August Rush, John the Baptist, Christ: Hope Present in the World

Tonight, after getting done with a dinner at the firehouse, I went out to a movie with a deacon brother here at the seminary. The movie was called August Rush. While, I do not condone the first scene where a baby is conceived outside of wedlock, however, the rest of the movie has a lot to tell about hope and other christian themes. What struck me most was the role that music played in the movie. Both of Evan's(August) parents are phenomenal musicians. Music takes his parents to another place. It has its own rules and ways that are hard to describe, but a muscian when they get into this place, it is tangible, everyone feels it at the level the soul. You are moved and do not know why. This trait of was passed on to Evan. However, he finds himself in an orphanage for the first eleven years of his life. Even though he has no training, he recognizes the musical quality all around him in the world. Eventually he winds up in New York and winds up at a church drawn in by a choir practicing. The next day he finds a piano and begins to compose. A Mozart prodigy. He then discovers the organ and goes into this special place. At the end of the movie, he is performing at Central Park with the New York Philharmonic a piece that he wrote. Remember he is only 12. Both of his parents are also there, brought together by circumstance. As soon as he began to direct the piece he composed, his mother heard it and froze. His father heard it from a cab. He jumped out and started running. As August conducts his piece, he becomes absorbed by the music, entering into the music. Entering into his hope of finding his parents. Lost in a place of hope. Towards the end of his piece, his parents were holding hands. They had not seen each other for eleven years, but their eyes met and they knew. At the moment their hands touched, August eyes grew wide and had a feeling. You then see him turn and his eyes lock with his parents and they all know. The music, their link to each other led them together. It pointed them in a way that only the connection of music that they had could do. It is a powerful movie. A powerful statement to the modern world.
The movie is an example of a boy who never lost hope in finding his parents. His mother never lost hope in finding her son after she found out he was alive. The father recognized him through a poster with his name and the music. It is once they connected on a musical level, at a deeper familial connection that you see the hope come to fruition, a harmonic and perfect cord is struck.
John the Baptist in the readings for this coming weekend sends his own disciples to Christ. John the Baptist recognizes the Christ and points people to Him. Christ the hope of the Jewish people, was there. It took the greatest prophet to prepare the way. It took a voice in the wilderness to point and recognize Christ. It took the music to bring three people together. It took letting the spirit guide and not losing hope to find each other. John the Baptist never lost hope in Christ. August never lost hope that he would find his parents. Yes, hope is the essential element. It is in his music that you can find all of human emotion exspressed, but especially his hope. The sound of hope is always distinct, it is always recognizable.
Hope is where we find Christ today. In hope do we await for him to come back. In hope do we prepare to celebrate his birth in a few weeks. In hope we should be living our lives. In great hope and anticipation did the Jewish People wait and prepare for him. It is easy to find dreary and dispair in the world around us, however we as Christians are called to be beacons of hope as August's music was a beacon that was recognized the most by his parents. Hope, the beacon that is Christ in the Eucharist. Hope, which John the Baptist prepared the way for. Hope, the beacon we are called to be. Let us go out and be hope in the world. Let us go out and prepare for the coming of hope on Dec. 25th when God showed his love most perfectly.

New Shoes: New Faith

Yesterday, after returning from the ordination of a classmate to the diaconate, I decided to get off my duff and go get new running shoes, because of some problems that I thought were caused by not having enough support in my current shoes. I went in to a specialty running shoe store close by that was recomended to me by a long distance runner that was ordained last year. I went in and told the salesman that I need new running shoes for several reasons. He had me sit down and he measured my feet. To my utter astonishment, I am a size 11, not a size 9. I never knew this so I just sat there in silence. He then went on to ask me how long I have worn size 9. Of course, I have worn 9 since I was a teen. He just could not believe this. I just thought the shoe size was correct and so life went on. Thus, I had to go out and buy a new wardrobe of shoes to alievate the issue.
What struck me when I was thinking about this is that the same is true with people and Christ. They knew they were not living in an appropriate way or not happy and could not figure out why. Then when they experience Christ, all the pieces fall together and they see the full picture. The ah hah moment if you will. It is only after we are told, taught, experience Christ that we can start having a relationship. Unfortunately, so many people do not even know Christ or experience him in their life. This is why living out our faith 24/7 is so key. It is only after we experience Christ ourselves or through another that we realize what we are missing, mistaken on, never knew or how much we need Him. I never knew what a proper fitting shoe is, It is my own fault, but now I know and had to change my whole shoe wardrobe. It was not cheap, but to continue having foot problems was not worth it at all so I changed all of them at once. Once you authentically experience Christ, all you want is to be in complete relation and you jump feet first.
Just what hit me today. All because of misfitting shoes. You never know when Christ will strike!

vacation

I am on vacation. Thus, no new blogs until I get back to the seminary. Happy Thanksgiving!!!!

