A message from Father Pete

For Sunday, November 27, 2022 Isaiah 2:1-5, Romans 13:11-14, Matthew 24:37-44 We have seen stores with Christmas decorations up for quite a while. I wonder if this is just an advertising gimmick to draw our attention to all the new products on which we can spend our hard work and life savings to show our LOVE for the special people in our lives. The stores want to insist that we HAVE TO GET this and that because our “loved person” just NEEDS this article … clothing … device … special gift ... to know they are loved and appreciated. The more stores spend on their advertising, the more they distract us from God’s eternal and unending presence in our lives. They seem to imply that we can’t live without these “things.” But do they ever say that we must have these “things” to be aware of God and His blessings, coupled with His desire to lead everyone closer to Himself and our eternal home? They don’t — but the hint is definitely there. What has happened is that Christmas serves as a mark...

For Sunday, November 20, 2022 2 Samuel 5:1-3, Colossians 1:12-20, Luke 23:35-43 In one of the parishes in New York where I was pastor, the director of religious education had an interesting sign on her desk that read: “I am not CEO of the universe.” Being very good at her position, she said she kept this sign to remind her of the important fact that she was not in charge. How often I need to be reminded that the world does not revolve around me. I’m just one of God’s creations trying to live life accordingly. People come to me for advice and help, and I can feel successful — but it is always God who makes it happen: I’m just His humble minister, trying not to get in His way. I need to be reminded of this constantly. Today is the feast honoring Jesus as King of the Universe. We receive Him in three ways: (1) Christ is King of the Universe where we have a small place, (2) Christ the King desires an intimate relationship with each of us, and (3) Christ the King died on the cross offe...

For Sunday, November 13, 2022 Malachi 3:19-20; 2 Thessalonians 3:7-12; Luke 21:5-19 How often we hear the ad … announcement … bulletin … news break ... that announces, “Something great is about to happen!” Could it be an announcement that the Lottery is even bigger than ever? That someone really famous is coming to town? Maybe a special windfall is near? Or, could it be that someone has predicted the end of the world? A meteor could be crashing into the earth! The polar caps are melting! Maybe we're entering another world war! Scary, huh? Would I believe such an announcement? What would really move me to action? Would people flock to churches, synagogues and mosques as they did after 9/11? When I hear something like this, does my mind turn immediately to God? Do I catch myself trying to find out everything I can from CNN? Fox? Government websites? Well it's nothing new. These kinds of announcements come to us every year at this time.   The Scripture readings during the last wee...

For Sunday, November 6, 2022 Maccabees 7:1-2, 9-14; 2 Thessalonians 2:16-3:5; Luke 20: 27-38 During the past week we have remembered and celebrated the important people in our lives. On All Saints Day we honored special people who lived lives outstanding in commitment, honesty, and holiness that was filled with love, compassion and forgiveness. Think about your special saints who might possess these same qualities:   St. Francis of Assisi, St. Therese the Little Flower, Mother Teresa, Padre Pio, St. John Paul II, St. Jean Marie Vianney. Do you know a saint having your name? Do you know why you were given the name you received? Did your parents like the name or like the person behind the name? On All Souls Day we remember all those souls who are waiting to enjoy the love and gifts of heaven. We include our relatives and friends in this group. Actually we have saints we know who are in heaven. Maybe the world or the church doesn’t recognize them but we do because they were just ...