I mentioned to you some time ago that it’s taken me a long time to understand, in a personal way, Mary (The Blessed Mother) and her role in my life.

To be sure I’m properly educated in what the Church teaches about Mary. She is: Mother of Jesus and Mother of God and Mother of the Church. She is Our Lady of the Rosary, Mother of Sorrows, Our Lady of Perpetual Help, and the Immaculate Conception. Some call her Mediatrix of Grace and Co-redemptrix. Whew!

I believe all these things (though I don’t fully understand the last two). And that’s the way it’s been for most of my life . . . I know what the Church teaches about Mary but it’s been on a theological level. She’s been someone to study; a holy woman who did a great job with her son Jesus. But that was all long ago.

What’s been missing is a personal relationship with her. I always thought that was for me and Jesus. (I didn’t want to go to Mary when I could go right to her son.) In other words, what does Mary have to do with me? Can I talk with her? Does she know who I am? Can she teach me what I need to know? Will friendship with her take away from friendship with Christ?

So for years I ignored Mary.

Then it happened. I was praying on retreat one night in chapel. Sitting in the silence for some days had become quite frustrating and I had grown increasingly restless.

For a reason I can only call God’s grace, it suddenly came to my imagination that someone was kneeling in the dark up by the tabernacle. My thought then led me to consider that it was Mary, praying as she had that day at the foot of the cross. (This is called “meditation” in the spiritual books).
Being the “wise guy”, I decided to challenge this woman and in my mind (or perhaps out loud, I can’t remember), I said to her, “Your son is awfully quiet tonight.”

At this moment I can only remember her face, partially covered with her veil, turning slightly and with a smile that was fresh and young and confident, she said: “Don’t worry. He knows you’re here.”

All questions stopped. There was no need for further conversation. “Mary, if He knows I’m here that’s all that matters. Thanks.” The chapel returned as it was, dark and empty.

What had just happened? As I say, it was a grace. And the grace was not so much that I had this conversation (it was a lovely experience), the real gift was what followed in the days after.

I was given to realize that for all her exulted titles, Mary was my “prayer partner”. She prays with me. And she prays with much greater clarity about God’s will for me than I do. Her smile that night in chapel continues to tell me that as quiet as Christ seems in my life – he is with me and it pleases him that I want to be with him as well.

Lastly, and best of all, I now have Mary to “take things to Jesus for me”. I figure hey, if she is so certain he’s with us, then she knows his mind better than I do. (Here’s where a mother’s knowledge of her son is her gift to me).

So I think, why not ask her to talk to Jesus about what he wants me to do? Something like, “Mary please let me know your son’s plan for me. What does he want me to do?” Or, “Mary tell your son how weak I am and slow to understand. Mary, tell Jesus to make it clear for me.”

This is not , as I once feared, taking away from Jesus. In fact Mary intensifies our relationship with Christ. What she adds is her “partnering” with me. I’m not alone in this sometimes confusing search for God in my life. Most times I begin my prayer straight to Jesus or God the Father. But I try at some point to include a little word to Mary my “prayer partner”, “What should I tell your son Mary?” “Does Jesus even know who I am?”

“Don’t worry.” She says. “He knows you’re here.” God is good.

Fr. Tim

PS. All this the Catholic Church has always taught about Mary. I’m just late for the party!

Bishop Matano’s Catholic Courier Column

Faith guides us in all things

Most of us look on the word “hope” as referring to a feeling that somehow things will turn out happily. (I hope it’s sunny for the picnic. I hope the Indians win the World Series. I hope I don’t get sick.)

This common kind of “wishing” has nothing to do with Christian Hope. These “hopes” serve more as a barometer of what my bodily wants are at this particular moment. I hope for what I want.

Christian hope is different. It is an expectation that our life here on earth is for some purpose. And that purpose, though we can’t see it yet, will somehow be realized. What makes it a different kind of hope is that it is given to us by God. It’s not something humans could ever have thought up. It’s beyond any reasonable human expectation. It comes from God who had this in mind when he made us.

