That which is becoming passed by
and a great and strong wind tore the mountains
and broke into pieces the rock
In the face of That which is becoming
But G-D/That which is becoming
was not in the wind;
and after the wind an earthquake;
and after the earthquake, a fire;
But G-D/That which is becoming
was not in the fire
and after the fire a subtle, still voice.
Elijah in the Cave - 1 Kings 19:11-13
Sunday, October 18, 2009
Saturday, October 17, 2009
Twenty-Ninth Sunday of Ordinary Time
October 18, 2009
Power is such a sacred responsibility and few of us really know how to use it well. We expect our political and religious leaders to use the power that we entrust to them with good judgment, and we become angry and disappointed when they let their authority go astray. We intuitively know when someone is exercising their influence well and we give them wide latitude because they have earned our trust, but we instinctively reject another’s lording it over us and forcefully exerting of his or her platform upon us. We hope that we and they will learn that our true leadership and respectful use of authority means that we will sacrifice our goals for the good of those who are entrusted to us.
James and John hear that message from Jesus in Mark’s Gospel where they have a “Come to Jesus” lesson. In their self-confidence they claim that they can receive the cup and accept the same baptism (by blood) that Jesus will undergo – because they realize there is a great reward at the end of their suffering. Suffering without end seems not to have meaning, doesn’t it. They miss the point because it is not about reward. Suffering can instruct us and can make us more attentive to the needs of others. How can we look at another’s suffering and not be moved to compassion? This is where true leadership arises. Authentic leadership peers into the life of a sufferer, which demands a compassionate response.
Isaiah writes, “because of his affliction, he shall see the light in fullness of days.” God does not want the faithful servant, as in Isaiah, to suffer, and while suffering is not necessarily a gift, we may receive many graces through our suffering. When we go to church this week, accept the cup, the blood of Christ, and drink heartily. We drink from the cup of suffering that leads to our salvation. Though we would rather, we cannot avoid or shy away from suffering, but we have to gaze deeply into it – and we will find our Lord who sacrificed his life for us sympathizing with us in our need. This is leadership that we can trust.
Quote for the Week
As the North American Martyrs have such a vivid history in the consciousness of the people of Maine and Canada, I am reminded of the quote from St. Paul when he writes about our powerlessness as the vehicle by which God’s grace and glory is evident.
The Lord said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for power is made perfect in weakness.” I will rather boast most gladly of my weaknesses, in order that the power of Christ may dwell with me. Therefore, I am content with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and constraints for the sake of Christ; for when I am weak, then I am strong.” 2 Corinthians 12:9-10
Themes for this Week’s Masses
We continue to read Romans as Paul lays out his case for inclusion of the Gentiles because of the sweeping salvation that Christ’s death offered us. He urges us to present ourselves to God as people who are raised from death to life. The freedom from sin that we gain through our death to the world allows us to willingly accept a new type of slavery to God – one that is not marked by oppression, but by a liberating love. Christ is with us to aid us to reach this new ascent even though our bodies remain mortal. God’s spirit, the same spirit that raised Christ to new life, dwells within us.
Luke’s words to us remind us to be vigilant as we await the return of the master, and when he returns he will ask for an accounting of our stewardship because much will be asked of the one who already has much. Our vigilance makes us attentive to the cause of Christ. Though he was a peaceful man, his words and actions were designed to have us choose his way, which can cause division among our households and friends. Our vigilance causes us to be perceptive about the signs of the times so we can adjust our ways because if we do not repent from our sinful ways, we will perish. Christ wants us to choose him!
Saints of the Week
On Monday, we remember the North American Martyrs, Isaac Jogues, John de Brebeuf and six Jesuit companions who were killed between 1642 and 1649 as they brought the faith to Huron and Iroquois tribes in the New World. The Cheverus chapel windows are dedicated to these U.S. and Canadian martyrs.
On Tuesday, Paul of the Cross is honored for his priestly work to the poor and the sick. He cared for the sick by founding homes for them while also preaching for the conversion of souls to the faith. He practiced severe penances, which he thought would hasten the perfection of his own soul.
Friday is John of Capistrano’s day, a Franciscan Order of Friars minor, who studied canon law and preached throughout Europe to strengthen Christian life. A mission in California is named after him where on March 23rd, the swallows are said to faithfully return to the church.
Saturday is the memorial of Anthony Mary Claret, a Spaniard who preached in Catalonia before forming a society of missionaries. He became a bishop in Cuba and preached with zeal.
This Week in Jesuit History
• October 18, 1553: A theological course was opened in our college in Lisbon; 400 students were at once enrolled.
