May 21, 2024

Today, Carol and I will be spending our 41st wedding anniversary at the hospital, with Carol receiving her first chemo treatment in her fight against cancer. While there is some sadness in spending our special day in this way, we believe it speaks to the vows we shared 41 years ago: “…in sickness and in health.”

We have been blessed by our life together. We have four beautiful children and ten just-as-beautiful grandchildren. We are surrounded by love – always, but especially today as we begin this fight.

I have loved Carol with all my heart for a long time. Her cancer diagnosis did not make me love her more, but it certainly made me appreciate just how MUCH I love her. She is my world and my heart breaks for her to have to go through this.

With so much love and so many prayer warriors in our corner, Carol assures me she is ready for the fight.

I love you, Carol! Now…let’s go kick cancer’s butt!

May 20, 2024

Dear Parents of the Class of 2024,

Last week I wrote a letter to our graduating seniors. Today I offer my annual letter of advice to the parents of our graduating seniors:

Graduation is soon, and even though Carol and I have been through it with all four of our children, I still get a bit nostalgic this time of year. The advantage of having experience is that it allows me to spot the newbies. The first-born children talk big and act like they can’t wait to get out on their own; but you can hear the uncertainty in their voice and see it in their eyes. Parents of the college-bound students talk confidently about how well prepared their child is to take on the world, knowing that just last week that same child thought his car was in reverse and drove it into the back end of their new SUV.

So, thinking that parents of college-bound students might need some advice, here are a few pointers courtesy of my youngest son, Rob, when he was preparing to graduate from high school back in 2010:

1. We know you may decide to turn our bedroom into an office or an exercise room, but could you at least have a fold-out couch for us when we come home on break.
2. College move-in day advice: For the parents of the girls, get a U-haul, trust me – you’ll need it. For the parents of boys, a couple of trash bags ought to do it.
3. We can manage our own clothing. Please don’t write our name on our underwear.
4. You can follow us around on orientation day, but please – no hand holding or emotional outbursts. We feel awkward enough.
5. We would like for you to visit occasionally. When you do visit, please bring food. We like food, and we’re poor. Raman noodles are great but a hamburger every now and then would be nice.
6. Cards and letters are very nice also, but if you include a little cash, I don’t think anyone would complain.
7. Mom and Dad, we know you think Facebook and Twitter are cool, but please remember that when you post “I love you” 50 times, everyone we know can see it.
8. Once a day is probably enough on the phone calls. We will keep you updated on what’s going on, but please don’t ask us how every class went. Please do call us though – we will miss you.
9. Please don’t ask us if we’re homesick…because we are, and that will just make it worse.
10. Know that we love you – and we are discovering every day just how much. Up to this point, you have been our guides. Your lessons will stay with us for the rest of our lives. You got us to where we are today, and we thank you for that. Rest assured that you have done your best. You have given us the opportunity to succeed and we are a witness to your love and sacrifice. You are our foundation. We will build on that foundation. Thank you, Mom and Dad.

Congratulations to the parents of the Class of 2024!

May 19, 2024 – Pentecost Sunday

I am not preaching this weekend, but if interested, here is a homily I delivered BACK IN 2021 on the same readings we have today:

Ten-year-old Tommy unwrapped the birthday gift from his parents and was delighted to find the newest Pokemon video game. He was beyond excited since he had been hinting at this gift for several months.

Tommy’s dad was also pleased as he considered himself quite the gamer and looked forward to playing the new game with his son.

Tommy’s younger brother, Nicholas, was equally excited. Tommy had told him that if he got the new game for his birthday, he would give the old Pokemon game to Nicholas.

Tommy’s mom may have been happiest of all. She knew that with all her boys tucked away in the basement with a new video game, she would have a few hours of peace in the house.

The family dog even found enjoyment as she played with and chewed on the box the game had come in.

One gift with varied benefits to all.

May 18, 2024

Each day, I reflect upon a word or phrase inspired by the readings of the day. I encourage you to do the same and perhaps incorporate that word or phrase into your daily prayer.

There are also many other things that Jesus did,
but if these were to be described individually,
I do not think the whole world would contain the books
that would be written. (John 21:20-25)

Sometimes scripture needs no additional commentary.

The above passage is a poignant reminder for us.

May 17, 2024

Each day, I reflect upon a word or phrase inspired by the readings of the day. I encourage you to do the same and perhaps incorporate that word or phrase into your daily prayer.

Tend my sheep…(John 21:15-19)

TEND MY SHEEP: Today we see some of the first signs of the passing of the torch from Jesus to Peter and the disciples. Jesus had been hinting that He will not be with them much longer. There was still much work to be done. His post-resurrection time on earth was nearing an end, so it was clear that others would need to continue His work.

Jesus was clear. He asked Peter, “Simon, son of John, do you love me?” When Peter replied in the affirmative, Jesus gave His command: “Tend my sheep.”

Jesus’ message: If you love me, you will continue my work.

As faith-filled people, we do many things to strengthen our relationship with Jesus. However, nothing we do is as important as continuing the work He started while here on earth.

If we love Him, we will tend His sheep.

