View from the Ambo

Sunday, August 5, 2018

18th Sunday B '18 - Bread of Life

Posted: 05 Aug 2018 11:28 AM PDT

Jesus is the new manna, and invites us to Himself. Do we accept what the Lord is doing in giving us the Bread of Life? Readings are found at http://www.usccb.org/bible/readings/080518.cfm Give feedback at https://goo.gl/forms/iG1Tvk4cHTGhdOWz2

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Sunday, July 29, 2018

17th Sunday B '18 - Gift

Posted: 29 Jul 2018 11:09 AM PDT

Jesus accepts the 5 loaves and 2 fish from a young boy, and blesses, breaks and gives it to the crowd, and it is more than enough. What gift are we offering? Readings are found at http://www.usccb.org/bible/readings/072918.cfm Give feedback at https://goo.gl/forms/iG1Tvk4cHTGhdOWz2

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Wednesday, July 25, 2018

Thoughts on Humanae Vitae

Today, July 25, we mark the 50th anniversary of the release of the encyclical Humanae Vitae (July 25, 1968). Too often, this document has been vilified and ignored, but I find it freeing and prophetic. Blessed Paul VI speaks of the great dignity of conjugal love and bearing of children. While he rejected a commission that proposed a change in the tradition of the Church regarding artificial means of birth control, he did not do so lightly. He lays out the doctrinal framework that based on the nature of God’s love, which is open and total. Because of this, the love of husband and wife is also to be open and total, and it is expressed in unitive and procreative ways. He recommends that couples practice natural family planning - if they have reasons tempered in justice, they may refrain from sexual activity in their mutually fertile times (this is not the rhythm method, but rather scientifically verified means). In chapter 17, he prophetically writes that artificial contraception opens the way to marital infidelity, lowering of moral standards, objectification of women, and forced contraception on the part of nations. While not explicitly mentioning abortion, one sees readily his concern there. He acknowledges that this is not and easily accepted position. He gives some antidotes - he reminds us of the value of self-discipline and chastity. This encyclical is one of the building blocks on which St. John Paul II based his Theology of the Body, which gives a wider understanding of who we are as human beings, made in God’s image and likeness. As we see the whole nature of sex, sexuality, gender, and all sorts of questions that could not have even been thought of 50 years ago, I encourage every adult to read it and take Blessed Paul VI’s words to heart. Recently, reports broke of a high ranking Catholic, now retired, who was abusing minors and was in a number of homosexual situations. These included abuse of seminarians of his own diocese. Sadly, he had a hand in the US Church’s response of the sexual misconduct of priests in 2003 (the Dallas Charter). For the record, I had met this man in passing as he was the celebrant for a Mass I attended about 16 years ago. The stories of the men are sickening - how the person in question forced himself on the others, and how he justified it at the time. Of course, now he denies any wrong doing. I am deeply convinced that not only these stories of abuse and even the #MeToo movement is the aftermath of failing to take the encyclical’s prophetic call to heart. Danger lurks in the shadows of separation, and we have falsely separated marriage, sexual expression, procreation, union, and morality. While the drafters of the 2003 Charter for the Protection of Youth may have failed to live up to the expectations they annunciated, these guidelines are needed. With renewed commitment, let us make sure that we will never allow abuse of any minor or vulnerable adult. Let’s commit to repair the damage that has been done that has led to abuse, rape, and exploitation.

Sunday, July 22, 2018

16th Sunday B '18 - Need

Posted: 22 Jul 2018 10:45 AM PDT

Jesus is the Good Shepherd who meets our every need. Do we rest in Him? Readings are found at http://www.usccb.org/bible/readings/072218.cfm Give feedback at https://goo.gl/forms/iG1Tvk4cHTGhdOWz2

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Sunday, July 15, 2018

15th Sunday B '18 - Ordinary

Posted: 15 Jul 2018 10:32 AM PDT

Jesus sends the 12 to proclaim the Gospel, like Amos and even the stuff used in the Sacraments, all ordinary until blessed by God. Readings are found at http://www.usccb.org/bible/readings/071518.cfm Give feedback at https://goo.gl/forms/iG1Tvk4cHTGhdOWz2

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Sunday, July 8, 2018

14th Sunday B '18 - Sufficient Grace

Posted: 08 Jul 2018 10:39 AM PDT

St. Paul writes of his 'thorn in the flesh'. What might that tell us of our healing or lack of healing? Are we invited to a deeper faith? Readings are found at http://www.usccb.org/bible/readings/070818.cfm Give feedback at https://goo.gl/forms/iG1Tvk4cHTGhdOWz2

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Wednesday, July 4, 2018

Thoughts on Independence Day

The smell of burnt gunpowder probably hangs in the air following our Fourth of July celebration. Really, though, that is a misnomer. The Fourth of July is like any other day. Why the parades, the flags, the fireworks, the hopefully unfettered show of patriotism? It is Independence Day we celebrate, the day we remember the brave founders of the American experiment, men and women with a noble vision of a country of, by, and for the people. They envisioned a country not ruled by a king, dictator, or emperor, but a person elected to serve for a particular time to execute the laws legislated by a congress and judged in keeping with the founding documents by a judiciary. This American experiment was one unlike any other, and after 242 year, we stand, though perhaps not as strong.

