In this e-weekly:
- Reasons Why People Think Catholics Are "Crazy" (A bit of humor… [the smiling cat])
- How One Large Family's Story Bloomed into a Pro-Life Reflection, With a Nod to Mary(Diocesan News and BEYOND)
- Guidlines on Charitable Giving from the Bishops of North Dakota (Helpful Hints for Life)
- Reasons Why People Think Catholics Are "Crazy" (A bit of humor… [the smiling cat])
- How One Large Family's Story Bloomed into a Pro-Life Reflection, With a Nod to Mary(Diocesan News and BEYOND)
- Guidlines on Charitable Giving from the Bishops of North Dakota (Helpful Hints for Life)
Catholic Good News
Receiving the Gospel, Serving God and Neighbor
Prayer, Fasting, and ALMSGIVING
“When you give alms, do not blow a trumpet before you, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets to win the praise of others. Amen, I say to you, they have received their reward. But when you give alms, do not let your left hand know what your right is doing, so that your almsgiving may be secret. And your Father who sees in secret will repay you.”
-Matthew 6:2-4
Receiving the Gospel, Serving God and Neighbor
Prayer, Fasting, and ALMSGIVING
“When you give alms, do not blow a trumpet before you, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets to win the praise of others. Amen, I say to you, they have received their reward. But when you give alms, do not let your left hand know what your right is doing, so that your almsgiving may be secret. And your Father who sees in secret will repay you.”
-Matthew 6:2-4
Dear friends in Christ Jesus,
Money. It is where the rubber meets the road in the Christian Life. It is perhaps the most true idol today that we might put in the place of God. We would not say that we have money as an idol, but what do our actions tell?
We can control and see the effects of prayer and fasting, but we do not have this advantage with almsgiving. We have no idea what will be done with our alms, or if we will have needed them ourselves, or if we should have given alms at all. We must TRUST GOD, and that is perhaps the hardest thing to do. But that is exactly what almsgiving is meant to help us to do.
“No servant can serve two masters. He will either hate one and love the other, or be devoted to one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and (money) mammon. Matthew 6:24 and Luke 16:13" [God has given us all, what do we give back to Him via the Church and the poor?]
This Lent we have been striving to embrace Prayer, Fasting, and Almsgiving to bring about true change in our lives. Add this final member of the triumvirate and let God change your heart and life into something wonderful you never even imaged!
Peace and prayers in Jesus through Mary, loved by Saint Joseph,
Father Robert
P.S. This coming Sunday is the Third Sunday of Lent. The readings can be found at: https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/030826.cfm
P.S.S. Outline of homily on Almsgiving is found at the end of this e-weekly.
Money. It is where the rubber meets the road in the Christian Life. It is perhaps the most true idol today that we might put in the place of God. We would not say that we have money as an idol, but what do our actions tell?
We can control and see the effects of prayer and fasting, but we do not have this advantage with almsgiving. We have no idea what will be done with our alms, or if we will have needed them ourselves, or if we should have given alms at all. We must TRUST GOD, and that is perhaps the hardest thing to do. But that is exactly what almsgiving is meant to help us to do.
“No servant can serve two masters. He will either hate one and love the other, or be devoted to one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and (money) mammon. Matthew 6:24 and Luke 16:13" [God has given us all, what do we give back to Him via the Church and the poor?]
This Lent we have been striving to embrace Prayer, Fasting, and Almsgiving to bring about true change in our lives. Add this final member of the triumvirate and let God change your heart and life into something wonderful you never even imaged!
Peace and prayers in Jesus through Mary, loved by Saint Joseph,
Father Robert
P.S. This coming Sunday is the Third Sunday of Lent. The readings can be found at: https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/030826.cfm
P.S.S. Outline of homily on Almsgiving is found at the end of this e-weekly.
Term Review
almsgiving (from Greek eleEmOn “merciful”)
- something given freely in charity to assist those in need and to relieve the poor.
[Almsgiving, together with prayer and fasting, are traditionally recommended to foster the state of interior penance.]
almsgiving (from Greek eleEmOn “merciful”)
- something given freely in charity to assist those in need and to relieve the poor.
[Almsgiving, together with prayer and fasting, are traditionally recommended to foster the state of interior penance.]
Guidance on Charitable Giving from the Bishops of North Dakotaby Bishop Samuel J. Aquila, D.D., Bishop Paul A. Zipfel
Catholics are compelled by the Gospel to responsibly promote the protection of human life, families, and the common good. We applaud the charitable giving and social justice efforts of our parishes, Catholic schools, and individuals. At the same time, we urge attentiveness to the possibility of endorsing an organization whose mission or affiliation may be morally objectionable or, at least, questionable. We call upon pastors, clergy, and the lay faithful to use guidelines based on the virtue of prudence and justice when making charitable giving decisions.
Church teaching: All human life is sacred and must be protected. This is why we should not support or endorse individuals and organizations that provide, promote, or advocate for abortion, contraception, “reproductive rights/ family planning,” or embryonic stem cell research. Marriage, a lifelong partnership between a man and a woman, is the foundation of the family and, therefore, essential to the common good. Accordingly, we should not support individuals and organizations that seek to redefine marriage or whose activities devalue its importance.
Guidelines: When evaluating the appropriateness of participating in, publicizing, or otherwise providing support to a fundraising effort, Catholic entities should consider whether the mission and activities of the organization are consistent with Catholic teaching, particularly as it pertains to human life and marriage. Church facilities should not be used to promote, endorse, or fundraise for such organizations if their policies are contrary to Church teaching.
We take this opportunity to mention certain organizations that Catholic entities should not support.
American Association of University Women: AAUW's stated mission is to advance “equity for women and girls through advocacy, education, philanthropy, and research” and often provides local scholarships with money raised through book fairs. AAUW, however, strongly supports abortion rights and same-sex “marriage,” and opposes parental choice in education.
Amnesty International: In 2007, Amnesty International abandoned its neutral stance on abortion and adopted a pro-abortion position.
Crop Walk/Church World Service: CROP Walk, an annual hunger awareness and fundraising effort that benefits many local food pantries, is sponsored by Church World Service (CWS), an agency of the National Council of Churches. Catholic Relief Services withdrew its name from the list of funding recipients since some of the partners of CWS support the provision of contraceptives in their overseas missions and programs and CRS could not guarantee that donations, particularly Catholic donors who have earmarked their contribution to those efforts consistent with Church teaching, would not be utilized for objectionable services.
March of Dimes: The March of Dimes' focus is the prevention of birth defects, premature birth, and infant mortality. March of Dimes, however, also supports embryonic stem cell research, preimplantation diagnosis for untreatable conditions, and mandatory contraceptive coverage for insurance plans.
Susan G. Komen for the Cure: This anti-breast cancer organization is known for its “Race for the Cure” fundraising activities (not to be confused with “Relay for Life.”) Money raised at these events has gone to Planned Parenthood and the organization refuses to acknowledge the link between abortion and breast cancer.
UNICEF: The Holy See suspended an annual symbolic contribution in 1996 due to the “shift in UNICEF activities” that were once solely focused on child welfare but now includes contraceptive and abortion services.
†Most Rev. Paul A. Zipfel
Bishop of Bismarck
†Most Rev. Samuel J. Aquila
Bishop of Fargo
“Many of Jesus' deeds and words constituted a "sign of contradiction", but more so for the religious authorities in Jerusalem, whom the Gospel according to John often calls simply "the Jews", than for the ordinary People of God. To be sure, Christ's relations with the Pharisees were not exclusively polemical. Some Pharisees warn him of the danger he was courting; Jesus praises some of them, like the scribe of Mark 12:34, and dines several times at their homes. Jesus endorses some of the teachings imparted by this religious elite of God's people: the resurrection of the dead, certain forms of piety (almsgiving, fasting and prayer), the custom of addressing God as Father, and the centrality of the commandment to love God and neighbor.”
Catechism of the Catholic Church #575
Catholics are compelled by the Gospel to responsibly promote the protection of human life, families, and the common good. We applaud the charitable giving and social justice efforts of our parishes, Catholic schools, and individuals. At the same time, we urge attentiveness to the possibility of endorsing an organization whose mission or affiliation may be morally objectionable or, at least, questionable. We call upon pastors, clergy, and the lay faithful to use guidelines based on the virtue of prudence and justice when making charitable giving decisions.
Church teaching: All human life is sacred and must be protected. This is why we should not support or endorse individuals and organizations that provide, promote, or advocate for abortion, contraception, “reproductive rights/ family planning,” or embryonic stem cell research. Marriage, a lifelong partnership between a man and a woman, is the foundation of the family and, therefore, essential to the common good. Accordingly, we should not support individuals and organizations that seek to redefine marriage or whose activities devalue its importance.
Guidelines: When evaluating the appropriateness of participating in, publicizing, or otherwise providing support to a fundraising effort, Catholic entities should consider whether the mission and activities of the organization are consistent with Catholic teaching, particularly as it pertains to human life and marriage. Church facilities should not be used to promote, endorse, or fundraise for such organizations if their policies are contrary to Church teaching.
We take this opportunity to mention certain organizations that Catholic entities should not support.
American Association of University Women: AAUW's stated mission is to advance “equity for women and girls through advocacy, education, philanthropy, and research” and often provides local scholarships with money raised through book fairs. AAUW, however, strongly supports abortion rights and same-sex “marriage,” and opposes parental choice in education.
Amnesty International: In 2007, Amnesty International abandoned its neutral stance on abortion and adopted a pro-abortion position.
Crop Walk/Church World Service: CROP Walk, an annual hunger awareness and fundraising effort that benefits many local food pantries, is sponsored by Church World Service (CWS), an agency of the National Council of Churches. Catholic Relief Services withdrew its name from the list of funding recipients since some of the partners of CWS support the provision of contraceptives in their overseas missions and programs and CRS could not guarantee that donations, particularly Catholic donors who have earmarked their contribution to those efforts consistent with Church teaching, would not be utilized for objectionable services.
