Author: Fr. Peter O'Brien

May the voice of Christ lead you to peace!

This weekend we travel with Jonah, the reluctant prophet, who announces that God is about to allow the people to experience the consequences of their sins!  But before he passes through the city of Nineveh, the people turn their hearts to God in faith (repentance).  In this story, God’s call to repentance is met by the people who call back to God for mercy.  If the prophet had not announced the warning message, the people would not have turned their hearts and come to know that God is loving and merciful.

St Paul’s letter to the Corinthians calls the community to rise above earthly desires and concerns.  This short reading packs a lot of punch and opens the door to understand what happens in the Gospel.

Jesus announces the Good News that God is not vengeful but merciful.  All that one needs to do is turn to God and away from sin.  In this repentance, God’s love and mercy is encountered as a value far beyond anything the world has to offer.  When Jesus invited Andrew, Peter, James and John, they followed him because they found in Jesus the fulfillment of their deepest hopes and desires.  For them, the proclamation of the Gospel became the focus of their lives because it was more important to them than anything else.  Jesus’ invitation reaches men and women of every time and place and way of life.  Some receive it when they are very young and some receive it when they are older—like the fishermen in the story.  Please continue to pray for vocations and let us continue to make known our knowledge of the Gospel by the way we live our lives.

Not everyone is called to a religious vocation.  Sometimes the Lord calls people to different ministries and forms of service to the community of faith.  These invitations from God are not just nice things that happen along the way; they are vital to the Church’s mission in the world and ministry leads to holiness.  Is the Lord inviting you to a ministry?  Remember, if God calls you, he will also equip you for whatever it may be.  God bless you! +++  Fr. Peter

May you grow in knowledge of God’s love and will for you!

Most of us are aware that God’s call to discipleship and holiness are universal no matter what our particular vocation may be: married, single, religious or ordained.  The readings this weekend focus on the fact that God calls people in a personal way to serve as his emissaries in the world.  Whether our service is in vocation or in ministry, we experience the power of a close relationship with Jesus when we follow him like the disciples did.

From Samuel’s story, we learn that the individual needs the help of others with experience to learn how to listen to God’s call, intimations and inspirations.  Once Samuel learned from Eli how to listen to God, he discovered his vocation and became a great prophet.

In the Gospel story, Andrew’s personal quest for God led him to approach Jesus, spend time with him and then bring others to Jesus.  It can easily be said that this pattern depicts what he devoted himself to for the rest of his life.  Without Andrew, Peter and the other Apostles, we wouldn’t have the faith we have today!

As a people of faith we understand that God has a specific vocation for each and every person.  We also understand that each person’s joy in life arises from living out God’s particular plan at the personal level.  Living a vocation in communion with God is true personal fulfillment.  Living a religious vocation is a fulfilling adventure and discovery of an incredible treasure!

God is calling men and women to serve in religious vocations today!  The faith tradition of the Church depends on their readiness to listen and follow God’s call.

Those who are being called need the help of frequent prayers and encouragements.  Our families cultivate religious vocations by teaching their children to esteem God’s will first in all things.  It is in the home that children first learn to pray and listen to God.  Those who sense a call should not ignore it or make excuses but should explore it more deeply because it leads to the personal fulfillment that God wishes for that person.  Following Jesus in a religious vocation today is not easy, it never was.  Many people are called to a vocation of married life and being parents.  For some, it is the ordained or consecrated life in ministry.  Whatever call we receive, we should respond not with doubt but explore it more fully to be sure.  Once we have some level of certainty, we can follow with more confidence in vocation and in ministry.  Remember, whatever vocation a person receives, it is from God and it is the greatest joy for the person to live the vocation that God has for them!

May God bless you with peace and joy! +++ Fr. Peter

Peace and grace to you!

This weekend we celebrate the Baptism of the Lord in which God reveals Jesus as The Beloved Son.  This event always calls us to reflect first upon John’s baptism of repentance (turning-to-God) and why Jesus was baptized by John.  Even John questioned it.  Jesus expressed his desire to fulfill righteousness, which means to fulfill God’s plan – to do God’s will.  Jesus entered creation and was born a man so that human beings could share divine life with God.

