Overheard in the Sacristy

A young man had been to Bible Study. The Pastor had shared about listening to God and obeying the Lord’s voice. The young man couldn’t help but wonder, “Does God still speak to people?”

After service, he went out with some friends for coffee and pie and they discussed the message. Several different ones talked about how God had led them in different ways.

It was about ten o’clock when the young man started driving home. Sitting in his car, he just began to pray, “God…If you still speak to people, speak to me. I will listen. I will do my best to obey.”

As he drove down the main street of his town, he had the strangest thought to stop and buy a gallon of milk. He shook his head and said out loud, “God is that you?” He didn’t get a reply and started on toward home; but again, the thought, buy a gallon of milk.

The young man thought about Samuel and how he didn’t recognize the voice of God, and how little Samuel ran to Eli.

“Okay, God, in case that is you, I will buy the milk.” It didn’t seem like too hard a test of obedience. He could always use the milk. He stopped and purchased the gallon of milk and started off toward home.

As he passed Seventh Street , he again felt the urge, “Turn Down that street.” This is crazy he thought, and drove on past the intersection. Again, he felt that he should turn down Seventh Street. At the next intersection, he turned back and headed down Seventh.

Half jokingly, he said out loud, “Okay, God, I will.”

He drove several blocks, when suddenly, he felt like he should stop. He pulled over to the curb and looked around. He was in a semi- commercial area of town. It wasn’t the best but it wasn’t the worst of neighborhoods either. The businesses were closed and most of the houses looked dark like the people were already in bed.

Again, he sensed something, “Go and give the milk to the people in the house across the street” The young man looked at the house. It was dark and it looked like the people were either gone or they were already asleep. He started to open the door and then sat back in the car seat.

“Lord, this is insane. Those people are asleep and if I wake them up, they are going
to be mad and I will look stupid.” Again, he felt like he should go and give the milk.

Finally, he opened the door, “Okay God, if this is you, I will go to the door and I will give them the milk. If you want me to look like a crazy person, okay. I want to be obedient. I guess that will count for something, but if they don’t answer right away, I am out of here.”

He walked across the street and rang the bell. He could hear some noise inside. A man’s voice yelled out, “Who is it? What do you want?” Then the door opened before the young man could get away.

The man was standing there in his jeans and T-shirt. He looked like he just got out of bed. He had a strange look on his face and he didn’t seem too happy to have some stranger standing on his doorstep. “What is it?” The young man thrust out the gallon of milk, “Here, I brought this to you.” The man took the milk and rushed down a hallway.

Then from down the hall came a woman carrying the milk toward the kitchen. The man was following her holding a baby. The baby was crying. The man had tears streaming down his face. The man began speaking and half crying, “We were just praying. We had some big bills this month and we ran out of money. We didn’t have any milk for our baby. I was just praying and asking God to show me how to get some milk.” His wife in the kitchen yelled out, “I ask him to send an Angel with some. Are you an Angel?”

The young man reached into his wallet and pulled out all the money he had on him and put in the man’s hand. He turned and walked back toward his car and the tears were streaming down his face. He knew that God still answers prayers.

I spent this past week with my brother priests in Flagstaff, as we do once every three years, for a time of study, prayer, and fraternity. The theme was “Cultivating Unity” among us as the presbyterate of the Phoenix Diocese; our relationships with one another and the Bishop.

About half-way through the week, Bishop Olmsted shared a quick reflection based on the work we had done up until that point. His words of wisdom guided us through the remainder of our time together. His brief comments were about how we priests manifest the Four Marks of the Church. “We believe in One, Holy, Catholic, and Apostolic Church” we say in the Creed.

One – By the simple act of gathering together we manifest unity. It is our common beliefs which bring us together.

Holy – We believe that we are continuing the Mission and Ministry of Our Lord Jesus Christ through the Sacraments of the Church.

Catholic – The Church of God has gone “to the ends of the earth”; we are indeed universal.

Apostolic – The faith of the Twelve has been transmitted to us in succession from the first Holy Thursday without interruption.

All of this is testimony to the service of God by His priests and His people. We consciously choose to serve God rather than to “serve” mammon, that is, material possessions. Why we are brought together is a mystery. The answer will only come to light when Jesus returns, and establishes the fullness of His kingdom in the New Heaven, and the New Earth.

