Christmas 2019

Another Christmas has past. There is nothing better than a well done Christmas Liturgy. What's better than hearing a well rehearsed choir sing "Silent Night," on Christmas Eve, in a beautiful, well decorated Church, with family. For me, it doesn't get much better than that.
Christmas is such a beautiful feast, if only all God's children could appreciate the significance of Christmas and what it means for humankind. If only all God's children had enough to eat, a place to call home, people who care for them and a place to worship God.
If only the very rich would do more to help the less fortunate.
If only there was peace on earth and good will towards all.
If only there was more tolerance and understanding and the teachings of Jesus were lived out and acted upon by all Christians.
If only care for the earth would be of concern to all and Pope Francis' encyclical, "Laudato Si-On Care for our Common Home," be appreciated and given priority.
It could happen. Perhaps in the future, humankind will finally get it right.
Christians have to live in hope and so I hope and pray the future and that the next decade in particular will be good and healing for the earth and good for all God's children.
Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!
NJA

Consumerism Is Alive and Well-In Me and Others-Advent 2019

Incredibly Black Friday shoppers spent $7.4 billion dollars online. On Cyber Monday holiday shoppers spent $9.4 billion dollars online (that was up almost 20% from last year).  From November 1st-December 2nd 2019, holiday shoppers have spent 81.5 billion dollars. People are not only buying more items, they are buying more expensive items.
Before I go on, I have to admit that I love to shop. I love to buy presents for other people and I also like buying things for myself. I also like giving stuff away, which I often do.
Having said that, it appears that Pope Francis' call in his Advent homily to "resist the dazzling lights of consumerism, which will shine everywhere this month, and believe that prayer and charity are not lost time, but the greatest treasures," will need more teachings.
He also said, "The meaning of life is not to accumulate." That, of course, is so true. But the bottom line is that, like me, a lot of people like to shop. Even spiritual/religious people, who believe they can (at least I think I can) be spiritual/religious and find time for prayer, Scripture study, volunteer work, Mass, spiritual reading and religious TV shows (as well as Netflix) and still find time to shop.
Am I defending shopping? Yes, I am.
Should faith-filled people spend more time in prayer, in worship, engaged in spiritual reading, bible study and doing good? Of course.
Can we all find a balance? I hope so, because people are not going to stop shopping, especially when Amazon makes it so easy and with one click the item or items are at your front door, the next day.
So as the world becomes more technological and more and more people shop online, people of faith can only hope and pray that people find space for God, time for prayer and for helping others.
Giving Tuesday, the movement described as the "biggest generosity movement of all time," is gaining traction and people are not only donating money but helping others and volunteering. So that's good news.
A Blessed Advent!
NJA

The USCCB Meeting in Baltimore Is Impressive But More Disturbing Allegations from the East Coast

I've watched segments of the USCCB Fall meeting airing on the Catholic Faith Network over the past few days. I was impressed with the good initiatives and plans the bishops of the United States discuss, vote on and try to put into place.
Their work seemed thoughtful, intelligent and timely. Yet as some bishops mentioned, how do they reach the families and "nones" who don't come into Church. They will have to make better use of social media and advertising of all types, because the Catholic Church does have something very good to offer society, when it is lived out to its fullest and in accordance with the teachings of Jesus Christ. And the uncertain world we live in and its people,  need Jesus and His holistic, compassionate and meaningful teachings now more than ever.

Late last night I received a blast email from the Diocese of Brooklyn stating the startling accusation made against Bishop DiMarzio from 40 years ago. Just like that, even though Bishop DiMarzio is in Rome with other bishops as part of meetings with the Pope, his life has been thrown into chaos, having to come home to the Brooklyn Diocese to deny (which he has already done) and fight these allegations that he abused an altar boy,  40 years ago.
Bishop DiMarzio was near retirement and now this. Having worked in the DOB for many years I know Bishop DiMarzio as a hard worker, faithful to the mission of the Church and there was never any talk of any inappropriate behavior.  I was totally shocked at the news as I'm sure all past and present employees and parishioners from the Diocese were.
Bishop DiMarzio believes he will be fully exonerated. The man Mark Matzek, now 56, claims he was  molested by the bishop and another priest (who has since died) when he was a student at  St. Nicholas School and Church in Jersey City, NJ.  He has hired a high powered and famous lawyer to represent him, Mitchell Garabedian. He is suing for over 20 million dollars.
And so the saga of child sex abuse, destroyed lives and the fallout from it, continues. The lives ruined are so sad to read about.
Please God end this horrific chapter in the life of the Church.  And may the Holy Spirit make holy the Church which does so much good and yet is so flawed as well.
NJA

What Will Pope Francis Decide on Married Priests in the Amazon? What Will the Holy Spirit Decide?