March of Dimes: The March of Dimes' focus is the prevention of birth defects, premature birth, and infant mortality. March of Dimes, however, also supports embryonic stem cell research, preimplantation diagnosis for untreatable conditions, and mandatory contraceptive coverage for insurance plans.
Susan G. Komen for the Cure: This anti-breast cancer organization is known for its “Race for the Cure” fundraising activities (not to be confused with “Relay for Life.”) Money raised at these events has gone to Planned Parenthood and the organization refuses to acknowledge the link between abortion and breast cancer.
UNICEF: The Holy See suspended an annual symbolic contribution in 1996 due to the “shift in UNICEF activities” that were once solely focused on child welfare but now includes contraceptive and abortion services.
†Most Rev. Paul A. Zipfel
Bishop of Bismarck
†Most Rev. Samuel J. Aquila
Bishop of Fargo
“Many of Jesus' deeds and words constituted a "sign of contradiction", but more so for the religious authorities in Jerusalem, whom the Gospel according to John often calls simply "the Jews", than for the ordinary People of God. To be sure, Christ's relations with the Pharisees were not exclusively polemical. Some Pharisees warn him of the danger he was courting; Jesus praises some of them, like the scribe of Mark 12:34, and dines several times at their homes. Jesus endorses some of the teachings imparted by this religious elite of God's people: the resurrection of the dead, certain forms of piety (almsgiving, fasting and prayer), the custom of addressing God as Father, and the centrality of the commandment to love God and neighbor.”
Catechism of the Catholic Church #575
Catholic Principals of Tithing
https://charlestondiocese.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/Tithing-Booklet.pdf
These are guidelines and suggestions to assist one in making a return to the Lord for all that He has given us. These tell the why and how of supporting the material needs of the Church which all Catholic are to do and of assist those in need.
How One Large Family’s Story Bloomed Into a Pro-Life Reflection, With a Nod to Mary
‘A promise of hope that endures ...’
How One Large Family’s Story Bloomed Into a Pro-Life Reflection, With a Nod to Mary
‘A promise of hope that endures ...’
Judy Roberts Books
March 16, 2025
Michael Wagner and his pregnant wife, Joanne, were traveling to the March for Life in Washington in 1976 when she — and their unborn baby — died unexpectedly, leaving him to raise their 12 other children alone.
Though devastated by the loss, Michael, a quiet man of faith, soldiered on and returned home to Erie, Pennsylvania, to deal with the reality of caring for nine boys and three girls between the ages of 3 and 17. He would work the third shift at a local die-casting shop so that he could be home during the day, cooking meals that often required peeling 20 pounds of potatoes and keeping up with laundry that had to be hung on a line outside absent an automatic drier.
To his youngest daughter, Stephanie (Wagner) Schlueter, who was 5 at the time, it seemed as if her father never slept. Yet, she said, she never remembered him being angry or self-pitying. “He may have had his moments in the quiet, once the door was closed, but he just exemplified true faith and trust in the Lord and lived out the words, ‘Whatever God calls you to, he provides for.’”
Years later, those words have formed the nucleus of Twelve Roses, a book Stephanie’s author husband, Greg Schlueter, has been inspired by Michael’s life to write, to offer hope to others in crisis.
After Greg married Stephanie in 1997, he had only a short time to get to know Michael before his father-in-law’s death in 1998, but it was long enough to create a strong and lasting impression of a man whose Catholic faith had sustained him as he single-handedly managed a dozen children in a house with only four bedrooms and one bathroom. To this day, Greg said, “His voice haunts me in the best sense.”
For all her father had to do and did, Stephanie added, “He was one of the most peaceful men I’ve ever encountered. That only comes from a mature relationship with the Lord. He found out in a very real, baptism-by-fire kind of way that we have no control. Often, our franticness is our need for control. In many ways he was glad he wasn’t in control.”
Both her parents were products of strong Catholic families and had met while working at the Boston Store in downtown Erie, Pennsylvania. Michael was 11 years older than Joanne, but Stephanie said they were always very vague about how their parents regarded the age difference. Married in 1957, they raised their family in a home where, Stephanie recalls, the Catholic faith was both lived and practical. She and her siblings went to Catholic schools, and priests and sisters, including two uncles and an aunt, were frequent visitors at the house. “We did the 40 Hours’ devotion, said prayers before meals, the boys were altar servers, and we went to Mass on Sunday. It was the water we lived in, the air we breathed. It was the language that we spoke.”
Today, every one of the Wagner children is a practicing Catholic who attends Mass faithfully; and, among them, they’ve had more than 50 children.
Their parents’ story has long spoken to Greg, who helped care for Michael in the last year and a half of his life. The Schlueters run the Catholic family apostolate Mass Impact.
Last December, as Greg was reflecting on the feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe and all the people he knew who were struggling with seemingly impossible circumstances, he was inspired by Michael’s life to write Twelve Roses.
By January, he had self-published it as a paperback and eBook. Drawing on the theme of the roses St. Juan Diego gathered into his tilma to present to his bishop, the book tells the story of Anna, whose boyfriend has left her after learning she is pregnant with their child. As Anna, fearful and confused, ponders what she will do, she opens her door on Dec. 12, the feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe, to find a single rose wrapped in brown paper on her mailbox. A note attached to the rose says, “You are not alone.” On each of the next 11 days, another rose and another note appear, each seemingly from someone who can read her soul.
When Anna realizes on the 13th day that the 12th rose was the last she will receive, she is initially disappointed, but then she considers the significance of the number 12: “Twelve months in a year. Twelve apostles. Twelve Days of Christmas. Twelve, a number of perfection and completion.”
Over the 12 days, the messages have transformed her, and by Christmas, she knows what she will do.
Greg said Anna is a character who is very real to him because, as a student involved in the pro-life movement at Ohio’s Miami University, he knew and had spoken at length with many women in her predicament. Even before that, however, he had seen how his mother, Judy Schlueter, a nurse who founded a post-abortion healing ministry in Dublin, Ohio, understood the plight of such women. “She dove into the realm of the broken heart, the real wound of a woman facing these circumstances,” he said.
Through Anna’s story, Greg hopes to convey to those in difficult or desperate situations that whatever they are facing or need, “God wants to impart these gifts, these words, these roses.”
He said he used roses as the vehicle for Anna’s messages not only because of their tie to Our Lady of Guadalupe, but because he sees them as a means of expression and a language in themselves. Whether they are given by a man to a woman or left at a grave, he said, “They have always had symbolic consequences.” Greg said that, for instance, when he proposed to Stephanie, he gave her 12 roses during a Mass and that they then placed some on her mother’s grave. “Those roses were more than flowers,” he writes in the book, “they were symbols of a love that transcended grief, a grace that carried her family through their darkest hours, and a promise of hope that endures.”
The idea for Twelve Roses came to him almost in a mystical, spiritual way, he said, as he was praying for women in crisis situations like the one Anna faces. “Journeying with our Blessed Mother and mindful of that epicenter where we face such circumstances, in my prayer, I asked, ‘Lord, give me your heart ... for the world.’” Then, early in December, the thought struck him, “What would it be like if Our Lady of Guadalupe appeared to each of us? What would she say, knowing our needs and our particular circumstances? What might Our Lady of Guadalupe be saying to me, to others?”
As leader of the Mass Impact family apostolate and a podcaster and radio-show host, Greg said he is connected in prayer to many people who are struggling and in turmoil, adding that, through Anna’s story, he wanted to open them to an awareness that grace is being poured out for them. Regardless of their circumstances, he hopes readers of his book will connect with Anna’s sense of helplessness and that the beautiful truths in the messages she receives will vanquish the lies in their lives, assuring them that they are known and not alone.
Greg said he deliberately left unnamed the identity of the sender of the roses. “I wanted people to have a mystical sense that the Word made flesh is real,” Greg said. “I felt I needed to leave it so that the soul of the person who reads it is opened to the sense of wonder that the Divine knows their situation.”
Although Michael and Joanne do not appear as characters in Twelve Roses, Greg references their story in the preface, explaining how they inspired the book.
“Their lives,” he writes, “testify to a God who meets us in our deepest pain, who whispers through the impossible, ‘You are loved. You are seen. You matter.’ And as he blesses us, he calls us to become bearers of that blessing, passing along the roses of grace, love, and hope to others.”
March 16, 2025
Michael Wagner and his pregnant wife, Joanne, were traveling to the March for Life in Washington in 1976 when she — and their unborn baby — died unexpectedly, leaving him to raise their 12 other children alone.
Though devastated by the loss, Michael, a quiet man of faith, soldiered on and returned home to Erie, Pennsylvania, to deal with the reality of caring for nine boys and three girls between the ages of 3 and 17. He would work the third shift at a local die-casting shop so that he could be home during the day, cooking meals that often required peeling 20 pounds of potatoes and keeping up with laundry that had to be hung on a line outside absent an automatic drier.
To his youngest daughter, Stephanie (Wagner) Schlueter, who was 5 at the time, it seemed as if her father never slept. Yet, she said, she never remembered him being angry or self-pitying. “He may have had his moments in the quiet, once the door was closed, but he just exemplified true faith and trust in the Lord and lived out the words, ‘Whatever God calls you to, he provides for.’”
Years later, those words have formed the nucleus of Twelve Roses, a book Stephanie’s author husband, Greg Schlueter, has been inspired by Michael’s life to write, to offer hope to others in crisis.
After Greg married Stephanie in 1997, he had only a short time to get to know Michael before his father-in-law’s death in 1998, but it was long enough to create a strong and lasting impression of a man whose Catholic faith had sustained him as he single-handedly managed a dozen children in a house with only four bedrooms and one bathroom. To this day, Greg said, “His voice haunts me in the best sense.”
For all her father had to do and did, Stephanie added, “He was one of the most peaceful men I’ve ever encountered. That only comes from a mature relationship with the Lord. He found out in a very real, baptism-by-fire kind of way that we have no control. Often, our franticness is our need for control. In many ways he was glad he wasn’t in control.”