May 16, 2024

Each day, I reflect upon a word or phrase inspired by the readings of the day. I encourage you to do the same and perhaps incorporate that word or phrase into your daily prayer.

Jesus, speaking to His Father, “And I have given them the glory you gave me, so that they may be one…” (John 17:20-26)

GIVEN THE GLORY: In John’s Gospel today, we are reminded once again we are part of the Body of Christ. Together, all of us – as one – make up the Body of Christ.

We have been given the glory, the honor of passing on the message of Jesus Christ. This is a tremendous responsibility. It is work that needs and deserves our attention.

I find it interesting, and frustrating, how quickly I can be distracted from this work. One minute I am focused on doing the work of Jesus, the next minute I am focused back on me.

We give many things generous portions of our day. Time at the gym, lunch with a friend, time checking out our Facebook account, watching our favorite television show…

Why is it that our “Jesus time” is usually the first thing to get cut out of a tight schedule?

When we start our day with prayer today, we should ask Jesus for an increased awareness of our responsibility to do His work. Pray we may do our fair share of the work required of the Body of Christ.

May 15, 2024

Each day, I reflect upon a word or phrase inspired by the readings of the day. I encourage you to do the same and perhaps incorporate that word or phrase into your daily prayer.

“Keep watch over yourselves and over the whole flock…” (Acts 20:28-38)

KEEP WATCH: The words above were spoken by Paul to the Church leaders in Ephesus. He was reminding those leaders they had responsibility not only for themselves, but for others as well.

That responsibility is true for all Christians. We must first take accountability for ourselves. We are called to love God and love others, to do what is right and just, and to humbly come before God in prayer and worship.

We are also called to hold others accountable. We don’t do that in an in-your-face, confrontational way, but with love.

We are called to accompany others and give them a safe space to share their struggles. That is what love is. St. Pope Paul VI said, “We love by willing the good of the other.” Quite simply, we want what is best for them.

Our faith tells us what is best for them is maintaining a relationship with God and striving for heaven. That is what we want and that is what we want for others.

May 14, 2024

Each day, I reflect upon a word or phrase inspired by the readings of the day. I encourage you to do the same and perhaps incorporate that word or phrase into your daily prayer.

I have told you this so that my joy might be in you and your joy might be complete. This is my commandment: love one another as I love you. (John 15:9-17)

The joy that comes from accepting God’s love is often trapped beneath the surface of a hardened heart.

Our role as disciples is to radiate the love of God to others. For those who may not know or feel God’s love, we must become that love for them. For those unable to access the joy in their hearts, we must share ours. We must share our experience of God in both word and deed.

Our joy and love may at times be rejected, but we must not allow that to deter us from our responsibility as disciples.

Our joy will not truly be complete until we help unlock the joy in the hearts of others as well.

May 13, 2024

Each day, I reflect upon a word or phrase inspired by the readings of the day. I encourage you to do the same and perhaps incorporate that word or phrase into your daily prayer.

And when Paul laid his hands on them, the Holy Spirit came upon them, and they spoke in tongues and prophesied. (Acts 19:1-8)

SPOKE IN TONGUES: The concept of speaking in tongues can be confusing. The disciples in today’s reading, and the Apostles at Pentecost, are suddenly able, through the power of the Holy Spirit, to speak the language of whoever may be listening to them.

This is very difficult to understand. I’m sure if I had asked about this as a child, I would have been told, “It’s a mystery” – the catch-all phrase used by adults when they didn’t understand something either.

Perhaps what is really going on is that the followers of Jesus, once given the gift of the Holy Spirit, had the courage to speak the universal language of Jesus Christ, the universal language of love.

When I went to Haiti, I was unable to speak Creole, the native language of the Haitians. But we certainly communicated. They certainly understood a smile, a hand taking theirs, a hug, and a nod acknowledging that we were there to help them.

Filled with the Holy Spirit and motivated by the love of Jesus Christ, we are all capable of being understood. We are all capable of speaking in tongues, as long as it is the language of love.

May 12, 2024 – Solemnity of the Ascension of the Lord

Today is the Solemnity of the Ascension of the Lord. I am not preaching today, but the following is a homily I delivered on this Solemnity BACK IN 2014: 

One early August day, my dad called for me to come out to the garage. I can’t remember for sure, but I think I was around 7 or 8 years old.

Half of the garage had been completely emptied out and there was plastic spread out on the floor. A metal pan, a roller, and a brush sat next to an open can of paint.

My dad handed me the roller and said, “You do this wall. I’ll start over here.”

That’s it. That was the extent of my instructions.

It is important to note that I had never held a paint roller in my hand before that day. My previous painting experience included finger-painting in kindergarten and a paint-by-number book I got for First Communion.

My dad was a Marine, so the thought of questioning a direct order never crossed my mind. So I just stared at the wall and tried to decipher his somewhat vague painting instructions: “You do this wall.”

I wondered if Dad had me confused with one of my three older brothers. I’m certain each of them had more painting experience than me. That happened with six kids in the house; Dad got us mixed up sometimes.

I stared at the wall a little longer. I was considering all of my options when Dad stopped his own painting and asked, “Is there a problem?”

“I don’t know how to paint,” I told him. I put down the roller, assuming he would come to his senses and remember I was just a little kid.