• October 19, 1588: At Munster, in Westphalia, the Society opens a college, in spite of an outcry raised locally by some of the Protestants.
• October 20, 1763: In a pastoral letter read in all his churches, the Archbishop of Paris expressed his bitter regret at the suppression of the Society in France. He described it as a veritable calamity for his country.
• October 21, 1568: Fr Robert Parsons was elected Fellow of Balliol College, Oxford. He resigned his Fellowship in 1574.
• October 22, 1870: In France, Garibaldi and his men drove the Jesuits from the Colleges of Dole and Mont Roland.
• October 23, 1767: The Jesuits who had been kept prisoners in their college in Santiago, Chile, for almost two months were led forth to exile. In all 360 Jesuits of the Chile Province were shipped to Europe as exiles.
• October 24, 1759: 133 members of the Society, banished from Portugal and put ashore at Civita Vecchia, were most kindly received by Clement XIII and by the religious communities, especially the Dominicans.
Mass for the North America Martyrs
Cheverus is celebrating the North American Martyrs with a Eucharistic Liturgy on Monday, October 19th at 9:15 a.m. in the Keegan Gymnasium. Very Reverend Myles Sheehan, S.J, the New England Provincial will preside and preach.
Power is such a sacred responsibility and few of us really know how to use it well. We expect our political and religious leaders to use the power that we entrust to them with good judgment, and we become angry and disappointed when they let their authority go astray. We intuitively know when someone is exercising their influence well and we give them wide latitude because they have earned our trust, but we instinctively reject another’s lording it over us and forcefully exerting of his or her platform upon us. We hope that we and they will learn that our true leadership and respectful use of authority means that we will sacrifice our goals for the good of those who are entrusted to us.
James and John hear that message from Jesus in Mark’s Gospel where they have a “Come to Jesus” lesson. In their self-confidence they claim that they can receive the cup and accept the same baptism (by blood) that Jesus will undergo – because they realize there is a great reward at the end of their suffering. Suffering without end seems not to have meaning, doesn’t it. They miss the point because it is not about reward. Suffering can instruct us and can make us more attentive to the needs of others. How can we look at another’s suffering and not be moved to compassion? This is where true leadership arises. Authentic leadership peers into the life of a sufferer, which demands a compassionate response.
Isaiah writes, “because of his affliction, he shall see the light in fullness of days.” God does not want the faithful servant, as in Isaiah, to suffer, and while suffering is not necessarily a gift, we may receive many graces through our suffering. When we go to church this week, accept the cup, the blood of Christ, and drink heartily. We drink from the cup of suffering that leads to our salvation. Though we would rather, we cannot avoid or shy away from suffering, but we have to gaze deeply into it – and we will find our Lord who sacrificed his life for us sympathizing with us in our need. This is leadership that we can trust.
Quote for the Week
As the North American Martyrs have such a vivid history in the consciousness of the people of Maine and Canada, I am reminded of the quote from St. Paul when he writes about our powerlessness as the vehicle by which God’s grace and glory is evident.
The Lord said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for power is made perfect in weakness.” I will rather boast most gladly of my weaknesses, in order that the power of Christ may dwell with me. Therefore, I am content with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and constraints for the sake of Christ; for when I am weak, then I am strong.” 2 Corinthians 12:9-10
Themes for this Week’s Masses
We continue to read Romans as Paul lays out his case for inclusion of the Gentiles because of the sweeping salvation that Christ’s death offered us. He urges us to present ourselves to God as people who are raised from death to life. The freedom from sin that we gain through our death to the world allows us to willingly accept a new type of slavery to God – one that is not marked by oppression, but by a liberating love. Christ is with us to aid us to reach this new ascent even though our bodies remain mortal. God’s spirit, the same spirit that raised Christ to new life, dwells within us.
Luke’s words to us remind us to be vigilant as we await the return of the master, and when he returns he will ask for an accounting of our stewardship because much will be asked of the one who already has much. Our vigilance makes us attentive to the cause of Christ. Though he was a peaceful man, his words and actions were designed to have us choose his way, which can cause division among our households and friends. Our vigilance causes us to be perceptive about the signs of the times so we can adjust our ways because if we do not repent from our sinful ways, we will perish. Christ wants us to choose him!
Saints of the Week
On Monday, we remember the North American Martyrs, Isaac Jogues, John de Brebeuf and six Jesuit companions who were killed between 1642 and 1649 as they brought the faith to Huron and Iroquois tribes in the New World. The Cheverus chapel windows are dedicated to these U.S. and Canadian martyrs.