As reported in the New York Times (front page on Sunday) and other news outlets as well, at the conclusion of the Amazonian Synod in Rome, bishops from the Amazon region have advised Pope Francis to allow the ordination of married men (of proven virtue) as Roman Catholic priests in this vast and challenging region of the world.
Sadly right now, people of the Amazon region, who are dealing with an array of problems, do not have a sufficient amount of priests to minister to them. I was disturbed to learn recently that many can only receive Eucharist three times a year due to the lack of priests. That is unacceptable to God and all others of good conscience. Besides the sacraments being deprived, they also lack pastoral care. It's simply unjust.
What would the Holy Spirit recommend? I hope and pray that Pope Francis prays and fasts during the coming months, before making a recommendation.
Mandatory celibacy is a Church law, not a doctrine and church laws can be changed.
In my humble opinion, this law is hurting the church and it's evangelizing efforts.
For some, the discipline works and helps foster spiritual growth, but for others it's too restricting. Not all can live without companionship, love, nurturing touch, and the comforting presence of another in one's life. Why can't there be an Order of Married Priests, so you can have both celibate priests (if that is their call) and married priests. Not one or the other but both options.
So let's see what Pope Francis decides. According to what I've read, "the pope is expected to respond to the proposals by the end of this year."
If he decides to keep the status quo, then he can just assume that Protestant evangelicals will continue to evangelize (along with their wives), in the Amazon region and Catholicism will continue to lose Catholics to Protestantism. That's the reality and that is what the bishops from the Amazon region have spoken of to the Pope and others.
This is not about a liberal or conservative point of view or the purity and theology of the priesthood.  This is about people who deserve better from the Church. They deserve Eucharist, Reconciliation, they deserve to have caring, thoughtful priests in their midst to perform baptisms, marriages and celebrate Mass. Whether they are married or not, does not matter to the people of the Amazon. They only want and need and deserve spiritual and religious fulfillment and communion with God through frequent Holy Communion.
NJA

Amazon Synod-Moving Forward in the Church With The Spirit

The news coming out of the Amazon Synod is quite dramatic and forward thinking. "Most bishops who lead dioceses in the Amazon support the ordination of married men of proven virtue, as a way of addressing the lack of priests in the region, said the retired Bishop Krautler of Xingu, Brazil, speaking to journalists after a Vatican press briefing on October 9th." (America Magazine)
How sad to read that there are thousands of indigenous communities in the Amazon who only celebrate Eucharist a few times a year. That's terrible. No Catholic should be deprived of the great gift and grace of Holy Communion. No wonder so many bishops from the Amazon are in support of married priests. They have a crisis on their hands. Sadly, there is degradation in parts of the Amazon rain forests, due to wildfires and exploitation and other pressures on indigenous people, at least they should have local priests celebrating Mass, the sacraments and available for pastoral care. It's as clear as day to me, it makes so much sense, that the crisis could be lessened by adapting and changing the church law of celibacy to meet the needs of the people of that region, who have spiritual and religious needs which are not being met.
What would Jesus do? Come Holy Spirit Come!
NJA

High School Students on Long Island Film Stabbing Instead of Helping Victim

A young teenager was bleeding to death, right before their eyes, in a strip mall in Nassau County, Long Island, NY and none of the teenagers surrounding him, tried to help. Most were video taping his  death from stab wounds, with their cell phones to later post on social media.
In a suburban setting, where teens attend a well rated neighborhood high school, an after school fight  broke out over a girl. Khaseen Morris would end up dead. With no one to help him, until the police arrived and then it was too late.
What is so abhorrent about this story is the callousness of those who watched and filmed instead of offering help. Maybe they could have saved him, but it was more important for most of them to film his suffering instead. (Though according to reports, some at least called 911 for help.)
An 18-year-old has been charged in his death. UPDATE: And most recently seven others have been charged in the senseless death of this young man.
According to Detective Lt. Stephen Fitzpatrick of the Nassau County Police Department, "Kids stood there and didn't help Khassen. They videod his death instead of helping him." Sickening.
And so you have to wonder, if you take all conversation and discussion of God and religion and religious values out of public schools and not replace it with some kind of character building education/lessons, then what you get is some teens who lack common decency and compassion for their fellow human being.
There is no reason why religious/spiritual truths from the major world religions cannot be taught in public schools, without proselytizing. Or give lessons on character building which I know exist.
Whether its gun violence, bullying,  stabbing or fights there has to be a way to teach good morality into the classroom setting. This craziness has to stop. There must be an intentional effort on the part of educators to teach kindness, compassion, decency and positive moral teachings to young children and teens. The Golden Rule should be taught and memorized.
If not, children like Khaseen, and other innocents will continue to die through violence or be bullied to death.
NJA

Pope Names 13 New Cardinals-No American On The List

Pope Francis appointed 13 new Cardinals and when I read the list I was surprised that none of them were American. The American Church is important, especially at this crucial time in modern Church history and yet none of the great bishops who would have qualified for the important role of Cardinal in the Church were named from America. A missed opportunity in my humble opinion.

