Mass Schedule
SATURDAY
5:00 P.M. - Vigil Mass at Our Lady of Consolation Church
8:30 A.M. - First Saturday Mass with Devotions (first Saturday of each month only)
SUNDAY
8:00 A.M. - Our Lady of Consolation Church
9:30 A.M. - St. Malachi Church
11:15 A.M. - Schneider Parish Center
Holy Days
7:00 P.M. Vigil Mass, 8:30 A.M. - Our Lady of Consolation Church
Daily Mass
8:30 A.M. - Monday through Friday* at Our Lady of Consolation Church
*First Friday Devotions following Mass on the first Friday of each month
Confession & Adoration
3:30-4:30 P.M. - Saturday at Our Lady of Consolation Church
5:00 P.M. - Vigil Mass at Our Lady of Consolation Church
8:30 A.M. - First Saturday Mass with Devotions (first Saturday of each month only)
SUNDAY
8:00 A.M. - Our Lady of Consolation Church
9:30 A.M. - St. Malachi Church
11:15 A.M. - Schneider Parish Center
Holy Days
7:00 P.M. Vigil Mass, 8:30 A.M. - Our Lady of Consolation Church
Daily Mass
8:30 A.M. - Monday through Friday* at Our Lady of Consolation Church
*First Friday Devotions following Mass on the first Friday of each month
Confession & Adoration
3:30-4:30 P.M. - Saturday at Our Lady of Consolation Church
Pastor's Corner
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The latest thoughts from Fr. O'Neill can be found in this week's bulletin.
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3-1-26
Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,
A lot of “voices” vie for our attention every day. Whether it be on social media, the news or from other sources, we are often distracted by so many things. Our Gospel for this 2nd Sunday of Lent always presents to us the great event of the Transfiguration of Our Lord, this year from Matthew’s Gospel. God the Father exhorts us to listen to Jesus, His Son.
Unlike the uncertainty, confusion or unclarity of some “voices” we hear throughout a given day, we have no need to worry in listening to what Christ says to us. As so many who heard Him preach said, Jesus spoke with authority.
Knowing this, however, we struggle to listen to Jesus’ words to us. We know that His words are truth, that He is the Way, the Truth and the Life and has only the best for us in our following Him. But, to take up our cross daily and follow Him, to enter through the narrow gate, to love and forgive our enemies, to seek out and help the poor from our own hearts, usually gets drowned out by other words that we allow to take precedence.
Lent invites us to hear and listen once again to the words of Jesus, who is the Word of God. What a wonderful thing it would be to take up and focus on the words of Jesus that our Father commands us to listen to.
May I offer a suggestion? Take up one of the Gospels--Mark is the shortest, Matthew is the current Gospel we are hearing at Sunday Masses this year, Luke has so many familiar parables and uniquely shows the universal message of Christ to all--and read it in one sitting. As we get closer to Holy Week, maybe we could read St. John’s Gospel.
Now, we may think that we’ve heard it all before and we know the various passages and words and actions of our Lord. But, I guarantee you that you will see, notice, “hear” the words of Jesus in a new and different way. The late Fr. Benedict Groeschel, C.F.R., in his book, “The King, Crucified and Risen: Meditations on the Passion and Glory of Christ,” shares that when he spent time in jail for praying a rosary outside of an abortion clinic, was only allowed one book: his Bible.
While in his cell, he relates that he read whole books of the Scriptures. As fruitful as this was, he found that after reading the Gospels in one sitting, something different happened. He said that every time he concluded reading a Gospel in one sitting, he had “the experience of knowing Jesus as I had never known Him before. “In fact,” Fr. Groeschel continues, “the clarity of each evangelist’s picture of Him, most of all the power of His words, electrified me.” (pp. 46-47)
In reading the Gospels in this way, see how a word, an idea comes into your heart and mind that you know does not originate from you, but from the words of the Gospel. Allow the words of the Father to remind you to “listen” to the words of His Son. Believe that this is the word or words that Jesus has for you to respond to as you continue through Lent, a word of renewal and grace for you, a word of conversion, an invitation to follow Him anew, not fearing the Cross, but seeing it as the entrance into new life in Him.
In Christ’s Peace,
Fr. O’Neill
2-8-26
Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,
On this 5th Sunday of Ordinary Time, light and salt are presented to us as important images in our readings today. True disciples of Jesus witness to others and help illuminate their way to God, as well as provide “flavor,” a liveliness to the truth of the Gospel. As salt of the earth, our deeds need to lead others to Christ, or else we are like flavorless salt and a light that is hidden. May the grace of our Lord give us “flavor” to our faith and may His light shine through us for others to see.
In Christ’s Peace,
Fr. O’Neill
On this 5th Sunday of Ordinary Time, light and salt are presented to us as important images in our readings today. True disciples of Jesus witness to others and help illuminate their way to God, as well as provide “flavor,” a liveliness to the truth of the Gospel. As salt of the earth, our deeds need to lead others to Christ, or else we are like flavorless salt and a light that is hidden. May the grace of our Lord give us “flavor” to our faith and may His light shine through us for others to see.
In Christ’s Peace,
Fr. O’Neill
2-1-26
Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,
In today’s Gospel reading, Matthew records the beginning of the Sermon on the Mount with Jesus giving us the Beatitudes. “Beatitude” basically means being blessed. These show us that the promise of a “universal blessing” which was made to Abraham will be fulfilled in Jesus. Unlike the world, that considers those who have power and influence, God blesses those who are powerless and lowly.
So, God’s blessings are for all, but we must work for the virtues which Jesus lists here. We are called to be poor in spirit, meek, merciful, peacemakers, and more. This is also not the way of the world, but is the way of the Kingdom of Heaven that we must strive to live out and build up with God’s help each day. Some questions for us as we reflect on the Beatitudes:
• What blessings do I see in my life?
• How to I thank God for the many blessings he has bestowed on me?
• Who can I be a blessing for today?
In Christ’s Peace,
Fr. O’Neill
In today’s Gospel reading, Matthew records the beginning of the Sermon on the Mount with Jesus giving us the Beatitudes. “Beatitude” basically means being blessed. These show us that the promise of a “universal blessing” which was made to Abraham will be fulfilled in Jesus. Unlike the world, that considers those who have power and influence, God blesses those who are powerless and lowly.
So, God’s blessings are for all, but we must work for the virtues which Jesus lists here. We are called to be poor in spirit, meek, merciful, peacemakers, and more. This is also not the way of the world, but is the way of the Kingdom of Heaven that we must strive to live out and build up with God’s help each day. Some questions for us as we reflect on the Beatitudes:
• What blessings do I see in my life?
• How to I thank God for the many blessings he has bestowed on me?
• Who can I be a blessing for today?
In Christ’s Peace,
Fr. O’Neill
1-25-26
Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,
The readings for this 3rd Sunday of Ordinary Time show us how Jesus fulfils all prophecy and brings light to our darkness. He calls his disciples out of their way of life – from fishermen to fishers of men. He calls us to follow him, too, so as to bring light, truth and goodness into a world that needs repentance. How can you and I better share the Light of Christ, which we received in our Baptism, with others?
With the grace and Presence of Our Lord, may we be faithful in following this call each day.
In Christ’s Peace,
Fr. O’Neill
The readings for this 3rd Sunday of Ordinary Time show us how Jesus fulfils all prophecy and brings light to our darkness. He calls his disciples out of their way of life – from fishermen to fishers of men. He calls us to follow him, too, so as to bring light, truth and goodness into a world that needs repentance. How can you and I better share the Light of Christ, which we received in our Baptism, with others?
With the grace and Presence of Our Lord, may we be faithful in following this call each day.
In Christ’s Peace,
Fr. O’Neill
1-11-26
Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,
During this Christmas Season, we have been hearing the Good News of God the Father’s most wonderful Gift to us, His Son, Jesus Christ, being revealed to a larger and larger audience. If we imagine a target of concentric circles, gradually moving outward, we would place Mary in the innermost center circle: it was to her first that God’s plan to send His Son as our Redeemer was made known and that her role was to be the Mother of His Son, the Word Made Flesh.
Then, the next outlying circle would show us St. Joseph, who had the revelation in a dream from God how Mary’s pregnancy had come about through the power of the Holy Spirit. The shepherds would fill the next bigger circle, as it was they who would be the first people outside of Mary and Joseph, the poor and simple outcasts of the Jewish community, to have this Good News of the Messiah’s birth revealed by the angels. Next, as we heard in last Sunday’s celebration of the Epiphany of our Lord, the Magi, representing the Gentiles and the rest of the non-Jewish world, had the experience of encountering Jesus as Savior of the world by following His star from their homelands to the East.
Now, the voice of God the Father Himself announces from the heavens the revelation that Jesus is His Son and the long-awaited Messiah. This preceded Jesus’ public ministry.
As Peter was inspired to say in the Second Reading from Acts, “In truth, I see that God shows no partiality” (Acts 10:34). God’s gift of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, as we have been reflecting upon during this Christmastide and before that in Advent, now includes our call and mission to share this gift.
As Jesus was to give Himself totally to this mission after His Baptism by John, and Peter and the Apostles and first Christians went forth in the power of the Holy Spirit, we are equally called to share in Christ’s mission of evangelization, which is the Church’s mission. We have seen over these last weeks how in so many unexpected people and surprising ways, the Spirit of God has acted to make Christ Incarnate in our world and brought about our redemption and reconciliation with the Father.
As we begin this new year, are we open to seeing the Holy Spirit continuing to act in these surprising and unexpected ways and people who we encounter, and through ourselves and our own daily experiences?
In Christ’s Peace,
Fr. O’Neill
During this Christmas Season, we have been hearing the Good News of God the Father’s most wonderful Gift to us, His Son, Jesus Christ, being revealed to a larger and larger audience. If we imagine a target of concentric circles, gradually moving outward, we would place Mary in the innermost center circle: it was to her first that God’s plan to send His Son as our Redeemer was made known and that her role was to be the Mother of His Son, the Word Made Flesh.