On Tuesday, Paul of the Cross is honored for his priestly work to the poor and the sick. He cared for the sick by founding homes for them while also preaching for the conversion of souls to the faith. He practiced severe penances, which he thought would hasten the perfection of his own soul.
Friday is John of Capistrano’s day, a Franciscan Order of Friars minor, who studied canon law and preached throughout Europe to strengthen Christian life. A mission in California is named after him where on March 23rd, the swallows are said to faithfully return to the church.
Saturday is the memorial of Anthony Mary Claret, a Spaniard who preached in Catalonia before forming a society of missionaries. He became a bishop in Cuba and preached with zeal.
This Week in Jesuit History
• October 18, 1553: A theological course was opened in our college in Lisbon; 400 students were at once enrolled.
• October 19, 1588: At Munster, in Westphalia, the Society opens a college, in spite of an outcry raised locally by some of the Protestants.
• October 20, 1763: In a pastoral letter read in all his churches, the Archbishop of Paris expressed his bitter regret at the suppression of the Society in France. He described it as a veritable calamity for his country.
• October 21, 1568: Fr Robert Parsons was elected Fellow of Balliol College, Oxford. He resigned his Fellowship in 1574.
• October 22, 1870: In France, Garibaldi and his men drove the Jesuits from the Colleges of Dole and Mont Roland.
• October 23, 1767: The Jesuits who had been kept prisoners in their college in Santiago, Chile, for almost two months were led forth to exile. In all 360 Jesuits of the Chile Province were shipped to Europe as exiles.
• October 24, 1759: 133 members of the Society, banished from Portugal and put ashore at Civita Vecchia, were most kindly received by Clement XIII and by the religious communities, especially the Dominicans.
Mass for the North America Martyrs
Cheverus is celebrating the North American Martyrs with a Eucharistic Liturgy on Monday, October 19th at 9:15 a.m. in the Keegan Gymnasium. Very Reverend Myles Sheehan, S.J, the New England Provincial will preside and preach.
Song: The Prayer by Celine Dion with Andrea Bocelli
I pray You’ll be our eyes, and watch us where we go,
and help us to be wise in times when we don’t know.
Let this be our prayer when we lose our way:
Lead us to a place, Guide us with Your grace
To a place where we’ll be safe.
La luce che Tu dai (The light that You give us)
I pray we’ll find Your light Nel cuore resterà
(will stay in our hearts) And hold it in our hearts
A ricordarci che (reminding us that…)
When stars go out each night L’eterna stella sei
(You are the everlasting star).
Nella mia preghiera (In my prayer).
Let this be our prayer
Quanta fede c’è (there’s so much faith)
When shadows fill our day:
Lead us to a place, Guide us with Your grace,
Give us faith so we’ll be safe.
Sognamo un mondo senza più violenza
(We dream of a world without more violence)
Un mondo di giustizia e di speranza
(A world of justice and of hope).
Ognuno dia la mano al suo vicino
(Everyone give your hand to your neighbor),
Simbolo di pace e di fraternità
(Symbol of peace and brotherhood)
La forza che ci dai (The strength You give us)
We ask that life be kind È il desiderio che
(is the wish that)
And watch us from above. Ognuno trovi amore
(everyone may find love)
We hope each soul will find Intorno e dentro a sè
(around and within himself)
Another soul to love.
Let this be our prayer (Let this be our prayer)
Just like every child (Just like every child)
Needs to find a place:
Guide us with your grace.
Give us faith so we’ll be safe. E la fede che
(And the faith that)
Hai acceso in noi
(You have lit inside us)
Sento che ci salverà (I believe will save us).
and help us to be wise in times when we don’t know.
Let this be our prayer when we lose our way:
Lead us to a place, Guide us with Your grace
To a place where we’ll be safe.
La luce che Tu dai (The light that You give us)
I pray we’ll find Your light Nel cuore resterà
(will stay in our hearts) And hold it in our hearts
A ricordarci che (reminding us that…)
When stars go out each night L’eterna stella sei
(You are the everlasting star).
Nella mia preghiera (In my prayer).
Let this be our prayer
Quanta fede c’è (there’s so much faith)
When shadows fill our day:
Lead us to a place, Guide us with Your grace,
Give us faith so we’ll be safe.
Sognamo un mondo senza più violenza
(We dream of a world without more violence)
Un mondo di giustizia e di speranza
(A world of justice and of hope).