So where does this hope come from? It comes from the love of God revealed in the death of Christ for us. “This hope does not disappoint, for the love of God has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit that has been given to us. God proves his love for us in that while we were still sinners Christ died for us . . . now justified by his blood . . . will we be saved by his life.” Romans 5:1-5,8

Jesus, according to St. Paul, has unlocked a door to God we never knew existed. “Through Christ we have gained access to this grace (God’s love) in which we stand, and we boast in hope of the glory of God.” Vs. 2

Why is our hope a certainty? Because it’s based on the love of God “poured out” into us. The promised hope all hangs on Jesus’s death on the cross. It is there God, if you will, proves his love for us. Darkness and evil did their worse on Jesus. They killed him. But (and here’s our hope), Jesus was raised from the dead.

So how do we give this hope to our children?

** First of all GOD wants to give it to them! The Holy Spirit is constantly “poured out” on them in moments of happiness, challenge, goodness, sorrow etc. Trust that. Tell your children, “Watch for God today, he’s going to whisper to you.”

** Parents/Grandparents – you are the biggest giver of hope to your children. How you live on a weekly basis, the hope you exhibit in your conversation, your positive response to society’s problems, your prayers at dinner and before bed . . . . all are moments your children watch to see if you have hope.

** Share your burdens as an adult (in an appropriate way of course). Ask for their prayers about a particular intention. This gets the children involved in real faith situations. Plus they want to “help” mom and dad.

** Don’t shy away from hard situations involving suffering. Someone you all know is sick. Pray for them. Someone has died. The older children might go to the wake with you (you decide when they are ready). Let them know that Jesus himself died so we didn’t have to be afraid – – – because we are going to God.

** Maybe you have to do a little work on yourself. Perhaps you need to ask God to help you with those human situations that cause you fear or worry.

** In all things just know that God has given you your children just as they are. He will help you teach them the way of hope. Don’t be afraid.
Lastly hear the words of St. Paul as he was held in prison, facing death for witnessing to Jesus Christ.

“What will separate us from the love of Christ? Will anguish, or distress, or persecution, or . . . peril or the sword? . . . For I am convinced that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor powers, nor present things, nor future things, nor any other creature will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.” Romans 8:35-39

What makes us so sure? Jesus Christ is risen from the dead!

Fr. Tim

Our Christmas Star Program, which began 31 years ago, is now a joint effort with HOPE and 4 inner city parishes to provide Christ- mas to families in need. We provide gifts, a holiday meal, food and basic supplies to those who would otherwise go without.

Food collection will begin Oc- tober 29 and go until Decem- ber 11th. While we welcome any donated nonperishable food item, we have our gro-
cery list below. Collection baskets will be located at all church entrances.

Weekly Collection Items

October 29/30

Pasta/Sauce | Rice | Stuffing

November 5/6

Instant Potatoes | Canned Vegetables | Cereal | Canned Fruit

November 12/13

Flour | Sugar | Gravy | Corn

November 19/20

Shampoo | Soap | Toothpaste | Deodorant

November 26/27

Crackers | Peanut butter | Jelly | Canned Soup

December 3/4

Canned Meats | Granola Bars | Boxed Cookies

December 10/11

Laundry Soap | Dish Soap | Kleenex

TURKEYS and HAMS

If you would like to donate a turkey or ham, please contact Anne Riley @265-1517. If you leave a message, please indicate if you are donating a turkey or ham and your name and phone number.

GIFTS

Gift Stars will be available at all entrances to the church and on the Christmas tree in the Gathering Space on the week- end of November 19/20. The wrapped gifts with stars at- tached will be due back to church on December 10/11.

VOLUNTEERS

We are seeking volunteers for many facets of this wonderful ministry. If you are able to help with:

• Setting up our “Store”
• Grocery Shopping for families (Week of December 12th)
• Drivers for distribution (Saturday morning of December 17th)

My old college friends are by now well launched into their grandparent stage. I never thought the day would come, when my golfing buddies would throw me off for a day at the zoo with their grandchild – – and do it happily!!

I have to admit that feelings of “grand parenting” have crept into this old priest’s heart as well.

What is it that happens to us as we approach and live out our seventies and eighties? I think we finally realize the proper proportion things should have in our life. Things that were . . . pardon this! . . . HUGE when we were younger are now not so big.