Today upon his baptism, we see something new: Jesus is anointed with the Holy Spirit!  In this event, Jesus makes the waters of baptism holy so that those who experience Christian baptism are reborn, cleansed from sin and re-created as children of God, united to God as members of Christ’s own body and sharing in the life of the Holy Spirit.  As Christians we are enabled to live and love as God’s beloved sons and daughters and we are empowered to carry on the saving mission of Jesus in the world.  We are called and sent to work for justice and peace and share the Gospel message so that other people may be free from error, darkness and sin.  For many of us who were baptized as infants, we have never fully understood or embraced the radical character of our baptism.  That is why Feasts like today’s and the renewal of our baptismal promises are so important.  They help us to understand more fully what baptism really means.  Such occasions also help us recommit ourselves to living more deeply the covenant of love as Jesus Christ taught us.  The baptism of Jesus was the starting point of his public ministry when he taught the people about God and the moral life.  He worked many miracles of healing to show that God’s power comes as love and mercy for the person who desires salvation.  This was Jesus’ mission and ours too.  Jesus still works miracles through those who do good works in his name.  I hope that many of us have a sense of renewal and a spring in our step knowing that we share in such a beautiful and important work.  May God bless all your efforts! +++ Fr. Peter

May the light of faith guide you to eternal life!

We celebrate the Epiphany this weekend, which means “manifestation.”  It refers to the events around Christ’s birth that show how God is revealing his plan of salvation for the whole human race; not just the Jewish people.  The first reading prophecies that a ruler shall arise from the assembly of faith who will truly be like a great light in the heavens.  This ruler will establish true justice, peace, and he will govern with heavenly wisdom and be recognized by all nations and peoples as a gift from God.  St. Paul speaks of a stewardship of God’s grace that was given him by God in order that he may continue guiding all nations in the light of the Gospel: God’s love and mercy shown toward the human race in Jesus.

The Gospel story depicts Wise Men from the East.  They saw a light in the heavens that they had never seen before and they believed that this star signaled a very important and great king had been born.  The journey of the Magi speaks of the yearning in every human heart through history to find higher wisdom.  They represent all those who seek the truth in hope of healing, peace and salvation.  Herod, on the other hand, represents those who feel threatened by an authority and wisdom other than their own.  They only want to follow their own desires and plans.  This also pertains to the fallen part of human nature and the selfish inclination to advance only our own fulfillment in the world with little or no regard for God or others.  We are given an example of the forces at work within ourselves through the characters of the story.  We may seek the truth and be guided by God’s heavenly wisdom that leads to peace, justice and love or we can turn away, like Herod.  The conclusion of the story is that the Wise Men experienced Jesus in humble simplicity and were enriched by him in a profound, mystical way.  They went away in a new direction because they had been changed by experiencing his love.  Herod remained hardened and dark.  Let us pray that we too will seek God’s wisdom so that we will shine more brightly with the joy and peace found only in Jesus.  Let us ask Jesus to touch others with his light through us.  God bless you always! +++ Fr. Peter

May the light and joy of Christmas and the New Year fill your hearts and minds!

This weekend we honor the Holy Family of Jesus, Mary and Joseph and recognize the monumental role of the family in salvation history.  It is only through the context of family that God entered our nature and it is through the same context of family that we know Mary as Mother of God.  Jesus and Mary could not have survived without Joseph to protect them and provide for them.

God chose the family as the place where salvation begins!  The family is the first building block of society.  God’s plan through nature shows that no child is conceived outside of a relationship between a man and a woman.  This is the first fundamental relationship that images the love between the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit.  This natural cell of social life is where the husband and wife are called to give themselves to each other in love and to give themselves in love to the mystery of the gift life, the family.  It is in the family home that we all first learn about God, about authority, stability, freedom, responsibility, respect, justice and honor.  In the family we learn moral values and how to interact with each other in ways that do not cause hurt or harm.  It is in the family that boys learn how to become men and girls learn how to become women and that they are different than each other—they are not the same.  The family teaches that men and women each have a special role to play and all need to give and receive the dignity and respect that God intended they have in their special roles.  Family life is where we learn how to participate in society, which is the family of man stretching across the globe.