I take seriously my vocation as a priest of God. My vocation prompts me to work on the salvation of my own soul, and the souls of those entrusted to me. I desire the ultimate unity between God and me, and, God and us. Our immortal souls are united to our Creator in heaven by our words and works here on earth. This is the reason I take the teachings, guidance, and wisdom of the Church so seriously. The manner in which we pray is the manner in which we believe; the manner in which we believe is the manner in which we pray. The Holy Sacrifice of the Mass must take us outside of ourselves and place us before those heavenly gates in the moments we find ourselves at the altar.

Jesus tells us today: “The person who is trustworthy in very small matters is also trustworthy in great ones…” Small matters: a smile, a handshake, a hug – Great matters: living our faith in Jesus Christ. Small matters: our lives of kindness and mercy here on earth – Great matters: living with the God of kindness and mercy forever in Heaven.

May our authentic worship of God this day manifest the Four Marks of the Church–One, Holy, Catholic, Apostolic–so that our souls may be perfected in the sight of God.

These two statements by Jesus, “Whoever does not carry his own cross and come after me cannot be my disciple” and “anyone of you who does not renounce all his possessions

cannot be my disciple,” have prompted many Christians over the centuries opportunities to examine our faith lives. The Lord allows us to examine our crosses and to define the necessity of the objects which surround us. Neither our crosses nor our possessions are enumerated in detail in Sacred Scripture. This makes the Word of God transcend space and time, eras and cultures. This makes the Word of God “alive” throughout salvation history. Our crosses today may not be the crosses of tomorrow.

Just like Jesus, we pick up our crosses, we suffer our own passions and death, yet we also have moments of resurrection. This is how we participate in—to a point—the Paschal Mystery, knowing that the fullness of that mystery will only occur at God’s time. Last week I mentioned that the three main objects in a Catholic church remind us of this great mystery: Jesus’ life in the ambo, His death in the Cross, His resurrection in the altar. During the Mass when we hear Sacred Scripture about man’s response to the intervention of God, we should place ourselves in the midst of those encounters. When we kneel at the Cross of our salvation we should do the same. And when heaven and earth meet at this altar we encounter our God over and over again.

In the Book of Revelations of St. John we read about that heavenly scenario with the multitude of believers praising God with “hosannas” and “amens”—praise and acknowledgment of His will. Our Mass today takes us to the throne of the Lamb of God, the Agnus Dei, which was slain for our transgressions. Our sin happens when we ignore our crosses, when we allow our possessions to own us. His blood covers those sins when we ask for pardon.

When Jesus says: “If anyone comes to me without hating … even his own life, he cannot be my disciple,” it calls the Christian to prioritize the things of heaven and earth. What is number one in our lives? There is a beautiful phrase in Spanish which I have heard often in this community—“Primero Dios”—God First. The people who say this indeed live what Jesus says in today’s gospel. Their towers have been constructed, and peace has been made by understanding and following the Will of the Lord in their lives … with crosses, and without possessions.

The ego is the thing which gets in the way of knowing one’s cross, of knowing what is unnecessary in our lives. The great “I,” “Me,” “We,” and “Us” stand between the human individual, the human community, and God. “What about my feelings?” and “Where is the community in all this?” are asked by those who have little understanding of the Will of God in their lives. “Me” and the “community” are the false gods of these people. They follow the cult of personality rather than the cult of the One, True God. They applaud human achievement rather than glorifying God. In 2000, then Cardinal Ratzinger in his book The Spirit of the Liturgy said: “Wherever applause breaks out in the liturgy because of some human achievement, it is a sure sign that the essence of liturgy has totally disappeared and been replaced by a kind of religious entertainment.” I say, entertainment surrounds itself with material possessions, entertainment knows no Cross. If you want entertainment go to a movie. If you want God come to Mass.

If you don’t have one on you now, when you arrive home later today, find a crucifix, place it in your pocket or around your neck and be reminded of what Jesus has done for you. Identify your pain and your poverty with that Sacred Body and recommit yourself to following Him in discipleship.

El Señor sabe bien que la división existe entre sus seguidores. He platicado con muchas personas quienes estan entristezidas por situaciones familiares donde hay diferentes puntos de vista sobre la religión. Yo creo que debemos de reconocer la realidad de diferentes expresiones de espiritualidad para poder comenzar a comprender un poquito más a nuestros amigos y familiares. Hay tantas espiritualidades como hay personas.