The Will of God

Rom 11:29-36

The first reading from today's mass puts a lot of things in perspective. This reading from St. Paul to the Romans, calls us and challanges us to look at who we are and what we are called to be. The first line set the tone for the whole reading, "The gifts and the call of God are irrevocable." What a profound statement. For myself reflecting on my own ordination and the diaconate ordination that I attended this last weekend, this is a powerhouse for trust and faith in God. God has given me the gifts and graces that I need to do his will as a Deacon and future priest. He has given me what I need, not necessarily what I want or what I think I need, but the graces that I need to be a good minister. This is true of any vocation. God will give you the grace to live out your life worthy of the vocation He has chosen for you. At times, when it is hard and we are in the mud, it is difficult to see this, however, this is why we have the readings at mass. They are meant to stimulate and support us in our vocation.

Several lines later the reading continues, "Oh, the depth of the riches and wisdom and knowledge of God!How inscrutable are his judgments and how unsearchable his ways!" The path that he has chosen for us we find out as we go. We do not get to know what lies in store for us, life is a mystery. Life is not to be spent being worried about what will come. We must live in the present and not judge God because we did not get this or that or get to go here or there. He has a plan and we must be patient and trust in the providence and love of God to take us where He wants us to go.

These are just a couple of thoughts that I had as I was hearing the first reading proclaimed this morning. May God Bless all that we do today.
Deacon Arthur Nave Jr

Solemnity of All Saints

Question of the Day: How Many Saints are in Heaven?

If you think about the feast and it's history, the question makes great sense today. The answer is we do not know. We know and proclaim certain people who lived good and holy lives, who have had miracles attributed to them, but are these all the Saints? The answer is no. All those who have gone before us, who are in heaven are saints. Those that have spent time in purgatory are heading towards heaven after they are finished being purged and washed from their own sinfulness. Thus, can Grandma V, be a saint? The answer is it is possible and when we enter into eternal life, we will find out where she stands. If you look at the litany of Saints, it includes, "All Holy Men and Women." Thus, after asking for the intercession of certain saints by name, we invoke all the saints to intercede for us.

Last weekend, I was reciepent of having the litany prayed for me and sixteen other candidates who were ordained transitional deacons. When our heads hit the floor and the chant began, I understood and was moved by the litany in a profound way. We call upon the saints to help us with our ministry. We call upon the saints to help us with our deficiences. We should call upon the saints to watch over us and guide us. A friend of mine, who was ordained to the priesthood last summer, and I were talking about the litany after his ordination and he gave some advice, "When the litany begins, storm heaven with your request for the graces you need and the saints will be there to back you up." What a powerful thought. As one who follows good advice, I followed his advice and did just that. A little under a week since I was ordained, I can see and know the intercessions of the saints and the response of God working in my life.

May all the Saints of Heaven continue to guide us and guard us.

Saint Stephen, Pray for us.

Mary, Queen of All the Saints, Pray for us.

Being Open to the Needs of God's People

Gospel of the Day: Lk 13:22-30


This is the final line from today's Gospel. "For behold, some are last who will be first,and some are first who will be last.” This is an important line to think about and to carry with us always. The whole Gospel passage comes down to having a relationship with Christ and serving him as He has called us.
Today here at Mundelein, the academic department informed me that I would not be able to do an independant study. They gave some superficial reasons, but the truth is something different. The class was to be in the area of practicing and becoming comortable with leading the sacraments in spanish, plus becoming more familiar with the hispanic cultural expressions of faith. They said no without thinking. Of course, me being the one in charge of my own formation, I am appealing their decision and where it will go, we will see.
Within this experience, I find that last line of the Gospel, the first will be last and the last will be first. I will do what I need to do to make sure that I will be able to serve the people I am called to serve as fluently as possible. Who are to be first in my ministry, the people of God and their needs. Who will be last? Those that see no need for anything, those that do not want to come into relationship with Christ. Those that have it all figured out, those that do not care what happens or what you need. Now, we still reach out to them and offer our own example and the example of the Church, but they have to make the act of faith. They have to move into the relationship. Christ is ready and willing to have a relationship. It is these people especially that I pray for and hope they see before it is to late and Christ says, "I do not know where you are from." Rev. Mr. Arthur Nave Jr.

