street, and you could pick her up there?

29 years ago, on June 2nd, I celebrated my very first Mass at my home parish of St. Peter in Auburn, NH. It happened to be on the very same feast that we celebrate this weekend, The Most Holy Body and Blood of Jesus. I have had the honor and privilege of celebrating thousands of Masses since then! Over the course of these past 29 years of ministry, there have been times that after some very long days, Mass still needed to be celebrated, say on a Sunday evening, and I really had wished I had two curets that would be there to take my place. We all know those days are long gone! But, once you get to celebrate even the last Mass after that long weekend, you walk away feeling blessed!

During the last 2 months during this pandemic, Mass was not being celebrated with the public in attendance. Of course, I still celebrated the weekday Masses alone, and also the recorded weekend Mass as well. Two weeks ago, everyone was invited to simply come to church on a Sunday morning at 10:30am to receive the Holy Eucharist. The amount of people that showed up was amazing. I expected maybe 30 people, when in reality over 250 people showed up! Many people were moved to tears to simply be able to receive Jesus. How much they missed his presence within the Eucharist, how much they just simply needed him through this most terrible time of our existence.

It was a life changing moment for me, Deacon Steve, and a few other people that were here to help that morning.

Sort of like that joke — Yeah, I wouldn’t be able to spell eucalyptus if my life depended upon it. I had to be brought to a more simpler scenario to just understand.

The concept of the True Presence of Jesus being in the consecrated bread and wine is a real stumbling block for people who don’t believe as we do.  What I like to remind people of is that when we receive Jesus in the Body and Blood of the Eucharist, not only are we sharing in the humanity of Jesus where we are nourished, but most especially, we are sharing in his divinity, along with the Father and the Holy Spirit, in which we are washed clean and purified! What does it mean to share in divinity?

I think about all the people in my life, that have since died, that have had a major impact on me. I think about them being with God each and every time I receive the Body and Blood of Jesus Christ. And this truly brings me comfort, and I hope you feel the very same way.

The Eucharist brings about “Community”, a common unity. Let the gift of the Body and Blood of Jesus make us all aware that we are truly brothers and sisters. That we not only must honor and serve God, but also value and take care of one another! Amen.

Readings for Sunday, June 14, 2020

Let’s NOT try to explain the Mystery of the Trinity! But rather let us remind ourselves of how we know the Father, the Holy Spirit, and the Son.

The Father:

• He has created us as his own, loves us, and we belong to him
• His love is unconditional, unchanging, and absolute
• He loves us not because of who we are, but rather who he is!

The Holy Spirit:

• He can impact our lives in life-changing ways
• He has breathed life into our bones
• He transforms our relationships with others, by love and forgiveness
• He pours love into our hearts
• He transforms fear into freedom, isolation into community, and sends people out with a purpose

The Son:

• Look up, see the cross, see how much he loves us!
• No matter how crazy our lives get, through Jesus, God offers us Love, Forgiveness, Healing, and Salvation
• He invites us to share in his Life and the Truth

Joke written by Phil Proctor:

After applying their lipstick in the school bathroom, a number of girls would press their lips to the mirror, leaving dozens of little lip prints. The principle decided that something had to be done. So, she called all the girls to the bathroom and explained that the lip prints were causing a major problem for the custodian. To demonstrate how difficult it was, she asked the maintenance man to clean one of the mirrors. He took out a long-handled squeegee, dipped it into the toilet, and swabbed the glass. Since then, there have been no lip prints!

I realize that these past few months have been very difficult for so many people. Even now, we find our lives not living in the “normal”!  Even coming to Mass is different.  

Like that terrible joke, sometimes we just need to be shocked by the unexpected to see what is right in front of us. One God, Three Persons, who is willing and wanting to take that journey with us!

Readings for Sunday, June 7, 2020

Joke written by Anita K. Hansen:

Our 14-year-old son brought home an application for a job at a fast-food restaurant. When he asked me to check it over, I saw that where the form said, “In case of an emergency, please call _________________,” he had written: “911.”