I mean really, how important is the Disneyland vacation now? That promotion? The tattoo? The six pack abs? Perfect hair? The first place finish? That college acceptance? The right car/home/kitchen? They’re not nearly so important as we seniors look ahead to our final years.

Those things get smaller. What gets bigger? People get bigger. And not just friends and family; humanity, wherever it exists, becomes the most important thing in the world. We belong to each other. Can’t you feel it?

There’s this deep hunger, so hard to explain. A hunger that wants to see humanity at peace. A sickened feeling when we see a child ill fed or in tattered clothes. A deep connection to the mother or father who holds a crying child. The grief of parents and siblings weeping over the tragic loss of a young person. It all touches us now because we finally realize . . . they are a part of us. The Human Family.

There’s this feeling like, “Dear God, we’re better than this. How did we get HERE?!” And perhaps most important, “What can I do to make this better?” Perhaps for the first time in our life we see how serious it is for us to think of others. Maybe we see how wasteful and selfish has been our use of time and the earth’s limited resources.

A new wind starts to blow at this stage of life. There is a felt need “to give back.”

Our parents and grandparents were children of the great depression and two world wars. They devoted themselves to making life easier for their children than it was for them. “To have what we couldn’t”. They succeeded.

Times have changed since then. These days many parents/ grandparents are unable to help lift their children to greater economic security. The new wind that blows isn’t about economic prosperity. It’s about Hope. We know something about life that the young ones don’t . . . (as St. Catherine of Siena said) . . . “all will be well.”

How can we say such a thing? “All will be well.” It’s a fair question. In a world so troubled on so many fronts, how can one have hope for the future?

What comes next will only make sense if you believe in God (or something good much bigger than yourself).

It’s this . . . “God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who believes in him might have eternal life.” Jn. 3:16. God’s Love “bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. Love never fails . . .” 1Cor. 13ff And . . . “All things work together for the good for those who love God.” Rm. 8:28. And, “Jesus Christ is risen from the dead.”

What do these words of sacred scripture tell us but that God started this world out of love, we messed it up, Christ came to “bear all things” and conquer sin and death. And now ALL THINGS will, eventually, work toward the to- tal victory of God’s plan of love.

Do you believe that? If you do, then you believe that for all the seemingly impossible problems of war, poverty, racism, violence against women, Zika, terrorism, etc. etc. . . . that God would never allow the ultimate destruction of the human experiment.

Now this hope is what we need to give to our children. Next week: “How to Give Hope”.

All will be well.

Fr. Tim

Do you remember the day the world witnessed the election of Pope Francis? I remember it very well . . . Francis greeted the world with his first words, “Bona Cerra.” Good evening. He bowed his head and asked that we pray for him right then and there. He seemed kind and humble.

The news reporters, many of them hardened journalists, distant from their Catholic upbringing, seemed almost exultant in reporting the event. One after another happily confessed to the cameras that “I myself am a Catholic and I have never seen such joy, etc . . .” Or, “I was raised Catholic and this moment is very important to us.” They were almost anxious to have you know that . . . THEY WERE CATHOLIC!

Maybe it was the same feeling that “everybody’s Irish on St. Patrick’s Day”. But I don’t think so. Something deep was stirred that day. This is the Church Christ has given us, a church that is for every race and culture and country. This church is the hope of humankind in times of darkness and trial.

So you’re reading this bulletin . . . you came to mass today. What does that mean? Are you looking for God in your life? Has the Catholic Faith called out to you? What is a Catholic anyway? . . . Here’s a partial list of things that are Catholic. There’s a whole lot more to mention, like joy, peace, forgiveness, etc. But here are some basics. See if you hold to these.