I'm disappointed as an American.  And more crucial is that a younger American voice and presence is needed more than ever. I don't say that flippantly. American culture influences the rest of the world, and only a media-savvy, younger American Cardinal can bring that perspective and understanding to the College of Cardinals.

The American Church is crucial for the world Church for many reasons. And now is a very important time in Church history, but not sure the hierarchy realizes that.
NJA

Women Need To Be Included At Every Level of Decision-Making In The Church

Sadly the Church in New York State is bracing for a slew of new lawsuits because of the enactment of the Child Victims Act (CVA). It was signed into law last February. This law will now allow new lawsuits as it suspends for one year any statue of limitations associated with alleged sexual abuse of minors. The Church continues to suffer because of grave sin, crimes against children and others, cover-ups and bad decision making.

The child abuse crisis is sickening. So far from what Jesus wanted for God's holy Church. But the Church needs cleansing and so let the cleansing begin and perhaps afterwards the Church can move forward with greater holiness. And let the healing begin for the victims, many of whom were treated unjustly in the past, but the Church has tried to correct that.

This would never have happened to the degree that it did, if more women were in leadership positions in the Church and were involved in high level decision making.  I firmly believe that. Women are intuitive, have great wisdom and common sense and by their nature are protective of children. Excluding women (and I don't mean from the priesthood) has had grave consequences for the Church and will continue unless women are given the respect, responsibilities and leadership positions they deserve. They would be an asset to the Church at all levels.

So changes are needed. Yet the Church is slow to change, but in this modern age of technological advancement and young people who won't put up with all the nonsense and disfunction, the Church for its own good and survival must make changes, that build up the body of Christ.
I love the Church and for all of us who find fulfillment in our Catholic faith and the teachings of Jesus  we want to see positive change, so that the new evangelization can take hold, grow and bear great fruit.
NJA

When Will The Madness Stop?-Two U.S. Mass Shootings In Less Than 24 Hours

Our elected officials are elected to protect the citizens of our country. They are not doing a good job of it. It appears that no one is safe anywhere anymore and little is being done to stop the insanity. Action is needed to stop this craziness. A 24-year-old filled with hate drove to El Paso, Texas to kill people shopping in Walmart- an act of domestic terrorism.  Twenty dead and 26 injured. A baby is in a hospital with broken bones and without a mother,  because his mother who died in the shooting, threw herself over the baby's stroller to protect the baby from being shot.  This is madness.
In Downtown Dayton, Ohio a man in his 20s killed his sister and 8 others last night.
What are the elected officials in our country doing to stop this? I believe in the power of prayer and I pray everyday, but more than prayer is needed.
Sometime ago I read that college guidance counselors were overwhelmed and shocked with the amount of problems that college freshmen were entering college with. They were working overtime and it seemed many young people entering college were exhibiting troubling behaviors and anxiety.
The two mass shooters in the last 24 hours in our country were in their 20s. They've grown up on violent TV shows, violent movies and violent video games and having the internet and cell phones at their disposal. Computers and the internet are necessary, but sites that promote hate should be better monitored and taken down for public safety reasons.
I love the USA. I'm very grateful for all the opportunity that my family has been given because we live in this great country. But we are better than this. This is an embarrassment. There's a feeling of lawlessness, when you watch the news.
I pray elected officials do more, that positive change comes and this horrific weekend of mass shootings never happens again.
NJA

The Carmelites, The Brown Scapular, Our Lady of Fatima and Mary's Protection

We certainly need the inspiration and protection of Jesus and Mary during these uncertain times we are living through. My parish on Long Island was blessed to host the traveling international statue of Our Lady of Fatima and we had masses, talks, litanies and rosary's recited throughout the day, the statue was with us. The statue is very beautiful, carved from oak and though I think there is a sadness and concern on Mary's face, which I find perplexing,  it was an uplifting day.
I was one of the speakers and I spoke on the Importance of the Brown Scapular and the Carmelite Order. As a Lay Carmelite, I have many years of study plus I have great instruction books and so since I always write out my talks (I don't want to forget anything),  I covered a lot of material.   I spoke about the Old Testament prophet Elijah and how he is the spiritual father of Carmelites. It all started when he battled the prophets of Baal on Mt. Carmel and won the day (1st Book of Kings). Holy hermits lived on Mt Carmel for thousands of years, establishing themselves as a Marian order, with a chapel built there dedicated to Mary. The order takes its name, not from a particular founder but from a place-Mt. Carmel on the Mediterranean coast of the Holy Land.  Mt Carmel rises over 1,700 feet above sea level and towers above the Mediterranean coastline. It's limestone rocks form a cliff-like landscape. The name Carmel means, in Hebrew, "the garden," or "vine of God." Elijah also believed that when he prayed for rain after a severe drought, his prayers were answered and he saw, "A little cloud arose from the sea." That little cloud and others brought the rain. I loved that he believed that was a sign of Mary, who was to be the Mother of the Messiah (from the prophecies of Isaiah). In the fifth century, a greeting for Mary was, "Hail Cloud of Rain, that offers drink to the souls of the saints." I had never heard that before or didn't remember hearing it and I just love that Marian title and prayer of faith.