What people see in the ordained

Who or what do people see in the ordained? Tonight I had my first experience of being at a call as a deacon in my roman collar. It was quite interesting. I was coming back from having dinner with the last two of my guests, whom were in town for the ordination, and their sister. The pager went off and I was only about a half mile away. I pull up and the police officer was waiting in his car for the ambulance so I pulled past to the next property and waited for the ambulance. Once they arrived we went in and I was standing back just being present in case they needed anything. I did a couple of menial things, not to much. One of the police officers came up and asked me if I was Catholic and ordained. I told him I was and we started started chatting about my ordination and general chaplain stuff. Once the call was over, we went outside and I was chatting with the officers and this officer whom had talked to me earlier asked me to bless his recently received challange coin that he had received, which had an image of St. Michael the Archangel on it. I agreed and blessed the image and then he asked me to bless him. I gave him a blessing and his eyes twinkled and he thanked me.
What did that officer see in me? He saw Christ, I hope. The reason deacons and priests are ordained is to serve the people of God in a special way. What do I bring to an emergency scene? I bring Christ, the comforter, the compasionate. That is who I bring. Christ is who people yearn to come in contact with, I am a conduit for them. I am a reminder of what Christ has called us all to be and do. I hope I run into that officer again on a future call. He is doing his part for the city of Mundelein as a police officer, as a christian. I pray that as I begin to minister as Christ has called me, that He will use me as an instrument of peace and compassion for all that I come in contact with.

Cathoics in Politic Life: The role of the Laity

I found this short news blip on Catholic News Service. It is quite suscinct and lays out the truth quite well.


Pope says political field is for laypeople, but church must guide

VATICAN CITY (CNS) --Involvement in politics is a role reserved to laypeople, but Catholic Church leaders must explain and promote the moral principles that will contribute to the common good, Pope Benedict XVI said. "The church, while recognizing that it is not a political agent, cannot abstain from taking an interest in the good of the whole civil community in which it lives and works," the pope said in a message published Oct. 18. The papal message marked the 100th annual celebration of a week dedicated to studying Catholic social teaching sponsored by the Italian bishops' conference. Working for a just social order is a task that belongs to laypeople, the pope said. "As citizens of the state it is up to them to participate personally in public life," and to dedicate themselves "with generosity and courage, enlightened by faith and the teaching of the church, and animated by the love of Christ," he said.

article from:
http://www.catholicnews.com/data/briefs/cns/20071019.htm#head9

facebook as missionary work?????

Cathoic News Service wrote an article on the use of facebook, myspace, skype, etc... and the value these services can be for vocations and ministry. Read the article, it is well written.
http://www.catholicnews.com/data/stories/cns/0705974.htm

October 16, 2007- Ordination Preperations

So, I figured that I would post the official text of the invitation to my diaconate, so that all might know why I have been sorta busy and not posting as much as I would like. However, it is a good reason for I am still taking classing and trying to coordinate details for my ordination weekend. The text of the invitation states:

Mundelein Seminary announces the Ordination
Of those called by the Church to the
Order of Deacon
Through the imposition of hands and the
Invocation of the Holy Spirit
By His Eminence
Francis Cardinal George, OMI
Archbishop of Chicago
Saturday, October 27, 2007
At 4:00pm
Chapel of the Immaculate Conception
University of St. Mary of the Lake/
Mundelein Seminary
Mundelein, Illinois

Ordinandi
Diocese of Phoenix, Arizona
Arthur Nave, Jr.
Plus 16 other candidates

Ok so I was to lazy to type all their names out.........

With that said, time is passing quite quickly and I have a lot to do before the ordination. Thus, my next post will probably be a synopsis of my first homily in two weeks. Please pray for me as I complete my preparations for Diaconate!

October 14, 2007- 28th Sunday in Ordinary Time

2 Kgs 5:14-17; Lk 17:11-19
My favorite words from the Gospel today was, "He was a Samaritan." The context is that he was the only one out of ten whom realized that once he was healed he turned around and went back to Jesus and gave praise and thanks to God. Hmmm. Where will I go with this one????