Los seres humanos son cautelosos cuando se trata de lo desconocido, así que son extremamente precabidos al hablar acerca de la religión en situaciones sociales. Entre compañeros no queremos ofender y mejor callamos lo que creemos. Pero escuchen de nuevo a Jesús: “He venido a traer fuego a la tierra ¡y cuánto desearía que ya estuviera ardiendo! Tengo que recibir un bautismo ¡y cómo me angustio mientras llega! El no fue precabido. El expresó una y otra vez Su misión. El sabe que no todos recibiran su mensaje.

A través de los siglos, la Iglesia Católica ha tomado muy en serio su reponsabilidad de continuar haciendo las obras del Señor. Nuestra jerarquía, las instituciones, y el culto se han desarrollado para que Su mensaje pueda llegar hasta los confines de la tierra. Por sus esfuerzos, billones de espiritualidades han sido unidas por medio de las enseñanzas y la guia de la Iglesia. Y aún así, la discordia existe.

Tomemos por ejemplo el documento del Papa Benedicto del 7 de Julio del 2007, Summorum Pontificum, donde claramente habla del derecho del sacerdote de celebrar la Misa del Beato Papa Juan XXII del 1962 y/o la Misa del Papa Pablo VI de 1969. Y aún, muchos desde obispos hasta laicos, estan molestos. Algunos la ven como un regreso no deseado al pasado. Otros piensan que es simplemente nostalgia. Mientras que otros desean el misterio y la belleza de la Misa antigua. Otros reconozen que han ocurrido abusos litúrgicos en la Misa estos últimos 30 años.

¿Recuerdan mi reflección de la semana pasada? Dije, “Cada Misa debe manifestar bellamente esta doctrina Católica por medio de sus oraciones y rituales. La litúrgia auténtica debe darle honor y gloria a Dios, debe servir para el arrepentimiento del pecado del hombre, y para darle gracias a Dios por las gracias que le ha concedido al mundo. Aquí es donde encontramos la unidad; nuestras espiritualidades, culturas, y etnicas variadas incados al pié de la cruz de Jesús. Nuestro Santo Padre dice: “la sagrada litúrgia celebrada de acuerdo con el uso Romano, enriqueció no únicamente la fe y la piedad pero también la cultura de mucha gente. Se sabe, de hecho, que la litúrgia en Latin de la Iglesia en sus varias formas, en cada siglo de la era cristiana ha sido un estímulo a la vida espirituál de muchos santos, ha reforzado a muchas personas en la virtud de la religión y . . .piedad”.

Es mi sincera creencia que la manera en que celebramos el Santo Sacrificio de la Misa aquí en San Carlos Borromeo es apropiada para nuestro tiempo y mezcla de culturas. Continuemos purificando la expresión de nuestra fe en la manera que decimos, escuchamos, y oramos la Misa. Al hacerlo nos preparamos para encontrarnos cara-a-cara con el Señor, habiendo sido sumergidos en Su bautismo.

English translation

The Lord knows well that division exists among His followers. I have spoken with many people who are saddened by family situations in which there are differing views on religion. I believe that we have to acknowledge the reality of different expressions of spirituality in order to begin understanding—a bit more—our friends and family members. There are as many spiritualities as there are people.

Human beings are wary of the unknown; thus, the extreme caution in talking about religion in social situations. In polite company, we desire not to offend, so we often become quiet about our beliefs. But listen again to Jesus: “I have come to set the earth on fire, and how I wish it were already blazing! There is a baptism with which I must be baptized, and how great is my anguish until it is accomplished!” He was not cautious. He expressed time and time again His mission. He knows not all will receive His message.

The Catholic Church over the centuries has taken seriously its responsibility to continue the Lord’s work. Our hierarchy, institutions, and worship have developed so that His message may go out to all the ends-of-the-earth. Because of her efforts, billions of souls have turned toward the Lord. The billions of spiritualities have been united through the teaching and guidance of the Church. Even so, discord exists.

Let us take, for an example, Pope Benedict’s document of July 7, 2007, Summorum Pontificum, where he very clearly states a priest’s right to celebrate the Mass of Blessed Pope John XXIII of 1962 and/or the Mass of Pope Paul VI of 1969. Yet, many people from bishops to lay people are upset. Some see it as an unwanted return to the past. Others think it is simply nostalgia. While others desire the mystery and beauty of the old Mass. Others, recognize that abuses have occurred in the Mass these last thirty years.