The Brown Scapular is a modified version of Mary's own garment. It has been called a "sleek, minimalist version" of the Carmelite habit. It is a grace-filled sacramental, not a good luck charm or amulet.

The Brown Scapular is a reminder of Mary's commitment to us and our commitment to Mary. It is a reminder of her constant presence in our lives and interest in us. The meaning of the scapular today is summed up in one of the prayers over the people at the end of Mass on the feast of Our Lady of Mt. Carmel, "Lord, grant that those who in devotion have put on the habit of Our Lady of Mt. Carmel, may put on her virtues and also her unfailing protection."

As stated in one of my Carmelite instruction manuals, a scapular medal is also a sacramental as is the cloth scapular and is an approved substitute for the cloth scapular. The cloth scapular can be replaced with a medal, which has on one side the image of Our Lady of Mt. Carmel and the image of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, on the other side.

What does Our Lady of Mt. Carmel have to do with Our Lady of Lourdes and Our Lady of Fatima? Interestingly enough, Mary chose to make her last apparition at Lourdes, France on July 16th, 1858, the feast of Our Lady of Mount Carmel. Likewise, Sister Lucia's account while describing the vision of October 13th, 1917 at Fatima, she said, "It seemed to me I saw Our Lady in a form similar to Our Lady of Mt. Carmel, holding the brown scapular as if offering it to humankind."

And so I can't cover everything I shared during the talk yesterday but one thing I mentioned is that if the participants didn't remember anything else I said, they should recall that like Elijah they should seek God in silence and solitude. In these uncertain, modern times we are living through, we all need silence and solitude to discern God's will for our lives and to commune with God.  A perfect time to do that is sitting in front of the Blessed Sacrament in stillness.
NJA

The Hamptons-The Good Life

I spent sometime in the Hamptons visiting my friend and I'm always struck by the amount of wealth on the South Shore/East End of Long Island. The historic towns are quite pristine, the restaurants serve delicious food, good wine and there are pretty vistas, not to mention the awesome beaches.  Its no wonder that celebrities and wealthy people, from all over,  flock there and spend millions of dollars on homes.  But there's also great (in your face) wealth inequality in the Hamptons. The workers, behind the scenes, who keep the lawns beautiful, and the maids who keep the hotel rooms and inns clean and the huge houses dust-free, are a stark reminder of the income inequality in our country. But to be hopeful,  since this is the land of opportunity (as my own grandparents took advantage of after coming from Italy in the 1920's) there is hope that anyone can climb the ladder of success.......and make it big in the USA.
While in Southhampton we visited the beautiful Basilica Parish of the Sacred Hearts of Jesus and Mary. It is a Minor Basilica, a Gothic Revival style church of the Diocese of Rockville Center. On a quiet summer afternoon, it was peaceful and holy inside the sacred space of the Church. There were many intentions I had to pray for and so we sat surrounded by sacred art and beauty and felt at peace. The peace only a union with God can provide.
NJA

Bishop Barron Expresses Concerns About the "Nones" At USCCB Meeting

Watching TV last night and listening to Bishop Barron speaking at the USCCB Spring Conference in Baltimore about the challenges the Church faces from the "Nones," (religiously unaffiliated),  young people who are deserting the Church in large numbers, you could get a sense of the seriousness of the problem the Church faces now and in the future. Bishop Barron is the right one to lead the evangelization effort to try to show millenials and young people that the Church has something good to offer them but its going to take creativity, energy, common sense approaches and resources to bring that about. And lots of prayer.
There are certainly solutions to combating secularism, individualism and an overall mistrust of institutions among the young, and honestly the sexual abuse crisis has not helped and caused great harm. Also the lack of transparency that continues in the episcopacy is a problem. But none of these problems are unsurpassable. The Holy Spirit combined with efforts geared at showing young people the value and goodness of delving into spirituality, different forms of prayer, Eucharistic Adoration, Mass, social justice activities, Bible study and the Catholic intellectual tradition could bear great "fruit."
There is no time to waste. The problem as Bishop Barron noted is very serious.
The Church needs to invest money, time, resources and experts to try to face this problem and come up with solutions.
NJA

Sobering Statistic:
"For every one person joining the Church today, 6.45 are leaving and most are leaving at young ages, primarily before age 23."