Then, the next outlying circle would show us St. Joseph, who had the revelation in a dream from God how Mary’s pregnancy had come about through the power of the Holy Spirit. The shepherds would fill the next bigger circle, as it was they who would be the first people outside of Mary and Joseph, the poor and simple outcasts of the Jewish community, to have this Good News of the Messiah’s birth revealed by the angels. Next, as we heard in last Sunday’s celebration of the Epiphany of our Lord, the Magi, representing the Gentiles and the rest of the non-Jewish world, had the experience of encountering Jesus as Savior of the world by following His star from their homelands to the East.
Now, the voice of God the Father Himself announces from the heavens the revelation that Jesus is His Son and the long-awaited Messiah. This preceded Jesus’ public ministry.
As Peter was inspired to say in the Second Reading from Acts, “In truth, I see that God shows no partiality” (Acts 10:34). God’s gift of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, as we have been reflecting upon during this Christmastide and before that in Advent, now includes our call and mission to share this gift.
As Jesus was to give Himself totally to this mission after His Baptism by John, and Peter and the Apostles and first Christians went forth in the power of the Holy Spirit, we are equally called to share in Christ’s mission of evangelization, which is the Church’s mission. We have seen over these last weeks how in so many unexpected people and surprising ways, the Spirit of God has acted to make Christ Incarnate in our world and brought about our redemption and reconciliation with the Father.
As we begin this new year, are we open to seeing the Holy Spirit continuing to act in these surprising and unexpected ways and people who we encounter, and through ourselves and our own daily experiences?
In Christ’s Peace,
Fr. O’Neill
1-4-26
Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,
The Prophet Isaiah announces in our first reading that the glory of the Lord shines in all people (see Isa. 60:1-6). Indeed, the light of God’s glory and salvation is meant to attract people across the face of the earth.
The star that the Magi followed was seen from afar, outside of Bethlehem and St. Paul refers to the gentiles, or people of non-Jewish origin, were to be “coheirs ... copartners in the promise of Christ Jesus.” (Eph. 3:6) In other words, the Salvation that Christ our New Born Savior brought to us is not restricted to one people, one region or one particular era of history: it is for all people, places and for all of human history until the end of time!
The Magi sought the Lord and found Him. The gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh reflect the dual roles of Christ as both our King and our Priest-Victim. Gold and frankincense point towards His Kingship. Myrrh, an expensive balm used to anoint bodies for burial and to relieve pain, points toward the Cross and Christ’s sacrifice.
Although these Magi from the East had not known the true God, they were led to Him through His star.
Like the Magi, we also have the opportunity to seek the Lord. This journey is one we make throughout our lives, again and again, as we look for His presence in the world, in our lives, in others and in ourselves. As the Magi returned to their native countries by a different route, changed by their encounter with Christ, our own encounters with Him often lead us to change course and direction in our lives. We can reflect today on this great Feast of the Epiphany: How has an encounter with the Lord led me in a new way? Am I willing to change my route, my direction in the future?
In Christ’s Peace,
Fr. O’Neill
The Prophet Isaiah announces in our first reading that the glory of the Lord shines in all people (see Isa. 60:1-6). Indeed, the light of God’s glory and salvation is meant to attract people across the face of the earth.
The star that the Magi followed was seen from afar, outside of Bethlehem and St. Paul refers to the gentiles, or people of non-Jewish origin, were to be “coheirs ... copartners in the promise of Christ Jesus.” (Eph. 3:6) In other words, the Salvation that Christ our New Born Savior brought to us is not restricted to one people, one region or one particular era of history: it is for all people, places and for all of human history until the end of time!
The Magi sought the Lord and found Him. The gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh reflect the dual roles of Christ as both our King and our Priest-Victim. Gold and frankincense point towards His Kingship. Myrrh, an expensive balm used to anoint bodies for burial and to relieve pain, points toward the Cross and Christ’s sacrifice.
Although these Magi from the East had not known the true God, they were led to Him through His star.
Like the Magi, we also have the opportunity to seek the Lord. This journey is one we make throughout our lives, again and again, as we look for His presence in the world, in our lives, in others and in ourselves. As the Magi returned to their native countries by a different route, changed by their encounter with Christ, our own encounters with Him often lead us to change course and direction in our lives. We can reflect today on this great Feast of the Epiphany: How has an encounter with the Lord led me in a new way? Am I willing to change my route, my direction in the future?
In Christ’s Peace,
Fr. O’Neill
12-28-25
Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,
Parents face all kinds of crises both today and throughout history. Parents try to make the best decisions for their children and for their families as a whole. Today we celebrate the Feast of the Holy Family – Jesus, Mary and Joseph – and we recognize them as the model of all Christian families, not only because they teach us how to trust God, but because they too, were not free of struggles and difficulties in life.
They faced great difficulties and crises, as well, even to the point of life and death consequences. Saint Joseph set a good example for all of us as his family faced the crisis of Herod’s plot to kill Jesus: He listened to God’s voice and cared for Mary and Jesus according to the word of God. As Mary and Joseph listened to God’s word to give them direction and strength, may their prayers and example be for all of us and our families a source of hope and strength.
In Christ’s Peace,
Fr. O’Neill
Parents face all kinds of crises both today and throughout history. Parents try to make the best decisions for their children and for their families as a whole. Today we celebrate the Feast of the Holy Family – Jesus, Mary and Joseph – and we recognize them as the model of all Christian families, not only because they teach us how to trust God, but because they too, were not free of struggles and difficulties in life.
They faced great difficulties and crises, as well, even to the point of life and death consequences. Saint Joseph set a good example for all of us as his family faced the crisis of Herod’s plot to kill Jesus: He listened to God’s voice and cared for Mary and Jesus according to the word of God. As Mary and Joseph listened to God’s word to give them direction and strength, may their prayers and example be for all of us and our families a source of hope and strength.
In Christ’s Peace,
Fr. O’Neill
12-21-25
Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,
Merry Christmas! On behalf of Deacon Gene and our OLC Staff, and Wilbur, the Christmas Beagle, I extend to you and your family our heartfelt desire that you may truly have a joyful and blessed Christmas.
Our celebration of Jesus' Birth reminds us of God’s endless love and mercy for us, through the great Mysteries of our Faith: the Incarnation of Christ, the God-Man and His whole purpose for coming to us: to redeem us by His passion, death and resurrection from the dead.
On this Christmas Day, our faith boldly invites us to quietly reflect on these Mysteries and to be filled with gratitude for God's infinite love for us. We rest in awe, in wonder, at how our God entered our world and came to be with us. We pause to receive the gift offered us: that the Spirit of God will open up our lives and that Jesus will really come into our hearts.
May we have watchful hope today, believing what the Lord promises us. Let us pray today that we might be instruments of God's love and carry the Light of Christ dwelling in our hearts to all, especially to all who are feeling distress and anxiety during this time.
In Christ’s Peace,
Fr. O’Neill
Merry Christmas! On behalf of Deacon Gene and our OLC Staff, and Wilbur, the Christmas Beagle, I extend to you and your family our heartfelt desire that you may truly have a joyful and blessed Christmas.
Our celebration of Jesus' Birth reminds us of God’s endless love and mercy for us, through the great Mysteries of our Faith: the Incarnation of Christ, the God-Man and His whole purpose for coming to us: to redeem us by His passion, death and resurrection from the dead.
On this Christmas Day, our faith boldly invites us to quietly reflect on these Mysteries and to be filled with gratitude for God's infinite love for us. We rest in awe, in wonder, at how our God entered our world and came to be with us. We pause to receive the gift offered us: that the Spirit of God will open up our lives and that Jesus will really come into our hearts.
May we have watchful hope today, believing what the Lord promises us. Let us pray today that we might be instruments of God's love and carry the Light of Christ dwelling in our hearts to all, especially to all who are feeling distress and anxiety during this time.
In Christ’s Peace,
Fr. O’Neill
12-14-25
Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,
When we look to hire a professional for their services, oftentimes we will look at reviews about their work or look at their website, which may have a gallery of pictures showing some examples of their products or work. This is all to help us, the customer, to see the quality of their expertise and evidence of their professionalism. When John the Baptist, now imprisoned by Herod for condemning his unlawful marriage to his brother’s wife, sends some of his disciples to see if Jesus is really the Messiah, Jesus, in essence, points to the evidence of His own works by referring them to what He has done.
He says, “Go and tell John what you hear and see: the blind regain their sight, the lame walk, lepers are cleansed, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, and the poor have the good news proclaimed to them. And blessed is the one who takes no offense at me." (Matt, 11:4-6)
The signs of the coming of God’s Messiah, or Anointed One, were written about long ago by Isaiah and the other prophets and now have been fulfilled, often in miraculous ways by Jesus’ works.
We rejoice today on this Third Sunday of Advent, traditionally known as “Gaudete Sunday,” to rejoice that the celebration of the Lord’s Birth is drawing near, because these works are not some actions that merely took place many centuries ago. They have a lasting impact on our own lives now.
Maybe we or someone close to us has experienced a physical healing and we see God’s hand in that, there are spiritual miracles in the signs Jesus refers to in His response to John’s disciples.
How have we experienced God’s grace working powerfully in our lives, in the lives of our loved ones? To recognize this reality of God’s work in our lives is to acknowledge that His miracles are still happening. As we draw closer to celebrating the miracle of Christ’s Birth at Christmas, may we rejoice in the big and small miracles that He continues to perform in our time.
Let’s not miss the awesome works He wants to make happen in your life and mine!
In Christ’s Peace,
Fr. O’Neill
When we look to hire a professional for their services, oftentimes we will look at reviews about their work or look at their website, which may have a gallery of pictures showing some examples of their products or work. This is all to help us, the customer, to see the quality of their expertise and evidence of their professionalism. When John the Baptist, now imprisoned by Herod for condemning his unlawful marriage to his brother’s wife, sends some of his disciples to see if Jesus is really the Messiah, Jesus, in essence, points to the evidence of His own works by referring them to what He has done.