Ognuno dia la mano al suo vicino
(Everyone give your hand to your neighbor),
Simbolo di pace e di fraternità
(Symbol of peace and brotherhood)
La forza che ci dai (The strength You give us)
We ask that life be kind È il desiderio che
(is the wish that)
And watch us from above. Ognuno trovi amore
(everyone may find love)
We hope each soul will find Intorno e dentro a sè
(around and within himself)
Another soul to love.
Let this be our prayer (Let this be our prayer)
Just like every child (Just like every child)
Needs to find a place:
Guide us with your grace.
Give us faith so we’ll be safe. E la fede che
(And the faith that)
Hai acceso in noi
(You have lit inside us)
Sento che ci salverà (I believe will save us).
Thursday, October 15, 2009
Remembrance of Your Beloved Dead
From the earliest days of the Church, prayers have been offered for the souls of the faithful departed that they may now find themselves in the presence of God and rejoice in the eternal joy which has been promised to the righteous by Jesus Christ. Since the Eleventh Century, the Church has set aside a day in its liturgical calendar to pray for these souls. This day is November 2nd, the Feast of All Souls.
During the month of November, at each Mass that we celebrate, the Jesuits will remember all your friends and family members who have died. It is our Christian prayer that they are now enjoying the fullness of Christ's words: "You, who are blessed by my Father, come. Come and receive the Kingdom which has been prepared for you even since the creation of the world."
We invite you to send us the names of your beloved departed. We will place these names near the altar in our school chapel as a reminder for us to pray for those who are dear to you. As this is our expression of gratitude to you for your support and kindness to us, we ask that you do not include an offering with your intentions. You may mail in your intentions, drop them off at the school, email me at predmoresj@yahoo.com.
May God continue to abundantly bless you. May God's peace and grace illuminate the hearts of all those who abide in God's glory.
During the month of November, at each Mass that we celebrate, the Jesuits will remember all your friends and family members who have died. It is our Christian prayer that they are now enjoying the fullness of Christ's words: "You, who are blessed by my Father, come. Come and receive the Kingdom which has been prepared for you even since the creation of the world."
We invite you to send us the names of your beloved departed. We will place these names near the altar in our school chapel as a reminder for us to pray for those who are dear to you. As this is our expression of gratitude to you for your support and kindness to us, we ask that you do not include an offering with your intentions. You may mail in your intentions, drop them off at the school, email me at predmoresj@yahoo.com.
May God continue to abundantly bless you. May God's peace and grace illuminate the hearts of all those who abide in God's glory.
Wednesday, October 14, 2009
On Towards Tertianship
As many of you know, Jesuit formation takes a long time. Our formation shapes a man to become not only a priest or brother within the Church, but a man who is committed to the way of life envisioned by Ignatius and his first companions.
To that end, I will be leaving Cheverus in December to begin my final stage of Jesuit formation called Tertianship. I will enter a period of prayer and study that is designed to be a “school of the heart” before I petition for final vows. During this period, I will go on a 30-day silent retreat called The Spiritual Exercises, study the Jesuit Constitutions, and will work among God’s people in a ministry experiment for six months. At the end of this period, a Jesuit applies for final vows and full incorporation into the Society of Jesus.
This period is likened to the first phase of Jesuit formation called the Novitiate. During this period, a man enters his Primus (First) year and his Secundus (Second) year at the end of which, he professes perpetual vows of poverty, chastity and obedience while making a promise to enter the Society of Jesus forever. At the tail end of formation, a man enter his Tertius (Third) year, where he replicates the experiments of the novitiate and at the end professes again his vows of poverty, chastity and obedience, enters the Society, and makes a fourth vow to the Pope for availability with regards to missions.
After a man completes the novitiate, he studies philosophy for three years, then teaches in a school as a Regent for three years, then studies theology in order to be ordained a deacon then priest, and then works for three to five years in a ministry before being invited to tertianship. This is the stage at which I find myself. Formation’s goal is always to aid a man to become available and to form him into a man who is shaped by the Spiritual Exercises and our Constitution. To symbolize this, on our gravestones we record our birth date, date of entrance, and our date of death.
I am delighted to be entering into my tertianship year. I do love my brothers in the Society of Jesus and I am still very inspired by the work we do across the world. I am also saddened to be leaving the many good people who I have met in Maine and at Cheverus. I will miss you. I will hold you in my heart as I go forth, especially as I make my own thirty-day retreat. I ask for your prayers too. I need them. I think of the words of St. Ignatius at the end of the Spiritual Exercises. I ask for the grace to be able to depend upon God as fully as Ignatius captures it when he writes:
Take, Lord, receive all my liberties, my memory, my understanding, my entire will, all that I have and possess. You have given all to me and to you, O Lord, I return it. Everything is yours; do with it what you will. Give me only your love your grace. That is enough for me.