Bold, Forward Thinking Bishops Needed

According to many Catholic news sources, German Cardinal Kasper, said that "if during an upcoming meeting of bishops on the Amazon region the prelates asked for the ordination of married men, the Pope would grant the request." Though Pope Francis has said he doesn't want to be responsible for offering optional celibacy for Roman Catholic priests, and ending mandatory celibacy, it seems if the bishops tell him how dire the situation is, maybe he will consider it, not only in the Amazon region of the world, but everywhere.
I can't imagine the bishops who have priest shortages to deal with, and some priests responsible for multiple parishes and some diocese's facing large lawsuits from the sexual abuse crisis, won't think about the advantages of optional celibacy for men of exceptional virtue and love for the Church.
I don't understand how the Catholic Church can hold onto a failing policy (it doesn't work for everyone), and man-made law that is so obviously hurting the Church.
I fully understand that for some men, the discipline of mandatory celibacy is a good and holy option, but its not for everyone who wants to serve. Especially in the modern age, it is unrealistic to think that all men can live without the prospect of getting married and having a family.
The Church is going to have a hard time evangelizing in the modern age, if it doesn't look realistically at the problems it faces.
People want kind, compassionate, understanding and holy priests. It doesn't matter if they're married or not. I've met some very holy priests in the Greek Orthodox Church, with wives and children and they're making it work. And so are rabbi's, and Protestant ministers.
Bishops of the world need to be bold and courageous and ask the Pope to allow married priests and optional celibacy, not only in the Amazon but throughout the world.
Evangelical Protestant ministers are making great inroads in Africa and Latin and South America. They bring their wives along and they have a helper and companion to serve the Lord and do God's work.
Isn't the Eucharist and the availability of the Eucharist for all, more important that a man-made law
which narrows the "pool" of available holy men for the priesthood? Common sense must prevail and if prayer is needed to consider changing the law and allowing optional celibacy, then let the prayer begin. But the bishops of the world must help Pope Francis to see what is needed for God's people in the 21st century and how a man-made law can be changed for the good of the Church and its future.
NJA

Archbishop Wilton Gregory's Installation Mass and Great Homily in DC

Now that Archbishop Wilton Gregory has been installed as the 7th Archbishop of Washington perhaps healing can begin after the confusion, disappointment and turmoil that archdiocese had to go through. Sin and evil cause chaos and disruption and no where is that more apparent than there.

  I loved Archbishop Gregory's homily and his delivery of it.  It was heartfelt, real, Christ-centered and touching. Everyone seemed to love it, there was clapping when he finished and the bishops in attendance seemed to rejoice in it as well. 

...."Pope Francis has now summoned the Church-and by that I mean all the baptized to leave our comfortable confines and to encounter and welcome the poor, the marginalized and the neglected and to place them at the very heart of Christ's Church. Beginning today that is my task here in the Archdiocese of Washington. 

He pledged his fraternal affection for Pope Francis, who has given the Archbishop a great call and opportunity. 

He had kind words for Archbishop Pierre (the Pope's representative in the U.S.)who he called a "friend to our nation and a brother to the bishops of the United States. " I heard Archbishop Pierre speak at the installation Mass of Bishop Richard Henning (Auxiliary Bishop of Rockville Centre), which I attended,  and I was impressed with Archbishop Pierre as well. He seems genuine and likable. 

But my favorite part of the homily was when Archbishop Gregory spoke about the gospel. ....."He wisely chose his first disciples from among those who made their living on the sea, selecting individuals adept at handling their boats and nets certainly but also at using their wits....He recognized their fierce tenacity to get the job done and eventually redirect their focus from fish to families......"

He spoke about trusting in Jesus and how when the squalls came and the wind picked up, they became afraid, as we all would. 

"We too, like those frightened disciples tossed about by the wind and the waves have cried out, 'Teacher, do you not care that we are perishing? Jesus' questions to them are also meant for us: 'Why are you terrified/ Do you not yet have faith?'

This was the part I loved the most......."In their anxiety they had discounted that Jesus was literally in the boat with them. ...That very One was in the boat with them and in a breath, He calmed the wind and the sea and He restored their composure."

All good. I'm sure the Archbishop will be a blessing to that diocese. 

And the gospel singers were the best. I hope they put their songs on You Tube. The song at the end of the Mass left me uplifted and hopeful.