He says, “Go and tell John what you hear and see: the blind regain their sight, the lame walk, lepers are cleansed, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, and the poor have the good news proclaimed to them. And blessed is the one who takes no offense at me." (Matt, 11:4-6)
The signs of the coming of God’s Messiah, or Anointed One, were written about long ago by Isaiah and the other prophets and now have been fulfilled, often in miraculous ways by Jesus’ works.
We rejoice today on this Third Sunday of Advent, traditionally known as “Gaudete Sunday,” to rejoice that the celebration of the Lord’s Birth is drawing near, because these works are not some actions that merely took place many centuries ago. They have a lasting impact on our own lives now.
Maybe we or someone close to us has experienced a physical healing and we see God’s hand in that, there are spiritual miracles in the signs Jesus refers to in His response to John’s disciples.
How have we experienced God’s grace working powerfully in our lives, in the lives of our loved ones? To recognize this reality of God’s work in our lives is to acknowledge that His miracles are still happening. As we draw closer to celebrating the miracle of Christ’s Birth at Christmas, may we rejoice in the big and small miracles that He continues to perform in our time.
Let’s not miss the awesome works He wants to make happen in your life and mine!
In Christ’s Peace,
Fr. O’Neill
12-7-25
Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,
As we continue through this Holy Season of Advent, St. John the Baptist urged us to be vigilant and prepare the way of the Lord in our hearts. May these inspiring words of one of the Fathers of the Church, St. Eusebius of Caesarea, assist us in our Advent reflection.
In Christ’s Peace,
Fr. O’Neill
From commentary on Isaiah by Eusebius of Caesarea, Bishop
(Cap. 40: PG 24, 366-367)
The voice in the wilderness
The voice of one crying in the wilderness: Prepare the way of the Lord, make straight the paths of our God.
The prophecy makes clear that it is to be fulfilled, not in Jerusalem but in the wilderness: it is there that the glory of the Lord is to appear, and God’s salvation is to be made known to all mankind.
It was in the wilderness that God’s saving presence was proclaimed by John the Baptist, and there that God’s salvation was seen. The words of this prophecy were fulfilled when Christ and his glory were made manifest to all: after his baptism the heavens opened, and the Holy Spirit in the form of a dove rested on him, and the Father’s voice was heard, bearing witness to the Son: This is my beloved Son, listen to him.
The prophecy meant that God was to come to a deserted place, inaccessible from the beginning. None of the pagans had any knowledge of God, since his holy servants and prophets were kept from approaching them. The voice commands that a way be prepared for the Word of God: the rough and trackless ground is to be made level, so that our God may find a highway when he comes.
Prepare the way of the Lord: the way is the preaching of the Gospel, the new message of consolation, ready to bring to all mankind the knowledge of God’s saving power.
Climb on a high mountain, bearer of good news to Zion. Lift up your voice in strength, bearer of good news to Jerusalem. These words harmonize very well with the meaning of what has gone before. They refer opportunely to the evangelists and proclaim the coming of God to men, after speaking of the voice crying in the wilderness. Mention of the evangelists suitably follows the prophecy on John the Baptist.
What does Zion mean if not the city previously called Jerusalem? This is the mountain referred to in that passage from Scripture: Here is Mount Zion, where you dwelt. The Apostle says: You have come to Mount Zion. Does not this refer to the company of the apostles, chosen from the former people of the circumcision?
This is the Zion, the Jerusalem, that received God’s salvation. It stands aloft on the mountain of God, that is, it is raised high on the only-begotten Word of God. It is commanded to climb the high mountain and announce the word of salvation. Who is the bearer of the good news but the company of the evangelists? What does it mean to bear the good news but to preach to all nations, but first of all to the cities of Judah, the coming of Christ on earth?
As we continue through this Holy Season of Advent, St. John the Baptist urged us to be vigilant and prepare the way of the Lord in our hearts. May these inspiring words of one of the Fathers of the Church, St. Eusebius of Caesarea, assist us in our Advent reflection.
In Christ’s Peace,
Fr. O’Neill
From commentary on Isaiah by Eusebius of Caesarea, Bishop
(Cap. 40: PG 24, 366-367)
The voice in the wilderness
The voice of one crying in the wilderness: Prepare the way of the Lord, make straight the paths of our God.
The prophecy makes clear that it is to be fulfilled, not in Jerusalem but in the wilderness: it is there that the glory of the Lord is to appear, and God’s salvation is to be made known to all mankind.
It was in the wilderness that God’s saving presence was proclaimed by John the Baptist, and there that God’s salvation was seen. The words of this prophecy were fulfilled when Christ and his glory were made manifest to all: after his baptism the heavens opened, and the Holy Spirit in the form of a dove rested on him, and the Father’s voice was heard, bearing witness to the Son: This is my beloved Son, listen to him.
The prophecy meant that God was to come to a deserted place, inaccessible from the beginning. None of the pagans had any knowledge of God, since his holy servants and prophets were kept from approaching them. The voice commands that a way be prepared for the Word of God: the rough and trackless ground is to be made level, so that our God may find a highway when he comes.
Prepare the way of the Lord: the way is the preaching of the Gospel, the new message of consolation, ready to bring to all mankind the knowledge of God’s saving power.
Climb on a high mountain, bearer of good news to Zion. Lift up your voice in strength, bearer of good news to Jerusalem. These words harmonize very well with the meaning of what has gone before. They refer opportunely to the evangelists and proclaim the coming of God to men, after speaking of the voice crying in the wilderness. Mention of the evangelists suitably follows the prophecy on John the Baptist.
What does Zion mean if not the city previously called Jerusalem? This is the mountain referred to in that passage from Scripture: Here is Mount Zion, where you dwelt. The Apostle says: You have come to Mount Zion. Does not this refer to the company of the apostles, chosen from the former people of the circumcision?
This is the Zion, the Jerusalem, that received God’s salvation. It stands aloft on the mountain of God, that is, it is raised high on the only-begotten Word of God. It is commanded to climb the high mountain and announce the word of salvation. Who is the bearer of the good news but the company of the evangelists? What does it mean to bear the good news but to preach to all nations, but first of all to the cities of Judah, the coming of Christ on earth?
11-30-25
Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,
As we begin this Holy Season of Advent, we are reminded by the Church that “Advent has a two-fold character,” as a time to prepare for the First Coming of Christ at Christmas, and through our commemoration of His birth, we look forward to Christ’s Second Coming at the end of time. So, “Advent is a time of devout and expectant light.” (Universal Norms on the Liturgical Year and Calendar, 39)
I saw this reflection on Advent and thought it would be appropriate for our own meditation on this holy season.
In Christ’s Peace,
Fr. O’Neill
ADVENT
“Human beings cannot live without hope. Unlike the animals, we are blessed--or cursed--with the ability to think about the future and so fear our actions in shaping it. So essential is this to human life, that human beings cannot live without hope, without something to live for, without something to look forward to.
To be without hope, to have nothing to live for, is to surrender to death in despair. But we can find all sorts of things to live for and we can hope for almost anything: for some measure of success or security or for the realization of some more or less modest ambition; for our children, that they might be saved from our mistakes and sufferings and find a better life than we have known; for a better world, throwing ourselves into politics or medicine or technology so that future generations might be better off. Not all these forms of hope are selfish; indeed, they have given dignity and purpose to the lives of countless generations.
But one of the reasons we read the Old Testament during Advent is to learn what to hope for. The people of the Old Testament had the courage to hope for big things: that the desert would be turned into fertile land; that their scattered and divided people would eventually be gathered again; that the blind would see, the deaf hear, the lame walk; that not only their own people, but all the peoples of the earth, would be united in the blessings of everlasting peace.
Clearly, their hopes were no different from ours or from any other human being’s: lasting peace, tranquil lives, sufficiency of food, an end to suffering, pain and misery.
Thus, we hope for the same things as the Old Testament people, for their hopes are not yet realized. But we differ from them in two ways. First, the coming of Jesus in history, as a partial fulfillment of God’s promises, immeasurably confirms and strengthens our hope. Secondly, we differ from the Old Testament people because Jesus has revealed God is not afar off, but is already in our midst.
Hence the importance in the Advent liturgy of John the Baptist and of Mary: because they recognized the new situation, they serve as models for the Church in discerning the presence of our Savior in the world.”
Taken from “The Spirit of Advent,” Mark Searle, in Assembly, Vol. 7:1. © Notre Dame Center for Liturgy, Notre Dame, IN.
As we begin this Holy Season of Advent, we are reminded by the Church that “Advent has a two-fold character,” as a time to prepare for the First Coming of Christ at Christmas, and through our commemoration of His birth, we look forward to Christ’s Second Coming at the end of time. So, “Advent is a time of devout and expectant light.” (Universal Norms on the Liturgical Year and Calendar, 39)
I saw this reflection on Advent and thought it would be appropriate for our own meditation on this holy season.
In Christ’s Peace,
Fr. O’Neill
ADVENT
“Human beings cannot live without hope. Unlike the animals, we are blessed--or cursed--with the ability to think about the future and so fear our actions in shaping it. So essential is this to human life, that human beings cannot live without hope, without something to live for, without something to look forward to.
To be without hope, to have nothing to live for, is to surrender to death in despair. But we can find all sorts of things to live for and we can hope for almost anything: for some measure of success or security or for the realization of some more or less modest ambition; for our children, that they might be saved from our mistakes and sufferings and find a better life than we have known; for a better world, throwing ourselves into politics or medicine or technology so that future generations might be better off. Not all these forms of hope are selfish; indeed, they have given dignity and purpose to the lives of countless generations.
But one of the reasons we read the Old Testament during Advent is to learn what to hope for. The people of the Old Testament had the courage to hope for big things: that the desert would be turned into fertile land; that their scattered and divided people would eventually be gathered again; that the blind would see, the deaf hear, the lame walk; that not only their own people, but all the peoples of the earth, would be united in the blessings of everlasting peace.
Clearly, their hopes were no different from ours or from any other human being’s: lasting peace, tranquil lives, sufficiency of food, an end to suffering, pain and misery.