Today, our family of faith, the Church, needs holy families.  As depicted in the scripture stories today, holy families regularly practice the faith with the community.  Without them the Church won’t be holy; it will be weak and there will be a lack of vocations.  Without holy families and vocations, society will drift away from God.  Staying close to the Holy Family of Jesus, Mary and Joseph will always give you joy and peace! +++ Fr. Peter

The Lord is near, let us look toward him and be radiant!

When David proposes to build a house for the Ark of God, God’s response is to establish the house and throne of David forever—God cannot be out-done in generosity!  All nations, even the non-Jewish people, receive this news with great joy as St. Paul tells us.  But what kind of house and kingdom is it that God establishes?  We get a glimpse from a billionaire, Ross Perot.  In an interview about his early years, Ross related that when he was growing up in North East Texas during the great depression a lot of hobos would come to their home asking for something to eat.  His parents, although poor themselves, never tuned them away but always gave them something to eat.  One day his mother asked a hobo why so many came to their house and not their neighbor’s.  Because, the Hobo replied, the sign scratched on the curb in front of your house makes it known that you always give.  Ross asked his mother if he should remove the sign.  She said no, we must always share with those who have less.  Ross related that the example of his parents’ generosity even in hard times was a powerful influence in his life.

A great story!  But what is in a house that makes it a home?  The people!  And God’s house, his true dwelling, is in the hearts and minds of his people!  Jesus came among us in poverty and simplicity.  He still does, but he generously gives a greater wealth and treasure than the world can know.  He told us that his kingdom is within us—and it is!  He nourishes us with his own life in the Eucharist and as we grow in his life, we do his works in the world.  Mary’s joy could hardly be contained and prompted her to visit Elizabeth.  The little everyday things she did for Elizabeth and Zechariah in the name of God manifested the love and joy she had within.  We too are sent by God and led by the Spirit to do God’s will so that all might come to God’s house and find salvation!  May God bless you always! +++ Fr. Peter

May Advent joy glow within you!

As you know, the third Sunday of Advent is also called “Gaudete Sunday” which is a Latin translation of the word “rejoice.”  When we hear the readings from Isaiah and John we do get a sense of joyful anticipation for the one who is to come.  It is also striking that this Sunday is situated very near two occasions when the Blessed Virgin Mary is honored in a special way: the Immaculate Conception (est. Solemnity 1708) and Our Lady of Guadalupe (est. Feast 1999, apparitions 1531).  One of the titles we are given for Mary in the Litany of the Blessed Virgin Mary is “Cause of Our Joy” and this title seems especially appropriate for her as we prepare with her for the coming of Christ on Christmas.

Isaiah’s message is joy-filled because it promises good news, liberation, healing and blessing.  It promises forgiveness and renewal of the Covenant for God’s people.  In John’s Gospel, we see John the Baptist calling the people to repentance: turn your hearts to God! Ask for forgiveness! Forgive others! The Lord is near, and he comes to save; not to condemn.  We know this from Scripture, the teaching of the Church and our own experience!

Both messages are vibrantly relevant for today and they invite us into the joy of the kingdom but to do so, we cannot hold on to any form of sin or contribute to it.  We cannot become imprisoned by fear, retaliation, negativity, unrealistic expectations or bad behavior.  It is Advent now and stress accompanies busy-ness with shopping, parties, and too many details to count.  There is also our own historical context of widespread confusion and fear about COVID-19, the corruption and lies of political leaders, judges, media and so on. Many are experiencing grief, loss, brokenness and loneliness.  Some are just emotionally more sensitive because of stress and little things get to them.  In order to “not quench the Spirit” or “despise prophetic utterances” we can follow Mary who invites us to be quiet, focus and reflect on God’s activity in our lives.  It is also important for us to know that we are invited to ask Jesus for help with anything we need especially, healing and forgiveness.  God bless you all! +++ Fr. Peter

May the coming light of Christ give you peace!

This Sunday’s readings affirm in us the characters of hope and peace that Advent calls us to.  In the first reading, the Prophet Isaiah announces that God does not hold grudges.  God is aware of the longing his people have while they are captives in Babylon.  God is aware of their suffering.  Carried away as captives because of their sins and hardness of heart, God announces that He will gather them and lead them back to their homeland, and to their rightful place of freedom and worship.  This is exciting news for them and brings them great consolation!

