Fifteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time

In our Gospel, Jesus tells us about the sower and the crop he reaps in various types of soil. The seed is the same for all, but in places, that seed cannot grow. So important is this that St. Matthew never used the word 'seed' in his telling of the story - it is not a variable. What is? The ground! Sometimes, the ground is packed hard. The seed cannot sink in before the birds take it away. Sometimes, the ground is shallow, and the roots cannot reach water and it dies. Sometimes the ground is covered in weeds and the seed grows but cannot grow. Sometimes, though, the seed hits good ground and sinks in roots, grows up strong and sure, and produces a bountiful crop.

We are that ground - our hearts are the place were the seed is sown. Can we allow Christ, the Sacred Sower, till our hearts, give us depth, remove the choking worries of the world, so that we can allow it to grow and flourish?

Fourteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time

Jesus invites us to take His yoke upon us. Such an invitation might be seen as a burden, to take a heavy load. However, the terms seem to imply that the yoke is a two-animal yoke as in oxen. A properly-fitted yoke did not increase the load, but because it sat well on the collar of the animal and they were paired, the yoke actually made the work easier. Jesus tells us that this yoke is easy and the burden light, and when we know Him, and His infinite power, the burden on our part is almost nil - we just have to be willing to be yoked!

The yoke can be compared to the promises a priest makes. Instead of being a burden, the promise of celibacy, simplicity, and obedience frees us. Yoked to Christ, we can carry the burden, only with Christ's grace though.

Solemnity of Sts. Peter and Paul

This Sunday, our Church celebrates the Solemnity of St. Peter and St. Paul. Two of the most famous apostles, St. Peter followed Christ before the Resurrection, St. Paul after his conversion on the road to Damascus. Both Peter and Paul ended their lives and proclamation in Rome. Both gave their lives for their witness to Jesus Christ. Peter was crucified, Paul was beheaded.

As we celebrate their lives and deaths, may we recall that the Church is nourished by the blood of the martyrs, and that the Church is founded on the proclamation of St. Peter and St. Paul.

Twelfth Sunday in Ordinary Time

Fear not... It is one of the most repeated commands. Fear is a natural feeling for humans - it helps us to be aware of dangerous situations, and prepares us for a response (flight or fight). While in the presence of God is a dangerous situation, we have nothing to fear - God loves us and in His providence provides for us.

Jesus asks us to transform that natural fear for this life and instead fear the condemnation of God. God loves us, and we ought to freely love Him. May we know this love and providence...

Eleventh Sunday in Ordinary Time

Beg the Harvest Master to send laborers. The harvest is abundant, but if it is not gathered soon, it will be lost. Laborers are needed and are few, and time is of the utmost importance. Jesus calls the Twelve to begin laboring.

The harvest remains abundant, and souls will be lost if there is not someone sent to tell them the Good News of Jesus Christ. We need to be laborers in the God's field, and like good farmers, we know that there are different duties for all of us. May we be good laborers!

A Priest's Anniversary

This weekend, a Fr. Leonard Jenniges, a priest from Wanda, Minnesota, is celebrating his 60th anniversary of ordination. Ordained almost 10 years before the formation of the Diocese of New Ulm, he was ordained and remained a priest in the Archdiocese of St. Paul Minneapolis where he was a teacher at Nazareth Hall (the local High School and college seminary) and then a pastor. He retired a number of years ago and returned to his home town.

Some time ago, not only because I was assigned the pastor of his home town, but also because I am the Director of Vocations and we are still without a Bishop, he asked if I would preach his anniversary Mass. As I prepare, I cannot help but think of all that he has done these 60 years.

These are the hands that 60 years ago where placed into the hands of the archbishop, and therefore into the hands of the Church, as an act of obedience and submission. These are the hands that were anointed with Sacred Chrism. These are the hands that were given the chalice and paten, the offerings of the Church, to be offered to God. These are the hands that held those offerings, and received back the very Body and Blood of our Savior. These are the hands that took that Sacred Gift and gave it back to the People of God.

These are the hands that poured the water, making clean the body and soul of those washed in the sacred bath of Baptism. These are the hands that assisted at countless confirmations, seeing the Gifts of the Holy Spirit poured out into the hearts of the faithful. These are the hands that were raised in absolution, restoring the penitent to God and the to the community. These are the hands that brought the consoling oil of Sick to those suffering from affliction and preparing for surgery. These are the hands raised in blessing, sealing the bond of husband and wife. These are the hands that were imposed in prayer and extended in peace to the newly ordained brothers in the priesthood.

These are the hands that held those who were grieving the loss of a loved one, taken in tragedy or sickness, young or old. These are the hands that comforted those weary from the battles of life, finding the strength to continue on. These are the hands that rejoiced with those receiving the gift of a child, a success, a deeper awareness of God's grace. These are the hands that modeled the need for peace and forgiveness. These are the hands that gave freely to those in need. These are the hands that loved all.

These are the hands that years have served the Church. These are the hands that have ministered to all in need without counting the cost. These are the hands of a priest. May these hands not grow weak under the burden of years, gnarled by the crippling affect of disease, and silenced by the attempts of the evil one. May the bearer of these hands be honored for his 60 years of priesthood.

Summer 2008 Assignments

We are pleased to announce the assignments of our Seminarians. Matt Wiering will be returning Stateside from the North American College for some family time and for 6 weeks of parish assignment in the Wabasso/Wanda/Seaforth/Lucan Area Faith community of the Light of the World (where I am pastor). Aaron Johanneck will be staying in Europe to help with a pilgrimade and for language studies. Both Matt and Aaron wiill be returning to North American College in Rome for Theo. III and Theo. II, respectively. Zach Peterson: He is in a Clinical Pastoral Experience (CPE) at St. Mary's Hosptial in Duluth. Jacob Niemand is in a parish assignment in the Divine Mercy Area Faith Community in Sleepy Eye/Leavenworth/Comfrey. Both will be returning to St. Meinrad's, Zach in Theo. III and Jacob in Theo. II. Anthony Mielke: He is living in the Cities and working at St. Paul Seminary. He will return to the University of St. Thomas and St. John Vianney College Seminary for his Junior year. Paul Blaschko is working at the 10-week Summer Program offered through the Institute of Priestly Formation at Creighton University in Omaha NE. Butch Hendrickson is at home working in his carpentry shop.
Please keep them in prayers.