Thus, we hope for the same things as the Old Testament people, for their hopes are not yet realized. But we differ from them in two ways. First, the coming of Jesus in history, as a partial fulfillment of God’s promises, immeasurably confirms and strengthens our hope. Secondly, we differ from the Old Testament people because Jesus has revealed God is not afar off, but is already in our midst.
Hence the importance in the Advent liturgy of John the Baptist and of Mary: because they recognized the new situation, they serve as models for the Church in discerning the presence of our Savior in the world.”
Taken from “The Spirit of Advent,” Mark Searle, in Assembly, Vol. 7:1. © Notre Dame Center for Liturgy, Notre Dame, IN.
11-23-25
Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,
As we begin our Annual 40 Hours of Adoration this Sunday, I thought I’d go old school with Archbishop Fulton J. Sheen, who not only preached the importance of Eucharistic adoration, he practiced it every day. Here is an excerpt taken from his Autobiography, Treasures in Clay (Ignatius Press,1980) on the Holy Hour of Eucharistic Adoration. May his words be an inspiration for us as we prepare to give Jesus at least one hour during these 40 Hours of Adoration.
In Christ’s Peace,
Fr. O’Neill
"A Holy Hour is not a devotion; it is a sharing in the work of redemption.
"The only time our Lord asked the Apostles for anything was the night He went into agony. Not for activity did He plead but for an Hour of companionship."
"During a Holy Hour, we grow more and more into His likeness."
"A Holy Hour becomes a magister and teacher. Theological insights are gained not only from the covers of a treatise, but from two knees on a prie-dieu before the Blessed Sacrament."
"Neither theological knowledge nor social action alone is enough to keep us in love with Christ unless both are preceded by a personal encounter with Him."
"The Holy Hour becomes like an oxygen tank to revive the breath of the Holy Spirit in the midst of the foul and fetid atmosphere of the world."
"The most brilliant ideas come from meeting God face to face (at adoration). The Holy Spirit that presided at the Incarnation is the best atmosphere for illumination."
"The purpose of the Holy Hour is to encourage deep personal encounter with Christ. The holy and glorious God is constantly inviting us to come to Him, to hold converse with Him, to ask for such things as we need and to experience what a blessing there is in fellowship with Him."
"The third reason I (kept) up my Holy Hour (was) to grow more and more into His likeness. As Paul puts it: 'We are transfigured into His likeness, from splendor to splendor.' We become what we gaze upon. Looking into the sunset the face takes on a golden glow. Looking at the Eucharistic Lord for an Hour transforms the Heart in a mysterious way.”
As we begin our Annual 40 Hours of Adoration this Sunday, I thought I’d go old school with Archbishop Fulton J. Sheen, who not only preached the importance of Eucharistic adoration, he practiced it every day. Here is an excerpt taken from his Autobiography, Treasures in Clay (Ignatius Press,1980) on the Holy Hour of Eucharistic Adoration. May his words be an inspiration for us as we prepare to give Jesus at least one hour during these 40 Hours of Adoration.
In Christ’s Peace,
Fr. O’Neill
"A Holy Hour is not a devotion; it is a sharing in the work of redemption.
"The only time our Lord asked the Apostles for anything was the night He went into agony. Not for activity did He plead but for an Hour of companionship."
"During a Holy Hour, we grow more and more into His likeness."
"A Holy Hour becomes a magister and teacher. Theological insights are gained not only from the covers of a treatise, but from two knees on a prie-dieu before the Blessed Sacrament."
"Neither theological knowledge nor social action alone is enough to keep us in love with Christ unless both are preceded by a personal encounter with Him."
"The Holy Hour becomes like an oxygen tank to revive the breath of the Holy Spirit in the midst of the foul and fetid atmosphere of the world."
"The most brilliant ideas come from meeting God face to face (at adoration). The Holy Spirit that presided at the Incarnation is the best atmosphere for illumination."
"The purpose of the Holy Hour is to encourage deep personal encounter with Christ. The holy and glorious God is constantly inviting us to come to Him, to hold converse with Him, to ask for such things as we need and to experience what a blessing there is in fellowship with Him."
"The third reason I (kept) up my Holy Hour (was) to grow more and more into His likeness. As Paul puts it: 'We are transfigured into His likeness, from splendor to splendor.' We become what we gaze upon. Looking into the sunset the face takes on a golden glow. Looking at the Eucharistic Lord for an Hour transforms the Heart in a mysterious way.”
11-2-25
Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,
Today, we celebrate the Commemoration of All the Faithful Departed. We remember in a special way all those who passed away this year whose funeral services were celebrated at our Parish by praying for them by name in the periods at all Masses. Of course, we also pray for all of our deceased loved ones, and those whose names you wanted remembered in the All Souls Offering envelopes and we will keep the envelopes with their names on the altar in the church in town during the entire month of November. We also pray for all who have lost a loved one this year and mourn their loss.
Our readings today, particularly the First Reading from 2 Maccabees and the Gospel focus on the resurrection of the dead, which is what we highlight in this special day. This concept of the resurrection was a relatively new one in Judaism even in our Lord's time. The Saducees, who mostly were of the high-priestly class and involved with the Temple worship and Jewish leadership in the 1st century AD, we are told did not believe in the resurrection. The development of this doctrine in Judaism certainly occurred in the wake of the Maccabean Revolt against the Seleucid Empire (157-160 BC). The Pharisee branch of Judaism believed in the resurrection of the dead and this was often a topic of dispute between the two Judaic sects.
For our reflection, we see how little by little this promise of the resurrection began to be revealed first through the Jewish faith, then brought to fulfillment in the promise of the Messiah and Redeemer, Jesus Christ. Jesus is the Resurrection and the Life.
Through Him, we are ever connected to our loved ones, who in the hope of eternal life, will see God face to face in glory. In Him, all of our deceased loved ones are alive, as He says to us today: God "is not the God of the dead, but of the living, for to him all are alive."
This is our hope for them and for ourselves in Christ our Risen Lord. We are consoled in this hope, promised to us in Baptism. The gift of eternal life in heaven is given to us and we strive in joyful hope to work towards the fulfillment of that gift with God’s help each day. Today, we pray for our beloved dead and we are encouraged that they are praying for us, too, as we continue our earthly journey.
May all the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace. Amen.
In Christ’s Peace,
Fr. O’Neill
Today, we celebrate the Commemoration of All the Faithful Departed. We remember in a special way all those who passed away this year whose funeral services were celebrated at our Parish by praying for them by name in the periods at all Masses. Of course, we also pray for all of our deceased loved ones, and those whose names you wanted remembered in the All Souls Offering envelopes and we will keep the envelopes with their names on the altar in the church in town during the entire month of November. We also pray for all who have lost a loved one this year and mourn their loss.
Our readings today, particularly the First Reading from 2 Maccabees and the Gospel focus on the resurrection of the dead, which is what we highlight in this special day. This concept of the resurrection was a relatively new one in Judaism even in our Lord's time. The Saducees, who mostly were of the high-priestly class and involved with the Temple worship and Jewish leadership in the 1st century AD, we are told did not believe in the resurrection. The development of this doctrine in Judaism certainly occurred in the wake of the Maccabean Revolt against the Seleucid Empire (157-160 BC). The Pharisee branch of Judaism believed in the resurrection of the dead and this was often a topic of dispute between the two Judaic sects.
For our reflection, we see how little by little this promise of the resurrection began to be revealed first through the Jewish faith, then brought to fulfillment in the promise of the Messiah and Redeemer, Jesus Christ. Jesus is the Resurrection and the Life.
Through Him, we are ever connected to our loved ones, who in the hope of eternal life, will see God face to face in glory. In Him, all of our deceased loved ones are alive, as He says to us today: God "is not the God of the dead, but of the living, for to him all are alive."
This is our hope for them and for ourselves in Christ our Risen Lord. We are consoled in this hope, promised to us in Baptism. The gift of eternal life in heaven is given to us and we strive in joyful hope to work towards the fulfillment of that gift with God’s help each day. Today, we pray for our beloved dead and we are encouraged that they are praying for us, too, as we continue our earthly journey.
May all the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace. Amen.
In Christ’s Peace,
Fr. O’Neill
10-12-25
Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,
The 10 lepers in today’s Gospel cry out to Jesus from a distance due to the social and religious boundaries imposed upon them from the community at large and from themselves. Due to the terrible disease of leprosy and because it was highly contagious, they were cut off from the community, from their families and friends, as well as from their participation in religious services and worship.
To ask Jesus, “Master, have pity on us!” In the Mediterranean world of Jesus’ time was to recognize and believe that Jesus was capable of healing them and fulfilling their desire to be restored to their families and community.
Jesus promptly responded to their wishes and directed them to show themselves to the priests. It was only after they had begun to set out to seek the priests that they realized they were healed. We are told only towards the end of the passage that one was a Samaritan.
He would have a double stigma, being both a leper and a Samaritan. The Jews and Samaritans hated each other and were sworn enemies. For this reason, this man would not be admitted to the Temple to show himself to the priest and because he was not part of the community.
Yet he alone returns and offers not only thanksgiving, but also deep homage and praise to Jesus. His encounter with Jesus was a powerful experience of God’s goodness and healing.
His is a model of the attitude of thanksgiving and praise to God for Jesus’ disciples both then and now. Like the Good Samaritan, he challenges the boundaries, social mores and attitudes of those who were following Jesus in His Time.
As modern-day disciples of our Lord, we may not live in a world that sees lepers or the horrid disease of leprosy, but like the twelve and the other followers with Jesus on the day of these healings, we are equally challenged to conversion by reflecting on whom we may have excluded from our midst.
Just as these lepers, and particularly the Samaritan, perhaps those we have made to keep a distance from us are the very ones God is placing before us to remind us of His boundless divine mercy and favor.
He can and does restore us to wholeness. As we reflect on how He has done this for us, we also recall and are challenged that He will do this for those that we may have “cut off,’ too. In our thanksgiving today in the Eucharist, may our hearts be filled with mercy and may God’s desire for their return to our faith community be made known to them in our welcome.