Wait for it.......


Wait longer for it.......


Patience is a virtue that must be fostered in all things.......


The analogy can be applied today to those who are excited and living out their faith. Not always, but usually those that are truly on fire in their faith are usually converts or those that have had a significant conversion experience. We cradle catholics just take it for granted and do not thank God for what he does for us in our lives. So who are we, the samaritan or the nameless nine???????

On other notes, it is twelve days and counting! I will be working as a transitional deacon at St. Joseph's in Round Lake which is a bilingual parish with a great diversity and welcoming people.

Memorial of Saint Thérèse of the Child Jesus, virgin and doctor of the Church

Gospel: Lk 9:46-50
In the Gospel today the second half reads,

Then John said in reply, “Master, we saw someone casting out demons in your name and we tried to prevent himbecause he does not follow in our company.”Jesus said to him, “Do not prevent him, for whoever is not against you is for you.”

This Gospel for me is such an affirmation for me today as I have been certified by the seminary for ordination to the Diaconate and Priesthood. Today is also the memorial of Saint Thérèse of the Child Jesus, who's theology and philosophy emphasized the simple way. It is not about the big things, but doing the little things in everyday life for Christ. People want to change the world, protect everybody from everyone else, take away all sin. However, St. Therese says this is not the way for if we take on these big things, we will become discouraged and nothing will be done. If we do the little things, praying throughout the day, helping someone across the street, smile at someone with a sad face, saying hello to those we pass, these are the things that will change the world one act at a time. These are the things that people will remember. As I approach my own ordination I hope and pray that St. Therese, will guide me and help me grow in the simple way.

Gossip 101

Humanity is quite an interesting beast if you ask me. It is the only beast that has cognitive ability of reason. All other animals do not have what we are blessed to be endowed with by God. However, this blessing was darkened with the sin of Adam and while original sin was wiped away with Baptism, we are still prone to concupiscence and sin. Gossip is something that was not present in the Garden and is not present in Heaven, however, in the world and especially the United States, it is what "truth" is made out of, perceptions eternalized and harm done. I found when gossiping, it might be a joke about a friend, or what i saw at the mall or some tidbit i heard somewhere. Even these small amounts of gossip can ruin a person without us even knowing it. While we are all guilty of gossip, including me, it is something that we must work on and overcome. We will fall and fail. However, we must get back up, try to repair the damage and ask God for his love and mercy. Every person has a right to integrity. No one has a right to tear anothers integrity apart. When we tear integrity apart, we will never know the full extent of the damage. THUS STOP GOSSIPING AND GO TO THE SOURCE!

I found several ways of dealing with Gossip that are holy and healthy.
1. When I hear it, I tell the person to stop and explain themselves.
2. I will go to the source and ask, is this true?
3. Pray for those affected by Gossip, for I do not know the extent of the damage done.
4. Pray for those who constantly gossip, that they will realize what they are doing.
5. Pray for myself, that I would catch myself before I say something that will hurt my neighbor or my relationship with God.
May God grant us all the ability of self reflection and humility for the sake of our own salvation and the prevention of damage to others.

Tuesday September 11, 2007

Col 2:6-15; Ps 145:1b-2, 8-9, 10-11; Lk 6:12-19

In our readings today, they shed light on an important topic on this anniversary of 9/11/2001. IF you read the Gosepl text from Luke we get the list of the first disciples. Who would later become the apostles. So what is the relationship of the disciple to Christ and the apostles? When they were first called, they were only disciples, followers of Christ. A merry group that followed Jesus around and learned from Him. It is only after three years of following him around does apostle come into the picture. For an apostle is someone who leads others. Thus, you could consider Jesus as the High Priest, the teacher, the formator, the counselor, etc... for these selected disciples who he would intrust his church to. Then after His Resurrection, he gave them the task to lead the community.

In this day and age, before we can do anything, or change anything, or start to make a difference, we need to first be a disciple. We need to take the time to pray, build a relationship with Christ and the sacraments, become familiar with what he requires of us as disciples. It is only after a good length of time can we take the step forward and start to lead others. Take for example the deacon prep program for the Diocese of Phoenix, it is five years. The first two or so years is learning and being formed into a solid Christian. The second part is the practical hands on how to and practice of leading before you are ordained to the Order of Deacon. The same is true for a seminarian who wants to be a priest. For me, it is nine years. Nine crucial years to prepare and deepen my relationship with Christ. In the process of discipleship and leading others regardless of lay, ministerial or self, if you take shortcuts you hurt yourself, your relationship to Christ and those that you will serve.
9/11 is a perfect example of a few who do not understand completely their faith following the words of one human being. What if they were formed in their faith fully, what if......