The eleven apostles never had to fill out an application for their job of being apostles. They we personally called by Jesus himself!

In our first reading, we are told that the apostles were exactly where Jesus told them to be, in Jerusalem. They found themselves in a room together, along with other disciples and the extended family of Jesus. The doors were not locked, nor did they have any fear. They realized that Jesus had to return to the Father, and yet they knew that the Spirit would eventually be given to them. As any good teacher does, they teach others properly, in order for them to eventually teach even more people. Think about the work and ministry being done in Jesus’ name! The apostles witnessed Jesus in prayer many times prior to the resurrection, so that was the first thing they did together. Prayer united them as one. Once the Spirit is given to them (at Pentecost), this unity becomes even more important. Note the change in Peter, he truly takes charge, and becomes their leader.

In the Gospel, we hear the prayer of Jesus. Jesus is praying for us! By our baptism we belong to God. Because we belong to God, we have the responsibility to continue the work of Jesus. Jesus knows the work will not be easy, for the apostles, and for us. Jesus is actively praying for us even now!  

In our second reading, we hear from Peter, he speaks with authority stating to us that when we work as disciples of Jesus, we will most likely take on some type of hardship, you know, criticism, rejection, etc. Peter encourages the faithful to rejoice in any hardship they must endure for their devotion to the Lord. The apostles assure those who suffer that they are blessed to serve God’s purpose. They give glory to God by their service to the kingdom.

In this time of worry and frustration, I know for a fact, people are praying!  These prayers unite us. I also know for a fact, that a lot of really hard work is being accomplished all in the name of Jesus. Let us be reassured that not only are we praying to Jesus, and praying for each other, but most especially that Jesus is actively praying for us!

Readings for Sunday, May 24, 2020

Joke written by Leslie M. Walker:

I stressed to my Grade XII class the need to present themselves positively in their letters of application for employment. One of my students took my words to heart. Instead of the customary “Yours Truly” or “Sincerely,” he wrote “Eventually Yours.”

You had to think that the eleven apostles, as well as Paul, thought the very same thing.

You have heard the saying “what goes up, must come down!” Well, for us who believe, we celebrate this holy day of the Ascension just in the opposite thought, “what comes down, must go up.”

Newtonian physics teaches us that things really do not go up, but rather they go out. Our holy day is not about vertical propulsion, but rather it is about exaltation.

In the ascension, the crucified and resurrected humanity of Jesus is taken up completely into God’s glory.

Our celebration of the Ascension crowns some of the central paradoxes of our faith — all of which involve the down-then-up dynamic. We reign by serving others, we are made great when we become small, we are exalted when we become humble, we are most free when we are servants to others, we find strength in our weakness, we triumph through defeat, we find life by dying.

Our Baptism brings new birth through water and the Spirit, and our Confirmation promises a new coming of the Spirit that strengthens our faith. We must look around and see this amazing Holy Spirit whom he gives us wisdom, strength, patience, love, counsel, kindness, and knowledge only for the asking.

Did you note in hearing today’s Gospel, that beautiful scene of Jesus proclaiming that he has the power and then commissioning his eleven apostles to go forth, it stated, ‘they saw him approaching’ and yet, they still doubted. We too, who are Baptized and Confirmed, who practice our faith — we too, doubt. We tend to forget about those wonderful gifts of Grace that we receive in our Sacraments, and then we remember how much Jesus has done for us and still remains with us. So, we too, are commissioned and sent, knowing deeply what he wants of us, and so we write the “letter” of our life, and we sign it with the salutation “Eventually Yours!”

Readings for Thursday, May 21, 2020

Joke written by Ben Powell:

One Sunday while serving as a guest minister to a local church, I noticed in the program an order of worship that which I was unfamiliar. Since the service had already begun, I was unable to ask anybody about it. So, when we reached that particular moment, I swallowed my pride and asked from the pulpit,

What do I do now?

Someone in the congregation shouted back,

You say something and we respond.

Embarrassed, I admitted,

For the first time in my life, I’m speechless.

And the congregation responded, 

Thanks be to God!

