A message from Father Pete

Jeremiah 20:7-9; Romans 12:1-2; Matthew 16:21-27 Many frequently take stock of their lives; it is a good exercise. They look at the many drawbacks that have arisen … some seemingly unsurmountable and others that were overcome. They look with gratitude on those who have helped them through the troubled waters. They have some regret for the obstacles but hopefully are comfortable in their “new” direction. Do we allow our detours to help blaze new paths? Have we reflected on the obstinacy that we’ve seen in ourselves? Has this led us to follow the path of “it’s my way or the highway?” In reflecting, have we noticed the “hand of God” present? Have we expressed our gratitude to God not only for being present but also for being a big and noticeable part? Have we ever realized that God is leading us closer to Himself: that the goal of our life follows God’s plan; that the ultimate goal is heaven with Him forever? Each person’s life is a series of encounters leading us to this truth. It is o

Isaiah 22:19-23; Romans 11:33-36; Matthew 16:13-20 What reaction do you have when asked a direct question? For me, a lot goes behind the question itself: Am I being challenged? Is it getting into the personal area? Am I suspicious of the questioner or why the question was asked? Am I cautious in framing my response because I’m afraid of being wrong or “inciting” a “nerve” in the questioner or even myself? Do I try to beat around the bush, or to stray to discover more what the questioner wants before I respond? Do I tend to ask a question before I even respond, such as, “Why are you asking?” Back in the early years of our schooling we were trained to raise our arms and not to blurt out the answer until we were called on. So many were jumping up in their seats. What happened? We were so proud when we responded correctly … but let down when we were wrong. These “acceptances” or “denials” could have stayed with us down through the years. Today a question is asked by Jesus of all the apost

Isaiah 56:1, 6-7; Romans 11:13-15, 29-32; Matthew 15:21-28 Do I have a sense of what I should be doing with my life? Do I feel that what I do is important to God? Do I feel that I have been called to do certain things in my life; namely, to lead others to God? Have I had a feeling that the Coronavirus has come from God, delivering a specific message to all of us? Do I ever feel that God is on my side and not the other person’s? Or what if God is for both of us? Is it hard for me to love the other side? What decision-making process goes into my placing people into certain classifications? What happens when God loves people we really don’t like at all? We look to the readings to help us with these dilemmas. Considered the greatest of the prophets, Isaiah comes at a critical moment in Israel’s history. His ministry is divided into three parts: Part I covers the reign of Jotham (742-735 BC) in which Isaiah exposes the moral breakdown of Judah and its capital, Jerusalem. Part II covers the

1 Kings 19:9, 11-13; Romans 9:1-5; Matthew 14:22-23 Every day I look around and see that I am surrounded by the awesome wonders and power of God. Do I realize that God has placed me in this place, at this time, for His purpose? In looking at His creative beauty I realize that He is present: Am I absent? Do I make myself a part of God’s world or am I lost and wandering around in my own unimaginative, seemingly boring life without tuning God in? When times get tough do I expect God to prove Himself by providing a miracle for me? God, if you really love me, You’ll do this favor for me. The daily constraints of living make it so hard to keep my focus on the Lord. This happens even at prayer. St. Teresa of Avila said “if you are not distracted in prayer, you are not praying.” That’s all well and good, but how do I keep loving the Lord for all He has done for me? We turn to the readings for some helpful hints and direction. We remember this well-known, scary part of Elijah’s life: Ahab has

Isaiah 55:1-3; Romans 8:35, 37-39; Matthew 14:13-21 Am I stingy in giving? When I am tired, am I aware of the needs of those around me? When I seem to give and give, do I take time to recoup or do I “hide,” “pout,” “give up” or take on the “poor me” mode? At Christmas gift time, am I seeing how loved ones react to my gifts or am I eager to see what I have received?  The people in the gospel were hungry, they had been following Jesus for quite a time. I wonder how many were diabetic or had to eat regularly? I wonder how many were worried about those needing food, like the children and elderly? I wonder if those who brought a snack were willing to share, or did they want to keep it for themselves? Jesus was tired and had just heard of John the Baptist’s beheading. He was mourning. It seems as though He expected the apostles to feed the people themselves. Were they afraid? Did they think that only Jesus could do this? “If you have faith the size of a mustard seed, you will say to this mou