AbounaVal

Whose Christianity is it anyway?

2012-02-27T09:30:00.006-08:00

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,,,,,,,

2012-02-21T21:19:00.004-08:00

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

2012-01-05T06:12:00.000-08:00

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!

2011-12-12T09:57:00.000-08:00

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!"

2011-11-29T19:08:00.000-08:00

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!

2011-10-19T06:13:00.000-07:00

"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

2011-10-17T20:04:00.000-07:00

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

A time for peace....

2011-09-02T14:42:00.000-07:00

Labor Day marks the end of summer vacation for many. Our population needs work; and work that will support families and allow savings for the future. American used to treasure these things. Too much greed seeks to make servants of workers when business is to serve the common good, and workers are the lifeblood of any business. Pray for those who work:

"God our Creator, we are the work of your hands. Guide us in our work, that we may do it, not for self alone, but for the common good. Make us alert to injustice, ready to stand in solidarity, that there may be dignity for all in labor and in labor's reward. Grant this through Christ our Lord. Amen" .....USCCB - Catholic Household Blessings and Prayers.

Holy Ordinary Time

2011-07-02T15:26:00.000-07:00

The summer months are opportunities to grow in holiness daily. The gospel of Matthew is our teacher during these summer months. If we become what we receive in the Eucharist, are we not then called to bear His yoke as we assist walking with and supporting others? Only with a humble heart can we live this message. Many are burdened, the opportunities are endless. Christ is in our Midst! Let us let others know.

2011-06-26T05:17:00.001-07:00

Dear friends, been a while. Some trying days the last 6 or so weeks. Lost a pal of 13 years, change of weather in Montana (big thing up here-"planting time"), end of academic year at university....however on this Feast of the Body and Blood of Christ I witness His "real presence". Not only in adoration, but in the real "in the flesh" presence of those who "become what they receive" in the sacred Eucharist. I can say with authority that His presence was made known to me through people of faith who believe. After all, the promise of Baptism asks us to truly take Christ into our world. A thank you to all who do. I thank God for the privilege of serving the sacred mysteries so God's people can live that promise.

Christ is Risen!

2011-04-24T14:18:00.001-07:00

Those who have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ!

Now it begins to darken.

2011-04-20T10:15:00.000-07:00

With his betrayal, the heart of Judas is without light.

" The Lord is about to enter into His temple..."

2011-04-16T11:31:00.000-07:00

While we prepare for the "Feast of Feasts" may we enter into His passion with our hearts and minds made humble, so we can "empty" ourselves of "ourselves" to be ready to rise with Him. A Blessed Holy Week.

Is this just about greed?

2011-02-26T13:03:00.000-08:00

I am so grateful to the USCCB statement on the rights of the workers in Wisconsin. I have head so many untruths about this issue that I devote this entry to the right of men and women to form associations and unions. I need not re-list all of the Catholic Church documents since Rerum Novarum (about 26 years after the Civil War) so this is nothing new or novel. Being the son of a steel worker laborer from Pittsburgh PA I feel I can speak with some authority. Acknowledging my pro union bias, at least the right of men and women to form unions, I also will recognize and admit that greed has no politic, or state of employment; union or non-union. Don't take my word, read the statement:http://www.usccb.org/comm/archives/2011/11-038.shtml

Catholic News | Egypt's 'Peaceful Revolution' an Example for the World | American Catholic

2011-02-11T15:10:00.000-08:00

Catholic News | Egypt's 'Peaceful Revolution' an Example for the World | American Catholic

Life-God's gift from womb to tomb...

2011-01-21T06:36:00.000-08:00

Our Lady of Guadalupe,
we turn to you who are the protectress of unborn children and ask that you intercede for us, so that we may more firmly resolve to join you in protecting all human life.
Let our prayers be united to your perpetual motherly intercession on behalf of those whose lives are threatened, be they in the womb of their mother, on the bed of infirmity, or in the latter years of their life.
May our prayers also be coupled with peaceful action which witnesses to the goodness and dignity of all human life, so that our firmness of purpose may give courage to those who are fearful and bring light to those who are blinded by sin.
Encourage those who will be involved in the March for Life; help them to walk closely with God and to give voice to the cry of the oppressed, in order to remind out nation of its commitment to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness for all people.
Virgin of Guadalupe,
Patroness of unborn children, we implore your intercession for every child at risk of abortion. Help expectant parents to welcome from God the priceless gift of their child’s life. Console parents who have lost that gift through abortion, and lead them to forgiveness and healing through the Divine Mercy of your Son. Teach us to cherish and to care for family and friends until God calls them home. Help us never to see others as burdens. Guide our public officials to defend each and every human life through just laws. Inspire us all to bring our faith into public life, to speak for those who have no voice. We ask this in the name of your Son, Jesus Christ, who is Love and Mercy itself.
Amen.