• Catholics are Christians.
• We believe Jesus is the Son of God.
• Baptism begins a life of union with Him.
• Catholics believe most everything other Christians believe but sometimes more.
• Catholics believe Jesus is the head of the Church and we are the Body (So there is only one church).
• Catholics believe Jesus wanted someone to “steer the ship” through human history, so He gave us Peter and the apostles (and their successors, the pope and the bishops).
• Catholics believe Jesus gave us seven sacraments to experience God’s grace (love) when we receive them.
• Catholics follow a moral code given by Jesus and guided by the teaching of the church.
• Catholics are sinners and need God’s mercy.
• Catholics go to Confession when they have sinned and Jesus forgives them right then and there.
• Catholics have to go to mass on Sunday. Keep holy the Lord’s Day.
• Catholics believe the bread and wine become the Body and Blood of Christ at mass. Jesus feeds us with Himself. (This part is really Catholic !!)
• Catholics are generally no better than anyone else and sometimes we’re worse! But God holds us responsible for more.
• Catholics believe this life on earth is a preparation for union with God in the eternity of the Kingdom.

So what if I’m not there? What if I don’t believe all that stuff? I was baptized but nothing much ever came after that . . . am I Catholic?

The answer is YES. The grace of Baptism will never go away for you. You are forever a Child of God with Christ as your light. But the question back to you is DO YOU WANT TO BE CATHOLIC? Do you want to start again the Catholic walk?

May I suggest something to you? Just come. Just walk right in and sit down. There is no test to pass, no money to pay. This church is just as much yours as anyone’s. Call this place your spiritual home and COME! (Perhaps you need to refrain at first from receiving Holy Communion if it’s been awhile – – talk to Fr. Tim or Fr. John about this).

God will do the rest. God will come to you with His grace to show you the way. Give God a chance ok? Listen to the music. Hear the gospel and say the prayers (ask the person next to you to help you with the book). Welcome!! You’re home. Watch now what God can do!

Thinking about becoming Catholic? Join us each Sunday in the Marian Rm. at 12 noon to discuss what Catholics believe and why. Get your questions answered!

Fr. Tim

The Year of Mercy has been a wonderful time in the church. For the past 10 months we have been reflecting this godly virtue. Our Lenten retreat with Fr. Paul English explored how each of us and Holy Trinity Parish as a whole can better witness to this most gracious of human interactions.

To mark the coming end of the Year of Mercy, we are planning a parish pilgrimage to Sacred Heart Cathedral and our entrance through the Holy Doors.

For centuries, pilgrimages to designated “Holy Places”, shrines, cathedrals were concluded by a dramatic and sometimes emotional entrance through open doors at the site. This “passing through” symbolized our leaving the “old person” we have been, the one given to selfish and unkind behavior.

We literally enter a holy place. There we kneel in prayer and petition for grace needed to live a better life. There too the Church bestows to pilgrims special graces to leave the past behind and begin a renewed walk with Christ.

A Plenary Indulgence is given to any pilgrim who fulfills the following conditions; a. Attendance at mass and reception of Holy Communion, b. reception of Sacrament of Reconciliation (Confession), either before attending mass or shortly after (within two weeks), c. while at the Holy Place prayers for the intention of the Holy Father (Our Father, Hail Mary, Glory Be).

A Plenary Indulgence is a special grace of God’s Mercy, administered by the Church, to give total remission of guilt and punishment for sins committed. Think of your computer. It’s like deleting “all your cookies”. It’s a total do-over! God’s Mercy all around.

So join us for our caravan on Sunday, October 23 at 12:15 pm. We leave from Holy Trinity north parking lot and travel across the Bay Bridge to the Cathedral. —– OR—- – drive yourself and meet us there (directions in church). Festivities end around 1:30 pm. at the cathedral. Join us!!

Anointing Mass. Friday, October, 14 at 7 pm.

One of the most debilitating things about sickness is not the pain, or the fatigue, or the fear (each of these are, of course, part of the cross sickness brings). No. One of the biggest sufferings is how illness separates us from those around us, our families, friends and community at large.

It may mean being confined to home or quarantined from those closest to us. It may mean being unable to participate in everyday activities that bring us together with others. Perhaps most upsetting is the feeling of being “set apart”, different from others. (The thought, “I’m sick.” Everybody else is “ok”.)

Holy Trinity Church has scheduled a Eucharistic Celebration with the Anointing of the Sick. This is the chance to bring some of your health concerns to the Lord in the context of mass and this faith community.

You are not alone! The Lord and Holy Trinity hold you dear to our hearts in prayer.

There will be special seating for those who wish to be anointed that evening. Likewise transportation will be provided for those who contact the Parish Office beforehand.