In Christ’s Peace,
Fr. O’Neill
10-5-25
Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,
“Increase our faith.” Jesus’ disciples ask, or more accurately, they demand (see Luke 17:5). Jesus replies that they would be able to command a mulberry tree to uproot itself and plant itself in the sea and it would obey, if only they had faith the size of a mustard seed (see Luke 17:6). In other words, the seed of faith planted in them by the Holy Spirit is sufficient, but it is incumbent upon us to care for and nurture that seed of faith. Their request is the “easy way” out, coming from an immature mindset and a lack of full understanding about their discipleship in Christ.
The desire to have our faith increased is a good one, but it takes hard work and cooperation with God’s grace on our part over time. “Increasing” our faith takes place in much the same way as a plant, a tree or a harvest of crops comes to full growth, and in much the same way that we grow physically, mentally, emotionally and (hopefully) spiritually during our lives.
That is what Jesus’ message to us is all about this weekend: a mature faith, a mature and committed discipleship, that works with God’s grace. Asking Him to snap His fingers and increase their faith (although our Lord could do that) was not the way He wants us to have our faith increased. It needs to happen organically, through the ups and downs of our lives.
Imagine a married couple wanting some automatic increase in their love for each other. Not that wanting to increase their love is a bad desire, it’s a great desire, but can only happen within their life, day in and day out, for better, for worse, for richer, for poorer, during the course of the challenges and joys of their life together and in their growing understanding of who each of them is.
Jesus wants us to grow in our faith through our day in and day out relationship with Him. Our faith relationship with God is 100% God and 100% us and requires our full participation. God gives us the gift and the offer to live our lives for Him but we have to be all in on accepting the gift and working at it with His help. People who are committed in their love and care for one another do things for each other and make sacrifices for each other without even really thinking about it. It’s part and parcel to their relationship to one another. The section at the end of the parable Jesus tells certainly doesn’t reflect exactly the same type of relationship, as He mentions them as servants. But the response of the servants is at the heart of our relationship with God: they’re only doing what they should be doing as faithful and committed servants of their Master.
We are not to entitled to God’s Kingdom, but are called to be committed and loyal disciples of Christ and children of the Father. A mature Christian faith reflects this attitude: “We are unprofitable servants; we have done what we were obliged to do.” (Luke 17:10) How are you and I nurturing the seed of faith within us to grow to maturity? May the good work that God has begun in us, with our participation, be brought to a fruitful completion. Amen!
In Christ’s Peace,
Fr. O’Neill
“Increase our faith.” Jesus’ disciples ask, or more accurately, they demand (see Luke 17:5). Jesus replies that they would be able to command a mulberry tree to uproot itself and plant itself in the sea and it would obey, if only they had faith the size of a mustard seed (see Luke 17:6). In other words, the seed of faith planted in them by the Holy Spirit is sufficient, but it is incumbent upon us to care for and nurture that seed of faith. Their request is the “easy way” out, coming from an immature mindset and a lack of full understanding about their discipleship in Christ.
The desire to have our faith increased is a good one, but it takes hard work and cooperation with God’s grace on our part over time. “Increasing” our faith takes place in much the same way as a plant, a tree or a harvest of crops comes to full growth, and in much the same way that we grow physically, mentally, emotionally and (hopefully) spiritually during our lives.
That is what Jesus’ message to us is all about this weekend: a mature faith, a mature and committed discipleship, that works with God’s grace. Asking Him to snap His fingers and increase their faith (although our Lord could do that) was not the way He wants us to have our faith increased. It needs to happen organically, through the ups and downs of our lives.
Imagine a married couple wanting some automatic increase in their love for each other. Not that wanting to increase their love is a bad desire, it’s a great desire, but can only happen within their life, day in and day out, for better, for worse, for richer, for poorer, during the course of the challenges and joys of their life together and in their growing understanding of who each of them is.
Jesus wants us to grow in our faith through our day in and day out relationship with Him. Our faith relationship with God is 100% God and 100% us and requires our full participation. God gives us the gift and the offer to live our lives for Him but we have to be all in on accepting the gift and working at it with His help. People who are committed in their love and care for one another do things for each other and make sacrifices for each other without even really thinking about it. It’s part and parcel to their relationship to one another. The section at the end of the parable Jesus tells certainly doesn’t reflect exactly the same type of relationship, as He mentions them as servants. But the response of the servants is at the heart of our relationship with God: they’re only doing what they should be doing as faithful and committed servants of their Master.
We are not to entitled to God’s Kingdom, but are called to be committed and loyal disciples of Christ and children of the Father. A mature Christian faith reflects this attitude: “We are unprofitable servants; we have done what we were obliged to do.” (Luke 17:10) How are you and I nurturing the seed of faith within us to grow to maturity? May the good work that God has begun in us, with our participation, be brought to a fruitful completion. Amen!
In Christ’s Peace,
Fr. O’Neill
9-21-25
Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,
September 7, 2025, at St. Peter’s Square, Vatican City, Rome, Pope Leo XIV celebrated the Mass of Canonization for two young men who were outstanding witness to their faith in Christ during their short lives: St. Carlo Acutis, whose life we reflected on last week and St. Pier Giorgio Frassati, whose life we will consider this weekend.
Born in Turin, Italy on Holy Saturday, April 6, 1901, Pier Giorgio Frassati was the son of the founder and irector of the Italian newspaper La Stampa, Alfredo Frassati and Adélaïde Ametis, a painter. He had one sibling, his sister Luciana Frassati Gawronska, who died in 1907 at the age of 105. His father, an atheist, also served on the Italian Senate and as an Ambassador to Germany. Some of his mother Adélaïde’s works were on display in Venice and some of her paintings were purchased by King Victor Emmanuel III.
Pier Giorgio showed from an early age his compassion and love for others when he took off his shoes to give to a young mother for her shoeless son begging at the door of his family’s home. When he was sobbing after his father refused to help a drunken man at the door, Pier Giorgio went to his mother for advice on what to do to help the man and she instructed him to find the man and bring him some food, which he did.
Pier Giorgio received his First Communion in 1911 and was confirmed in 1915. His love and deep devotion to the Eucharist would inform and strengthen him in his faith as he entered into adulthood.
Pier Giorgio joined the Marian Sodality and the Apostleship of Prayer, and obtained permission to receive daily Communion (which was rare at that time).
He developed a deep spiritual life which he never hesitated to share with his friends. The Holy Eucharist and devotion to the Blessed Virgin Mary were the two poles of his world of prayer. At the age of 17, he joined the St. Vincent de Paul Society and dedicated much of his spare time to serving the sick and the needy, caring for orphans, and assisting the demobilized servicemen returning from World War I.
Living in a time and place under the fascist government of Benito Mussolini, Pier Giorgio, an opponent of Mussolini and of fascism, sought to unite people who felt the oppression of the Mussolini regime.
He dedicated himself to works of social action that would unite people together in fellowship as a means of combating the dehumanizing, atheistic fascism of Mussolini. He was once arrested in Rome while protesting alongside the 1921 Young Catholic Workers Congress. He was involved with student groups as well as the Apostleship of Prayer and Catholic Action (joined in 1919) to which he dedicated himself.
Frassati also became a professed member of the Third Order of St. Dominic on May 28,1922 assuming the religious name of "Girolamo" in honor of Girolamo Savonarola. He often said: "Charity is not enough; we need social reform".
Pier Giorgio enjoyed the outdoors, and was an avid mountain climber, which he often did with his friends. On a photograph of what would be his last climb, Frassati wrote the phrase, “Verso L’Alto,” which means “to the heights.” This phrase has become a motto for Catholics inspired by Frassati to strive for the summit of eternal life with Christ.
On June 30, 1925, while boating with two friends on the Po River, Frassati began to complain of sharp pains in his back muscles. On July 1, he returned home with a severe headache and a fever. That same day, his maternal grandmother died. Showing sincere humility, he deflected attention from himself, preferring that his family mourn for his grandmother rather than worry about him in his illness. On July 2, a doctor was summoned and asked the prone Frassati to get up from lying down. Frassati replied: "I can't!"
He was diagnosed with polio. As Frassati's condition worsened, and it became apparent that he would soon die, Pier Giorgio gave his final instructions to his sister, Luciana. His condition declined by 3:00 am on 4 July, and a priest was summoned to give him the Last Rites. He was near death at 4:00 pm, with his mother holding him in her arms. His final words were: "May I breathe forth my soul in peace with you". Frassati died of polio on the evening of July 4, 1925 at the age of 24. His doctors later speculated that the young man had caught polio while serving the sick.
His parents had expected their circle of elite and political figures to attend the funeral, as well as many of his friends. Yet all were surprised to find the streets lined with thousands of mourners as the cortege passed. He was revered among the many people he had helped, especially the poor of Turin. He was buried in the Frassati plot at the Pollone Cemetery. His remains were later transferred to the Turin Cathedral in 1981. Upon later inspection, they were found to be incorruptible.
His cause for sainthood was opened in 1932, mainly through the petitioning of the Archbishop of Turin by the poor of that city, whom Pier Giorgio served.
His cause for sainthood was stalled for many years. During the 1940’s, some rumors regarding his reputation arose and were later dismissed as false, thanks to the help of his sister, Luciana, who personally met with church officials in Rome to clear her brother’s good name.
Pope St. Paul VI reopened Frassati’s cause officially in 1978, declaring him as Servant of God. The postulation of Pier Giorgio’s cause for sainthood continued under the pontificate of Pope St. John Paul II in the late 1980’s. As documents and further examination into the saint’s life confirmed his life of heroic virtue, he was called Venerable by Pope St. John Paul II in 1987.
A miracle was confirmed for Frassati’s beatification, after long investigation of a healing of a man from a grave case of tuberculosis. A priest visiting Domenic Sellan in 1933 to give him Last Rites, gave the sick man a relic and image of Pier Giorgio and encouraged him to pray for healing through Frassati’s intercession. Sellan was healed and lived three more decades in perfect health. After confirmation of this healing as a miracle in 1989, his beatification Mass was scheduled for May 20, 1990. Pope St. John Paul II, who beatified Frassati at that Mass in 1990, called him a “man of the Eight Beatitudes,” describing him as “entirely immersed in the mystery of God and totally dedicated to the constant service of his neighbor.”