Have you ever conquered one of your biggest fears? 

For example:

• Picked up a frog or a snake?
• Talked in front of a large crowd?
• Explained why 2 + 2 might equal 5? Never mind! But you know what I mean!

In our first reading from the Acts of the Apostles, we read a continuation from last weekend’s readings. Of how seven Deacons were ordained to serve the community, making sure widows and orphans received treatment for assistance, making sure that whether one was Jewish or Greek, both received equal assistance. In this reading, Deacon Steven had already been martyred by being stoned to death. You would think this would be a deterrent, but just the opposite happened, his death and final actions and words repeated what Jesus himself experienced on the cross, and as a result many more were converting to the Christian faith.  

Do you remember when Jesus and his disciples were traveling through Samaria to get to Jerusalem and they had to had to change directions, seeing that they were not accepted in Samaria? In today’s readings we hear the apostles proclaiming that Jesus died out of love for the Samaritan people as well! And, that many Samaritans were responding to the teachings and healings of the risen Christ through the Apostles. We also hear that Peter and John travel to Samaria to Confirm the newly baptized.  That they too received the Holy Spirit! The fear of the Apostles — gone! The fear and anxiety of the Samaritan people — gone!

The Gospel of John continues with Jesus giving his disciples his final discourse. Again, that means his plan for them is being explained and unfolded. This passage centers in on the early Church receiving the Holy Spirit. An Advocate, the Paraclete! Of course, the first advocate was Jesus himself. If you want to understand this in contemporary terminology you would think of an advocate as a defense attorney, you know, someone on your side who will guide and advise you, but also protect you. This advocate, the Holy Spirit will remain with them forever. The Holy Spirit will teach them and witness to Jesus, the fulness of the truth.

Jesus knew that the apostles were very ordinary men. They promised to never leave his side. We all know the event of the crucifixion, of how all of them abandoned Jesus and hid in fear. And, yet Jesus came to them and relieved them of their fear and shame. He breathed on them, and offered not only forgiveness, but also the grace of conversion, and charged them to go beyond being followers and to be leaders!

In our 2^nd reading from Peter, he encourages all of us to be informed in our faith, so much so that we can patiently explain it to anyone asking about it.  Key is the emphasis that merely knowing the words and teachings of Jesus cannot be enough. People must observe them.

Yes, we are people with fears and anxieties, and we are more aware of this with everything that is going on in our world today. When we know the Truth and allow the Truth to guide us, then the truth (Jesus), shows us the way.

Readings for Sunday, May 17, 2020

Pulpit Announcement:

A week ago, Friday, Governor Chris Sununu extended the State Stay at Home Order. Bishop Peter Libasci has been closely monitoring the data from the United States Center for Disease Control and Prevention as well as the New Hampshire Department of Health and Human Services. Although there are positive signs the Coronavirus, also known as COVID-19, has not spread to the level it could have if the stay-at-home order were not in place, the data shows that significant numbers of our fellow citizens continue to test positive and die from this virus. Our neighbors in Massachusetts also are experiencing a greater impact as the virus spreads much faster to our south. For these reasons, at this time, Bishop Libasci is keeping in place the decisions already implemented in this Diocese, including the suspension of the public celebration of the Mass. But in the meantime, preparations are actively underway for when we can gather together again, including how to maintain social distancing, how to limit capacity, and the procedures on how to receive Holy Communion. Together, may we look forward not only to the preparations for the gradual re-entry attentive to public health but also to a glorious reunion and re-engagement into the Mystery of Faith.

Fr. Mark’s Announcement:

Over the last week or so, I asked roughly 20 of our parishioners to call about 20 additional parishioners, just to check in and to see how everyone is doing, or whether or not people were able to view the weekend Masses on YouTube, and get the weekly bulletin on the parish website, or to ask if the parish could be of any assistance to them. The response so far has been overwhelmingly positive, not only for those who were called, but also for those making the calls. We have roughly 400 registered families, so everyone was called. One of the biggest concerns that people asked about, was how my parents were doing. Thank you! My parents who live in Auburn, NH are doing fine, and they are staying healthy. My mom who fell and broke her ankle this winter is still recovering at home, however she has made great improvement, and is now walking with either a cane or a walker. They both say to say hi and thank you to all of you! I am doing fine as well, a little bored at times, and sure do miss visiting with people or celebrating the sacraments with everyone. I am still keeping busy with office work, learning new technology, dealing with “Deanery” stuff, and starting to do a lot of graveside services. My diet and exercise routine has turned serious (which I hate), but I am doing good with that as well. Thank you for your continued support and prayers!