Both her parents were products of strong Catholic families and had met while working at the Boston Store in downtown Erie, Pennsylvania. Michael was 11 years older than Joanne, but Stephanie said they were always very vague about how their parents regarded the age difference. Married in 1957, they raised their family in a home where, Stephanie recalls, the Catholic faith was both lived and practical. She and her siblings went to Catholic schools, and priests and sisters, including two uncles and an aunt, were frequent visitors at the house. “We did the 40 Hours’ devotion, said prayers before meals, the boys were altar servers, and we went to Mass on Sunday. It was the water we lived in, the air we breathed. It was the language that we spoke.”
Today, every one of the Wagner children is a practicing Catholic who attends Mass faithfully; and, among them, they’ve had more than 50 children.
Their parents’ story has long spoken to Greg, who helped care for Michael in the last year and a half of his life. The Schlueters run the Catholic family apostolate Mass Impact.
Last December, as Greg was reflecting on the feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe and all the people he knew who were struggling with seemingly impossible circumstances, he was inspired by Michael’s life to write Twelve Roses.
By January, he had self-published it as a paperback and eBook. Drawing on the theme of the roses St. Juan Diego gathered into his tilma to present to his bishop, the book tells the story of Anna, whose boyfriend has left her after learning she is pregnant with their child. As Anna, fearful and confused, ponders what she will do, she opens her door on Dec. 12, the feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe, to find a single rose wrapped in brown paper on her mailbox. A note attached to the rose says, “You are not alone.” On each of the next 11 days, another rose and another note appear, each seemingly from someone who can read her soul.
When Anna realizes on the 13th day that the 12th rose was the last she will receive, she is initially disappointed, but then she considers the significance of the number 12: “Twelve months in a year. Twelve apostles. Twelve Days of Christmas. Twelve, a number of perfection and completion.”
Over the 12 days, the messages have transformed her, and by Christmas, she knows what she will do.
Greg said Anna is a character who is very real to him because, as a student involved in the pro-life movement at Ohio’s Miami University, he knew and had spoken at length with many women in her predicament. Even before that, however, he had seen how his mother, Judy Schlueter, a nurse who founded a post-abortion healing ministry in Dublin, Ohio, understood the plight of such women. “She dove into the realm of the broken heart, the real wound of a woman facing these circumstances,” he said.
Through Anna’s story, Greg hopes to convey to those in difficult or desperate situations that whatever they are facing or need, “God wants to impart these gifts, these words, these roses.”
He said he used roses as the vehicle for Anna’s messages not only because of their tie to Our Lady of Guadalupe, but because he sees them as a means of expression and a language in themselves. Whether they are given by a man to a woman or left at a grave, he said, “They have always had symbolic consequences.” Greg said that, for instance, when he proposed to Stephanie, he gave her 12 roses during a Mass and that they then placed some on her mother’s grave. “Those roses were more than flowers,” he writes in the book, “they were symbols of a love that transcended grief, a grace that carried her family through their darkest hours, and a promise of hope that endures.”
The idea for Twelve Roses came to him almost in a mystical, spiritual way, he said, as he was praying for women in crisis situations like the one Anna faces. “Journeying with our Blessed Mother and mindful of that epicenter where we face such circumstances, in my prayer, I asked, ‘Lord, give me your heart ... for the world.’” Then, early in December, the thought struck him, “What would it be like if Our Lady of Guadalupe appeared to each of us? What would she say, knowing our needs and our particular circumstances? What might Our Lady of Guadalupe be saying to me, to others?”
As leader of the Mass Impact family apostolate and a podcaster and radio-show host, Greg said he is connected in prayer to many people who are struggling and in turmoil, adding that, through Anna’s story, he wanted to open them to an awareness that grace is being poured out for them. Regardless of their circumstances, he hopes readers of his book will connect with Anna’s sense of helplessness and that the beautiful truths in the messages she receives will vanquish the lies in their lives, assuring them that they are known and not alone.
Greg said he deliberately left unnamed the identity of the sender of the roses. “I wanted people to have a mystical sense that the Word made flesh is real,” Greg said. “I felt I needed to leave it so that the soul of the person who reads it is opened to the sense of wonder that the Divine knows their situation.”
Although Michael and Joanne do not appear as characters in Twelve Roses, Greg references their story in the preface, explaining how they inspired the book.
“Their lives,” he writes, “testify to a God who meets us in our deepest pain, who whispers through the impossible, ‘You are loved. You are seen. You matter.’ And as he blesses us, he calls us to become bearers of that blessing, passing along the roses of grace, love, and hope to others.”
Joseph Pronechen InterviewsFebruary 24The Knights of Columbus are no strangers to stepping up with abundant aid in desperate situations. The war in Ukraine is no exception. This past year, the fraternal organization has stepped forward boldly with continuing aid in the war-torn country.
Supreme Knight Patrick Kelly shared some of what he observed and how the Knights are bringing aid to Ukraine with Register staff writer Joseph Pronechen in an email interview Feb. 24, marking the one year anniversary since the invasion.
Please share some of your experiences visiting Ukraine and Poland: What particular things have been most moving?
I visited Ukraine and Poland twice in 2022, beginning with a trip during Holy Week.
I saw tremendous suffering, and I saw real strength. Both trips were deeply moving.
The number of refugees and displaced persons, as well as the conditions they faced, were striking. I was watching people walk across the border, mostly women and children, with nothing more than a small suitcase. They would stop at our K of C Mercy Center for warmth, something to eat and to get some rest — both physical and spiritual. Often, there would be a priest or religious sister present. They didn’t know where they would go next, and our volunteers helped connect them with resources. I saw people living in a previously abandoned monastery in Ukraine, again with very little, in terms of material goods and a great deal of uncertainty. I saw separated families, and I heard the stories of lost loved ones.
But I also saw something inspiring and just as moving — the patriotism of one nation in crisis and another nation stepping bravely forward to assist in an hour of need. In Ukraine and Poland, I saw real solidarity, which is remarkable, given the history of the region. So I was saddened and inspired. But, overall, I was even more convinced of the importance of our humanitarian support.
Who were some of the others you met with while there?
Throughout both trips, my message was one of solidarity and a commitment of continued support.
In December, I met with government officials, prominent Catholic leaders from both the Latin and Ukrainian Greek Churches, and local Knights. I also spent time with displaced Ukrainians — just hearing their stories. These stories were heart-wrenching, but I was also able to see what a concrete difference our humanitarian aid is making for real people. Lives depend on it.
I met with President Andrzej Duda of Poland. President Duda and I both recognize that while much has been accomplished, the relief work must continue for the long term. I assured President Duda of the Knights’ commitment to ongoing support.
And this support needs to include some more long-term solutions as well as immediate aid. So I was especially proud to visit Our Lady of Częstochowa parish in Radom, Poland, where we opened the Blessed Michael McGivney House, a new long-term resource center for refugees. We will need more of these kinds of resources; and the Knights — in Poland, Ukraine and around the world — are committed to providing them.
What are some of the ways Knights have been helping the people in Ukraine — Knights from the U.S., Knights in Poland? How are needs being answered?
Well, first and foremost, by raising money and getting immediate aid to people on the ground. Within 36 hours of the Russian invasion, the Knights of Columbus committed $1.5 million toward humanitarian relief and established the Ukraine Solidarity Fund. To date, the Knights have raised more than $20 million.
Less than a week after the invasion began, we began organizing our K of C Charity Convoys — truckloads of supplies, which our members brought into Ukraine.
The Knights also established Mercy Centers along the Poland-Ukraine border that served more than 300,000 people.
More recently, we began the “Powering Our Parishes” program to provide generators, especially important in the winter, as power plants have been increasingly targeted. We’re sending these generators to parishes in Ukraine, so that they can provide centers for warmth and for community, in addition to keeping the churches themselves running.
We’ve also partnered with other organizations to magnify our help, calling upon their particular areas of expertise. With these partners, we’ve provided health care to civilians, and we’re underway with a project to remove mines from fields and waterways, so that people can return to their liberated lands and restore some semblance of normal life. We’ve worked with other groups to build orphanages and provide for the education of Ukrainian children.
Supreme Knight Patrick Kelly shared some of what he observed and how the Knights are bringing aid to Ukraine with Register staff writer Joseph Pronechen in an email interview Feb. 24, marking the one year anniversary since the invasion.
Please share some of your experiences visiting Ukraine and Poland: What particular things have been most moving?
I visited Ukraine and Poland twice in 2022, beginning with a trip during Holy Week.
I saw tremendous suffering, and I saw real strength. Both trips were deeply moving.
The number of refugees and displaced persons, as well as the conditions they faced, were striking. I was watching people walk across the border, mostly women and children, with nothing more than a small suitcase. They would stop at our K of C Mercy Center for warmth, something to eat and to get some rest — both physical and spiritual. Often, there would be a priest or religious sister present. They didn’t know where they would go next, and our volunteers helped connect them with resources. I saw people living in a previously abandoned monastery in Ukraine, again with very little, in terms of material goods and a great deal of uncertainty. I saw separated families, and I heard the stories of lost loved ones.
But I also saw something inspiring and just as moving — the patriotism of one nation in crisis and another nation stepping bravely forward to assist in an hour of need. In Ukraine and Poland, I saw real solidarity, which is remarkable, given the history of the region. So I was saddened and inspired. But, overall, I was even more convinced of the importance of our humanitarian support.
Who were some of the others you met with while there?
Throughout both trips, my message was one of solidarity and a commitment of continued support.
In December, I met with government officials, prominent Catholic leaders from both the Latin and Ukrainian Greek Churches, and local Knights. I also spent time with displaced Ukrainians — just hearing their stories. These stories were heart-wrenching, but I was also able to see what a concrete difference our humanitarian aid is making for real people. Lives depend on it.