NJA

Keeping Eyes Fixed on Jesus-Newly Baptized in the Church-2019

Jesus, his message, his powerful words and actions continue to have great appeal into the 21st century.  I read with interest a hopeful religion article in the New York Times today titled, "Becoming Catholic as the Church Grapples With Scandal," by Rick Rojas. It tells about the thousands of newly baptized Catholics who entered the Church at the Easter Vigil this year and that's just in the Tri-State area. There are thousands more throughout the country. They were aware of the Church scandals and the horrific stories but they choose to look past that, to realize the Church and the teachings of Jesus are so much more than the failings, as horrific as they are.  They yearned for the beautiful rituals, the sacraments which can heal and help in this uncertain world, reverence for Mary, the Mother of God, the saints and their wisdom and witness and to be part of the Holy Roman Catholic Church founded by Christ.
Today in the gospel reading, Jesus proclaimed that He is in the Father, and those who saw him, saw the Father. Considered by some to be blasphemous talk in His time, he was laying the foundation for the knowledge and teaching of the Trinity, through Divine revelation. Three Divine persons in one God. The Trinity, the greatest mystery that has ever existed, was formulated over centuries by Church theologians, scholars and interpreters of Scripture.
People of every age yearn for truth, they yearn to be a part of something greater than themselves. The teachings of Jesus are timeless and can fill a great void, in one's life, as these newly baptized in the Church can attest to.  Also belonging to a faith community is a great gift.
May the Holy Spirit continue to guide them and give them Christian hope and love.  As Cardinal Tobin, archbishop of Newark told those who had entered into the Church at the Easter Vigil Mass, "You'll always have a home here with us." Very powerful words indeed.
NJA

John 14:6-11
"Jesus said to Thomas, 'I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. If you know me, then you will also know the Father. From now on you do know him and have seen him.' Philip said to him, 'Master, show us the Father and that will be enough for us.' Jesus said to him, 'Have I been with you for so long a time and you still do not know me, Philip? Whoever has seen me has seen the Father. How can you say, ' Show us the Father?' Do you not believe that I am in the Father and the Father is in me? The words that I speak to you I do not speak on my own. The Father who dwells in me is doing his works. Believe me that I am in the Father and the Father is in me or else believe because of the works themselves......."



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Palm Sunday Liturgy of the Word With Children-2019/ Notre Dame Fire

On Palm Sunday I was a prayer leader for the Children's Liturgy in my parish. As we  processed around the church, with the pastor, altar servers, and lectors, holding palms, I was amazed at the simple ritual of processing and how it pleased everyone, because children were involved.
Afterwards, in the chapel, as I read the Passion gospel to the children and told them it was very serious so they would have to pay attention, as we were going to hear about Jesus' trial, they listened intently. It's such a violent story, but there is much they can learn from it.
Jesus was a victim of bullying and they could hear that and unfortunately some of them could relate to it. When I asked them if any of them had been innocent and been bullied by someone, they had examples. They shouldn't but they always do when I discuss that topic with them. One little girl said that her fish had died and when she discussed it at lunch, someone said to her, "I'm glad your fish died." Another boy shared that he had a rock collection and he was proud of it and another boy said to him, "Those rocks are useless." They had many examples, too many for young children.
But that's the way it is. Just as Jesus was lied about, mocked and treated harshly and was a victim of injustice, so too does it go on today, in different forms.
As we enter the sacred days and nights  of the Holy Triduum,  we have etched in our minds, the burning of Notre Dame Cathedral and the bizarre timing of that horrific event during Holy Week, From the ashes of Notre Dame will come rebuilding, renewal and hope and that is very good.  From the sacred days ahead will come the beauty, joy and hopefulness of Easter.
Blessings abound. Hope is essential to the life of a Christian. A fruitful Triduum and a Happy Easter.
NJA

Bishop Brennan Honors His Ancestors-He's A Gift To Ohio

Bishop Robert Brennan, the newly installed bishop of Columbus, Ohio will be missed on Long Island where he's from. His family still lives here so it is with a sacrificial attitude that he goes to Ohio, but the Catholics from Columbus are the lucky ones.
Since I live within the Diocese of Rockville Centre, on Long Island, where Bishop Brennan most recently served as an Auxiliary Bishop, I know firsthand he was very well liked and the few times I attended special events or Mass and heard him speak, I came away thinking he was a special priest. He's also kind. The people, schoolchildren, clergy and interfaith community there will soon find that out for themselves.
Thanks to the wonder of Catholic television I was able to watch the installation Mass on the Catholic Faith Network of Rockville Centre. Bishop Brennan's homily was great. I loved how he explained what his episcopal motto, "Thy will be done." meant to him and his family. That biblical phrase (and verse from the Our Father prayer) is etched on the tombstones of his grandfather and great-grandfather. His grandfather also had a prayer card he carried with him with that phrase. It seems God's will was to bring honor to the Brennan family for their faithfulness.  Bishop Brennan is 56 years old, fairly young for a bishop. He brings goodness, vitality and prayerfulness to his role as bishop.
Ohio doesn't have great weather in the winter, but they now have a rising star with their new bishop of Columbus.
NJA