WHO SHOULD BE ANOINTED? The guidelines for the sacrament say “any persistent and serious concern for one’s health . . . “is reason for someone to request the anointing.” Health concerns such as depression, anxiety addiction, spiritual doubt and chronic pain are all sufficient to receive the anointing. There will be no questions asked. Simply indicate your wish to be anointed.

Come by yourself or better . . . bring a friend. Experience the healing and comforting Hand of God working through the Sacrament of the Sick and the care of this parish.

God bless you.

Fr. Tim

I continue to be amazed at the simple fact that you and I exist. There are some simple moments of awareness that, when you pause over them, bring out the wonder of our being here.

A young mother was having a dish of ice cream as her 9 month old sat quietly next to her. “Watch this”, she said. Putting her little finger into the ice cream, she put it to Sarah’s mouth. The baby took mom’s creamy finger and her face became a picture of unbridled joy. “Sarah loves the taste of vanilla!”, mom said. I swear the angels in heaven were jealous at that moment.

That was over 20 years ago. By now I’m sure Sarah is not quite so ga-ga over her ice cream; like the rest of us she’s grown, no longer a child. We change but we’re still the same person who thrilled at vanilla.

Science tells us the human body generates a total renewal of cells every ten years . . . yet we are still who we are . . . we are still that unique person who was born into the world. Such a mystery we are! We hunger to know, “Who am I? Why am I here? Why am I the way that I am?!”

No understanding of ourselves seems to go deep enough to touch these wonderings. To our parents we are “son/daughter”. Siblings call us “brother/sister”. I am “priest” to you and our bishop. You are “husband/wife” perhaps. But ultimately there is one relationship that finally defines all of us – – – We are a Child of God. God created us to be a person like God. We owe our total existence to Him.

Now happily, God uses people to bring us into the world. People who knew nothing of me till I was born. Mom told me I kept everybody waiting. “You were a week late” she said, “We thought you were a girl.”

All this my mother had to tell me; for how would I know by myself? That I would exist and be held and changed and tossed up in the air by my dad and not remember it one bit, tells me that life is something that happened to me, something given. Thanks mom, thanks dad, thanks God.

We don’t invent ourselves. We are given to ourselves. God didn’t consult with you whether you wanted to exist. He wanted you. Because He loved you and your possibility made him smile.

The Catholic faith community of this country has dedicated the month of October to the principle of the sanctity of human life from the womb to the moment of death. We’ve all seen those amazing pictures of a child in the mother’s womb, that tiny little face yet to take their first breath . . . that child is you!! We were all there at one point, in our entirety. Smaller? Of course. But that is YOU – – – all of you.

Please be aware of all the Respect Life issues that affect children (the right to be born, the right to food, clothing, and shelter, the right to education, work, and health care). Respect Life means to be equally concerned with the poor, sick and elderly. Watch how our candidates describe their plans to help life in all its stages.

A note to young people: working to secure these life enhancing concerns is a great way to spend your life. Young people!!! Consider these matters as possible careers worthy of your time and talents.

God bless you, and together let us work for a society that treats every person as a Child of God.

Be in peace. God’s got his plan.

Fr. Tim

By now you know where I was last week. Fr. John spilled the beans, of course. I traveled back to Akron, Ohio for my 50th high school reunion.

Archbishop Hoban High School was an all-boys Catholic high school (since become co-ed) taught by the Brothers of the Holy Cross (Think Aquinas only a bit smaller). We had 252 graduating seniors. There were about 80 classmates at the reunion with their wives.

I took the tour of the building before mass to see all the improvements that have been made. The school, after some tough years, has made a wonderful comeback thanks to the efforts of administration and alumni.

At the school’s request I presided at Saturday evening mass in the school chapel. The singing and prayer responses were every bit as strong as ours at Holy Trinity. Dinner followed at a local party house.

I wondered if there would be some big “life lesson” awaiting me that weekend . . . some dramatic news about a former rival, some hugely successful person, a headline story of fortune gained or lost. Nothing like that happened. It was all very simple and real – – –

** We had gotten older. Some fellows (good friends 50 years ago) I didn’t recognize, others brought immediate memories . . . Wayne Hopp, a little cheery guy, would turn back to me each morning in homeroom to share some class news.