Note: I will continue my weekly emails and my blog at predmore.blogspot.com. Please send me your email if you would like to remain on this list. Email me at predmoresj@yahoo.com
To that end, I will be leaving Cheverus in December to begin my final stage of Jesuit formation called Tertianship. I will enter a period of prayer and study that is designed to be a “school of the heart” before I petition for final vows. During this period, I will go on a 30-day silent retreat called The Spiritual Exercises, study the Jesuit Constitutions, and will work among God’s people in a ministry experiment for six months. At the end of this period, a Jesuit applies for final vows and full incorporation into the Society of Jesus.
This period is likened to the first phase of Jesuit formation called the Novitiate. During this period, a man enters his Primus (First) year and his Secundus (Second) year at the end of which, he professes perpetual vows of poverty, chastity and obedience while making a promise to enter the Society of Jesus forever. At the tail end of formation, a man enter his Tertius (Third) year, where he replicates the experiments of the novitiate and at the end professes again his vows of poverty, chastity and obedience, enters the Society, and makes a fourth vow to the Pope for availability with regards to missions.
After a man completes the novitiate, he studies philosophy for three years, then teaches in a school as a Regent for three years, then studies theology in order to be ordained a deacon then priest, and then works for three to five years in a ministry before being invited to tertianship. This is the stage at which I find myself. Formation’s goal is always to aid a man to become available and to form him into a man who is shaped by the Spiritual Exercises and our Constitution. To symbolize this, on our gravestones we record our birth date, date of entrance, and our date of death.
I am delighted to be entering into my tertianship year. I do love my brothers in the Society of Jesus and I am still very inspired by the work we do across the world. I am also saddened to be leaving the many good people who I have met in Maine and at Cheverus. I will miss you. I will hold you in my heart as I go forth, especially as I make my own thirty-day retreat. I ask for your prayers too. I need them. I think of the words of St. Ignatius at the end of the Spiritual Exercises. I ask for the grace to be able to depend upon God as fully as Ignatius captures it when he writes:
Take, Lord, receive all my liberties, my memory, my understanding, my entire will, all that I have and possess. You have given all to me and to you, O Lord, I return it. Everything is yours; do with it what you will. Give me only your love your grace. That is enough for me.
Note: I will continue my weekly emails and my blog at predmore.blogspot.com. Please send me your email if you would like to remain on this list. Email me at predmoresj@yahoo.com
Tuesday, October 13, 2009
Video: The Butterfly Circus
Please click on this link to see a video called "The Butterfly Circus."
http://www.thedoorpost.com/hope/The%20Butterfly%20Circus/
http://www.thedoorpost.com/hope/The%20Butterfly%20Circus/
Sunday, October 11, 2009
Prayer: A Prayer by Karl Rahner, S.J.
I should like to speak with you, my God,
yet what else can I speak of but you?
Could anything exist
unless present with you eternally,
finding its true home
and most intimate explanation
in your mind and heart?
Isn’t all I ever say
really a statement about you?
And yet if sly and hesitant I try to speak of you,
you will still be hearing about me.
For what could I say about you
except that you are my God,
God of my beginning and end,
my joy and need,
God of my life?
yet what else can I speak of but you?
Could anything exist
unless present with you eternally,
finding its true home
and most intimate explanation
in your mind and heart?
Isn’t all I ever say
really a statement about you?
And yet if sly and hesitant I try to speak of you,
you will still be hearing about me.
For what could I say about you
except that you are my God,
God of my beginning and end,
my joy and need,
God of my life?
Saturday, October 10, 2009
Twenty-Eighth Sunday of Ordinary Time
October 11, 2009
We read about the heart-rending account of the rich young man who seeks to know the secret of life from Jesus only to walk away unable to commit to that which will give him the greatest meaning in life. We are sympathetic to the young man who gives up on the relationship with Jesus. He walks away in finality. For the man, it is all or nothing – no middle ground. The laws and teachings that he cherishes have no room for the radical type of fulfilling friendship to which Jesus calls him. His world turns upside-down because the laws do not provide him with full completion of his true self and he walks away shattered and in need of restructuring the order of his life.
I am saddened at times by some of the priests and leaders (lay and clerical) of our church who overly value the church teachings while seemingly relegating the love of Christ or the movement of the Spirit to the background. (This happens in every faith community, not just Catholics, and it is natural for us to fall in love with the good intentions of our church.) Our relationship with Christ has to be primary and we have to let, as the Letter to the Hebrews suggests, “the word of God…penetrate and discern reflections and thoughts of the heart” for it is “living and effective.”