Remember my reflection of last week? I said, “Each Mass should beautifully manifest this Catholic doctrine through its prayers and rituals. Authentic liturgy should honor and glorify God, atone for man’s sins, and thank God for the graces He has bestowed on the world.” This is where we find unity; our varied spiritualities, cultures, and ethnicities kneeling at the foot of the cross of Jesus. Our Holy Father states in the document: “the sacred liturgy, celebrated according to the Roman use, enriched not only the faith and piety but also the culture of many peoples. It is known, in fact, that the Latin liturgy of the Church in its various forms, in each century of the Christian era, has been a spur to the spiritual life of many saints, has reinforced many peoples in the virtue of religion and…piety.”

It is my heartfelt belief that the manner in which we celebrate the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass here at St. Charles Borromeo is appropriate for our time and blending of our cultures. Let us continue to refine the expression of our faith in the way we say, hear, and pray the Mass. In doing such, we ready ourselves to meet the Lord face-to-face, having been immersed into His baptism.

“Blessed are those servants whom the master finds vigilant on his arrival.”

How do Catholics wait vigilantly for the Lord?

The answer is simple; we wait in prayer. And, the greatest prayer we have is the Holy Sacrifice of Mass. The Mass is the Sacrifice of Jesus on the cross offered up continually under appearances of bread and wine. It is the final perfect sacrifice. The Catholic Mass is the age-old representation of the ultimate salvific act of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Sacrifice of the Cross. Each Mass should beautifully manifest this Catholic doctrine through its prayers and rituals. Authentic liturgy should honor and glorify God, atone for man’s sins, and thank God for the graces He has bestowed on the world.

When we attend Mass we enter a world that is partly visible and partly invisible. A world of symbols and rituals, through which we remember Christ’s saving deeds and renew His Sacrifice. It is a world so full of meaning that even the holiest and wisest never stop wondering at its mystery.

In March I offered at all Masses an outline of Pope Benedict’s Apostolic Exhortation, Sacramentum Caritatis where he speaks of ars celebrandi — that is, the art of celebrating [the Mass]. The Holy Father says, “…everything – texts, music, execution – ought to correspond to the meaning of the mystery being celebrated…”

We are at the Foot of the Cross at each Mass. This place is not Peoria, AZ. Today is not August 12, 2007. This place is Mount Calvary. Today is Good Friday. Envision yourself there.

At His feet we plea: Lord, have mercy. Christ, have mercy. Lord, have mercy.

The Kyrie is the only short prayer in Mass rite in Greek. The Kyrie eleison nine times addresses fervent petitions for mercy to the triune God. The Kyrie is a cry for help of touching humility and simplicity, one proceeding naturally and directly from the heart.

The ninefold signification of the Kyrie is devoutly thought to refer to the nine kinds of sins and wants, or it has been said that thereby we express our desire of union with the nine choirs of angels.

At His feet we sing: Gregorian chant was developed from Hebrew chants. Gregorian chant has been for centuries the music of the Roman Catholic Church. It is the most notable contribution of the Catholic church to the musical tradition of the west. Chant is an important part of the history and tradition of the Catholic Church.

Gregorian chant belongs in the Catholic liturgy today. The Vatican II document, Sacrosanctum Concilium states that “the Church acknowledges Gregorian chant as specially suited to the Roman liturgy; therefore, other things being equal, it should be given pride of place in liturgical services.”

The organ amplifies our prayer. The pipe organ is the instrument named by the Fathers of the Second Vatican Council as the traditional instrument for our worship. Choirs were to be led by the most suitable instrument to lead a congregation:

“… the pipe organ is to be held in high esteem, for it is the traditional musical instrument which adds a wonderful splendor to the Church’s ceremonies and powerfully lifts up man’s mind to God and to higher things.” (Sacrosanctum Concilium, 1963)

Pope Paul VI’s 1967 Instruction Musicam Sacram repeats this. And in the General Instruction of the Roman Missal, once again the pipe organ is reaffirmed as the instrument to be afforded first place. And “it is appropriate that…. the organ be blessed according to the Roman Rituale” So important a part of the church is the organ that the instrument has its own special blessing rite!

Prayer and music; two important aspects of Catholic worship.

Let us pray our beliefs well, so that we may live this day’s gospel: “Blessed are those servants whom the master finds vigilant on his arrival. Amen, I say to you, he will gird himself, have them recline at table, and proceed to wait on them. And should he come in the second or third watch and find them prepared in this way, blessed are those servants.”