** We all got t-shirts with our class motto (“Who Cares?!”) printed on the sleeve. We were at the beginning of the turbulent ’60’s and ’70’s. We thought ourselves oh so clever back then. Many of us had dabbled in Hippiedom and its various excesses. Since then I’d say most of us had in fact learned “to care”. The wives and the children were instrumental in our transformation.

** Someone who cared from the beginning was Mike Kempel. He was a Hospital Corpsman 2nd Class in Viet Nam. He was killed as he carried three fallen soldiers to safe cover and was awarded the Silver Star.

Mike and I had made our First Communion together at Immaculate Heart of Mary Church. He was a quiet, kindly fellow who never called attention to himself . . . until he died saving his brothers.

** Another classmate, Steven Bligh had just lost his wife of 45 years. Their 3 children were raised and living far away. Steve was somewhat lost as he wandered the party by himself. Finally, some of our “Who Cares?” classmates grabbed him and sat him down with a beer and some conversation.

** As I said, it used to be a blue collar all-boys school. So we weren’t the smoothest guys when it came to girls. Those with their own cars (only a few of us) were fast starters on the dating scene back then. But it seems the boys got their courage up and found their partners in life. The wives seemed genuinely happy to be a part of the evening.

As we filtered out there were no promises to “meet up again”, just handshakes, smiles, and “great to see you’s”.

I’m blessed to have 4 or 5 friends from high school that I still see when I travel back “home”. But I’ll never see most of those people again. That, in itself, is a thought worthy to reflect on.

Terry’s killer smile. John T’s gift of getting us together. Wayne’s excitement over the Cleveland Indians, Steve’s sadness without his wife, Dave’s quiet helping hand, Roland loud with too much beer . . . guys, it’s been quite a ride. I’m privileged to have known you.

Dear God. You made each one of us as a unique expression of your glory. You put us on the earth to share your joy in the beautiful world you created. You call us to be like you in the way you love. You gave us your Son to be one of us and show us the way. Jesus told us we are your children and you are our Father. And we will be with you in the great mystery called heaven.

Thank you so much!!

Fr. Tim

Two or three times a month each parish on the east side of Rochester is on call at Rochester General Hospital. Eight in the morning to 8 the next morning; we respond to any calls for the Anointing of the Sick or the Sacrament of Confession. Sometimes I forget I’m on call. This was one of those nights. . . .

So it was Sunday night about 9:15. I’d just settled in to watch the closing ceremonies for the Rio Olympics. The chaplain at Rochester General calls to ask for an anointing. A woman, 93, in a coma . . . her son was asking for a priest. So you go right? Of course. It’s what we do.

On the way I try to spiritualize my frustration at missing the Olympics. “Lord, this is for you. I offer this up. Let this bring me closer to you and your Sacred Heart.” I silently patted myself on the back for responding quickly and calmly to the chaplain’s request. “I’m a dutiful priest”, I tell myself.

Her name was Ruth. She was curled up in a semi-fetal position. With eyes closed, her head was tilted back as if expecting a knock at the window. Tom, her son, greeted me with a kindly smile and extended his hand.

He told me his mother had come to the hospital with a lung infection but I soon learned this was simply the last in a litany of health problems that went back decades; back to when Tom and his sister were told their mother had Alzheimers and special care would be needed for her 24/7.

For 22 years they watched their mother’s growing dementia as Tom cared for her in his home. It had been years since Ruth even recognized him as her son.

“We just wanted to be ready Father. She’s been through so much.” Briefly he fills me in on what the recent past had been and the numerous trips to emergency rooms. I was struck by the tender way he spoke of his mother and the total absence of any reference to what these years had cost him and his sister.

(It set me thinking of my sisters who each cared for our mom and dad in their final days. Like little children, our sickly parents needed constant care and attention which both of my sisters gave so readily.)

And here he was, bent over his mother’s bed stroking her hair. I wondered if I was kind enough, generous enough, selfless enough, to do what this man had done for so many years for his demented mother.