(taken from USCCB prayers from annual Respect Life Program)

First Glimpse

2010-12-24T12:01:00.000-08:00

The Nativity of God in the Flesh is our light. All are amazed and warmed by His light. His flesh gives life to ours by our reception of the Eucharistic food, so we can then proclaim His good news to the world. God comes down to us...we then bring Him to others. "+Christ is Born, Glorify Him"! Christus Natus Est -- venite adoremus!

Advent, Matthew, and being awake...

2010-11-28T18:16:00.000-08:00

We begin another liturgical year with Evangelist Matthew. Matthew reminds us that the Kingdom of Heaven is more valuable than any treasure on earth. Advent reminds us to be aware of anything that keeps us from our Christian potential. At times this will be our own sinfulness. Reconciliation is a must so we can then offer reconciliation to an injured world. Seeing clearly with the eyes of Christ will conform our hearts and the hearts of others who live in darkness. Yeah, Christ's gift of peace, Isaiah's prophecy is my goal this Advent. What about you?

On prayer.

2010-10-13T09:15:00.000-07:00

Reading the gospels as if they were written to you is an excellent form of prayer...Cardinal Basil Hume OSB +RIP+ He also suggested to read John's gospel and to allow oneself to become the person of the "beloved disciple"...unnamed but each of us can attach his or her name. At the foot of the cross, relaxing in the bosom of our Lord, accepting to care for the Mother of God, arriving first at the empty tomb. This form of prayer teaches us to be disciples. Thank you dear lover of the Lord Basil Hume.

Fall is here, and winter soon to follow-in Montana that is!

2010-09-06T18:41:00.000-07:00

Where did this past summer go? For me it was great parishioners being called home to heaven. Busy preparing for incoming MSU students and continuing to raise funds to build our first actual "church", that is not a multi-purpose room or dining hall:) So today is Labor Day...Reading B16 Caritas in Veritate makes sense especially in these tough economic times. Also read the USCCB Labor Day message at:
http://www.usccb.org/sdwp/national/labor_day_2010.pdf

Also know that following Christ is no easy task. To committ myself to the gospel requires much sacrifice. To serve the poor requires a heart conformed to the gospel; and that first requires personal healing through penance and reconciliation.

2010-08-14T10:15:00.000-07:00

Mary's Assumption into heaven, body and soul, and the scriptures from this Solemnity remind us that our bodies are created to glorify God. Many of the names given to the Mother of God; "Searcher of the Lost, Our Lady of Perpetual Help, Our Lady of Sorrows, Fountain of Salvation, Life-Giving Spring, Help of Christians, Image of the Church"... show Mary, through her earthly body as disciple par excellence... We too await the "glorification" of our earthly bodies in the "resurrected" bodies promised to us by Christ. How we use our earthly bodies will determine our eternity.

Ordinary Time-Ordinary Discipleship

2010-07-03T10:40:00.000-07:00

With the greening of our local mountains and valleys, the liturgical season of Ordinary Time offers us a challenge: to live our discipleship in "ordinary" ways. I truly love the Gospel for the 14th Sunday of OT. Jesus sends out His disciples to offer peace, to heal,and to drive out demons.... If we could only offer a peace that is free of fear of the "other" or those who seem "different"; if we could admit our mistakes and work to heal our collective wounds; and if we were committed to stand up against all evils that degrade the dignity of human life in all its stages, womb to tomb, then we might bring the Kingdom to our world. We celebrate our nation during the summer months. What if we as a nation could become more of God's "Kingdom"? Happy Summer and Blessed Ordinary Time.

