A message from Father Pete

For Sunday, August 27, 2023 Isaiah 22:19-23; Romans 1:16-19, 11:33-36; Matthew 16:13-20 There are many titles for God in our Scripture and in all religions of the world. All the people who praise and worship God have formal expressions and personal favorites when they pray to God. Christian and Muslim religions have various titles for Jesus, to better understand who Jesus is and what He means to them. Matthew places the Gospel at Caesarea Philippi, which was situated about 30 miles north of the Sea of Galilee at the foot of Mount Hermon. Some scholars and Holy Land guides believe that Jesus was transfigured at this snow-capped mountain. Most scholars hold it is the present site of Transfiguration Mountain, which has a beautiful Church and grounds on a high hill all by itself close to the Sea of Galilee. Today Jesus asks a question to His disciples: “Who do people say the Son of Man is?” [Matthew 16:13] Each of us would have slightly different answers to this question.  The Baltimo...

For Sunday, August 20, 2023 Isaiah 56:1, 6-7; Romans 11:13-15, 29-32; Matthew 15:21-28 The readings today bring out some of the realities that many try to avoid in today’s world: the in-group vs. the out-group; the accepted vs. the alienated. When you compare groups you risk showing lopsided favoritism to the group in which you belong: because I know them … we're friends … we share similar likes, dislikes, cultures, nationalities, beliefs, religions, politics, etc. My dad had a saying: “Comparisons are odious.” My dictionary defines odious as “causing or deserving hatred or repugnance.” It is very easy to put people into classifications. As a result I have a strong tendency to favor those who are similar to me. It could be sports — favorite teams, individual stars — but other such classifications are not. I can substitute so many other organizations — teams — groups — and the results are the same: I have favorites. It is so necessary for people to be accepted … liked … respected ...

For Sunday, August 13, 2023 1 Kings 19:9, 11-13; Romans 9:1-5; Matthew 14:22-33 A reflection on today’s readings: Where do I find God in my life today? Do I find Him just in Church? In people? Does God speak to me? How can I listen to God? What do I listen for? Today the disciples are on their boat in the Sea of Galilee when a strong storm comes up. They see Jesus walking on the water and they are terrified. In a sudden burst of strength and courage, Peter climbs out of the boat and, following Jesus’ command, walks on the water toward Him. Peter becomes frightened and starts to sink and yells for help. The Lord reaches out His hand and saves him from drowning. Jesus then calms the storm, which dies down at His command. When He boards the boat, the disciples give Him reverence by giving Him praise and deep respect. Their fear, courage, worship and adoration mimic ours in so many ways. More than just words and needs, their response is the foundation of strengthening our faith and relat...

For Sunday, August 6, 2023 Daniel 7:9-10, 13-14; 2 Peter 1:16-19; Matthew 17:1-9 There’s a story that has been passed down for ages about today’s feast, the Transfiguration of the Lord: Little Johnny was shopping with his mom downtown and, when finished, she said, “Let's go into that old church.” It had stained glass windows of many saints and Jesus and Mary. Johnny was fascinated by the saints because the sun was shining through the windows while magical colors were dancing on the floor. Johnny asked what the colors meant and his mom told him that when the sun shone through them, the range of colors sparkled and shined for all to see. The story continues: In religion class, the teacher asked if anyone knew what makes a saint holy — and Johnny responded excitedly, “A saint is someone who is very kind and loving, and the sun shines through them so everyone can see their beauty.” When Jesus was transfigured on Mount Tabor, God shone through Him so brightly that it revealed God’s ligh...