Monday Sep. 10, 2007

Col 1:24–2:3;Ps 62:6-7, 9; Lk 6:6-11

In the Gospel of Luke, from today's mass it states,

Then Jesus said to them,

“I ask you, is it lawful to do good on the sabbath rather than to do

evil,to save life rather than to destroy it?

”Looking around at them all,

he then said to him,“Stretch out your hand.

”He did so and his hand was restored.

But they became enraged and

discussed together what they might do to Jesus.

Why did the scribes and pharisee's become enraged? Was it because they lost control of the situation? Was it because he possibly violated the Jewish law of no work on Sunday? Was it possible that they were upstaged by the Son of God? I think it was all of these things. Jesus had by this point become a huge threat to their posh and comfortable way of life. He was ruining their plans.

Do we get mad when someone else is blessed and stands out upstaging us? I think that we all need to grow more comfortable in being the pawn of Christ. What do I mean? I mean that each and everyone of us have different gifts and talents. These gifts and talents will be used by God at different times for different purposes. When someone else is in the highlight and doing the work of God we cannot let Pride, Jealousy and Envy come into our thinking and cause us to strike out like the scribes and pharisees. In reality we should thank God for the work He is doing through the other person and assist that person in their ministry so that the light can shine even brighter on the Kingdom of God! Let us be like the crippled man who was healed in the Gospel, quiet and appreciative for God's healing touch and let us go out as his hands to reach out to the world.

Diaconate Retreat

Have you ever actually thought about the faith? Have you studied the faith for a long time? Have you been raised in the faith since birth? Then you are probably taking the faith for granted. This was how my diaconate retreat started.
What a great thing to think about though because I do believe that I have taken the faith for granted and many others are in the same boat. My retreat master was Fr. Ted Ross, SJ who has led the diaconate retreat for my seminary since around 1985. He based the retreat loosely on his last year of formation in the Jesuits which is basically a spirtuality year after fourteen prior years of formation. Ignatius set it up that way to get the men of his order grounded again in Christ.
It was wonderful retreat and I reflected alot on the basic mysteries and treasures of our faith and how it is important to keep them up front and not get stuck in the head all the time. It was a great time of fellowship with my classmates and I look forward with even more excitement to my upcoming diaconate ordination on the 27th of October.
On other stuff, my room is coming together slowly and will be clean by the time my mother comes in october! :)
Until I write again,

Residence

Hear Ye, Hear Ye......
let it be declared, known, unexpected, etc.. etc... etc....
That Arthur has once again taken up residence at University of St. Mary of the Lake/ Mundelein Seminary to bring to completion what began many moons ago.:)
So, I arrived earlier this evening here at the seminary and have moved all but the dreaded book boxes into my room which is now a class 4 hurricane zone. Write more about the trip later.

Vacation

It is so nice to not have to do anything except hangout with the family. It is key to take time off, even Jesus took his time and had fun. Thus today's lesson is that you must also play and not work all day! I will write more theological stuff after my diaconate retreat next week.

PTC: Scouting in the Catholic Church

The conference is going quite well. It has been a blast to discuss scouting with INTERESTED and DEDICATED CATHOLIC scouters. I think we will all be going back to our dioceses with renewed energy and ideas to build up CATHOLIC Scouting. I am already looking forward to the Biannual meeting in April! I am going on a Chaplain trip in the morning with the other seminarian, two priests and the Padre. Write more later.

July 31, 2007: St. Ignatius of Loyola

Readings: Ex 33:7-11; 34:5b-9, 28, Ps 103:6-7, 8-9, 10-11, 12-13, Mt 13:36-43

In the Gospel from todays readings, we hear the disciples asking Jesus to explain the parable of the sower. Think about the humility of the disciples asking him to explain what he meant with the parable. This I think shows several things that we can look at in our own lives.

1. Are we humble enough to ask Christ to clarify things for us?
2. Are we open to hear the response even if it is not what we want?
3. Are we ready to act on what we hear the Lord telling us or clarifying for us?