St. Peter encourages the Church to conduct themselves in holiness and devotion so that they may always have an inner peace and be spared from worry, fear, dread, sorrow or any other pain resulting from sin.  When he reminds the people that a thousand years are like one day, and one day is like a thousand years, he helps us grasp the importance of how we live each day of our lives and how mysterious are God’s ways.  St. Peter teaches us that God’s patience with human beings is directed toward salvation because he is full of love and wisdom, he is tender and compassionate toward all his creatures!  How wonderful is our God!

In the Gospel, John the Baptist is at work bringing burdened hearts and souls back to God.  The invitation is there for all of us today as it was for them.  It is easy to do: go to Confession acknowledging our own sins and ask Jesus for mercy, then drop the grudges, the bitter feelings and attitudes that creep in and bring pain into our own hearts.  Realizing how good God is with us then we can forgive others too.  As we grow less self-centered and more open and generous toward God, he can work through us to improve all of our lives and bless our communities.  The wonderful thing to remember in all of this is that this is actually God’s work in us!  God removes the rough ways and the crooked paths.  It is God who levels mountains and fills in the valleys so that our lives become more smooth and even!  For our part, we are invited to turn to him who is our Redeemer and our Savior.  Please take a moment to check the schedule for dates and times for the Sacrament of Penance.  The Lord is waiting for you!  May God bless you with peace and hope! +++ Fr. Peter

May Advent hope lift you to peace!

Advent season is special for all Christians because, as the first reading expresses, we long to experience God.  We need God’s help to turn away from sin and to be freed from things that weigh us down.  In the Gospel, Jesus tells us to watch!  He means that we have to keep God foremost in mind and be on our toes to recognize his presence and action around us.  Advent is a time of hope and a time of preparation!  I have been thinking about the event of the Annunciation and how Mary and all the Jewish people must have been hoping that God would deliver them from oppression and sadness due to the Roman occupation of their land.  We are told that Mother Mary made the effort to be ready for God’s presence and action by reflecting on God’s Word and by prayer.  Advent is a time when we are invited to follow Mary’s example and like her, we too will experience God’s love and strength more deeply in our lives.

As you know, Advent means “coming” which tells us that God is no doubt up to something!  I know that this time of year we are usually up to something too!  In fact, perhaps too many somethings!  I can’t think of a time when we are busier than Advent.  It is important for us to gather, connect and appreciate the joy of our families and friends.  While we are doing that, Jesus reminds us to “watch” for something special that is from God.  Some of our family of faith are perhaps closer to Mary this month because they are expecting the gift of a new life in their homes.  For some of us, this is the most difficult time of year because we may feel alone or experience the pain of loss for loved ones.  As we journey into this special season, we can watch for ways that we welcome Christ more deeply into our lives and also make Jesus known and loved like never before.  May God bless you all! +++ Fr. Peter

May the peace of Christ reign within you!

This weekend we celebrate the Solemnity of Our Lord Jesus Christ the King, which concludes the liturgical year.  For the past couple of weekends, the readings and Gospels have been directing us to reflect upon the ways that we have been using the gifts that God has given us and the account that we will give for how we’ve used them.  The Gospel this weekend depicts Christ as the sovereign ruler and judge of all.  The message is simple and clear: those who have listened to God, the shepherd/guide, are the ones who have worked in the world caring for others, while those who did not listen to him are those who decided to serve themselves.

Most of us who attend Mass on a regular basis hear and understand God’s call to service.  The Word of God has living power and it invigorates the community, strengthening us in faith ready for action.  The Word penetrates and divides soul and spirit, joints and marrow, it judges the reflections and thoughts of the heart.  The Spirit of the Word guides our discernment in what is true and false what is good and bad, what should be done and what should be avoided.  Our True Shepherd not only shows us the way, he also gives us strength and inspiration with heavenly food.  Jesus comes to dwell within us through the Eucharist and we actually become his own hands, his eyes, his voice, his ears in the world and our actions show his presence.  This is one of the ways we can understand part of the Angelus: “the Word became flesh and dwelt among us.”  Those who follow the shepherd find joy in doing the works of the shepherd.  The noble heart that loves and serves God through faith-filled, humble service experiences a levity of spirit that simply cannot be described!  It is a foretaste of what is to come!  May Jesus, our Shepherd King, fill you with lasting joy!  May we come to eternal joy with him!  God bless you all! +++ Fr. Peter