I met with President Andrzej Duda of Poland. President Duda and I both recognize that while much has been accomplished, the relief work must continue for the long term. I assured President Duda of the Knights’ commitment to ongoing support.
And this support needs to include some more long-term solutions as well as immediate aid. So I was especially proud to visit Our Lady of Częstochowa parish in Radom, Poland, where we opened the Blessed Michael McGivney House, a new long-term resource center for refugees. We will need more of these kinds of resources; and the Knights — in Poland, Ukraine and around the world — are committed to providing them.
What are some of the ways Knights have been helping the people in Ukraine — Knights from the U.S., Knights in Poland? How are needs being answered?
Well, first and foremost, by raising money and getting immediate aid to people on the ground. Within 36 hours of the Russian invasion, the Knights of Columbus committed $1.5 million toward humanitarian relief and established the Ukraine Solidarity Fund. To date, the Knights have raised more than $20 million.
Less than a week after the invasion began, we began organizing our K of C Charity Convoys — truckloads of supplies, which our members brought into Ukraine.
The Knights also established Mercy Centers along the Poland-Ukraine border that served more than 300,000 people.
More recently, we began the “Powering Our Parishes” program to provide generators, especially important in the winter, as power plants have been increasingly targeted. We’re sending these generators to parishes in Ukraine, so that they can provide centers for warmth and for community, in addition to keeping the churches themselves running.
We’ve also partnered with other organizations to magnify our help, calling upon their particular areas of expertise. With these partners, we’ve provided health care to civilians, and we’re underway with a project to remove mines from fields and waterways, so that people can return to their liberated lands and restore some semblance of normal life. We’ve worked with other groups to build orphanages and provide for the education of Ukrainian children.
Since Knights always bring spiritual support into all of their efforts, can you share some thoughts on this aspect from your trips?
I think something that is sometimes overlooked — but that from a Catholic perspective is just as important as our material aid — is our spiritual support. As the Polish people once said to John Paul II in a different time, but also a time of great suffering and trial: “We want God.”
While in Ukraine, I was invited to attend a vespers service with Ukrainian Greek Catholic seminarians and to offer a few words. I told them I thought they were among the most important future leaders of Ukraine because they are to be, principally, witnesses to the faith. It is faith in Jesus Christ that can ground the culture of Ukraine and can carry it through these dark times. But even more than that, it’s a witness to the whole world that the answer to the problems we face is Jesus Christ. Knights around the world are praying regularly for the people of Ukraine and for a just end to the war.
Are there Knights in Ukraine?
We have more than 2,000 Knights in Ukraine, and that includes more than 140 who joined our ranks during the war. We also have more than 7,200 Knights across the border in Poland. So we are uniquely suited to help. We’re not an aid agency. But we are part of the affected communities.
Through our Knights in Ukraine, we get real-time information on what is needed at any given moment. This allows us to continually adapt our aid to the changing circumstances.
More importantly, this war impacts our families. And that’s why we’re not going anywhere. That is why I can say with confidence to the Ukrainians, “You’re not alone.” That is why I promised to them that we’ll be there for the long haul.
Are the Knights continuing to make this aid a priority?
Knights in Ukraine, Poland and around the world have made our response to the humanitarian needs of those impacted by the invasion a priority since Day One. We continually ask our members to pray for those affected by the war and to support our relief efforts through the Ukraine Solidarity Fund.
We hope to bring renewed attention to the humanitarian crisis in the region through our upcoming documentary In Solidarity With Ukraine, which will air on ABC network affiliates across the United States for six consecutive weekends, beginning Feb. 26. It will give a unique inside view of the situation on the ground in Ukraine, and I hope it will inspire more people to offer material and spiritual aid.
What more would you like to see the Knights doing for Ukraine and the Ukrainian people and refugees?
As we enter Lent, it is a time for deepening our prayer, fasting and almsgiving. I ask Knights around the world to pray for those suffering in this conflict, to fast for peace and justice, and to give generously to those in need, especially the women and children, who suffer most.
I think something that is sometimes overlooked — but that from a Catholic perspective is just as important as our material aid — is our spiritual support. As the Polish people once said to John Paul II in a different time, but also a time of great suffering and trial: “We want God.”
While in Ukraine, I was invited to attend a vespers service with Ukrainian Greek Catholic seminarians and to offer a few words. I told them I thought they were among the most important future leaders of Ukraine because they are to be, principally, witnesses to the faith. It is faith in Jesus Christ that can ground the culture of Ukraine and can carry it through these dark times. But even more than that, it’s a witness to the whole world that the answer to the problems we face is Jesus Christ. Knights around the world are praying regularly for the people of Ukraine and for a just end to the war.
Are there Knights in Ukraine?
We have more than 2,000 Knights in Ukraine, and that includes more than 140 who joined our ranks during the war. We also have more than 7,200 Knights across the border in Poland. So we are uniquely suited to help. We’re not an aid agency. But we are part of the affected communities.
Through our Knights in Ukraine, we get real-time information on what is needed at any given moment. This allows us to continually adapt our aid to the changing circumstances.
More importantly, this war impacts our families. And that’s why we’re not going anywhere. That is why I can say with confidence to the Ukrainians, “You’re not alone.” That is why I promised to them that we’ll be there for the long haul.
Are the Knights continuing to make this aid a priority?
Knights in Ukraine, Poland and around the world have made our response to the humanitarian needs of those impacted by the invasion a priority since Day One. We continually ask our members to pray for those affected by the war and to support our relief efforts through the Ukraine Solidarity Fund.
We hope to bring renewed attention to the humanitarian crisis in the region through our upcoming documentary In Solidarity With Ukraine, which will air on ABC network affiliates across the United States for six consecutive weekends, beginning Feb. 26. It will give a unique inside view of the situation on the ground in Ukraine, and I hope it will inspire more people to offer material and spiritual aid.
What more would you like to see the Knights doing for Ukraine and the Ukrainian people and refugees?
As we enter Lent, it is a time for deepening our prayer, fasting and almsgiving. I ask Knights around the world to pray for those suffering in this conflict, to fast for peace and justice, and to give generously to those in need, especially the women and children, who suffer most.
On the feast of St. Joseph, the Vatican published the pope’s letter written to the religious superior of the Congregation of Saint Joseph, which is celebrating the 150th anniversary of its founding.
“In your ministry, let yourselves be guided by the meek and concrete example of Saint Joseph; like him, never cease to wonder at God's marvelous gifts; like him, who, working for Jesus and Mary, made of his own life a ‘sign’ of a higher fatherhood, that of the heavenly Father, welcome the great call to be dedicated fathers for the youth of today,” Pope Francis wrote.
The Congregation of Saint Joseph is a religious institute, dedicated to the education and moral formation of poor and at-risk youth, active in Europe, Africa, Asia, and the Americas.
The congregation was founded in the 19th century by Saint Leonard Murialdo, a friend of Saint John Bosco in Turin, Italy.
Pope Francis said that Saint Leonard Murialdo “knew how to read the era in which he lived, grasp the problems present in Turin in the second half of the 19th century, and how to offer effective remedies, in step with the times.”
“He took poor and abandoned youth to heart, helping many young people not only to face immediate needs, but to prepare for a dignified future through education and learning a profession,” he said.
The pope added: “He did so by letting himself be guided by an ancient and ever-present wisdom, that of St. Joseph.”
“Inspired by him, he busied himself in humility and charity, exhorting every congregate to be a friend, brother and father of young people in need, drawing strength from the conviction that God loves each one with a tender, provident and merciful predilection.”
Pope Francis’ letter was addressed to Father Tullio Locatelli, the father general of the Congregation of Saint Joseph, and was signed on March 2.
On the Solemnity of St. Joseph, the pope met with a youth choir from the northern Italian city of Bologna.
“In your ministry, let yourselves be guided by the meek and concrete example of Saint Joseph; like him, never cease to wonder at God's marvelous gifts; like him, who, working for Jesus and Mary, made of his own life a ‘sign’ of a higher fatherhood, that of the heavenly Father, welcome the great call to be dedicated fathers for the youth of today,” Pope Francis wrote.
The Congregation of Saint Joseph is a religious institute, dedicated to the education and moral formation of poor and at-risk youth, active in Europe, Africa, Asia, and the Americas.
The congregation was founded in the 19th century by Saint Leonard Murialdo, a friend of Saint John Bosco in Turin, Italy.
Pope Francis said that Saint Leonard Murialdo “knew how to read the era in which he lived, grasp the problems present in Turin in the second half of the 19th century, and how to offer effective remedies, in step with the times.”
“He took poor and abandoned youth to heart, helping many young people not only to face immediate needs, but to prepare for a dignified future through education and learning a profession,” he said.
The pope added: “He did so by letting himself be guided by an ancient and ever-present wisdom, that of St. Joseph.”
“Inspired by him, he busied himself in humility and charity, exhorting every congregate to be a friend, brother and father of young people in need, drawing strength from the conviction that God loves each one with a tender, provident and merciful predilection.”
Pope Francis’ letter was addressed to Father Tullio Locatelli, the father general of the Congregation of Saint Joseph, and was signed on March 2.
On the Solemnity of St. Joseph, the pope met with a youth choir from the northern Italian city of Bologna.
“Joseph of Nazareth, the husband of the Virgin Mary, was the man who linked Jesus to his people, the people God had chosen to bring blessing to all humanity,” Pope Francis told the choir.
“Jesus did not come out of nowhere; he did not come from heaven like an extraterrestrial, no, Jesus was born of a woman of God's people. What was the name of Jesus' mother?” the pope asked the kids.
“Mary!” the children replied.
“And he had a dad here on earth, what was his name?” he asked.
“Joseph!” they said.
“And this father brought him up according to the law of the Lord. He gave him the example of what it means to do the will of God. And the Gospel, says only one thing about Joseph, which is beautiful: he was a just man, a good man. This is lovely,” Pope Francis said.