The miracle that was confirmed for Pier Giorgio Frassati’s canonization was a healing of Juan Gutierrez, who was then a seminarian studying for the Archdiocese of Los Angeles at St. John’s Seminary in Camarillo, CA. In 2017, Gutierrez suffered a severe Achilles tendon tear while playing basketball with other seminarians. Knowing the long process of healing needed for this injury, he went to the chapel to pray a novena to Pier Giorgio Frassati. During his time of prayer in the seminary chapel, Gutierrez described a strange, hot sensation around the area of his injured foot. The heat was so intense, he explained, that he thought there might be a fire under the pews!
Ordained a priest of the Archdiocese of Los Angeles in June, 2023, Fr. Juan Gutierrez, 38, was healed both physically and spiritually. He was able to walk again after this experience without the aid of a brace. But spiritually, he experienced an intense renewal of faith. The healing was approved as the final miracle paving the way for Frassati’s official announcement for his canonization by Pope Francis on November 25, 2024. For Fr. Gutierrez, his healing is a reminder “that prayer works.”
“The saints can help us to pray for our needs and that there is somebody listening to our prayers,” he said. “God is always listening to our prayers.” In his homily for the canonization of Frassati and Carlo Acutis this past September 7th, our Holy Father, Pope Leo XIV said: “Pier Giorgio encountered the Lord through school and church groups, and he bore witness to Him with his joy of living and of being a Christian—in prayer, in friendship, and in charity.”
Both young saints, Pope Leo continued, “are an invitation to all of us, especially young people, not to squander our lives, but to direct them upwards and make them masterpieces.” St. Pier Giorgio Frassati’s Feast Day is July 4th. St. Carlo Acutis’ Feast Day is October 12th. As we rejoice with the Church with these two newest Saints, may we be reminded of that, as well. Through the intercession of SS. Pier Giorgio Frassati and Carlo Acutis, may we seek and strive for the “heights of heaven!”
In Christ’s Peace,
Fr. O’Neill
September 7, 2025, at St. Peter’s Square, Vatican City, Rome, Pope Leo XIV celebrated the Mass of Canonization for two young men who were outstanding witness to their faith in Christ during their short lives: St. Carlo Acutis, whose life we reflected on last week and St. Pier Giorgio Frassati, whose life we will consider this weekend.
Born in Turin, Italy on Holy Saturday, April 6, 1901, Pier Giorgio Frassati was the son of the founder and irector of the Italian newspaper La Stampa, Alfredo Frassati and Adélaïde Ametis, a painter. He had one sibling, his sister Luciana Frassati Gawronska, who died in 1907 at the age of 105. His father, an atheist, also served on the Italian Senate and as an Ambassador to Germany. Some of his mother Adélaïde’s works were on display in Venice and some of her paintings were purchased by King Victor Emmanuel III.
Pier Giorgio showed from an early age his compassion and love for others when he took off his shoes to give to a young mother for her shoeless son begging at the door of his family’s home. When he was sobbing after his father refused to help a drunken man at the door, Pier Giorgio went to his mother for advice on what to do to help the man and she instructed him to find the man and bring him some food, which he did.
Pier Giorgio received his First Communion in 1911 and was confirmed in 1915. His love and deep devotion to the Eucharist would inform and strengthen him in his faith as he entered into adulthood.
Pier Giorgio joined the Marian Sodality and the Apostleship of Prayer, and obtained permission to receive daily Communion (which was rare at that time).
He developed a deep spiritual life which he never hesitated to share with his friends. The Holy Eucharist and devotion to the Blessed Virgin Mary were the two poles of his world of prayer. At the age of 17, he joined the St. Vincent de Paul Society and dedicated much of his spare time to serving the sick and the needy, caring for orphans, and assisting the demobilized servicemen returning from World War I.
Living in a time and place under the fascist government of Benito Mussolini, Pier Giorgio, an opponent of Mussolini and of fascism, sought to unite people who felt the oppression of the Mussolini regime.
He dedicated himself to works of social action that would unite people together in fellowship as a means of combating the dehumanizing, atheistic fascism of Mussolini. He was once arrested in Rome while protesting alongside the 1921 Young Catholic Workers Congress. He was involved with student groups as well as the Apostleship of Prayer and Catholic Action (joined in 1919) to which he dedicated himself.
Frassati also became a professed member of the Third Order of St. Dominic on May 28,1922 assuming the religious name of "Girolamo" in honor of Girolamo Savonarola. He often said: "Charity is not enough; we need social reform".
Pier Giorgio enjoyed the outdoors, and was an avid mountain climber, which he often did with his friends. On a photograph of what would be his last climb, Frassati wrote the phrase, “Verso L’Alto,” which means “to the heights.” This phrase has become a motto for Catholics inspired by Frassati to strive for the summit of eternal life with Christ.
On June 30, 1925, while boating with two friends on the Po River, Frassati began to complain of sharp pains in his back muscles. On July 1, he returned home with a severe headache and a fever. That same day, his maternal grandmother died. Showing sincere humility, he deflected attention from himself, preferring that his family mourn for his grandmother rather than worry about him in his illness. On July 2, a doctor was summoned and asked the prone Frassati to get up from lying down. Frassati replied: "I can't!"
He was diagnosed with polio. As Frassati's condition worsened, and it became apparent that he would soon die, Pier Giorgio gave his final instructions to his sister, Luciana. His condition declined by 3:00 am on 4 July, and a priest was summoned to give him the Last Rites. He was near death at 4:00 pm, with his mother holding him in her arms. His final words were: "May I breathe forth my soul in peace with you". Frassati died of polio on the evening of July 4, 1925 at the age of 24. His doctors later speculated that the young man had caught polio while serving the sick.
His parents had expected their circle of elite and political figures to attend the funeral, as well as many of his friends. Yet all were surprised to find the streets lined with thousands of mourners as the cortege passed. He was revered among the many people he had helped, especially the poor of Turin. He was buried in the Frassati plot at the Pollone Cemetery. His remains were later transferred to the Turin Cathedral in 1981. Upon later inspection, they were found to be incorruptible.
His cause for sainthood was opened in 1932, mainly through the petitioning of the Archbishop of Turin by the poor of that city, whom Pier Giorgio served.
His cause for sainthood was stalled for many years. During the 1940’s, some rumors regarding his reputation arose and were later dismissed as false, thanks to the help of his sister, Luciana, who personally met with church officials in Rome to clear her brother’s good name.
Pope St. Paul VI reopened Frassati’s cause officially in 1978, declaring him as Servant of God. The postulation of Pier Giorgio’s cause for sainthood continued under the pontificate of Pope St. John Paul II in the late 1980’s. As documents and further examination into the saint’s life confirmed his life of heroic virtue, he was called Venerable by Pope St. John Paul II in 1987.
A miracle was confirmed for Frassati’s beatification, after long investigation of a healing of a man from a grave case of tuberculosis. A priest visiting Domenic Sellan in 1933 to give him Last Rites, gave the sick man a relic and image of Pier Giorgio and encouraged him to pray for healing through Frassati’s intercession. Sellan was healed and lived three more decades in perfect health. After confirmation of this healing as a miracle in 1989, his beatification Mass was scheduled for May 20, 1990. Pope St. John Paul II, who beatified Frassati at that Mass in 1990, called him a “man of the Eight Beatitudes,” describing him as “entirely immersed in the mystery of God and totally dedicated to the constant service of his neighbor.”
The miracle that was confirmed for Pier Giorgio Frassati’s canonization was a healing of Juan Gutierrez, who was then a seminarian studying for the Archdiocese of Los Angeles at St. John’s Seminary in Camarillo, CA. In 2017, Gutierrez suffered a severe Achilles tendon tear while playing basketball with other seminarians. Knowing the long process of healing needed for this injury, he went to the chapel to pray a novena to Pier Giorgio Frassati. During his time of prayer in the seminary chapel, Gutierrez described a strange, hot sensation around the area of his injured foot. The heat was so intense, he explained, that he thought there might be a fire under the pews!
Ordained a priest of the Archdiocese of Los Angeles in June, 2023, Fr. Juan Gutierrez, 38, was healed both physically and spiritually. He was able to walk again after this experience without the aid of a brace. But spiritually, he experienced an intense renewal of faith. The healing was approved as the final miracle paving the way for Frassati’s official announcement for his canonization by Pope Francis on November 25, 2024. For Fr. Gutierrez, his healing is a reminder “that prayer works.”
“The saints can help us to pray for our needs and that there is somebody listening to our prayers,” he said. “God is always listening to our prayers.” In his homily for the canonization of Frassati and Carlo Acutis this past September 7th, our Holy Father, Pope Leo XIV said: “Pier Giorgio encountered the Lord through school and church groups, and he bore witness to Him with his joy of living and of being a Christian—in prayer, in friendship, and in charity.”
Both young saints, Pope Leo continued, “are an invitation to all of us, especially young people, not to squander our lives, but to direct them upwards and make them masterpieces.” St. Pier Giorgio Frassati’s Feast Day is July 4th. St. Carlo Acutis’ Feast Day is October 12th. As we rejoice with the Church with these two newest Saints, may we be reminded of that, as well. Through the intercession of SS. Pier Giorgio Frassati and Carlo Acutis, may we seek and strive for the “heights of heaven!”
In Christ’s Peace,
Fr. O’Neill
9-14-25
Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,
Last Sunday, September 7, 2025, Pope Leo XIV canonized two young people at St. Peter’s Square as the Church’s newest Saints: St. Carlo Acutis and St. Pier Giorgio Frissati. This week and next week, we will highlight the lives of these two new Saints in Pastor’s Corner, beginning with Saint Carlo Acutis.
Carlo Acutis was born on May 3, 1991 in London, England. His father, Andrea Acutis and mother, Antonia Salzano, were living in London at the time for his father’s work. A few months later, the Acutis family moved to Milan, Italy. Carlo’s parents were natives of Italy.
