Whose Christianity is it anyway?

I am more and more frustrated with the religious rhetoric in our political discourse this year. Coupled with a seemingly American distaste for all things Muslim ( I do struggle with this I admit) as being a radical theocratic religion bent on taking over the world, I wonder about our own American "Christianity". More and more of the "candidates" are expressing an almost pleasure in praying for a return to a kind of "Christian Nation"....let's remember though that those who came here first, escaping the British Church were no friends of the Catholic Church. Their vision of Christianity is almost the opposite of the original Church that Jesus founded 2K ago. A community built on common love for the other, solidarity, and a genuine love and care of the less fortunate...how Lenten! These want to be Christian leaders can't even live the caritas that the season of Lent demands. Not surprising..for they seem to only use the name Christian but have not idea who Jesus is... just saying. Rather than caring for the poor, they only seem to want to profit from all who struggle daily to make ends meet. Their coffers continue to grow while more people are without the basic human need of caritas. Cleanse our hearts Lord from all the things that keep us from you.

Turn away from sin, from sin, from sin,,,,,,,

Here we go again....great and holy season of Lent. Don"t know what I will "give up", except the national political debate. it is becoming more divisive as the American versions of Christianity are trying to warp our 2K year old faith. American born "christians" are now trying to re-define my faith. Turn away from sin, and follow the gospel.... would be a nice change for all who long to serve us politically....so far none on the horizon.

Guided by a star

Not so sure if we are guided by Christ. Many times our decisions point otherwise. Guided to a child exiled but recognized as being beloved by God, like the Magi we can perhaps this new year respect the dignity of all, especially the immigrant. Its gonna get ugly in this political year but I ask that we remember who guides us as Christians....the young exiled child recognized as God's son. A challenge for us all.

Rejoice in the Lord always!

Hmmmm. but do we? Especially when the Lord, as He says Himself is found in the faces of the poor, marginalized, sick, outcast...yeah, the folks that make us all uncomfortable at times. If there is any message from the 3rd Sunday of Advent it is our Baptismal call to bring real joy to others....not a superficial Christmas gift or handout, but a communion of presence and active work based on our faith to proclaim the Gospel. Yes, people in power need to hear the message loud and clear by we who profess to be Christians. This woman proclaimed joy and rejoiced in her God. She is our model and we should do no less. Viva la Virgin de Guadalupe!

"We run to meet our Christ!"

Advent reminds us of the two comings of Christ; the historical incarnation and the coming we still await...so what to do in the meantime? We do the work of our Identity. We allow Christ to break into our lives so we can be Christ in our lives while we wait. A guest who recognizes his hosts is truly a welcome guest!

How Good and Pleasant!

"How good and pleasant it is when brothers live together in unity!"(Psalm 133)

These days are always precious. The beauty is that we can not only take these moments to heart, but that they will be transferred towards our ministry in our parishes. Our lives are to be lived wholly. When we learn to live as brothers in Christ's love, our people will experience no less. Bishop Kicanas is truly a man of faith.

A time to rest in the Lord

Our annual priests convocation. This year we are blessed with Bishop Gerald Kicanus of Tucson AZ...