Did Pope Francis Like to Dance? And Other Questions from KidsBy Elise Harris
Vatican City (EWTN News/CNA) - In his first children's book Pope Francis touches on a variety of both lighthearted and sensitive topics from war and solving the world’s conflicts, to Sunday school, miracles and his preference for tango.
When asked by 6-year-old Prajla from Albania if he liked to dance as a child, the Pope said he liked it “a lot! I liked to be together with other children, playing...dancing our typical dances from Argentina. I had a lot of fun.”
He told Prajla that as a teenager he liked to dance tango, and that for him, to dance “is to experience joy and happiness.”
“When someone is sad they can't dance. Generally kids have a big asset: being happy. And because of this when they are young they dance and express the joy in their heart,” he said, noting that “the people who can't experience joy in their heart are always serious.”
Because of this, the Pope told children to dance, “so that you aren't too serious when you are older!”
This is just one of the answers Pope Francis gave to the 30 children around the world who wrote to him with questions and drawings.
On March 1 Jesuit-run Loyola Press will release the book “Dear Pope Francis: The Pope Answers Letters from Children Around the World,” alongside Jesuit publishing houses in 11 other countries.
Eight children whose letters appear in the book, plus a few siblings, met with Pope Francis in a private audience at the Vatican Feb. 22 to present him with the Italian translation of the book, as well as all 259 letters collected for the project.
The Italian translation, “L'Amore Prima del Mondo,” is already available in bookstores.
A collection of 30 letters and drawings from children around the world aged 6-13, the book contains both questions from the youth, as well as Pope Francis' answers.
Pope Francis gave the project the official thumbs-up last May, when executives from Loyola Press traveled to Rome to pop the question on whether he would ever consider writing a children’s book.
Due to the Pope’s time constraints, he couldn't respond to all 259 letters, but was advised on which ones to select with the help of a special group of parents, grandparents, teachers, Jesuits, writers and children.
Letters included in the book come from across the globe, including countries such as Albania, Russia, China, Nigeria, Kenya, the Philippines and a school for displaced children in Syria.
In the book Pope Francis answers questions simple, fun questions from the youth, as well as heart-wrenching questions from children in warring countries.
When asked by Mohamed, 10, from Syria if the world will ever be beautiful again like it was before, the Pope responded by pointing out how after he died and ascended into heaven, Jesus promised that he would return, and that when he does, “everything will be new: a new heaven, a new earth.”
Because of this, “the world now will not be like it was in the past,” Francis said, and lamented that there are “evil people” who produce and sell arms in order to make war, people who hate, and people who are so attached to money that they will “even sell other people” to get more.
Although “this is terrible,” the Pope stressed that “this suffering is destined to end, you know? It’s not forever. Suffering is lived with hope, despite everything.”
Similarly, when asked by Michael, 9, from Nigeria how to end the world’s conflicts, Francis said that war “is only the fruit of egoism and greed.”
While he acknowledged that he can’t solve all the world’s problems, Pope Francis told the youth that “you and I can try to make this land a better world.”
“You know conflict, I understand. But there is not a magic wand. Everyone must be convinced that the best way of winning a war is not to do it. It’s not easy. But I will try. You try too.”
On a more lighthearted note, the Pope answered questions surrounding his “tall hat” (his miter), miracles, Sunday school, how Jesus walked on water and what he would like to do to make the world a better place.
Ana Maria, 10, from Brazil asked the Pope why children needed to go to catechism classes. In response, Francis said simply: “Go to catechism to know Jesus better!”
“If you have a friend you like to be with them in order to know them better. You like to be with a friend to play together, to get to know their family, their life, where they were born, where they live.”
Catechism, he said, “helps you in this, to know your friend Jesus better and to know his big family which is the Church.”
When William, 7, from the U.S. asked him what miracle he would perform if he could, Pope Francis said he would “heal children,” and that he still hasn’t been able to understand why children suffer.
“I pray about this question: why do children suffer? It’s my heart that asks me the question,” he said, noting how Jesus himself cried, “and in crying he understood our dramas.”
“If I could do a miracle, I would heal all children,” he added, and told William that “I’m not afraid to cry. You shouldn’t be either.”
On a fun note, when Natasha, 8, from Kenya asked him how Jesus walked on water, the Pope jested, saying that Jesus “didn’t fly or do somersaults swimming,” but walked normally like he was on the ground.
Jesus walked “one foot after the other, also seeing the fish under his feet partying and swimming fast,” the Pope explained, adding that since Jesus is God, “he can do everything. He can also walk calmly on water. God doesn’t sink, you know?”
“The seasons and days of penance in the course of the liturgical year (Lent, and each Friday in memory of the death of the Lord) are intense moments of the Church's penitential practice. These times are particularly appropriate for spiritual exercises, penitential liturgies, pilgrimages as signs of penance, voluntary self-denial such as fasting and almsgiving, and fraternal sharing (charitable and missionary works).
Catechism of the Catholic Church #1438
“Jesus did not come out of nowhere; he did not come from heaven like an extraterrestrial, no, Jesus was born of a woman of God's people. What was the name of Jesus' mother?” the pope asked the kids.
“Mary!” the children replied.
“And he had a dad here on earth, what was his name?” he asked.
“Joseph!” they said.
“And this father brought him up according to the law of the Lord. He gave him the example of what it means to do the will of God. And the Gospel, says only one thing about Joseph, which is beautiful: he was a just man, a good man. This is lovely,” Pope Francis said.
Did Pope Francis Like to Dance? And Other Questions from KidsBy Elise Harris
Vatican City (EWTN News/CNA) - In his first children's book Pope Francis touches on a variety of both lighthearted and sensitive topics from war and solving the world’s conflicts, to Sunday school, miracles and his preference for tango.
When asked by 6-year-old Prajla from Albania if he liked to dance as a child, the Pope said he liked it “a lot! I liked to be together with other children, playing...dancing our typical dances from Argentina. I had a lot of fun.”
He told Prajla that as a teenager he liked to dance tango, and that for him, to dance “is to experience joy and happiness.”
“When someone is sad they can't dance. Generally kids have a big asset: being happy. And because of this when they are young they dance and express the joy in their heart,” he said, noting that “the people who can't experience joy in their heart are always serious.”
Because of this, the Pope told children to dance, “so that you aren't too serious when you are older!”
This is just one of the answers Pope Francis gave to the 30 children around the world who wrote to him with questions and drawings.
On March 1 Jesuit-run Loyola Press will release the book “Dear Pope Francis: The Pope Answers Letters from Children Around the World,” alongside Jesuit publishing houses in 11 other countries.
Eight children whose letters appear in the book, plus a few siblings, met with Pope Francis in a private audience at the Vatican Feb. 22 to present him with the Italian translation of the book, as well as all 259 letters collected for the project.
The Italian translation, “L'Amore Prima del Mondo,” is already available in bookstores.
A collection of 30 letters and drawings from children around the world aged 6-13, the book contains both questions from the youth, as well as Pope Francis' answers.
Pope Francis gave the project the official thumbs-up last May, when executives from Loyola Press traveled to Rome to pop the question on whether he would ever consider writing a children’s book.
Due to the Pope’s time constraints, he couldn't respond to all 259 letters, but was advised on which ones to select with the help of a special group of parents, grandparents, teachers, Jesuits, writers and children.
Letters included in the book come from across the globe, including countries such as Albania, Russia, China, Nigeria, Kenya, the Philippines and a school for displaced children in Syria.
In the book Pope Francis answers questions simple, fun questions from the youth, as well as heart-wrenching questions from children in warring countries.
When asked by Mohamed, 10, from Syria if the world will ever be beautiful again like it was before, the Pope responded by pointing out how after he died and ascended into heaven, Jesus promised that he would return, and that when he does, “everything will be new: a new heaven, a new earth.”
Because of this, “the world now will not be like it was in the past,” Francis said, and lamented that there are “evil people” who produce and sell arms in order to make war, people who hate, and people who are so attached to money that they will “even sell other people” to get more.
Although “this is terrible,” the Pope stressed that “this suffering is destined to end, you know? It’s not forever. Suffering is lived with hope, despite everything.”
Similarly, when asked by Michael, 9, from Nigeria how to end the world’s conflicts, Francis said that war “is only the fruit of egoism and greed.”
While he acknowledged that he can’t solve all the world’s problems, Pope Francis told the youth that “you and I can try to make this land a better world.”
“You know conflict, I understand. But there is not a magic wand. Everyone must be convinced that the best way of winning a war is not to do it. It’s not easy. But I will try. You try too.”
On a more lighthearted note, the Pope answered questions surrounding his “tall hat” (his miter), miracles, Sunday school, how Jesus walked on water and what he would like to do to make the world a better place.
Ana Maria, 10, from Brazil asked the Pope why children needed to go to catechism classes. In response, Francis said simply: “Go to catechism to know Jesus better!”
“If you have a friend you like to be with them in order to know them better. You like to be with a friend to play together, to get to know their family, their life, where they were born, where they live.”
Catechism, he said, “helps you in this, to know your friend Jesus better and to know his big family which is the Church.”
When William, 7, from the U.S. asked him what miracle he would perform if he could, Pope Francis said he would “heal children,” and that he still hasn’t been able to understand why children suffer.
“I pray about this question: why do children suffer? It’s my heart that asks me the question,” he said, noting how Jesus himself cried, “and in crying he understood our dramas.”
“If I could do a miracle, I would heal all children,” he added, and told William that “I’m not afraid to cry. You shouldn’t be either.”
On a fun note, when Natasha, 8, from Kenya asked him how Jesus walked on water, the Pope jested, saying that Jesus “didn’t fly or do somersaults swimming,” but walked normally like he was on the ground.
Jesus walked “one foot after the other, also seeing the fish under his feet partying and swimming fast,” the Pope explained, adding that since Jesus is God, “he can do everything. He can also walk calmly on water. God doesn’t sink, you know?”