I think we can take a lesson from the disciples and not rely just on ourselves for knowledge, information, or anything else. Instead, we should be relying on Christ and listening to what he wants us to do and acting on what he wants us to do.

St. Ignatius of Loyola is a perfect example of listening and following the will of God in his life. Have a great day!

July 28, 2007- Saturday of the 16th Week in Ordinary Time

Readings: Ex 24:3-8, Ps 50:1b-2, 5-6, 14-15, Mt 13:24-30

In the gospel today, we hear of the sower who planted his field and the enemy who came and laid his field with weeds. The sower let the two grow side by side and then at the harvest seperated them out. This parable is so applicable into today's world. Just look around and see the weeds that try to choke out the faith, from media to the aclu to modernism, all are there and we must be aware and not let them affect us as much as possible. The risk remains that we can forget that these aspects are weeds and not just the way things should be. Thus, let us be vigillant and protect ourselves from being corrupted by the weeds around us.

July 27, 2007- Friday of the 16th Week in Ordinary Time

Readings: Ex 20:1-17, Ps 19:8, 9, 10, 11, Mt 13:18-23

Going Deeper, How do you do it? When you look at the readings for today we have the ten commandments from Exodus and the parable of the sower in the gospel from the Gospel of Matthew. I think that faith is something that has to be cultivated and worked on for its roots to grow deeper. The way we can work on it is through the ten commandments as a start point and then moving out to the living out the Gospel. That is the task of our faith journey, to grow deeper in love with Christ. This is only possible if we get on our knees, examine our life and work on ourselves. As we go through the day, what can we do to grow our roots deeper?

July 26, 2007- Sts. Joachim and Anne

Readings: Ex 19:1-2, 9-11, 16-20b, Daniel 3:52, 53, 54, 55, 56, Mt 13:10-17


In the gospel today, Christ speaks of hearing and not understanding. Looking but not seeing. He states this because his disciples were asking about why he was speaking in parables. The truth behind his genius is making the message of the Gospel relavent to them in a way that they understand. For example, if you look at the image of the Good Sheperd (John 10:1-20). One of the important jobs was that of the sheep herder. Thus, the people that he was talking to understood well the role of the sheperd and the importance of the sheperd for the flock. The people understood and what he said would stick with them.



Today, we are challenged to help the modern world understand the parables and incorporate their truths into our lives. The Word of God is made present to us when it is proclaimed. It is made and alive and new when proclaimed at Mass. Thus, the homily is a key part of the Good News and must be treated as the sacred duty it is. Future priests must strive to bring the sound doctrine to the world. All of us in the pews must be attentive to the voice of the Lord in the scriptures and what the homily states and dwell on them. This is how we grow we listen to the Lord and the Church and we work to perfect and change our lives into lives of service to Christ and his church.

July 25, 2007- St. James

Readings: 2 Cor 4:7-15, Ps 126:1bc-2ab, 2cd-3, 4-5, 6, Mt 20:20-28

Today we celebrate the feast of St. James. He was the first apostle that was martyred for the faith. The gospel today states that his mother asks for her two sons, James and John, to sit at the right and left hand of God. Christ responds with,

“You do not know what you are asking. Can you drink the chalice that I am going to drink?”

James and John respond immediately "we can." The truth is that they received what their mom asked for. They became martyrs for the Church. Their blood lost for the Gospel helped to spread the word of God and strengthened the Church. Martyrdom continues today in the Church and we must be ready and willing to lay down our life, if it is the will of God, for the sake of the Gospel. Are you ready? What do we need to do to get ready? Study, pray, work for the kingdom of God?

The fact is that in the United States, we will probably not die a martyr, but we are called to be a martyr of charity. The white martyrdom. Every day we should be becoming more like Christ, reaching out to others and growing in our relationship with God. We might not spill blood, but we can spill ourselves out completely for God.

July 24, 2007- St. Sharbe Makhluf

Readings: Ex 14:21—15:1, Exodus 15:8-9, 10 and 12, 17, Mt 12:46-50

Obedience, the word that connects both the first reading and the gospel. Who are Christ's mother, brother or sister? Those that do the will of the father. When we are obedient to God, we become a new creation of his love. When we are not obedient we get ourselves bogged down in the muck and mire of our own sinfullness. This is shown in the first reading in the scene from Exodus where the Egyptians are chasing the Isrealites after agreeing to let them go. What happens is that they are killed when the Red Sea closes after the Isrealites pass through. It is quite an image to think about when we are not obedient.