Ordination Memories

2010-06-01T17:13:00.000-07:00

14 yrs ago today. What a difference in the church since then. Still love my calling as I "age" in ministry. 11 of us still serving as active priests. St. Justin Martyr, pray for us!

Come Holy Spirit Come...

2010-05-18T20:59:00.000-07:00

"Through the Spirit we become citizens of heaven, we are admitted to the company of the angels, we enter into eternal happiness, and abide in God. Through the Spirit we aquire a likeness to God; indeed, we attain what s beyond our most sublime aspirations-we become God." -From the treatise On the Holy Spirit by Saint Basil the Great, bishop.

"The Spirit dwells in the Church and in the hearts of the faithful as in a temple." From the dogmatic constitution of the Church of the Second Vatican Council-Lumen Gentium, nn 4 et 12

St. Peter Chrysologus writes...

2010-04-27T05:36:00.000-07:00

It is difficult to see so many people loosing their savings, homes, businesses, and dignity in these tough financial times. St. Peter Chrysologus echoes the words of the Apostle when he writes in one of his ancient sermons "present your bodies as a living sacrifice." Later in the same letter he invites us to allow our hearts to be an altar as the center of the sacrifice. For me, this is helpful in being in solidarity with our suffering folks. If my heart burns for the poor, then my attitude is directed towards Christ.

First Holy Communion Sunday

2010-04-21T20:08:00.000-07:00

What does this mean in the life of a child or anyone who receives the Eucharist for the first time? Hopefully not a superficial event to wear new clothes, a party, and pictures, but the first opportunity to committ to loving Christ so that He may live through His beloved.

Christ is Risen! Indeed He is Risen!

2010-04-05T19:36:00.000-07:00

Today is the Day of Resurrection! Let us shine with the Feast! Let us embrace on another. Let us say “Brethren!” And because of the Resurrection, let us forgive all things to those who hate us, and in this way, exclaim, “Christ is risen from the dead; trampling down death by death and upon those in the tombs, bestowing life!”

Today the life of the world is suspended from a tree.

2010-04-02T06:56:00.001-07:00

Hosanna!

2010-03-28T17:10:00.000-07:00

While Jesus is hailed as king, He humbles Himself for our sake. Can we regain this character of Christianity so to sacrifice our pride for the common good?

I like talk shows that feature religious issues...

2010-03-16T15:03:00.000-07:00

KUER: 3/16/10: Freedom from Religion (2010-03-15)

Rejoice!

2010-03-11T18:43:00.000-08:00

We still have two weeks of Lent before Holy Week but we now anticipate God's infinite mercy and promise of eternal life.

Holy Lent

2010-02-16T20:54:00.000-08:00

"O Lord and master of my life, take from mt the spirit of sloth, meddling, lust of power and idle talk...

But give rather the spirit of chastity, humility, patience and love to thy servant...

Yea, O Lord and King, grant me to see my own sins and not to judge my brother or sister, for Thou art blessed unto ages of ages. Amen.

"O God be merciful to me, a sinner"

Pro-Life or Pro-Active? - Busted Halo-A good read

2010-01-22T14:02:00.000-08:00

Pro-Life or Pro-Active? - Busted Halo

To obey or not obey?

2010-01-21T06:46:00.001-08:00

A few folks in the parish don't like the priest to preach on Catholic social justice issues...some say it becomes political. However, life issues like abortion, health care, and immigration are only made political by politicians; they have been part of Catholic Social Teachings since.....hmmmmmm the time of Christ. My bishop says "keep up the work", so I obey.

Help Heal Haiti

2010-01-13T19:14:00.000-08:00

The best way to offer support to those suffering in Haiti

www.crs.org

We too are God's "beloved"

2010-01-07T11:04:00.000-08:00

The words of God at the Theophany of Jesus remind us that we are to "be-loved" so we can authentically love others. Authentic love is both joyful and sacrificial. We love as we have been loved by Christ. The Catholic experiences this authentic love in the Sacraments of the Church.

Christ is Born! Glorify Him!

2009-12-24T12:39:00.000-08:00

"You see this city!
Here God lives among humankind.
God will make His home among them,
they shall be His people,
and He will be their God;
His name is
God-With-Them."
Rev 21:3

If not now, when?

