Pope Francis says that human beings are so made that we cannot live, develop, and find fulfillment except in the sincere gift of self to others. Pope Francis continues to say that the art of encounter is about us building bridges, seeking points of contact, and planning projects that includes everyone. ~ Fr. Matt
God’s ways are not our ways say the prophets. Petty, self centered attitudes on our part will not deter the plan of God. We who are small of heart and lacking in merit will be brought to humble gratitude. ~ Fr. Matt
Crisis comes from a Greek word meaning judgement or decision. Service to the teachings of Jesus requires such an attitude. Fire and Division are the words Jesus uses. We know how those words cause consternation and concern. Ultimate happiness is found in imitating the Lord. ~ Fr. Matt
Fear is the root of many human difficulties. Fear of want can foster greed. Fear of the unknown can make us cowards. If we have a strange fear of God we can never develop a mature relationship. Fear of enemies leads to create more enemies. Fear of the future makes us live in the past. Jesus recommends faith and trust in God who loves us , is aware of our needs, and offers us goodness and blessings. ~ Fr. Matt
A fool is someone who has denied or forgotten God. Reference Psalm 13:1 “ Will you forget me forever? How long will you hide your face from me?” ~ Fr. Matt
~ Fr. Matt
In 1818 a king of a Pacific island converted to Christianity. Some of his subjects were not too happy organizing a coup d’état. The king rounded up his opponents and incarcerated them. They thought they were to die. The king released them to a banquet of food and drink. The rebels were astonished and because of this magnanimous gesture also embraced the faith. Every time we celebrate the Eucharist we are expanding God’s kingdom to all. ~ Fr. Matt
Following Jesus and being of service in his name requires refueling. Without the fuel of prayer and contemplation before the Blessed Sacrament our service can become a cranky , crushing burden. May we find both prayer and work an invitation from God. ~ Fr. Matt
Why did Jesus institute the Eucharist? 1) to perpetuate his human presence among men and women 2) to perpetuate his redemptive sacrifice, an act of love 3) to unite himself in intimate communion with us to be our spiritual food and drink. ~ Fr. Matt
Modern psychology emphasizes self actualization. We want to master the mystery instead of the mystery mastering us. Words and actions give way to the silent presence of the Eucharist. ~ Fr. Matt
Ministry is a natural and necessary expression of the faith of the people of God. Our service to others has a Divine head namely Christ and a feet of clay which represent our contribution. Ministry is an effort between divine and human energies where God never fails and human hands and hearts which sometimes falter. ~ Fr. Matt