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This link will keep 'parishioners-at-large' in touch with current creative liturgy sources and resources that respect a variety of 'traditions' within the Church.

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A 'movement' of lay Catholics 'inspired' by the abuse scandal calling for greater accountability of bishops to 'Catholics in the Pew.'

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Vital information about the disclosure of sexual abuse and related issues affecting Catholics in the pew and the manner in which Bishops continue to exempt themselves from accountability

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Daily Scripture

+ 7th Week of Easter

“Parting is such sweet sorrow.”

Readings: Acts 20:17-27 Psalm 68:10-11, 20-21 John 17:1-11

I am in the world no longer, but they are in the world, and I am coming to you. [John 17:11]

Shakespeare ‘penned’ the phrase quoted above. I didn’t understand it as a student of Shakespeare in high school but I began to understand it when I waved goodbye to my family as I sailed off to Italy on September 21, 1963 for a three-year stretch in Rome. In fact, it has multiple meanings and applications that I appreciate now more than ever before.

There is another phrase that perhaps gives credence to my thoughts so poorly expressed and it’s this: “Absence makes the heart grow fonder.” Ah, that’s it. At times we need to separate from ‘the source’ in order to appreciate how important it is to stay connected.

The farewell speech of St. Paul in Acts and the farewell ‘prayer’ of Jesus in John’s gospel were more likely composed by the authors of these texts along the lines of the farewell speeches of great leaders of their times in order to attract the attention of Jesus’ followers.

The departure of Jesus and later that of Paul created ‘fallow’ time in the hearts of the neophyte believers that was absolutely necessary if they were to grasp the significance of Jesus’ message and the teachings of St. Paul.

We are once again in ‘fallow’ time as we prepare for Pentecost. It’s a time of discernment during which we are invited to ponder the words and deeds of Jesus so that in his absence, we may come to know his presence in the Spirit that remains within us and around us.

As we ponder, it is important to reflect on the gifts of the Holy Spirit: wisdom, understanding, counsel, fortitude, knowledge, piety and reverence of the Lord. And the fruits of the Holy Spirit are qualities that are characteristic of a community living in Christ: charity, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, generosity, gentleness, faithfulness, modesty self-control and chastity.

There is much to ponder as we wait for the coming of the Holy Spirit on Pentecost.

Daily Scripture

Monday February 21, 2005

+ 2nd Week in Lent

“Confession is good for the soul but bad for the reputation.”

Readings: Daniel 9:4-10 Luke 6:36-38

“Do not judge, and you will not be judged; do not condemn and you will not be condemned; grant pardon and you will be pardoned.” [Luke 6:37]

There is a certain amount of truth to that axiom, “Confession is good for the soul but bad for the reputation.” However, in recent times, religious, governmental and commercial institutions have come upon hard times for not telling the truth about crimes and illicit behavior within those institutions. Bishops have covered up crimes; have not told the truth about the “sins” of the clergy. Presidents have lied about their private life and about reasons for war. Corporate executives have lied about their fiscal stewardship or lack thereof. Yes, even media reporters have not been truthful about their stories and have been less than honest in reporting on their own lack of responsibility in checking out leads and sources.

Their lack of integrity in telling the truth has done far more damage than might have resulted had they told the truth in the first place. If the disclosure of the sexual abuse of children and teens was bad enough, the cover-up was worse. The cost of lives in a war that did not have to happen has led to the disillusionment of millions around the world. The cover-up of fiscal irresponsibility has resulted in the permanent failure of pensions that could well shorten the lives of many hardworking Americans.

There are few angels among us. Indeed, even those among us who seem to be angels, are far from perfect. If the truth be known, any one of us could author an autobiography that would be rated ‘R.’

So we don’t judge or condemn but we do hold one another accountable. To pardon does not mean we don’t hold one another to reparation and amendment and even just punishment. Money awarded in civil suits will not cure the wound of abuse. The damage resulting from governmental or corporate deceit will easily disappear and the exposure of the real truth will not renew confidence among citizens and consumers.

On this President’s Day, we celebrate our heritage but it is also the occasion for a salient reminder that only truth will set the world free! And our Church too!

There will be no healing and forgiveness without justice; no justice without truth and no truth without full accountability.