Joke: 

A Catholic Priest in civilian clothes waited in line to have his car filled with gas just before a long holiday weekend. He was finally able to pull up to an open pump. A harried man getting gas at the next pump said to the priest, “Wow, it seems, as if everyone waits until the last minute to get ready for a long trip.”  The priest chuckled, “I know what you mean,” he said, “It’s the same in my business.”

Here we are, on Mother’s Day Weekend, sun is out, fresh snow on the ground, just awesome! In thinking about it being Mother’s Day this weekend, I was reflecting on growing up. As most of you know, I am a middle child. (3 Boys), oh yeah… As a middle child, I naturally saw my older brother get so much more freedom than I did, especially seeing that he could always ride in the front seat! As a middle child, I always thought that my younger brother was the favorite, seeing that he was mothered and smothered! Of course, as I grew older, I realized like all of us do, that we are all treated and loved equally. It is only natural that the older brother gets more responsibility with those extra freedoms, and that the younger brother gets a little more favor seeing that he is more dependent than the older two brothers.

In this weekend’s first reading from the Acts of the Apostles, we hear of the twelve, you know the older brothers, well they had to figure out a way to hand on responsibility to others, in order for not only peace to exist, but also for the Church to be able to mature and grow. They had to hand on “power” to the younger sibling (The 1^st Deacons). The Church was quickly growing and therefore it had growing pains. Favoritism was given to widows and orphans that were Jewish, versus equally given to those who were Greek. Note the “Mission” of the Church from its origin, was to serve the less fortunate, and how it was carried out had to be tweaked.

This weekend’s Gospel from John is the first of a few that begins Jesus’ Farewell Discourse. Can you imagine how the Apostles felt? What are we going to do without you Jesus? The Church doesn’t have a chance! Actually, Jesus’s Farewell is a plan to be carried out. It isn’t a good-bye, but rather it is an invitation to know the Father, by believing in the Son, and that the Holy Spirit will always be with them. The first things that Jesus says is “Do not let your hearts be troubled. Have faith, believe in what I have given you, know that I am here with you, always. Do these things and there will be a time when all of us will gather together worshipping the God of Love”. He goes on and states, “I am the Way, the Truth, and the Life”. That the revelation of God comes from the works of Jesus. Whoever believes in Jesus will do the works that he does.

From 1 Peter we read, by being Church, we become the living stones of the foundation, we become the light of Christ that lead the people out of darkness by the light of God. The faithful, becomes a Holy Nation! 

In this time of darkness and uncertainty, may we hold onto the challenge of Jesus’ words to his Apostles, “You have faith in God, have faith in me as well. I will come back again and take you to myself. So that where I am, you also will be. Where I am going, you know the way”.

On this Mother’s Day Weekend, let us end this homily, with a Hail Mary: “Hail Mary, Full of Grace… Amen”.

Readings for Sunday, May 10, 2020

Come Unto Me, is an anonymous story from Brian Cavanaugh T.O.R., it goes like this:

A well-known sculptor had a burning ambition to create the greatest statue of Jesus Christ ever made. He began in his oceanside studio by shaping a clay model of a triumphant, regal figure. The head was thrown back and the arms were upraised in a gesture of great majesty. It was his conception of how Christ would look; strong and dominant.

“This will be my masterpiece,” he said, on the day the clay model was completed.

During the night, however, a heavy fog rolled into the area and sea spray seeped through a partially opened window. The moisture affected the shape of the clay so that when the artist returned to the studio in the morning, he was shocked at what he found.