Suddenly my frustration over missing the Olympic closing seemed so small and petty. My prayer of “offering up” seemed less heroic, and my secret estimate of myself suddenly paled when compared to Tom’s undivided devotion.

So what’s my point? We’ve all been witness in our priest- hood to persons of great charity and holiness. For me, the people I hold to be in the state of great sanctity (who knows these things?) . . . most are simple everyday people . . . few are priests. The point is we priests have it pretty easy. The great love of God’s people for the priest paves the way for a smooth landing in so many life situations.

Most people do the hard, thankless, every day carrying of their burden with no fanfare. We priests hear “thank you Father” almost daily. Most people get gifts on their birthday; we often get little candies on our desk “for just being you”. Most people pay for their meal; how many times has someone across the restaurant picked Father’s check up? Their moods don’t get pampered like Father’s when he’s “having a bad day.”

So I guess I’m urging us priests to see ourselves as Jesus did, “It is the same with you; when you have done all you have been told to do, say, ‘We are but servants; we have only done our duty.'” Lk. 17:10

We stand humbled by the hidden souls whose brilliant charity daily sow the seeds of God’s Kingdom.

Your brother,
Fr. Tim

So I say to you “I’ll give you $50 to wash and wax my car.” And you say, “Deal”. You finish the job but, contrary to our agreement, I only give you $30. “Hey, you owe me $20!” you cry. “I changed my mind”, I say, “and be- sides, you used my bucket and soap!”

Besides never washing my car again, you’ll continue to remind me that I owe you 20 bucks. Why? Because we made a deal, recognized by law. I was legally obliged to pay you $50 for services rendered (in a larger case you’d take me to small claims court).

So knowing you’d probably tell everyone in Webster that I’d stiffed you, I finally decide to pay you the full amount. Our friendship will still need repair but at least JUSTICE IS SERVED. Justice is giving to another what they deserve or have a “right” to.

We get the idea sometime that justice is the highest form of human relationship . . . to give everyone what they deserve makes for a happy well ordered society. An eye for an eye; a tooth for a tooth. But in the Christian perspective justice is the MINIMUM that is expected of us. It’s no big deal to be “just”.

We are called to a higher level of relationship. We are to be a people of Mercy. Webster’s dictionary defines mercy as “kindness in excess of what is deserved or demanded by fairness”.

We see it everywhere in the Gospels. Jesus tells us:

“Love your enemies, do good to those who persecute you.” Mt. 5:44

“Father forgive them, they don’t know what they’re doing.” Lk. 23:34

“If someone asks for your coat give them your shirt as well, to walk a mile, walk with them for two miles.” Lk. 6:27

The father put the gold ring and royal cloak on his wastrel son because “He was lost but now he is found.”

The laborers received a full day’s wage for just one hour’s work. Mt. 20:8

And St. Paul marvels at the mercy of God when he declares “that while we were still sinners and enemies of God, Christ died for us.” Rm. 5:5

Think back. When have you received mercy? Here are some examples.

• You totaled the family car with a careless turn into a tree. Your father’s first words are, “are you alright? That’s all that matters.”
• You were caught cheating on an exam. University rules call for your expulsion. The professor arranges for you to take a different exam under his supervision.
• Your “job performance review” was terrible. Your boss tells you not to be discouraged, he says he’ll work with you. He says he thinks you’ve got the “right stuff”.
• You went to confession and told the same sin you’ve committed 100’s of times before. You feel like a total failure. You feel like you’ll never be the person God wants you to be. The priest tells you, “God is using this weakness to grow the beautiful flower of humility deep in your heart. How beautiful you are to God!”
• Your wife tells you in tears, that no matter how hard it is sometimes to live with you . . . she will never stop loving you.
• You’ve said a terrible thing about someone quite close to you. You would cut your arm off if you could just take back those words. Your friend/sibling says, “I forgive you. But please don’t talk to me like that again.” You burst into tears. You’ve just received that precious gem . . . mercy.

We are called to acknowledge God’s mercy in our own lives (the countless times I’ve received more from life and God than I ever deserved). And in the joy of the Resurrection we have the grace to offer mercy to those who have offended us in some way.

It’s Labor Day already. Oh dear.

Fr. Tim