A message from Father Pete

2 Kings 4:8-11, 14-16; Romans 6:3-4, 8-11; Matthew 10:37-42 The last words of the gospel strike a sensitive cord: “Amen. I say to you, he will surely not lose his reward.” [Matthew 10:42] On face value it sounds wonderful. We like rewards. We like getting something for our hard work or just something as a present. Reading the preceding lines, Jesus says, “And whoever gives only a cup of cold water to one of these little ones to drink ...” [Matthew 10:42] It certainly seems to be the direction that Jesus showed His whole life and taught us to follow: loving, caring, generous, forgiving. We approve. Yet the rest of the reading strikes up a much deeper reaction of insensitivity and downright hurting of those we love: “Whoever loves … more than Me … is not worthy of me.” Jesus gives four examples of this. Is He saying that if I love my parents … my children … more than Jesus … AND if I don’t take up the crosses my life brings and I have to give my life totally, I’m not going to make it...

Jeremiah 20:10-13; Romans 5:12-15; Matthew 10:26-33 How does God feel about me? Maybe this reflection might go deeper if I ask, How do I feel about myself ? If I’m all wrapped up in myself and not aware of others, my world could seem very lonely. I exist just for me. Others don’t care about me because I don’t really care about them. I’m just here in this world alone. It would seem that I’m just an object on the Christmas tree without any real difference from the ornaments around me … I just hang there … I can be replaced easily by another ornament. However I respond to this reflection, the bottom line is that I need to feel needed. I need to feel I’m of value. I need to know that I am good for something. I need to know that I’m cared about and loved. I need to know that I have something to do, to accomplish what is worthwhile, to be a person who has meaning, more than just paying this bill a merchant hands me or the tax the government levies on me. Who am I? Am I important to God? Do...

Solemnity of The Most Holy Body and Blood of Christ Deuteronomy 8:2-3, 14-16; 1 Corinthians 10:16-17; John 6:51-58 Today is a day to celebrate in a focused way what we celebrate and believe every time we gather at the Lord’s table for the Sacrament of the Eucharist. “Absence makes the heart grow fonder” is a quote that goes way back to the Roman poet Sextus. It describes the great affection we have for family, relatives and friends, especially when we are separated.  We’ve experienced this in a way we never would have imagined these last three months.  We love the Eucharist. We’ve been separated from the Eucharist during times of extended sickness and travel. But this absence has been especially painful during the COVID-19 pandemic. Even now, with restrictions present, people are hesitant to take the chance to receive the Lord. Dispensations have been granted for the aged and vulnerable class ... with which I’m not too comfortable because that is me. The deeper lesson for app...

Solemnity of The Most Holy Trinity Exodus 34:4-6, 8-9; 2 Corinthians 13:11-13; John 3:16-28 We have known special people in our lives. The ones who personally stand out are those who have a deep-seated desire to bring out the best in us. They perceive our gifts and talents in the way that the Holy Spirit has formed us. They are very special to us and we are deeply blessed to have them in our lives. Do we ever make the jump and put God in this classification? Do we believe and live our lives knowing God cares for us deeply, watches out for us and is leading us closer to our promised goal of heaven? How else can we interpret the first line of today’s gospel: “God so loved the world that He gave His only Son so that everyone who believes in Him might not perish but might have eternal life.” [John 3:16] This desire and help from God is recorded in each reading today: Exodus 34:6: “The Lord, the Lord, a merciful and gracious God, slow to anger and rich in kindness and fidelity.” ...

Acts 2:1-11; 1 Corinthians 12:3-7, 12-13; John 20:19-23 Am I aware that the Holy Spirit works within me? Do I realize that every time I am kind, helpful, compassionate, caring and forgiving, I am using the gifts that Holy Spirit has conferred on me to reach out and share with others? Do I know that this means I am being Jesus to those in need? The readings today center on powerful images acknowledging the presence and work of the Holy Spirit: “… a noise like a strong driving wind … tongues of fire … that came to rest of each … to speak in different tongues. …” This had to be an unforgettable event. Even the people assembled from all over heard these Galileans speaking but they were hearing what was said in their native tongue. How is this possible? This is the most amazing thing I have ever heard … what does all this mean … and they are talking about this Jesus? Still more amazing things are happening: These eleven apostles, who ran away scared from the Garden of Gethsemane -- only Joh...

Acts 1:1-11, Ephesians, Peter 1:17-23, Matthew 28: 16-20 With Jesus’ Ascension into heaven, what are the burning questions that come up in our hearts? The apostles asked: “Lord, at this time, are You going to restore the Kingdom to Israel?” [Acts 1:6] They were envisioning the kingdoms under Saul, David and Solomon. They realized Saul was concerned about himself and developed a jealousy for David. David was the ideal king, yet he was consumed with his own humanity and sins but witnessed to the Lord as did his son, Solomon. A combination of the gifts and talents of these two would bring back the glory days of Israel. This is what the apostles wanted. This never was God’s plan, which was to lead all people to the glories of the heavenly kingdom of love and peace with Him forever. The two men in white said, “Men of Galilee, why are you standing there looking at the sky? This Jesus who has been taken up from you into heaven will return in the same way as you have seen Him going into h...

Acts 8:5-8, 1 Peter 3:15-18, John 14:15-21 It is good for each of us to stop and take a God check. What does this mean and how do I go about this God check? It means every person was brought into this world by our loving Father who loves them unconditionally every moment of their life. God doesn’t end there; He desires that each person will choose to live in heaven with Him for eternity. The God check is an assessment on how I am doing. Have I seen growth in my living that exhibits choosing: good over evil, caring over refusing, compassion over avoidance? The readings today focus on examples that help with this time-out reflection. I start with the Gospel from John because historically this happened first in time. Jesus states it completely and succinctly: “If you love Me, you will keep my commandments.” [John 14:15] Jesus is at the Last Supper with His disciples and He is speaking not only to them but to everyone at all times who choose to follow Him. Judas has left the scene, th...