Droplets of moisture had formed on the model creating an illusion of bleeding. The head had drooped. The facial expression had been transformed from one of severity to one of compassion. And the arms had drooped into a posture of welcome. It had become a wounded Christ-figure.

The artist stared at the figure, agonizing over the time wasted and the need to begin all over again. Then, inspiration came over him to change his mood. He began to see that this image of Christ was, by far, the truer one.  So he carved these words in the base of the newly shaped figure: Come Unto Me.

Our readings this weekend try to teach us that we must try to recognize the presence of Christ in our life. He appears in our life’s journey in our family members, our neighbors, and even the strangers of our daily lives. Not always as the image we think about when close our eyes, or stare at the crucifix. In our first reading from The Acts of the Apostles we hear Peter get up (probably in a high place such a place where everyone could hear and see him), and he proclaims everything that Jesus did, his teaching and good works, while he was alive. Then he challenges the people to recognize that they did not accept him, and in fact assisted in leading Jesus to die. Peter does not do this to place shame or guilt upon them but rather to encourage them to see that this was all a part of God’s plan. He explains to them of how King David wrote in the Psalms that his special descendent would fulfill all the prophecies and even rise from the dead. Peter makes sure that the crowd understands that King David was not writing about himself, but rather about Jesus. The crowd felt relieved and forgiven, but also, they came to understand, make the connections, and as a result BELIEVE.

In the Gospel from Luke we hear the story of Jesus on the Road to Emmaus.  What a powerful story! Note that Luke is saying that it is Easter Morning that this takes place. Two of Jesus’ followers are walking in the opposite direction of Jerusalem, walking away in grief, in sadness, in a great depression, in unbelief. Everything that they gave up to follow Jesus, words that he spoke, miracles that they witnessed, people had hope that things would finally change, and yet their beloved teacher died on a cross only two days prior. Pay careful attention to how Luke offers us this important lesson; Jesus appears to the two men as a complete stranger who has no idea of what things have taken place that has brought these two to simply give up and go home. Jesus’ physical appearance is different. They simply see Jesus as a stranger. Note, he then teaches them along this walk, connecting all the scripture that pertains to Jesus and what has happened.  The normal customary thing to do for someone who teaches another is to invite them to have a meal with them, and Jesus accepts. When bread comes to the table, you know, when you go out to eat, and the waitstaff brings a small loaf of hot bread to your table… (Oh, how I love bread!). All of a sudden Jesus offers a prayer which turns into a blessing (You can see the other two in prayer, then all of a sudden the hearts start to BURN with the awareness that this stranger, is no stranger at all!! IT IS THE LORD!!!!  Once he is recognized by the two, Jesus probably smiles with LOVE beaming out of him, and as Luke says, he vanishes. The two men run back to Jerusalem to let the others know. And the others who have already come to believe, they wonder how Jesus could be in more than one place at the same time. Can you imagine what they were thinking at that point?

So, what have we learned?

• Can we recognize the presence of Christ in our world today?
• Can we refuse Christ when he requests things of us?
• Do we see the presence of Christ in our boss or our employees?
• Do we see the presence of Christ in the babies who might be close to being aborted?
• Do we see the presence of Christ in the refugee or immigrant?
• Do we see the presence of Christ in the person who drives us crazy on the highway?

You see where I am going with this, I can go on and on and on!

Here is another important lesson, the people of Jerusalem and the two men on the road to Emmaus were both willing to have the scriptures explained to them. They needed to understand in order to believe.

Recognizing Christ requires a response!

In this time of uncertainty and anxiety due to the fears of the Coronavirus, of being sheltered at our homes, of not celebrating the normal activities of our yearly routine (graduations, confirmations, funerals, weddings, family gatherings, sporting events, etc.), is it easier or harder for you to recognize the presence of Christ? Harder I would answer. Don’t give up! We will journey together on the Road to Emmaus, we will learn from each other, and we will even share a meal, with the most delicious of breads, we will pray together, and Jesus will bless us, and we’ll respond!

Readings for Sunday, April 26, 2020