If we ask now what kind of freedom we fight for, too many might answer the right to self-determination, but defined as to do what I want, right or wrong, properly licentiousness. My needs and desires always supersede the other. If I cannot have those needs met thorough my own agency, then the government must intervene. But that is not the vision of our founders. See, the freedom they envisioned was a liberty - the freedom to choose the right and reject the wrong. It was a freedom of life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. But its basis is truth. They understood that neither these rights nor truth itself were a function of popular vote or granted them by a benevolent ruler, but by God. While they may have a theistic understanding of God as a distant creator, they still acted and believed that these rights were deeply engrained in the human person and that truth is knowable. That is why these rights are inalienable - they are not able to be taken away. This notion of truth and liberty is profoundly Christian, based on the Judeo-Christian history, but all peoples can have access to it. That is why countless people have flocked to our shores and continue to do so. They want a share in freedom, to live the truth.

As a country and people this Independence Day, I hope that we can acknowledge the American dream is alive, and yet unrealized among so many. Let us defend the defenseless and downtrodden who come to our ports of entry eager to follow the dream. But at the same time, find humane ways of securing our borders to limit child and sexual trafficking and those looking to expand criminal empires. Let us pray for those who govern, no matter party affiliation, that they may be filled with wisdom to work for the good of all Americans and allow this country to be a bold beacon of truth and liberty to the whole world. Let us be a people seeking truth, working for justice, and defending life, liberty, and the pursuit of eternal happiness.

Sunday, July 1, 2018

13th Sunday B '18 - Healing

Posted: 01 Jul 2018 06:30 AM PDT

Because of our Annual mission Appeal, I recorded a little reflection on the readings of the Sunday. Jesus desires to heals, physically at times, spiritually always. Whether we are completely spent or even dead, Jesus comes! Readings are found at http://www.usccb.org/bible/readings/070118.cfm Give feedback at https://goo.gl/forms/iG1Tvk4cHTGhdOWz2

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Sunday, June 24, 2018

Nativity of John the Baptist '18 - Purpose

Posted: 24 Jun 2018 10:32 AM PDT

We celebrate the Birth of John the baptist, whose very purpose, to proclaim the grace of the Messiah, was in his very name. What's our purpose? Readings are found at http://www.usccb.org/bible/readings/062418-vigil.cfm and http://www.usccb.org/bible/readings/062418-day-mass.cfm Give feedback at https://goo.gl/forms/iG1Tvk4cHTGhdOWz2

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View From the Ambo June 24

Dear Parishioners,

This weekend we celebrate the birth of John the Baptist (one of three that we celebrate in the Church - Jesus's on December 25th, of course, and Mary's on September 8). We have a vigil Mass in which we hear of the announcement of John's conception, while his father Zachariah, of the priestly division of Abijah, was serving in the temple. The time frame of his service is mid- to late- September. This puts John's birth in late June. In the Annunciation (which we celebrate March 25th), the Blessed Mother is told by the angel Gabriel that Elizabeth is pregnant 6 months (September to March is 6 months) and Mary goes to be with her the last 3 months before John's birth in June! But at the Annunciation, Mary conceived and gave birth to the Lord 9 months later - December! Interesting, right? Sometimes we forget that Tradition of the Church is trustworthy because it wasn't recorded in a way easy to understand. After all, the Evangelists simply could have written that John was born around the Summer Solstice, a day that is fairly immovable and understood across cultures and calendar systems. In the end, it does not matter 'when' these events occurred, but that they 'did' occur. John's birth is the beginning of the announcement of Christ's incarnation! Because of this, this feast is always celebrated, even when it falls on a Sunday as it does this year.

Like John, too, we are called to be heralds of Christ, though we are heralds of Christ's return. We tell others that He is going to return, and that we are called to continuing repentance and preparation. Let's ask John the Baptist's intercession this weekend to be bold heralds of Christ.

In Christ,

Fr. Todd

Sunday, June 17, 2018

11th Sunday B '18 - Courageous

Posted: 17 Jun 2018 09:43 AM PDT

Like St. Paul, we are called to walk in faith, courageously sewing seeds. Are we willing to take the time to take the next step? Readings are found at http://www.usccb.org/bible/readings/061718.cfm Give feedback at https://goo.gl/forms/iG1Tvk4cHTGhdOWz2

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View From the Ambo June 17

Dear Parishioners,

Happy Father's day to all Fathers and fatherly men. May the Lord bless you with grace and strength this day!