The author of Wisdom was given prudence to ask for the spirit of wisdom as the most fortunate and desirable quality. A wise person knows what he or she desires as wisdom can provide for a fuller meaning in life. Unfortunately, the young man cannot see what or who it is that stands before him calling him into eternal friendship. Jesus sends him to go learn from the poor, some who do possess this wisdom, so that he can finally experience the deepest longing of his heart. Once we give our heart to Christ, we can fully receive the living Word of God that will give us back our life. No one has ever become poor by being generous.
Quote for the Week
To honor Teresa of the Child Jesus, I offer you one of her most touching quotes and a basis for Christian mysticism.
Let nothing disturb you,
Let nothing frighten you,
All things are passing away:
God never changes.
Patience obtains all things.
Whoever has God lacks nothing;
God alone suffices.
Original Spanish:
Nada te turbe,
nada te espante;
todo se pasa,
Dios no se muda.
La pacientia todo lo alcanza.
Quien a Dios tiene nada la falta:
solo Dios basta.
Themes for this Week’s Masses
We begin to read from Paul’s Letter to the Romans this week, and Paul immediately tells us that we have authority from heaven to bring about the obedience of faith among the Gentiles. Paul reveals to us that many claimed they knew God, but did not give Jesus the same glory of God, but that God will repay everyone for his works, first the Jews, then the Greeks because it is by faith that one is justified. Paul upholds Abraham as one who believed in God and was righteous. Abraham believed in God, hoping against hope.
As we continue with Luke, he points out that this generation is disbelieving because they demand a sign of the source of Jesus’ authority. Those is curiosity are looking at rituals and customs, while Jesus is instructing them on what is necessary to do, like giving alms as a way of cleansing one’s soul. Jesus laments those who do not grasp the reality of God’s inbreaking presence among them; the people want the blood of the prophets. He then shows how much God cares for them and notices even the smallest hair on one’s head. He encourages them to trust that the Holy Spirit will guide them.
Saints of the Week
On Wednesday, we honor Callistus I who was once a slave and become Pope in the early 3rd century. Because he fought against the Adoption and Modalist heresies, he was martyred in 222.
On Thursday, Teresa of the Child Jesus is celebrated as a doctor of the Church. She was a mystic, a Carmelite nun, and a writer of the Counter-Reformation. She reformed the Carmelite Order along with John of the Cross and created a stricter application of the reforms in the Order of the Discalced Carmelites.
Friday is the day to remember Mary Alocoque, a Salesian Visitation Sister who is known for her devotion to the Sacred Heart of Jesus. With Claude de la Colombiere, S.J., the two were able to increase the devotion across Europe.
Ignatius of Antioch’s memorial is set on Saturday. He was a successor to Peter as the bishop of Antioch and martyred by throwing him into an area of wild animals who tore him apart and devoured him. He wrote letters in the early church to talk about the nature of Christ and the Christian way of life. Inigo de Loyola was so inspired by him that he took the name Ignatius for his own.
This Week in Jesuit History
• October 11, 1688: King Louis XIV forbade all correspondence and interchange between the French Jesuits and Fr. Thyrsus Gonzalez, the Spanish General Superior of the Society.
• October 12, 1976: The murder in rural Brazil of Joao Bosco Burnier, SJ, who was shot and killed by soldiers for protesting the torture of two poor women.
• October 13, 1537: At Venice the Papal Nuncio published his written verdict declaring that Ignatius Loyola was innocent of all charges which had been leveled against him by his detractors.
• October 14, 1774: A French Jesuit in China wrote an epitaph to the Jesuit mission in China after the suppression of the Society. It concludes: "Go, traveler, continue on your way. Felicitate the dead; weep for the living; pray for all. Wonder, and be silent."
• October 15, 1582: St Teresa of Avila died on this day -- the first day of the new Gregorian calendar. She always wished to have a Jesuit as a confessor.
• October 16, 1873: About two weeks after Victor Emmanuel's visit to Berlin, where he had long conferences with Bismark, rumors reached the Society in Rome that all of their houses in Rome were threatened.
• October 17, 1578: St Robert Bellarmine entered the Jesuit novitiate of San Andrea in Rome at the age of 16.
Annual Cheverus Retreat
The faculty at Cheverus attended their 17th Annual Cheverus Retreat on Friday, October 9th at Marie Joseph Spiritual Center in Biddeford Pool. Fr. James O’Brien, S.J. was the guest retreat director.