“The seasons and days of penance in the course of the liturgical year (Lent, and each Friday in memory of the death of the Lord) are intense moments of the Church's penitential practice. These times are particularly appropriate for spiritual exercises, penitential liturgies, pilgrimages as signs of penance, voluntary self-denial such as fasting and almsgiving, and fraternal sharing (charitable and missionary works).
Catechism of the Catholic Church #1438
A bit of humor...
Commandments
When I asked my friend if she was planning to attend church, she just shook her head. "I haven’t gone in a long time," she said. "Besides, it’s too late for me. I’ve probably already broken all seven commandments."Branch of ServiceOur elementary school was honoring local veterans. The students were a bit intimidated and didn’t know how to approach them.
"Start by introducing yourself,"
I said. "Then ask what branch of the military they served in."
One student walked over to a vet and promptly asked, "What tree are you from?"
Reasons Why People Think Catholics Are "Crazy"
- We like to keep Mass interesting. We sit, stand and kneel, in no particular order. Probably just to keep the blood flowing, but definitely to keep one from falling asleep.
- It's not merlot and Ritz they're serving; it's the Flesh and Blood of Jesus. No, really.
- Forget a big meal afterwards, just pick up some of the breakfast tacos, donuts, or baked goods they're always selling after Mass
- Purgatory.
- We sometimes slip out an Amen after the Pledge of Allegiance.
-Before entering the row of seats in the movie theater, we are tempted to genuflect.
- We all have 20 cousins. On each side of the family.
- Altar servers continue well into their twenties.
- Infant Baptism isn't dumb; it's after-life insurance.
- $5.00 in the collection basket is the epitome of generosity. Anything more than that, someone has hit the lottery.
- A missal is a book, not a weapon. However, it has been known to pull double duty.
- There are two very different, irreconcilable factions in every single church in the world. They are known as the Saturday or Sunday Mass bunch.
- The signs we make aren't just a mark of respect, they're a lot of fun to do.
- Whenever anyone in Star Wars saga says “May the Force Be With You”, we get the urge to say “And with your spirit”
- Mass is nearly unchanged after almost 2000 years. We’re a little stubborn.
- We really like statues. A lot!
- “Offer it up!” = “Quit complaining!” = The Catholic Motto
When I asked my friend if she was planning to attend church, she just shook her head. "I haven’t gone in a long time," she said. "Besides, it’s too late for me. I’ve probably already broken all seven commandments."Branch of ServiceOur elementary school was honoring local veterans. The students were a bit intimidated and didn’t know how to approach them.
"Start by introducing yourself,"
I said. "Then ask what branch of the military they served in."
One student walked over to a vet and promptly asked, "What tree are you from?"
Reasons Why People Think Catholics Are "Crazy"
- We like to keep Mass interesting. We sit, stand and kneel, in no particular order. Probably just to keep the blood flowing, but definitely to keep one from falling asleep.
- It's not merlot and Ritz they're serving; it's the Flesh and Blood of Jesus. No, really.
- Forget a big meal afterwards, just pick up some of the breakfast tacos, donuts, or baked goods they're always selling after Mass
- Purgatory.
- We sometimes slip out an Amen after the Pledge of Allegiance.
-Before entering the row of seats in the movie theater, we are tempted to genuflect.
- We all have 20 cousins. On each side of the family.
- Altar servers continue well into their twenties.
- Infant Baptism isn't dumb; it's after-life insurance.
- $5.00 in the collection basket is the epitome of generosity. Anything more than that, someone has hit the lottery.
- A missal is a book, not a weapon. However, it has been known to pull double duty.
- There are two very different, irreconcilable factions in every single church in the world. They are known as the Saturday or Sunday Mass bunch.
- The signs we make aren't just a mark of respect, they're a lot of fun to do.
- Whenever anyone in Star Wars saga says “May the Force Be With You”, we get the urge to say “And with your spirit”
- Mass is nearly unchanged after almost 2000 years. We’re a little stubborn.
- We really like statues. A lot!
- “Offer it up!” = “Quit complaining!” = The Catholic Motto
Prayer for Almsgiving
Blessed are you, God of all goodness! All I am and all I have come from You. Help me to trust You and to give freely and generously to Your Church and to those in need that I may allow You to bless me abundantly in this life and lead me one day to heaven to be with You and all who love You forever. Amen.
Homily Outline of Sunday, March 18, 2007
Prayer, Fasting and Almsgiving. Almsgiving.
Almsgiving is something given freely in charity to assist those in need and to relieve the poor.
Luke 11:41 But as to what is within, give alms, and behold, everything will be clean for you.
[Some of the St. Michael School students went to a Library. Carnegie Bldg.]
Why is almsgiving so important?
Prayer and Fasting we can do; We can see and know the results.
But with giving to others, especially with money, it all comes from God. So almsgiving involves trusting God. We do not know the results. Trust of God brought the Israelites from the miraculous manna from heaven to the real food of the Promised Land in the First Reading.
Money is an interesting thing. It can provide for all our physical needs, the problem is when we think it will take care of all our needs. We must be careful.
I Timothy 6:9-10 Those who want to be rich are falling into temptation and into a trap and into many foolish and harmful desires, which plunge them into ruin and destruction. For the love of money is the root of all evils, and some people in their desire for it have strayed from the faith and have pierced themselves with many pains
In Matthew and Luke (6:24; 16:13 respectively) 13 No servant can serve two masters. 8 He will either hate one and love the other, or be devoted to one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and (money) mammon."
God or Love of Money?
Where do you spend your time?
How much for God? How much for pursuit and use of money or what it can bring?
Tithing, Weekly Collection, Do I give to the poor? Do I give to those in need? Do I support the needs of the Church?
Luke 12:33 Sell your belongings and give alms. Provide money bags for yourselves that do not wear out, an inexhaustible treasure in heaven that no thief can reach nor moth destroy.
Do we provide treasure for ourselves in heaven, or are we living with this world in mind only?
Matthew 6:4 That your alms may be in secret: and thy Father which sees in secret himself shall reward you openly.I do not know how much individuals give here at St. Michael, and I make it a point not to know. But I do know that Catholics are traditionally the poorest givers of all Christians. Roman Catholics who have been given the fullness of God and His Church are often the least to return it.
Do we have less now? Are things worse now?
Statistics show that Christians gave 3 times more during the depression than they do now.
We should give the first fruits of our labor to God, but sadly some of us take the meal for ourselves and leave God a tip like we would gladly pay for a meal, but leave just a dollar or two to the one who served it.
Some may say, well Father things cost more, we have debt. Well yes, our parents and grandparents in their day had debt, but they also knew all came from God and they always gave something to Him first. Even I have debt from college. But are you and making the changes of trust. God cannot bless us unless we open our hearts in trust to allow Him to bless us. We must put faith and trust in Him so that He can multiple good in us.
Here is the simple fact:
We give a little to God, He can only bless us a little.
We give a lot to God, He can bless us a lot.
I want to talk to those 50 years older and younger. Those older than this generally know everything they have comes from God and thus return to Him a generous portion. 50 and below especially near my generation, we are the ones who give some sort of tip but generally don’t pay the bill.
Concretely, I want you to look at how much you give each week or totally each year. Is it even 1% of your total income, and Yes before expenses. Remember St. Paul said to you and me this morning in the Second Reading. “All comes from God.” 1% is the bare bones minimum in return to God. The Catholic who is able, and that is most of us, should strive for 3-5%.
Try to add $2-3 dollars more per week. Or add 1% more than you currently give in a year. Try to make on a weekly regular basis. I know with farming and other occupations that you have the seasons and times when money is coming in and going out, but we need to try to keep weekly so that our trust of God is constant even in thin times and thick.
I can testify to this, I used to be a tipper, but as I prayed and prepared to be a priest, I recognized the Lord calling me to trust Him more. I have been giving 5% to the parish I serve and 5% to the poor. I have never been in need from the time doing this.
Now be prudent, if you only have money to buy food for tomorrow, seek assistance. But unless you do not have a penny to your name, all of us can give at least something as the poor widow did whom Jesus praised.
I John 3:17 If someone who has worldly means sees a brother in need and refuses him compassion, how can the love of God remain in him?
I Peter 4:8 “charity covers a multitude of sins”
You and I MUST change where we put our money and our trust. The Bulletin has practical saving techniques. Then you and I, especially 50 yrs and under, must put God first by changing what you give back to Him starting today, this week, and into the future.
God has given us all as did the father in today’s Gospel. What do you and I give?
“This teaching is also based on the practice of prayer for the dead, already mentioned in Sacred Scripture: "Therefore [Judas Maccabeus] made atonement for the dead, that they might be delivered from their sin." From the beginning the Church has honored the memory of the dead and offered prayers in suffrage for them, above all the Eucharistic sacrifice, so that, thus purified, they may attain the beatific vision of God. The Church also commends almsgiving, indulgences, and works of penance undertaken on behalf of the dead:
Let us help and commemorate them. If Job's sons were purified by their father's sacrifice, why would we doubt that our offerings for the dead bring them some consolation? Let us not hesitate to help those who have died and to offer our prayers for them.” -Catechism of the Catholic Church #1032
+JMJ+
SUNDAY BIBLICAL MASS READINGS AND QUESTIONS
for Self-Reflection, Couples or Family Discussion
Third Sunday of Lent – Sunday, March 23rd, 2025
The First Reading- Exodus 3: 1-8A, 13-15
Moses was tending the flock of his father-in-law Jethro, the priest of Midian. Leading the flock across the desert, he came to Horeb, the mountain of God. There an angel of the LORD appeared to Moses in fire flaming out of a bush. As he looked on, he was surprised to see that the bush, though on fire, was not consumed. So Moses decided, “I must go over to look at this remarkable sight, and see why the bush is not burned.” When the LORD saw him coming over to look at it more closely, God called out to him from the bush, “Moses! Moses!” He answered, “Here I am.” God said, “Come no nearer! Remove the sandals from your feet, for the place where you stand is holy ground. I am the God of your fathers,” he continued, “the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, the God of Jacob.” Moses hid his face, for he was afraid to look at God. But the LORD said, “I have witnessed the affliction of my people in Egypt and have heard their cry of complaint against their slave drivers, so I know well what they are suffering. Therefore I have come down to rescue them from the hands of the Egyptians and lead them out of that land into a good and spacious land, a land flowing with milk and honey.” Moses said to God, “But when I go to the Israelites and say to them, ‘The God of your fathers has sent me to you,’ if they ask me, ‘What is his name?’ what am I to tell them?” God replied, “I am who am.” Then he added, “This is what you shall tell the Israelites: I AM sent me to you.” God spoke further to Moses, “Thus shall you say to the Israelites: The LORD, the God of your fathers, the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, the God of Jacob, has sent me to you. “This is my name forever; thus am I to be remembered through all generations.”