Evil and Violence in Places of Worship

There are no words and much sadness when thinking of innocent people worshipping God in a house of worship being murdered. It's despicable. The latest atrocity that occurred in New Zealand of the massacre of innocents at two mosques makes me believe that God must be very sad with aspects of humanity. God certainly weeps. At this late stage of human existence, some sick people are so filled with hate that they would murder, even children in a religious, sacred space. It is just sickening.
But this happens in other places, to other religions. Christians are murdered in churches, in some parts of the world, Jewish people were murdered in their synagogue not too long ago in Pittsburgh and Muslims trying to pray and give honor and praise to God are gunned down in New Zealand.
Because we live in a fallen world, where evil exists and sometimes seems to rule the day, more precautions must be taken to protect worshippers.
There should be protection, someone in charge and given the responsibility of protecting people at prayer, against sick and evil people who wish to harm.
Something has to be done. Good and holy people trying to praise God should not have to fear in a place of worship.
Also religious tolereance and respect for all religions should be taught in schools, throughout the world. This madness has to stop.
NJA

Lent- 2019- Striving for Goodness and Holiness Again

It's Lent once more. Here we go again, striving to be better, to get it right, to grow closer to God and more like Jesus.  I went to Mass on Ash Wednesday in Southwest Florida and the parish I attended had many changes since last Lent. A beautiful new parish center and gym was built and opened which includes a restaurant and beautiful meeting rooms. There is also beautiful outdoor space. It's called the the Pulte Family Life Center, and as you can tell from the name, Mr. Pulte, the builder, gave a very large donation to help build the center. He was a very generous man, who died last year.
What was sad about the whole thing was not only did Mr. Pulte not live to see the building come to life and be completed but the pastor whose vision it was, mysteriously left the priesthood before he had a chance to see the building finished and dedicated. To say the parish family was shocked is an understatement. He had just celebrated 20 years as a priest the year before and now he is seeking laicization.
Since the pastor (who I will leave unnamed) is leaving the priesthood and disappointing thousands of parishioners, as he was greatly loved, one wonders where all this chaos in the church is going.
It's not easy to live the Christian life to its fullest. It's not easy to grow in holiness and find out what God's will is for your life.  Of course holiness is attainable and we've seen many examples of holy lives in our lifetime. I think of St. Mother Teresa,   Pope St. John Paul II and Pope Francis.
We all know what to do by now, and between religious books, the lives of the saints, Catholic television shows, bible study classes, parish retreats and programs and religious you tube videos and DVD's and all the devotions Catholics have at their disposal, and Mass, if you give enough time to spiritual growth, you can absolutely grow in holiness.
 I heard Fr. Donald Haggerty, a priest of the Archdiocese of NY, who was interviewed on EWTN recently, say that just visiting a Church everyday, even for 10  minutes, (if you can't attend daily Mass), when its quiet and still inside is a good and simple way to grow in holiness. I've done that often, during the week and I would agree. But its a good suggestion so I'll do it more.
There are so many distractions in the modern world, so many things pulling us away from what's really important. It takes discipline to stay the course, to keep focused on Jesus.  I hope you have a good and holy Lent.
Amen to that.
NJA

The Early Universe,The Big Bang and God

I watched an amazing TV science show on the Science channel,  about the early Universe and the Big Bang.  It's fascinating how scientists, astronomers, cosmologists and astrophysicists with incredible scientific instruments and telescopes and huge super computers are trying to find out what happened before the Big Bang and the seconds following it. It's all very scientific and the scientists have done amazing things and discoveries in tracing what happened in the early Universe, before stars and galaxies and atoms,  but of course they can't figure it out completely. There is dark matter they have to contend with, which makes up a lot of the Universe and cosmic fog and singularities and places they've discovered back in time, billions of years ago, where physics does not apply. There is so much they are learning but still so much they do not know. They admit, mathematics are "incomplete." Their telescopes are incredible and what they can learn from them, with the help of super computers is itself a miracle of sorts. Naturally, these extremely smart scientists,  never mention God (God forbid!) or Divine design, Divine initiative, or God's imprint in the planning of the Universe. By studying light from distance galaxies, it was determined our Universe keeps expanding and the infant Universe before the Big Bang was very, very small and very, very hot.
Trying to understand the early Universe before the Big Bang and seconds afterward, I believe can never be fully understood without accepting the existence of a super-intelligent Supreme Being who set everything into motion and keeps everything in existence. The earliest moments of the Universe won't be solved until scientists accept that God the Creator ("the Super-Force") had a "hand" in creation and set it all in motion. God's mathematical equations and divine design are just perfect, no super computers needed. One scientist said it seems like "the Universe came out of nowhere"......I don't think so! The early Universe grew so fast, so much energy, so much matter, just enough gravity ........a miracle like no other!
NJA

Bible Literacy for Children-Should It Be Taught In Public Schools?