It was evident from a very young age, Carlo had a special love for God, even though his parents weren’t especially devout. His mom, Antonia, said that before Carlo, she went to Mass only for her First Communion, her Confirmation, and her wedding. But as a young child, Carlo loved to pray the rosary.
After he made his First Communion, he went to Mass as often as possible at the parish across from his elementary school. Carlo’s love for the Eucharist also inspired in his mother a deep spiritual conversion and devotion to the Eucharist.
According to the postulator promoting Carlo’s cause for sainthood, he “managed to drag his relatives, his parents, to Mass every day. It was not the other way around; it was not his parents bringing the little boy to Mass, but it was he who managed to get himself to Mass and to convince others to receive Communion daily.”
Salzano spoke to “EWTN News Nightly” in October 2023 about her son’s devotion to the Blessed Sacrament. She said: “He used to say, ‘There are queues in front of a concert, in front of a football match, but I don’t see these queues in front of the Blessed Sacrament.’ So, for him, the Eucharist was the center of his life.”
Besides his family, Carlo was a very good friend. He was known for standing up for kids at school who got bullied, especially kids with disabilities. When a friend’s parents were getting a divorce, Carlo made a special effort to include his friend in the Acutis’ family life. With his friends, he spoke about the importance of going to Mass and confession, human dignity, and chastity.
Carlo was fascinated with computer coding and taught himself some of the basic coding languages, including C and C++. He used his computer skills and internet savvy to help his family put together an exhibition or catalogue of Eucharistic miracles that has gone on to be displayed at thousands of parishes on five continents. His spiritual director has attested that Carlo was personally convinced that the scientific evidence from Eucharistic miracles would help people to realize that Jesus is really present in the Eucharist and come back to Mass. Because of his tech-savvy knowledge and use of the internet to spread the faith and devotion to the Eucharist, Pope Leo called him “God’s influencer” in his homily at the Mass of his and Pier Giorgio Frissati's canonization on September 7, 2025.
Carlo also loved playing video games. His mother recalls that he liked Nintendo Game Boy and GameCube, as well as PlayStation and Xbox. He had conversations with his gaming buddies about the importance of going to Mass and confession, and limited his video game playing to no more than two hours per week. Carlo also liked Spider-Man and Pokémon.
Carlo’s witness of faith as a child led adults to convert and be baptized. Rajesh Mohur, who worked for the Acutis family as an exchange student au pair when Carlo was young, converted from Hinduism to Catholicism because of Carlo’s witness. Carlo taught Mohur how to pray the rosary and told him about the real presence of Christ in the Eucharist.
Mohur said that one of the things that most impressed him as a non-Christian was the witness of Carlo’s love and concern for the poor — how he interacted with the homeless man who would sit at the entrance of the church and would bring Tupperware dishes filled with food out to people living on the streets.
Carlo’s love for the faith was strong and he wasn’t afraid to defend Church teaching, even in situations when his classmates disagreed with him. Many of Carlo’s high school classmates remember Carlo giving a passionate defense for the protection of life from the moment of conception when there was a classroom discussion about abortion.
As a teenager, Carlo was diagnosed with leukemia. Despite this difficult news and eventually knowing his time on earth was limited, Carlo embraced this as an opportunity to embrace the Cross and unite himself to Christ’s sufferings. Before his death in 2006, Carlo offered his sufferings for Pope Benedict XVI and for the Church, saying: “I offer all of my suffering to the Lord for the Pope and for the Church in order not to go to purgatory but to go straight to heaven.”
On October 12, 2006, Carlo Acutis died at the age of 15 and was buried in Assisi. Initially, there were reports that Carlo’s body was found to be incorrupt, but the bishop of Assisi clarified before his beatification that his body was not incorrupt. His body lies in repose in a glass tomb in Assisi, where he can be seen in jeans and a pair of Nike sneakers.
Thousands came to pray at his tomb at the time of his beatification in October, 2020. The 1st miracle leading to his beatification involved the 2013 healing of a 3 year old Brazilian boy, who had been diagnosed with a malformed pancreas from his birth.
Pope Francis recognized a second miracle attributed to Carlo’s intercession in a decree on May 23, 2024. The miracle involved the healing of a 21-year-old girl from Costa Rica named Valeria Valverde, who was near death after seriously injuring her head in a bicycle accident while studying in Florence in 2022.
On September 7, 2025, Pope Leo XIV canonized both Saint Carlo Acutis and Saint Pier Giorgio Frassati in St. Peter's Square with an estimated 80,000 pilgrims present, including the niece of Pier Giorgio Frassati and the parents and twin siblings of Carlo Acutis.
These two saints are great intercessors for the Church and, in particular, for our youth. Next week, we will look at the life of St. Pier Giorgio Frissati. SS. Carlo Acutis and Pier Giorgio Frissati, pray for us!!!
n Christ’s Peace,
Fr. O’Neill
Last Sunday, September 7, 2025, Pope Leo XIV canonized two young people at St. Peter’s Square as the Church’s newest Saints: St. Carlo Acutis and St. Pier Giorgio Frissati. This week and next week, we will highlight the lives of these two new Saints in Pastor’s Corner, beginning with Saint Carlo Acutis.
Carlo Acutis was born on May 3, 1991 in London, England. His father, Andrea Acutis and mother, Antonia Salzano, were living in London at the time for his father’s work. A few months later, the Acutis family moved to Milan, Italy. Carlo’s parents were natives of Italy.
It was evident from a very young age, Carlo had a special love for God, even though his parents weren’t especially devout. His mom, Antonia, said that before Carlo, she went to Mass only for her First Communion, her Confirmation, and her wedding. But as a young child, Carlo loved to pray the rosary.
After he made his First Communion, he went to Mass as often as possible at the parish across from his elementary school. Carlo’s love for the Eucharist also inspired in his mother a deep spiritual conversion and devotion to the Eucharist.
According to the postulator promoting Carlo’s cause for sainthood, he “managed to drag his relatives, his parents, to Mass every day. It was not the other way around; it was not his parents bringing the little boy to Mass, but it was he who managed to get himself to Mass and to convince others to receive Communion daily.”
Salzano spoke to “EWTN News Nightly” in October 2023 about her son’s devotion to the Blessed Sacrament. She said: “He used to say, ‘There are queues in front of a concert, in front of a football match, but I don’t see these queues in front of the Blessed Sacrament.’ So, for him, the Eucharist was the center of his life.”
Besides his family, Carlo was a very good friend. He was known for standing up for kids at school who got bullied, especially kids with disabilities. When a friend’s parents were getting a divorce, Carlo made a special effort to include his friend in the Acutis’ family life. With his friends, he spoke about the importance of going to Mass and confession, human dignity, and chastity.
Carlo was fascinated with computer coding and taught himself some of the basic coding languages, including C and C++. He used his computer skills and internet savvy to help his family put together an exhibition or catalogue of Eucharistic miracles that has gone on to be displayed at thousands of parishes on five continents. His spiritual director has attested that Carlo was personally convinced that the scientific evidence from Eucharistic miracles would help people to realize that Jesus is really present in the Eucharist and come back to Mass. Because of his tech-savvy knowledge and use of the internet to spread the faith and devotion to the Eucharist, Pope Leo called him “God’s influencer” in his homily at the Mass of his and Pier Giorgio Frissati's canonization on September 7, 2025.
Carlo also loved playing video games. His mother recalls that he liked Nintendo Game Boy and GameCube, as well as PlayStation and Xbox. He had conversations with his gaming buddies about the importance of going to Mass and confession, and limited his video game playing to no more than two hours per week. Carlo also liked Spider-Man and Pokémon.
Carlo’s witness of faith as a child led adults to convert and be baptized. Rajesh Mohur, who worked for the Acutis family as an exchange student au pair when Carlo was young, converted from Hinduism to Catholicism because of Carlo’s witness. Carlo taught Mohur how to pray the rosary and told him about the real presence of Christ in the Eucharist.
Mohur said that one of the things that most impressed him as a non-Christian was the witness of Carlo’s love and concern for the poor — how he interacted with the homeless man who would sit at the entrance of the church and would bring Tupperware dishes filled with food out to people living on the streets.
Carlo’s love for the faith was strong and he wasn’t afraid to defend Church teaching, even in situations when his classmates disagreed with him. Many of Carlo’s high school classmates remember Carlo giving a passionate defense for the protection of life from the moment of conception when there was a classroom discussion about abortion.
As a teenager, Carlo was diagnosed with leukemia. Despite this difficult news and eventually knowing his time on earth was limited, Carlo embraced this as an opportunity to embrace the Cross and unite himself to Christ’s sufferings. Before his death in 2006, Carlo offered his sufferings for Pope Benedict XVI and for the Church, saying: “I offer all of my suffering to the Lord for the Pope and for the Church in order not to go to purgatory but to go straight to heaven.”
On October 12, 2006, Carlo Acutis died at the age of 15 and was buried in Assisi. Initially, there were reports that Carlo’s body was found to be incorrupt, but the bishop of Assisi clarified before his beatification that his body was not incorrupt. His body lies in repose in a glass tomb in Assisi, where he can be seen in jeans and a pair of Nike sneakers.
Thousands came to pray at his tomb at the time of his beatification in October, 2020. The 1st miracle leading to his beatification involved the 2013 healing of a 3 year old Brazilian boy, who had been diagnosed with a malformed pancreas from his birth.
Pope Francis recognized a second miracle attributed to Carlo’s intercession in a decree on May 23, 2024. The miracle involved the healing of a 21-year-old girl from Costa Rica named Valeria Valverde, who was near death after seriously injuring her head in a bicycle accident while studying in Florence in 2022.
On September 7, 2025, Pope Leo XIV canonized both Saint Carlo Acutis and Saint Pier Giorgio Frassati in St. Peter's Square with an estimated 80,000 pilgrims present, including the niece of Pier Giorgio Frassati and the parents and twin siblings of Carlo Acutis.