Reflection
In the Church, we are made children of the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob—the God who makes known His name and His ways to Moses in today’s First Reading. Mindful of His covenant with Abraham (see Exodus 2:24), God came down to rescue His people from the slave drivers of Egypt. Faithful to that same covenant (see Luke 1:54–55, 72–73), He sent Jesus to redeem all lives from destruction, as today’s Psalm tells us.
Adults - Has God ever asked something of you that makes you uncomfortable?
Teens - Sometimes we feel incapable of doing the things God asks of us, but He will give us the strength and tools we need, just like He did for Moses. What might God be calling you to that challenges you?
Kids - Say a prayer that God will help you do the hard things that come your way this week.
Responsorial- Psalm 103: 1-2, 3-4, 6-7, 8, 11
R.The Lord is kind and merciful.
Bless the LORD, O my soul;
and all my being, bless his holy name.
Bless the LORD, O my soul,
and forget not all his benefits.
R. The Lord is kind and merciful.
He pardons all your iniquities,
heals all your ills,
He redeems your life from destruction,
crowns you with kindness and compassion.
R. The Lord is kind and merciful.
The LORD secures justice
and the rights of all the oppressed.
He has made known his ways to Moses,
and his deeds to the children of Israel.
R. The Lord is kind and merciful.
Merciful and gracious is the LORD,
slow to anger and abounding in kindness.
For as the heavens are high above the earth,
so surpassing is his kindness toward those who fear him.
R. The Lord is kind and merciful.
Reflection
-Where do you see reflections of God’s kindness and mercy in the world?
The Second Reading- 1 Corinthians 10:1-6, 10-12
I do not want you to be unaware, brothers and sisters, that our ancestors were all under the cloud and all passed through the sea, and all of them were baptized into Moses in the cloud and in the sea. All ate the same spiritual food, and all drank the same spiritual drink, for they drank from a spiritual rock that followed them, and the rock was the Christ. Yet God was not pleased with most of them, for they were struck down in the desert. These things happened as examples for us, so that we might not desire evil things, as they did. Do not grumble as some of them did, and suffered death by the destroyer. These things happened to them as an example, and they have been written down as a warning to us, upon whom the end of the ages has come. Therefore, whoever thinks he is standing secure should take care not to fall.
Reflection
Paul says in today’s Epistle that God’s saving deeds in the Exodus were written down for the Church, intended as a prelude and foreshadowing of our own Baptism by water, our liberation from sin, our feeding with spiritual food and drink. Yet the events of the Exodus were also given as a “warning”—that being children of Abraham is no guarantee that we will reach the promised land of our salvation. At any moment, Jesus warns in today’s Gospel, we could perish—not as God’s punishment for being “greater sinners”—but because, like the Israelites in the wilderness, we stumble into evil desires, fall into grumbling, forget all His benefits.
Make an effort to be intentionally thankful for this Lent. Try to focus on the positive things and overlook the negative as best you can.
The Holy Gospel according to Luke 13:1-9
Some people told Jesus about the Galileans whose blood Pilate had mingled with the blood of their sacrifices. Jesus said to them in reply, "Do you think that because these Galileans suffered in this way they were greater sinners than all other Galileans? By no means! But I tell you, if you do not repent, you will all perish as they did! Or those eighteen people who were killed when the tower at Siloam fell on them— do you think they were more guilty than everyone else who lived in Jerusalem? By no means! But I tell you, if you do not repent, you will all perish as they did!" And he told them this parable: "There once was a person who had a fig tree planted in his orchard, and when he came in search of fruit on it but found none, he said to the gardener, 'For three years now I have come in search of fruit on this fig tree but have found none. So cut it down. Why should it exhaust the soil?' He said to him in reply, 'Sir, leave it for this year also, and I shall cultivate the ground around it and fertilize it; it may bear fruit in the future. If not you can cut it down.'"
Reflection
Jesus calls us today to “repentance”—not a one-time change of heart, but an ongoing, daily transformation of our lives. We’re called to live the life we sing about in today’s Psalm—blessing His holy name, giving thanks for His kindness and mercy. The fig tree in His parable is a familiar Old Testament symbol for Israel (see Jeremiah 8:3; 24:1–10). As the fig tree is given one last season to produce fruit before it is cut down, so too Jesus is giving Israel one final opportunity to bear good fruits as evidence of its repentance (see Luke 3:8). Lent should be for us like the season of reprieve given to the fig tree, a grace period in which we let “the gardener,” Christ, cultivate our hearts, uprooting what chokes the divine life in us, strengthening us to bear fruits that will last into eternity.
Adults - Is it easy for you to continue working on something or with someone when you efforts don’t seem to be bearing any fruit? Ask God to bless your perseverance.
Teens - True repentance includes a “purpose of amendment” meaning that the person confessing desires to stop the sin they are confessing. Is there a sin in your life that you need the grace of confession to overcome?
Kids - If you need to apologize to someone this week, make sure it’s sincere.
LIVING THE WORD OF GOD THIS WEEK! –‘Our Lord stresses that we need to produce plenty of fruit (cf. Lk 8:11-15) in keeping with the graces we have received (cf. Lk 12:48). But he also tells us that God waits patiently for this fruit to appear; he does not want the death of the sinner; he wants him to be converted and to live (Ezek 33:11) and, as St Peter teaches, he is "forebearing towards you, not wishing that any should perish, but that all should reach repentance" (2 Pet 3:9). But God's clemency should not lead us to neglect our duties and become lazy and comfort-seeking, living sterile lives. He is merciful, but he is also just and he will punish failure to respond to his grace. "There is one case that we should be especially sorry about — that of Christians who could do more and don't; Christians who could live all the consequences of their vocation as children of God, but refuse to do so through lack of generosity. We are partly to blame, for the grace of faith has not been given us to hide but to share with others (cf. Mt 5:151). We cannot forget that the happiness of these people, in this life and in the next, is at stake. The Christian life is a divine wonder with immediate promises of satisfaction and serenity — but on condition that we know how to recognize the gift of God (cf. Jn 4:10) and be generous, not counting the cost" (J. Escriva, Christ is passing by, 147). —The Navarre Bible, St. Luke
Blessed are you, God of all goodness! All I am and all I have come from You. Help me to trust You and to give freely and generously to Your Church and to those in need that I may allow You to bless me abundantly in this life and lead me one day to heaven to be with You and all who love You forever. Amen.
Homily Outline of Sunday, March 18, 2007
Prayer, Fasting and Almsgiving. Almsgiving.
Almsgiving is something given freely in charity to assist those in need and to relieve the poor.
Luke 11:41 But as to what is within, give alms, and behold, everything will be clean for you.
[Some of the St. Michael School students went to a Library. Carnegie Bldg.]
Why is almsgiving so important?
Prayer and Fasting we can do; We can see and know the results.
But with giving to others, especially with money, it all comes from God. So almsgiving involves trusting God. We do not know the results. Trust of God brought the Israelites from the miraculous manna from heaven to the real food of the Promised Land in the First Reading.
Money is an interesting thing. It can provide for all our physical needs, the problem is when we think it will take care of all our needs. We must be careful.
I Timothy 6:9-10 Those who want to be rich are falling into temptation and into a trap and into many foolish and harmful desires, which plunge them into ruin and destruction. For the love of money is the root of all evils, and some people in their desire for it have strayed from the faith and have pierced themselves with many pains
In Matthew and Luke (6:24; 16:13 respectively) 13 No servant can serve two masters. 8 He will either hate one and love the other, or be devoted to one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and (money) mammon."
God or Love of Money?
Where do you spend your time?
How much for God? How much for pursuit and use of money or what it can bring?
Tithing, Weekly Collection, Do I give to the poor? Do I give to those in need? Do I support the needs of the Church?
Luke 12:33 Sell your belongings and give alms. Provide money bags for yourselves that do not wear out, an inexhaustible treasure in heaven that no thief can reach nor moth destroy.
Do we provide treasure for ourselves in heaven, or are we living with this world in mind only?
Matthew 6:4 That your alms may be in secret: and thy Father which sees in secret himself shall reward you openly.I do not know how much individuals give here at St. Michael, and I make it a point not to know. But I do know that Catholics are traditionally the poorest givers of all Christians. Roman Catholics who have been given the fullness of God and His Church are often the least to return it.
Do we have less now? Are things worse now?
Statistics show that Christians gave 3 times more during the depression than they do now.
We should give the first fruits of our labor to God, but sadly some of us take the meal for ourselves and leave God a tip like we would gladly pay for a meal, but leave just a dollar or two to the one who served it.
Some may say, well Father things cost more, we have debt. Well yes, our parents and grandparents in their day had debt, but they also knew all came from God and they always gave something to Him first. Even I have debt from college. But are you and making the changes of trust. God cannot bless us unless we open our hearts in trust to allow Him to bless us. We must put faith and trust in Him so that He can multiple good in us.
Here is the simple fact:
We give a little to God, He can only bless us a little.
We give a lot to God, He can bless us a lot.
I want to talk to those 50 years older and younger. Those older than this generally know everything they have comes from God and thus return to Him a generous portion. 50 and below especially near my generation, we are the ones who give some sort of tip but generally don’t pay the bill.