July 23, 2007- St. Bridget of Sweden

Readings: Ex 14:5-18, Exodus 15:1bc-2, 3-4, 5-6, Mt 12:38-42

In today's gospel, the pharisees ask for a sign. Christ's response is that of honesty.

“An evil and adulterous generation asks for a sign, but no sign will be given to it except the sign of the prophet Jonah. 40 For just as Jonah was three days and three nights in the belly of the sea monster, so for three days and three nights the Son of Man will be in the heart of the earth. "

He is in these few lines telling them that they would not believe it and that the uber sign is that of his own death and resurrection. For it is these few that want a sign because they want to use it against him. Not because they want to come to faith.

In our own life, how often we ask for signs from God without thinking. If we have the faith of a mustard seed, how needless signs would be. As we go forward this day let us find the faith and ask God to increase our faith so that we do not need signs but that we only trust in him and his promise.

July 22, 2007- 16th Sunday in Ordinary Time

Readings: Gn 18:1-10a, Ps 15:2-3, 3-4, 5, Col 1:24-28, Lk 10:38-42

This sunday we are called to focus on our call to discipleship. We are called to be open to serve God and others, regardless of who they are. Look at Abraham in the first reading, he had his wife sarah prepare food for three strangers and they were blessed by God for their faithfullness.
In the second reading, we hear about the sufferings of Paul for the Church, for his faith. This suffering comes out of not wanting to get ahead and show the world how good he was but his freely taking on that suffering out of love for God and love of the Gospel. This is what we are called to do.
In the Gospel once again we are shown what is better, to sit at the feet of Jesus and listen. This is not to say that we do not offer hospitality as Martha does, but we must make sure that Christ is at the center of our life and reason for our actions. We do not do acts for the sake of recognition, attention or any other reason except for the love of God and witness to our faith. This is the gospel that was preached by St. Francis. He stated "Preach the gospel always and use words only when necessary." This is only possible when Christ is at the center of our life. Thus, every act of service, every part of suffering that we experience can be a moment of conversion for us and for others.
Let us take our place in the world and show the faith by our love and quiet suffering that we endure for Christ who will be with us always until he comes again.

July 21,2007- Saint Lawrence of Brindisi

Saint Lawarance of Brindisi was a powerful preacher who was Capuchin friar. He wrote many books about the faith and helped people to see their faith and live their faith.

In the Gospel of Matthew, from the mass of the day, we hear a quote from Isaiah,

18 “Here is my servant, whom I have chosen,
my beloved, with whom my soul is well pleased.
I will put my Spirit upon him,
and he will proclaim justice to the Gentiles.
19 He will not wrangle or cry aloud,
nor will anyone hear his voice in the streets.
20 He will not break a bruised reed
or quench a smoldering wick
until he brings justice to victory.
21 And in his name the Gentiles will hope.”

Matthew 12:18-21

Everyone one of us is chosen by God to do something with our life. Each one of us has a vocation. When the time is right God reveals to us what our vocation is through other people, through our own desires, through his guiding spirit. The test is to be patient, listen and be obedient.

St. Lawarence is an example of following his vocation and bringing people closer to Christ. It may not have always been easy for him, however he peserved and was faithful to his vocation. Let us each be faithful to our vocation and bring about the kingdom of God! God works through us, it is not our work but his.

St. Apollinarius

Today we celebrate St. Apollinarius, bishop and martyr. He was a missionary bishop to Ravenna and was exiled, imprissoned, tortured and eventually martyred for the faith. If we had the faith like St. Apollinarius how far we could go and witness to the world. The whole point of the christian life is to grow closer to Christ and become more like him. Let us pray for an increase in faith, hope and love.
Arthur Nave Jr.

St. Gabriel's

I finished the school year at St. Daniel's and the diocese transferred me up to St. Gabriel's in ave Creek, AZ. The parish is great. We had VBS last week and I will be teaching a class tonight Christian Formation: Lifelong Conversion. I think it will be a great class, we will see in a few hours. I go on vacation next monday June 25,2007. I will go to Philmont Scout Ranch, pick up a priest friend of mine and then we will drive to Sacramento for the ordination of Deacon Chris to the priesthood on June 29, 2007. I will be back in the parish on July 5, 2007. Thus, time for R and R and a break before I go into the second half of the summer. In Christ, Arthur