Stained-Glass Windows in the Chapel
Yeah! The stained-glass windows in the Cheverus Chapel are repaired. Thank you to all of your who generously donated to the prompt repair of the windows. We are very glad to worship in the space that is enhanced by your caring munificence.
Grandparents’ Day
Over three hundred grandparents joined the school for liturgy on Thursday, October 8th in the Keegan Gymnasium. Grandparents then enjoyed a hearty brunch before they visited classes for the day.
Happy Columbus Day
Enjoy your Columbus Day weekend. We honor Christopher Columbus who, sailing from Spain, landed in the New World in 1492. It is also Thanksgiving Day in Canada and a day that many Native Americans celebrate as their own heritage day.
We read about the heart-rending account of the rich young man who seeks to know the secret of life from Jesus only to walk away unable to commit to that which will give him the greatest meaning in life. We are sympathetic to the young man who gives up on the relationship with Jesus. He walks away in finality. For the man, it is all or nothing – no middle ground. The laws and teachings that he cherishes have no room for the radical type of fulfilling friendship to which Jesus calls him. His world turns upside-down because the laws do not provide him with full completion of his true self and he walks away shattered and in need of restructuring the order of his life.
I am saddened at times by some of the priests and leaders (lay and clerical) of our church who overly value the church teachings while seemingly relegating the love of Christ or the movement of the Spirit to the background. (This happens in every faith community, not just Catholics, and it is natural for us to fall in love with the good intentions of our church.) Our relationship with Christ has to be primary and we have to let, as the Letter to the Hebrews suggests, “the word of God…penetrate and discern reflections and thoughts of the heart” for it is “living and effective.”
The author of Wisdom was given prudence to ask for the spirit of wisdom as the most fortunate and desirable quality. A wise person knows what he or she desires as wisdom can provide for a fuller meaning in life. Unfortunately, the young man cannot see what or who it is that stands before him calling him into eternal friendship. Jesus sends him to go learn from the poor, some who do possess this wisdom, so that he can finally experience the deepest longing of his heart. Once we give our heart to Christ, we can fully receive the living Word of God that will give us back our life. No one has ever become poor by being generous.
Quote for the Week
To honor Teresa of the Child Jesus, I offer you one of her most touching quotes and a basis for Christian mysticism.
Let nothing disturb you,
Let nothing frighten you,
All things are passing away:
God never changes.
Patience obtains all things.
Whoever has God lacks nothing;
God alone suffices.
Original Spanish:
Nada te turbe,
nada te espante;
todo se pasa,
Dios no se muda.
La pacientia todo lo alcanza.
Quien a Dios tiene nada la falta:
solo Dios basta.
Themes for this Week’s Masses
We begin to read from Paul’s Letter to the Romans this week, and Paul immediately tells us that we have authority from heaven to bring about the obedience of faith among the Gentiles. Paul reveals to us that many claimed they knew God, but did not give Jesus the same glory of God, but that God will repay everyone for his works, first the Jews, then the Greeks because it is by faith that one is justified. Paul upholds Abraham as one who believed in God and was righteous. Abraham believed in God, hoping against hope.
As we continue with Luke, he points out that this generation is disbelieving because they demand a sign of the source of Jesus’ authority. Those is curiosity are looking at rituals and customs, while Jesus is instructing them on what is necessary to do, like giving alms as a way of cleansing one’s soul. Jesus laments those who do not grasp the reality of God’s inbreaking presence among them; the people want the blood of the prophets. He then shows how much God cares for them and notices even the smallest hair on one’s head. He encourages them to trust that the Holy Spirit will guide them.
Saints of the Week
On Wednesday, we honor Callistus I who was once a slave and become Pope in the early 3rd century. Because he fought against the Adoption and Modalist heresies, he was martyred in 222.
On Thursday, Teresa of the Child Jesus is celebrated as a doctor of the Church. She was a mystic, a Carmelite nun, and a writer of the Counter-Reformation. She reformed the Carmelite Order along with John of the Cross and created a stricter application of the reforms in the Order of the Discalced Carmelites.
Friday is the day to remember Mary Alocoque, a Salesian Visitation Sister who is known for her devotion to the Sacred Heart of Jesus. With Claude de la Colombiere, S.J., the two were able to increase the devotion across Europe.
Ignatius of Antioch’s memorial is set on Saturday. He was a successor to Peter as the bishop of Antioch and martyred by throwing him into an area of wild animals who tore him apart and devoured him. He wrote letters in the early church to talk about the nature of Christ and the Christian way of life. Inigo de Loyola was so inspired by him that he took the name Ignatius for his own.