2009-12-21T15:11:00.000-08:00

All of this wrangling over health care. If abortions are not covered, and that is a non-negotiable for me, then why delay? So what if it cost money, our nation has a moral duty to provide quality health care for all.

Rejoice in the Lord Always!

2009-12-13T14:16:00.000-08:00

Both Gaudate Sunday and the feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe invite us to rejoice in God's presence to us.

Advent Sunday II-Prepare

2009-12-08T15:23:00.000-08:00

Why is it so difficult to seek Sacramental Reconciliation? For a refresher, it is the correct way for a Catholic to be sacramentally healed by Christ. It is NOT the priest who does the forgiving, it is the Lord and the Lord alone! However just confessing one's sins to another PERSON reminds us that each sin is an offesnse against God and the COMMUNITY. No private sins period! The priest can never reveal one's sins to ANYONE. He is as in need of forgiveness as all are and he too receives the sacrament when needed. So experience the joy of the season! Be prepared to greet the Lord when He comes.

What our Youth have done this past year...

2009-12-08T14:40:00.000-08:00

Make a Smilebox slideshow

Advent-Sunday 1

2009-11-28T19:39:00.000-08:00

Father in heaven,
our hearts desire the warmth of your love
and our minds are searching for the light of your Word.
Increase our longing for Christ our Savior
and give us the strength to grow in love,
that the dawn of his coming
may find us rejoicing in his presence
and welcoming the light of his truth.
We ask this in the name of Jesus the Lord.

(Optional Collect-1st Sunday of Advent-Roman Missal)

November-Month of Adjustment

2009-11-24T15:32:00.001-08:00

Seems like I did not have any time to share this month. With being a new homeowner with mom, Hector's (the dog) failing health, and failing knees and joints of my own I just let this month go by. However our American "Holy Day", Thanksgiving is upon us. As a Catholic, the Eucharist is the greatest act of love that demands our thanksgiving. Each Preface to this great prayer reminds us that it is our duty always and everywhere to give thanks to God. I would like to offer this for your Thanksgiving Day table blessing:

As it happened to our fathers and mothers
who came to this land as if out of the desert
into a place of promise and hope,
Bless us and the bounty you have given to us
so we may too offer hope and nourisment that will lead
all to you. As you have blessed us, we give thanks and
pray to be your blessing to others.
Amen.

A Blessed Thanksgiving!

October-Respect ALL Life Month

2009-09-29T17:40:00.000-07:00

Hopefully we can turn from a culture of death, violence, and indifference...All life is to be respected, from womb to tomb and EVERYTHING in between. Respect Life!

Are we to blame?

2009-09-12T20:27:00.000-07:00

If Christianity is the worlds largest religion, and almost 1/4 to 1/3 of the planet claims to be Christian, are we as Christians to blame for the evil that seems to thrive in our world?

2009-09-04T21:02:00.000-07:00

After a 2010 mile drive from western PA with mom, now time to get into the groove of ministry again. I love pastoral work. Celebrating the sacred liturgy and preaching God's word is an awesome responsibility. Challenge is to find a balance in the ministries that I am blessed to serve.

End of Summer-Mother is Coming!

2009-08-26T18:31:00.000-07:00

My mom is finally moving west from Pennsylvania. It will be a great honor to live close after so many years. May the Great Mother of God protect her on her journey and our new life together in Bozeman.

2009-08-13T07:55:00.000-07:00

Neither the tomb nor death had power over the Theotokos who is ever watchful in her prayers and in whose intercession lies unfailing hope. For as the Mother of Life she has been transported into life by Him who dwelt within her ever virgin womb. (From the Kontakion from the Feast)

Gone fishing...

2009-07-27T20:43:00.000-07:00

Time for vacation. Hopefully time to rest in the Lord.

Whom will I feed this week?

2009-07-23T20:57:00.000-07:00

One 6th of the earth's population goes hungry each day.

Time for Prayer and Rest

2009-07-17T07:57:00.001-07:00

SUMMER-time for recreation and being re-created.
"He said to them, "Come away by yourselves to a deserted place and rest a while."
-from Mk 6:30-34

A Christain cannot live his or her life without time with the Lord in prayer.