Concretely, I want you to look at how much you give each week or totally each year. Is it even 1% of your total income, and Yes before expenses. Remember St. Paul said to you and me this morning in the Second Reading. “All comes from God.” 1% is the bare bones minimum in return to God. The Catholic who is able, and that is most of us, should strive for 3-5%.
Try to add $2-3 dollars more per week. Or add 1% more than you currently give in a year. Try to make on a weekly regular basis. I know with farming and other occupations that you have the seasons and times when money is coming in and going out, but we need to try to keep weekly so that our trust of God is constant even in thin times and thick.
I can testify to this, I used to be a tipper, but as I prayed and prepared to be a priest, I recognized the Lord calling me to trust Him more. I have been giving 5% to the parish I serve and 5% to the poor. I have never been in need from the time doing this.
Now be prudent, if you only have money to buy food for tomorrow, seek assistance. But unless you do not have a penny to your name, all of us can give at least something as the poor widow did whom Jesus praised.
I John 3:17 If someone who has worldly means sees a brother in need and refuses him compassion, how can the love of God remain in him?
I Peter 4:8 “charity covers a multitude of sins”
You and I MUST change where we put our money and our trust. The Bulletin has practical saving techniques. Then you and I, especially 50 yrs and under, must put God first by changing what you give back to Him starting today, this week, and into the future.
God has given us all as did the father in today’s Gospel. What do you and I give?
“This teaching is also based on the practice of prayer for the dead, already mentioned in Sacred Scripture: "Therefore [Judas Maccabeus] made atonement for the dead, that they might be delivered from their sin." From the beginning the Church has honored the memory of the dead and offered prayers in suffrage for them, above all the Eucharistic sacrifice, so that, thus purified, they may attain the beatific vision of God. The Church also commends almsgiving, indulgences, and works of penance undertaken on behalf of the dead:
Let us help and commemorate them. If Job's sons were purified by their father's sacrifice, why would we doubt that our offerings for the dead bring them some consolation? Let us not hesitate to help those who have died and to offer our prayers for them.” -Catechism of the Catholic Church #1032
+JMJ+
SUNDAY BIBLICAL MASS READINGS AND QUESTIONS
for Self-Reflection, Couples or Family Discussion
Third Sunday of Lent – Sunday, March 23rd, 2025
The First Reading- Exodus 3: 1-8A, 13-15
Moses was tending the flock of his father-in-law Jethro, the priest of Midian. Leading the flock across the desert, he came to Horeb, the mountain of God. There an angel of the LORD appeared to Moses in fire flaming out of a bush. As he looked on, he was surprised to see that the bush, though on fire, was not consumed. So Moses decided, “I must go over to look at this remarkable sight, and see why the bush is not burned.” When the LORD saw him coming over to look at it more closely, God called out to him from the bush, “Moses! Moses!” He answered, “Here I am.” God said, “Come no nearer! Remove the sandals from your feet, for the place where you stand is holy ground. I am the God of your fathers,” he continued, “the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, the God of Jacob.” Moses hid his face, for he was afraid to look at God. But the LORD said, “I have witnessed the affliction of my people in Egypt and have heard their cry of complaint against their slave drivers, so I know well what they are suffering. Therefore I have come down to rescue them from the hands of the Egyptians and lead them out of that land into a good and spacious land, a land flowing with milk and honey.” Moses said to God, “But when I go to the Israelites and say to them, ‘The God of your fathers has sent me to you,’ if they ask me, ‘What is his name?’ what am I to tell them?” God replied, “I am who am.” Then he added, “This is what you shall tell the Israelites: I AM sent me to you.” God spoke further to Moses, “Thus shall you say to the Israelites: The LORD, the God of your fathers, the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, the God of Jacob, has sent me to you. “This is my name forever; thus am I to be remembered through all generations.”
Reflection
In the Church, we are made children of the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob—the God who makes known His name and His ways to Moses in today’s First Reading. Mindful of His covenant with Abraham (see Exodus 2:24), God came down to rescue His people from the slave drivers of Egypt. Faithful to that same covenant (see Luke 1:54–55, 72–73), He sent Jesus to redeem all lives from destruction, as today’s Psalm tells us.
Adults - Has God ever asked something of you that makes you uncomfortable?
Teens - Sometimes we feel incapable of doing the things God asks of us, but He will give us the strength and tools we need, just like He did for Moses. What might God be calling you to that challenges you?
Kids - Say a prayer that God will help you do the hard things that come your way this week.
Responsorial- Psalm 103: 1-2, 3-4, 6-7, 8, 11
R.The Lord is kind and merciful.
Bless the LORD, O my soul;
and all my being, bless his holy name.
Bless the LORD, O my soul,
and forget not all his benefits.
R. The Lord is kind and merciful.
He pardons all your iniquities,
heals all your ills,
He redeems your life from destruction,
crowns you with kindness and compassion.
R. The Lord is kind and merciful.
The LORD secures justice
and the rights of all the oppressed.
He has made known his ways to Moses,
and his deeds to the children of Israel.
R. The Lord is kind and merciful.
Merciful and gracious is the LORD,
slow to anger and abounding in kindness.
For as the heavens are high above the earth,
so surpassing is his kindness toward those who fear him.
R. The Lord is kind and merciful.
Reflection
-Where do you see reflections of God’s kindness and mercy in the world?
The Second Reading- 1 Corinthians 10:1-6, 10-12
I do not want you to be unaware, brothers and sisters, that our ancestors were all under the cloud and all passed through the sea, and all of them were baptized into Moses in the cloud and in the sea. All ate the same spiritual food, and all drank the same spiritual drink, for they drank from a spiritual rock that followed them, and the rock was the Christ. Yet God was not pleased with most of them, for they were struck down in the desert. These things happened as examples for us, so that we might not desire evil things, as they did. Do not grumble as some of them did, and suffered death by the destroyer. These things happened to them as an example, and they have been written down as a warning to us, upon whom the end of the ages has come. Therefore, whoever thinks he is standing secure should take care not to fall.
Reflection
Paul says in today’s Epistle that God’s saving deeds in the Exodus were written down for the Church, intended as a prelude and foreshadowing of our own Baptism by water, our liberation from sin, our feeding with spiritual food and drink. Yet the events of the Exodus were also given as a “warning”—that being children of Abraham is no guarantee that we will reach the promised land of our salvation. At any moment, Jesus warns in today’s Gospel, we could perish—not as God’s punishment for being “greater sinners”—but because, like the Israelites in the wilderness, we stumble into evil desires, fall into grumbling, forget all His benefits.
Make an effort to be intentionally thankful for this Lent. Try to focus on the positive things and overlook the negative as best you can.
The Holy Gospel according to Luke 13:1-9
Some people told Jesus about the Galileans whose blood Pilate had mingled with the blood of their sacrifices. Jesus said to them in reply, "Do you think that because these Galileans suffered in this way they were greater sinners than all other Galileans? By no means! But I tell you, if you do not repent, you will all perish as they did! Or those eighteen people who were killed when the tower at Siloam fell on them— do you think they were more guilty than everyone else who lived in Jerusalem? By no means! But I tell you, if you do not repent, you will all perish as they did!" And he told them this parable: "There once was a person who had a fig tree planted in his orchard, and when he came in search of fruit on it but found none, he said to the gardener, 'For three years now I have come in search of fruit on this fig tree but have found none. So cut it down. Why should it exhaust the soil?' He said to him in reply, 'Sir, leave it for this year also, and I shall cultivate the ground around it and fertilize it; it may bear fruit in the future. If not you can cut it down.'"
Reflection
Jesus calls us today to “repentance”—not a one-time change of heart, but an ongoing, daily transformation of our lives. We’re called to live the life we sing about in today’s Psalm—blessing His holy name, giving thanks for His kindness and mercy. The fig tree in His parable is a familiar Old Testament symbol for Israel (see Jeremiah 8:3; 24:1–10). As the fig tree is given one last season to produce fruit before it is cut down, so too Jesus is giving Israel one final opportunity to bear good fruits as evidence of its repentance (see Luke 3:8). Lent should be for us like the season of reprieve given to the fig tree, a grace period in which we let “the gardener,” Christ, cultivate our hearts, uprooting what chokes the divine life in us, strengthening us to bear fruits that will last into eternity.
Adults - Is it easy for you to continue working on something or with someone when you efforts don’t seem to be bearing any fruit? Ask God to bless your perseverance.
Teens - True repentance includes a “purpose of amendment” meaning that the person confessing desires to stop the sin they are confessing. Is there a sin in your life that you need the grace of confession to overcome?
Kids - If you need to apologize to someone this week, make sure it’s sincere.
LIVING THE WORD OF GOD THIS WEEK! –‘Our Lord stresses that we need to produce plenty of fruit (cf. Lk 8:11-15) in keeping with the graces we have received (cf. Lk 12:48). But he also tells us that God waits patiently for this fruit to appear; he does not want the death of the sinner; he wants him to be converted and to live (Ezek 33:11) and, as St Peter teaches, he is "forebearing towards you, not wishing that any should perish, but that all should reach repentance" (2 Pet 3:9). But God's clemency should not lead us to neglect our duties and become lazy and comfort-seeking, living sterile lives. He is merciful, but he is also just and he will punish failure to respond to his grace. "There is one case that we should be especially sorry about — that of Christians who could do more and don't; Christians who could live all the consequences of their vocation as children of God, but refuse to do so through lack of generosity. We are partly to blame, for the grace of faith has not been given us to hide but to share with others (cf. Mt 5:151). We cannot forget that the happiness of these people, in this life and in the next, is at stake. The Christian life is a divine wonder with immediate promises of satisfaction and serenity — but on condition that we know how to recognize the gift of God (cf. Jn 4:10) and be generous, not counting the cost" (J. Escriva, Christ is passing by, 147). —The Navarre Bible, St. Luke
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