This Week in Jesuit History
• October 11, 1688: King Louis XIV forbade all correspondence and interchange between the French Jesuits and Fr. Thyrsus Gonzalez, the Spanish General Superior of the Society.
• October 12, 1976: The murder in rural Brazil of Joao Bosco Burnier, SJ, who was shot and killed by soldiers for protesting the torture of two poor women.
• October 13, 1537: At Venice the Papal Nuncio published his written verdict declaring that Ignatius Loyola was innocent of all charges which had been leveled against him by his detractors.
• October 14, 1774: A French Jesuit in China wrote an epitaph to the Jesuit mission in China after the suppression of the Society. It concludes: "Go, traveler, continue on your way. Felicitate the dead; weep for the living; pray for all. Wonder, and be silent."
• October 15, 1582: St Teresa of Avila died on this day -- the first day of the new Gregorian calendar. She always wished to have a Jesuit as a confessor.
• October 16, 1873: About two weeks after Victor Emmanuel's visit to Berlin, where he had long conferences with Bismark, rumors reached the Society in Rome that all of their houses in Rome were threatened.
• October 17, 1578: St Robert Bellarmine entered the Jesuit novitiate of San Andrea in Rome at the age of 16.
Annual Cheverus Retreat
The faculty at Cheverus attended their 17th Annual Cheverus Retreat on Friday, October 9th at Marie Joseph Spiritual Center in Biddeford Pool. Fr. James O’Brien, S.J. was the guest retreat director.
Stained-Glass Windows in the Chapel
Yeah! The stained-glass windows in the Cheverus Chapel are repaired. Thank you to all of your who generously donated to the prompt repair of the windows. We are very glad to worship in the space that is enhanced by your caring munificence.
Grandparents’ Day
Over three hundred grandparents joined the school for liturgy on Thursday, October 8th in the Keegan Gymnasium. Grandparents then enjoyed a hearty brunch before they visited classes for the day.
Happy Columbus Day
Enjoy your Columbus Day weekend. We honor Christopher Columbus who, sailing from Spain, landed in the New World in 1492. It is also Thanksgiving Day in Canada and a day that many Native Americans celebrate as their own heritage day.
Tuesday, October 6, 2009
Sp. Exx.: Anima Christi - Attributed to Ignatius of Loyola
Jesus, may all that is you flow into me.
May your body and blood be my food and drink.
May your passion and death be my strength and life.
Jesus, with you by my side, enough has been given.
May the shelter I seek be the shadow of your cross.
Let me not run from the love which you offer.
But hold me safe from the forces of evil.
On each of my dyings, shed your light and your love.
Keep calling to me until that day comes, when with your saints,
I may praise you forever. Amen.
or
SOUL of Christ, sanctify me.
Body of Christ, save me.
Blood of Christ, inebriate me.
Water from the side of Christ, wash me.
Passion of Christ, strengthen me.
O good Jesus, hear me.
Within your wounds, hide me.
Never let me be separated from you.
From the malevolent enemy, defend me.
At the hour of death, call me.
To come to you, bid me,
That I may praise you in the company
Of your Saints, for all eternity.
May your body and blood be my food and drink.
May your passion and death be my strength and life.
Jesus, with you by my side, enough has been given.
May the shelter I seek be the shadow of your cross.
Let me not run from the love which you offer.
But hold me safe from the forces of evil.
On each of my dyings, shed your light and your love.
Keep calling to me until that day comes, when with your saints,
I may praise you forever. Amen.
or
SOUL of Christ, sanctify me.
Body of Christ, save me.
Blood of Christ, inebriate me.
Water from the side of Christ, wash me.
Passion of Christ, strengthen me.
O good Jesus, hear me.
Within your wounds, hide me.
Never let me be separated from you.
From the malevolent enemy, defend me.
At the hour of death, call me.
To come to you, bid me,
That I may praise you in the company
Of your Saints, for all eternity.
Monday, October 5, 2009
Prayer: Karl Rahner, from Encounters with Silence
Only in love can I find You, my God. In love the gates of my soul spring open, allowing me to breathe a new air of freedom and forget my own petty self. In love my whole being streams forth out of the rigid confines of narrowness and anxious self-assertion, which make me a prisoner of my own poverty and emptiness. In love all the powers of my soul flow out toward You, wanting never more to return, but to lose themselves completely in You, since by Your love You are the inmost center of my heart, closer to me than I am to myself.
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