On another type of father: These last weeks, many dioceses welcomed newly ordained priests throughout he sacrament of Ordination. The diocese of New Ulm did not. It hasn't since 2016, and willl not have another until 2020, when we will have 3 ordained, God willing. In March, Bishop LeVoir wrote a letter in the Prairie Catholic that we will have inserted in the bulletin in the Fall that shares statistics. While the overall number of Catholics decreased modestly (about 12%) since the Diocese's formation, the number of priests has changed drastically (65% decrease). Recently, the Pew Research Group has speculated that about ⅓ of priests will retire or resign in the next 10-15 years. These are sobering facts, aren't they? As a people of hope, and a people who have received the promise that even the Gates of Hell will not prevail, what are we to do? What is the solution? Too many might recommend some temporary solution, a change in practice or doctrine. Some might imply that priests are a commodity that can be simply imported from countries or states with surplus. I think these are too simplistic. I am more deeply convinced that we need the New Evangelization: The reminder that we are all called to be disciples of Jesus Christ, and called to serve Him, some as priests, religious, and deacons, others in holy marriages and dedicated single life. We need our hearts awakened to the reality that the Sacraments are not commodities bought and sold, dispensed by indentured servants of the Church, but the Sacraments are encounters with the Risen Lord, visible signs of God's grace. The solution: Prayer! Pray that we may have hearts and lives open to the promptings of the Holy Spirit. Pray that our homes would become domestic Churches where our fathers would be humble witnesses to the power of God's love, mothers a living sign of God's care, and children are able to be open to His call. Pray that our parishes and schools may be places of encounter with the Lord, and help all discern God's will.

In Christ,

Fr. Todd

Sunday, June 10, 2018

10 Sunday OT B '18 - Satan's Scheme

Posted: 10 Jun 2018 12:58 PM PDT

Satan is real, and while the war with him is already won by Christ, we battle with him yet, and he uses three schemes: Denial, deception/distortion, and distraction. Our response: the Holy Spirit! Readings are found at http://www.usccb.org/bible/readings/061018.cfm Give feedback at https://goo.gl/forms/iG1Tvk4cHTGhdOWz2
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Sunday, June 3, 2018

Corpus Christi B '18 - Sacrifice

Posted: 03 Jun 2018 10:06 AM PDT

As we celebrate the Feast to the Body and Blood of Christ, do we recognize sacrifice of Christ and the new Covenant He establishes? Readings are found at http://www.usccb.org/bible/readings/060318.cfm Give feedback at https://goo.gl/forms/iG1Tvk4cHTGhdOWz2
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Thursday, May 31, 2018

Visitation '18 - Seeing Jesus

Posted: 31 May 2018 02:16 PM PDT

Mary visits Elizabeth, and she recognizes Jesus in Mary's womb. Do we see Jesus? Do we bring Him to others? This is the last School Mass homily for this school year. Readings are found at http://www.usccb.org/bible/readings/053118.cfm Give feedback at https://goo.gl/forms/iG1Tvk4cHTGhdOWz2
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Sunday, May 27, 2018

Trinity Sunday B '18 - Relationship

Posted: 27 May 2018 01:26 PM PDT

We are called to relationship with the Holy Trinity, and commissioned to lead others to relationship too. Readings are found at http://www.usccb.org/bible/readings/052718.cfm Give feedback at https://goo.gl/forms/iG1Tvk4cHTGhdOWz2
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Monday, May 21, 2018

Pentecost Sunday B '18 - Breathe

Posted: 20 May 2018 10:42 AM PDT

As we celebrate the feast of Pentecost, do we realize our need for the Holy Spirit? Do we seek to breathe? Readings are found at http://www.usccb.org/bible/readings/052018-mass-during-day.cfm Give feedback at https://goo.gl/forms/iG1Tvk4cHTGhdOWz2

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Sunday, May 20, 2018

Sequence for Pentecost

Come, Holy Spirit, come! And from your celestial home Shed a ray of light divine! Come, Father of the poor! Come, source of all our store! Come, within our bosoms shine. You, of comforters the best; You, the soul's most welcome guest; Sweet refreshment here below; In our labor, rest most sweet; Grateful coolness in the heat; Solace in the midst of woe. O most blessed Light divine, Shine within these hearts of yours, And our inmost being fill! Where you are not, we have naught, Nothing good in deed or thought, Nothing free from taint of ill. Heal our wounds, our strength renew; On our dryness pour your dew; Wash the stains of guilt away: Bend the stubborn heart and will; Melt the frozen, warm the chill; Guide the steps that go astray. On the faithful, who adore And confess you, evermore In your sevenfold gift descend; Give them virtue's sure reward; Give them your salvation, Lord; Give them joys that never end. Amen. Alleluia.