2009-07-11T09:44:00.001-07:00

I know it is not the Feast of St. Francis of Assisi, but doe he not give good example of not carrying around excess baggage? Too much "stuff" gets in the way of our call to discipleship.

"He instructed them to take nothing for the journey but a walking stick—no food, no sack, no money in their belts". From Mk 6:7-13 15th Sunday in Ordinary Time

The New Social Encyclical from Pope Benedict

2009-07-07T15:49:00.000-07:00

Go to:http://www.catholicnews.com/data/stories/cns/0903117.htm

All should read this in light of the times we live in.

Year of the Priest

2009-07-06T14:37:00.001-07:00

Personnaly I hope to spend more time in prayer, visitiing the sick, and celebrating the sacraments; less in parish administration.

If we could really believe this and apply it today...

2009-07-01T13:01:00.000-07:00

"We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness..."

"Father of the family of nations, open our hearts to greater love of you Son.

Grant that the boundaries of nations will not

set limits to our love and give us the courage to build a land that serves you in truth and justice.

Grant this through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit,

God, for ever and ever. Amen."

"Talitha koum"..."I say to you, arise!"

2009-06-25T21:20:00.000-07:00

All Christians are called to work the "little miracles" that raise up those who are down.

Ordinary Time-God goes "green" as in the color of hope...

2009-06-17T19:51:00.000-07:00

Praise God, from Whom all blessings flow;
Praise Him, all creatures here below;
Praise Him above, ye heavenly host;
Praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost.

Corpus Christi

2009-06-13T20:28:00.000-07:00

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i8G8Pc00VAQ

God around us.

2009-06-11T16:33:00.000-07:00

Clouds roll in and out, the warmth of God's breath beating on my back, then momentarily dissapearing. But really there all the time...

Feast of St. Ephraim the Syrian-9 June

2009-06-09T15:24:00.000-07:00

St Ephraim The Syrian.
Κύριε καὶ Δέσποτα τῆς ζωῆς μου, πνεῦμα ἀργίας, περιεργίας, φιλαρχίας, καὶ ἀργολογίας μή μοι δῷς.

Πνεῦμα δὲ σωφροσύνης[1], ταπεινοφροσύνης, ὑπομονῆς, καὶ ἀγάπης χάρισαί μοι τῷ σῷ δούλῳ.

Ναί, Κύριε Βασιλεῦ, δώρησαι μοι τοῦ ὁρᾶν τὰ ἐμὰ πταίσματα, καὶ μὴ κατακρίνειν τὸν ἀδελφόν μου, ὅτι εὐλογητὸς εἶ, εἰς τοὺς αἰῶνας τῶν αἰώνων. Ἀμήν

In English, this is:

O Lord and Master of my life, give me not the spirit of sloth, idle curiosity/meddling, lust for power and idle talk.

But grant unto me, Thy servant, a spirit of chastity/integrity, humility, patience and love.

Yea, O Lord and King, grant me to see mine own faults and not to judge my brother. For blessed art Thou unto the ages of ages. Amen.

First Mass as a priest-Trinity Sunday-2 June 1996

2009-06-07T15:23:00.000-07:00

...a bit much of gold huh?

Trinity Sunday 1996-First Mass

2009-06-07T15:18:00.000-07:00

Trinity Sunday

2009-06-07T15:16:00.001-07:00

Glory to the holy, consubstantial, life-giving, and undivided Trinity, always, now and ever, and unto ages of ages.

The big smoker

2009-06-05T22:31:00.000-07:00

Ah...Heaven on earth

2009-06-04T21:15:00.001-07:00

Here earth and heaven embrace...

Another video from Guatemala

2009-06-02T15:29:00.000-07:00

We were entertained at breakfast our first morning at the mission. It seems we just did not know what to say or do:)

Ordination Anniversary

2009-06-01T18:57:00.001-07:00

13 years ago...1 June 1996-Memorial of St. Justin Martyr. I was ordained to the presbyterate for the Archdiocese of Los Angeles.

Hector at the pond

2009-05-31T21:51:00.000-07:00

A video from Guatemala

2009-05-31T21:02:00.000-07:00

Led by the Spirit

2009-05-31T14:01:00.000-07:00

Pentecost Sunday is the breath of life of the Church. Our work now begins.