According to an article in USA Today, "Push is on for Bible Ed  in Public Schools," there are state legislatures that are considering if students in public schools could be allowed to study the Hebrew Scriptures (the Old Testament) and the New Testament. Many believe as I do, that it would be good for children to know and have knowledge of the religious truths of all the major world religions and to study religious texts, so as to have a well rounded education.
According to the latest push, Christian groups believe that bible literacy could help restore traditional values in schools  and give students a chance to study the Bible in an academic setting, without a bias.
Of course , there are many that oppose this idea. They say this violates the separation of church and state and this would impose Christian beliefs on public school children.
When I was in public school, growing up in Brooklyn, NY, the Principal read from the Bible, at the beginning of auditorium gatherings. (That was in the late 1950's-'60s.) The passage was always comforting and probably from the Old Testament (since the neighborhood I grew up in was populated by Jewish and Christian families).
According to the ACLU, Bible literacy bills have been introduced in Florida, Indiana, Missouri, North Dakota, Virginia and West Virginia.  None of the previous bills introduced in 2018 passed.
Can biblical texts and other religious texts be taught in school without the presence of proselytizing? I think so. Would it help students to have a well rounded education and to be aware of the belief systems of other believers? Why can't a world religion course be taught in public school to promote religious tolerance and promote world peace through understanding and knowledge?
Parents are the primary religious educators of their children. It's up to parents to make sure their children read a children's bible and discuss it with them and send them to religious education classes. Because ultimately, sadly, I don't think any of these bills will pass. It's going to be up to parents to realize the importance of children growing up with biblical truths and knowledge of the true, the beautiful and the good.
NJA

The Importance of Silence and Meditation in the Life of a Christian

"The contemplatives and ascetics of all ages and religions have sought God in the silence and solitude of the desert, forest and mountain.
We too are called to withdraw at certain intervals into deeper silence and aloneness with God, together as a community as well as personally. To be alone with him not with our books, thoughts, and memories but completely stripped of everything, to dwell lovingly in his presence-silent, empty, expectant and motionless."  St. Mother Teresa of Calcutta

More than ever the Church, all the people of God, need to withdraw, at times, and just sit and listen. In peace and quiet, whether in front of the Blessed Sacrament in Eucharistic devotion or in a quiet church, or any other quiet place and just be.

I'm taking a Christian meditation course at a local church and though I've taken it before I continually need to be reminded of the importance of meditation, of just being in the presence of God with no agenda. Just breathing deeply and rhythmically and clearing my mind and waiting for God in stillness. Meditation is a powerful form of prayer and very beneficial on many levels-psychological, physical and spiritual. Many of the saints meditated in one form or another. It is a way to calm the body, mind and soul. It has many measurable health benefits.

But its a discipline and like other disciplines it takes work to do it every day. But I for one, need it in this fast paced, crazy, modern world we live in.  I need it to calm my mind with all the "stuff" that's constantly bombarding our psyche.

People need to be taught the importance of stillness, meditation and solitude and the benefits it has. Also more silence should be built into liturgy, in my humble opinion. I truly believe that after people receive Holy Communion at Mass, there should not be singing at that specific time in the Mass and only instrumental music, so the congregation can go within and commune with God. Soft instrumental music so that after receiving the Body of Christ we can enter a brief meditation and feel God's presence within.

NJA

Will The Spirit Lead Reform and Renewal in the Church?

Will the Pope and all the Cardinals and Bishops of the Church be open to the movement of the Holy Spirit while reforming the Church? It is crucial that they are, that they are open and willing to put aside their will and accept God's will and the radical movement of the Holy Spirit. I pray pride does not get in the way.
I read with interest an online article in "Amcrica" magazine about German Cardinal Reinhard Marx calling for "change in long standing church teachings" as the Germans Bishops Conference prepares for a workshop debate to review the issue of celibacy for priests." At a New Year's Mass at the Cathedral in Munich, the Cardinal said, "in light of the failure surrounding the sexual abuse crisis the Church must be open to modifying church teaching in response to changing modern times." Lay Catholics in Germany and elsewhere support this view.
Thank you Cardinal Marx for having the courage to say what needs to be said.......in my humble opinion, besides implementing more reforms and safeguards for protecting children and others, I do believe, without a doubt, that mandatory celibacy must be re-evaluated and eventually be made optional in the Roman Catholic Church for priests. Perhaps an Order of Married Priests in the Roman Catholic Church can be considered and added.
The man-made Church law of mandatory celibacy is hurting the Church. Celibacy might be a needed and welcome discipline for some, but it is too strict for all.
Any discussions on reforms and renewal in the Church, should include a discussion and evaluation of mandatory celibacy.
All Cardinals and Bishops should pray about this, ask for God's will in this matter and like Cardinal Marx be realistic about the future of the Church. Accessibility of the Sacraments, and growth in the Church is more important than any man-made law.
NJA