Saturday, May 19, 2018

Ninth Day of Novena to the Holy Spirit

We join in the final day of our novena.

NINTH DAY (Saturday, Vigil of Pentecost)

Thou, on those who evermore Thee confess and Thee Adore, in Thy sevenfold gift, Descend; Give Them Comfort when they die; Give them Life with Thee on high; Give them joys which never end. Amen

The Fruits of the Holy Spirit

The gifts of the Holy Spirit perfect the supernatural virtues by enabling us to practice them with greater docility to divine inspiration. As we grow in the knowledge and love of God under the direction of the Holy Spirit, our service becomes more sincere and generous, the practice of virtue more perfect. Such acts of virtue leave the heart filled with joy and consolation and are known as Fruits of the Holy Spirit. These Fruits in turn render the practice of virtue more attractive and become a powerful incentive for still greater efforts in the service of God, to serve Whom is to reign.

Prayer

Come, O Divine Spirit, fill my heart with Thy heavenly fruits, Thy charity, joy, peace, patience, benignity, goodness, faith, mildness, and temperance, that I may never weary in the service of God, but by continued faithful submission to Thy inspiration may merit to be united eternally with Thee in the love of the Father and the Son. Amen.

Our Father and Hail Mary ONCE. Glory be to the Father SEVEN TIMES.

ACT OF CONSECRATION TO THE HOLY SPIRIT On my knees before the great multitude of heavenly witnesses, I offer myself, soul and body to You, Eternal Spirit of God. I adore the brightness of Your purity, the unerring keenness of Your justice, and the might of Your love. You are the Strength and Light of my soul. In You I live and move and am. I desire never to grieve You by unfaithfulness to grace and I pray with all my heart to be kept from the smallest sin against You. Mercifully guard my every thought and grant that I may always watch for Your light, and listen to Your voice, and follow Your gracious inspirations. I cling to You and give myself to You and ask You, by Your compassion to watch over me in my weakness. Holding the pierced Feet of Jesus and looking at His Five Wounds, and trusting in His Precious Blood and adoring His opened Side and stricken Heart, I implore You, Adorable Spirit, Helper of my infirmity, to keep me in Your grace that I may never sin against You. Give me grace, O Holy Spirit, Spirit of the Father and the Son to say to You always and everywhere, "Speak Lord for Your servant heareth." Amen.

To be recited daily during the Novena

PRAYER FOR THE SEVEN GIFTS OF THE HOLY SPIRIT O Lord Jesus Christ Who, before ascending into heaven did promise to send the Holy Spirit to finish Your work in the souls of Your Apostles and Disciples, deign to grant the same Holy Spirit to me that He may perfect in my soul, the work of Your grace and Your love. Grant me the Spirit of Wisdom that I may despise the perishable things of this world and aspire only after the things that are eternal, the Spirit of Understanding to enlighten my mind with the light of Your divine truth, the Spirit of Counsel that I may ever choose the surest way of pleasing God and gaining heaven, the Spirit of Fortitude that I may bear my cross with You and that I may overcome with courage all the obstacles that oppose my salvation, the Spirit of Knowledge that I may know God and know myself and grow perfect in the science of the Saints, the Spirit of Piety that I may find the service of God sweet and amiable, and the Spirit of Fear that I may be filled with a loving reverence towards God and may dread in any way to displease Him. Mark me, dear Lord, with the sign of Your true disciples and animate me in all things with Your Spirit. Amen.

(To be recited daily during the Novena)

Friday, May 18, 2018

Eighth Day of Novena to the Holy Spirit

We join in the eighth day of our novena.

EIGHTH DAY (Friday, 7th Week of Easter)

Bend the stubborn heart and will, melt the frozen warm the chill. Guide the steps that go astray!

The Gift of Wisdom

Embodying all the other gifts, as charity embraces all the other virtues, Wisdom is the most perfect of the gifts. Of wisdom it is written "all good things came to me with her, and innumerable riches through her hands." It is the gift of Wisdom that strengthens our faith, fortifies hope, perfects charity, and promotes the practice of virtue in the highest degree. Wisdom enlightens the mind to discern and relish things divine, in the appreciation of which earthly joys lose their savor, whilst the Cross of Christ yields a divine sweetness according to the words of the Saviour: "Take up thy cross and follow me, for my yoke is sweet and my burden light.

Prayer

Come, O Spirit of Wisdom, and reveal to my soul the mysteries of heavenly things, their exceeding greatness, power and beauty. Teach me to love them above and beyond all the passing joys and satisfactions of earth. Help me to attain them and possess them for ever. Amen.

Our Father and Hail Mary ONCE. Glory be to the Father SEVEN TIMES.

To be recited daily during the Novena

(To be recited daily during the Novena)