These two saints are great intercessors for the Church and, in particular, for our youth. Next week, we will look at the life of St. Pier Giorgio Frissati. SS. Carlo Acutis and Pier Giorgio Frissati, pray for us!!!
n Christ’s Peace,
Fr. O’Neill
8-17-25
Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,
Jesus asserts that He has come to set the world ablaze with fire, to cause division, not peace (cf., Lk. 12:49, 51). Our response might be, “Huh?” This doesn’t seem to jibe with our notion of the loving, compassionate Jesus.
When we really think about it and give this passage a careful rereading, though, Jesus’ compassion and love are not set aside in what He says, rather they undergird His words.
Jesus, like Jeremiah in the first reading, was very clear and decisive. Like the great prophet, He would be a dividing figure. It’s not that He wanted to be the cause of strife, division and unrest, but knowing our fallen human nature and that He would be rejected, Jesus prophesies this reality.
He knows that not everyone would accept Him and the message of the Gospel, and others would. And because of this, there would be tremendous conflicts and divisions over following Him or not.
This was as true 2,000 years ago as it is right now.
The fire Jesus speaks of is the Fire of the Holy Spirit. He makes reference to His “baptism,” a reference to the Cross. As Jesus literally makes His way to Jerusalem and the Cross, He desires greatly that His work of redemption would be completed so that those who followed Him, that we might be set on fire with faith. If you have an image of the Sacred Heart of Jesus in your home, notice the flame of fire that is blazing on top. Jesus is on fire for love of us!
In all of this, Jesus is exhorting us to be decisive in doing what is good, what is right and what is loving, not living and acting in fear. He knows that living our faith boldly will cause tensions within our own hearts, in our struggle to follow God’s will and not ours. He knows that this could cause conflicts within our families, our friendships and social circles, because if we choose Christ, others who have not will oppose us.
But, if we go along with their ways, then the conflict grows within ourselves, because we haven’t been true to what we know, or rather, to Whom we know, is true, and good and Who alone can free us from sin.
This does not mean that we should actively pick fights or debates with others, even family members.
We often have to adjust our tactics in our approach. Rather, we need to be true to ourselves and our faith. Jesus wants to set us on fire with faith. What obstacles do we need to clear, with the help of His grace, to allow Him to do that?
What fears or conflicts cause us to waver in getting the fire ablaze in our hearts? May the Holy Spirit put the gift of fortitude at work in us and enkindle in us the Fire of His Love!
In Christ’s Peace,
Fr. O’Neill
Jesus asserts that He has come to set the world ablaze with fire, to cause division, not peace (cf., Lk. 12:49, 51). Our response might be, “Huh?” This doesn’t seem to jibe with our notion of the loving, compassionate Jesus.
When we really think about it and give this passage a careful rereading, though, Jesus’ compassion and love are not set aside in what He says, rather they undergird His words.
Jesus, like Jeremiah in the first reading, was very clear and decisive. Like the great prophet, He would be a dividing figure. It’s not that He wanted to be the cause of strife, division and unrest, but knowing our fallen human nature and that He would be rejected, Jesus prophesies this reality.
He knows that not everyone would accept Him and the message of the Gospel, and others would. And because of this, there would be tremendous conflicts and divisions over following Him or not.
This was as true 2,000 years ago as it is right now.
The fire Jesus speaks of is the Fire of the Holy Spirit. He makes reference to His “baptism,” a reference to the Cross. As Jesus literally makes His way to Jerusalem and the Cross, He desires greatly that His work of redemption would be completed so that those who followed Him, that we might be set on fire with faith. If you have an image of the Sacred Heart of Jesus in your home, notice the flame of fire that is blazing on top. Jesus is on fire for love of us!
In all of this, Jesus is exhorting us to be decisive in doing what is good, what is right and what is loving, not living and acting in fear. He knows that living our faith boldly will cause tensions within our own hearts, in our struggle to follow God’s will and not ours. He knows that this could cause conflicts within our families, our friendships and social circles, because if we choose Christ, others who have not will oppose us.
But, if we go along with their ways, then the conflict grows within ourselves, because we haven’t been true to what we know, or rather, to Whom we know, is true, and good and Who alone can free us from sin.
This does not mean that we should actively pick fights or debates with others, even family members.
We often have to adjust our tactics in our approach. Rather, we need to be true to ourselves and our faith. Jesus wants to set us on fire with faith. What obstacles do we need to clear, with the help of His grace, to allow Him to do that?
What fears or conflicts cause us to waver in getting the fire ablaze in our hearts? May the Holy Spirit put the gift of fortitude at work in us and enkindle in us the Fire of His Love!
In Christ’s Peace,
Fr. O’Neill
8-10-25
Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,
Who would you rather trust: someone who says something believable and plausible, but with a history of lying and dishonesty, or someone who is very honest and trustworthy who says something so outlandish and incredible that we have a hard time believing it is even possible?
Before we answer that question for ourselves, we already know who Abraham would choose.
As the Letter to the Hebrews says in the Second Reading today, Abraham “thought that the one who made the promise [that is, God] was trustworthy.”
The incredible promises that God made were even put up for grabs as Abraham continued to act in faith. He left his homeland and all he knew to enter into a promised land that God would give to him and his progeny. His wife, Sarah, who was believed to have been sterile and beyond her time to give birth, was to conceive and give birth to a son, Isaac, according to the promise of the Lord.
And that promise, the culmination of all God’s promises and the beginning of Abraham’s lineage that was to form the nation of Israel, was placed in jeopardy when God asked Abraham to put it all on the line if he would continue to trust Him. God, in asking Abraham to offer Isaac up as a sacrifice, put his faith to the ultimate test.
Yet, Abraham again submitted to God’s will, which was credited as faith to Abraham. In testing Abraham, who believed God to be trustworthy, God was helping Abraham to become more trusting, but also more trustworthy as a faithful believer.
This is the point of the Gospel, as well, which, following up on last week’s Gospel, Jesus calls us not to put our trust in things, people, money and possessions, which in and of themselves can help us in our lives, but which are not everlasting and should never supersede our trust in God, who is everlasting.
As God called Abraham little by little to place his trust in Him, becoming both more trusting and a trustworthy believer and child of God, so too, does our Lord invite us, to little by little trust more in Him, and less in ourselves and what we have.
In so doing, we become, in faith, more trusting and more trustworthy disciples. So, how well do we trust in God? What’s our “default” when we are fearful, confused or uncertain? In our journey to “let go and let God,” may God use our struggles and victories to help us grow into more trusting and trustworthy disciples and to lead others to trust more in Him, as well.
In Christ’s Peace,
Fr. O’Neill
Who would you rather trust: someone who says something believable and plausible, but with a history of lying and dishonesty, or someone who is very honest and trustworthy who says something so outlandish and incredible that we have a hard time believing it is even possible?
Before we answer that question for ourselves, we already know who Abraham would choose.
As the Letter to the Hebrews says in the Second Reading today, Abraham “thought that the one who made the promise [that is, God] was trustworthy.”
The incredible promises that God made were even put up for grabs as Abraham continued to act in faith. He left his homeland and all he knew to enter into a promised land that God would give to him and his progeny. His wife, Sarah, who was believed to have been sterile and beyond her time to give birth, was to conceive and give birth to a son, Isaac, according to the promise of the Lord.
And that promise, the culmination of all God’s promises and the beginning of Abraham’s lineage that was to form the nation of Israel, was placed in jeopardy when God asked Abraham to put it all on the line if he would continue to trust Him. God, in asking Abraham to offer Isaac up as a sacrifice, put his faith to the ultimate test.
Yet, Abraham again submitted to God’s will, which was credited as faith to Abraham. In testing Abraham, who believed God to be trustworthy, God was helping Abraham to become more trusting, but also more trustworthy as a faithful believer.
This is the point of the Gospel, as well, which, following up on last week’s Gospel, Jesus calls us not to put our trust in things, people, money and possessions, which in and of themselves can help us in our lives, but which are not everlasting and should never supersede our trust in God, who is everlasting.
As God called Abraham little by little to place his trust in Him, becoming both more trusting and a trustworthy believer and child of God, so too, does our Lord invite us, to little by little trust more in Him, and less in ourselves and what we have.
In so doing, we become, in faith, more trusting and more trustworthy disciples. So, how well do we trust in God? What’s our “default” when we are fearful, confused or uncertain? In our journey to “let go and let God,” may God use our struggles and victories to help us grow into more trusting and trustworthy disciples and to lead others to trust more in Him, as well.
In Christ’s Peace,
Fr. O’Neill
7-20-25
Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,
Our first reading from Genesis shows Abraham giving food and rest to three visitors. One of them tells him that Sarah will have a son. Abraham’s welcome brings a blessing. The psalm reminds us that those who live with truth and fairness will stay close to God.
In the Gospel, Martha works while Mary listens. Jesus says Mary made the better choice. He is not upset with Martha, but He helps her see what matters most. And what is that, exactly? Both Abraham and Sarah made room for God by their hospitality and making space for God.
While Martha was concerned with providing all the food and preparations for Jesus, Mary made space to be present to Him and to allow Jesus space to offer His Presence to her and Martha.
On the 16th Sunday in Ordinary Time, we are reminded to make space for God. Serving is good, but we also need to stop and listen. God wants to be with us, not just through our work, but in our quiet moments too. Our time of prayer gives God space in our lives and in our hearts. We can only know how to serve by having that space with Him each day.
In Christ’s Peace,
Fr. O’Neill
Our first reading from Genesis shows Abraham giving food and rest to three visitors. One of them tells him that Sarah will have a son. Abraham’s welcome brings a blessing. The psalm reminds us that those who live with truth and fairness will stay close to God.
In the Gospel, Martha works while Mary listens. Jesus says Mary made the better choice. He is not upset with Martha, but He helps her see what matters most. And what is that, exactly? Both Abraham and Sarah made room for God by their hospitality and making space for God.
While Martha was concerned with providing all the food and preparations for Jesus, Mary made space to be present to Him and to allow Jesus space to offer His Presence to her and Martha.
On the 16th Sunday in Ordinary Time, we are reminded to make space for God. Serving is good, but we also need to stop and listen. God wants to be with us, not just through our work, but in our quiet moments too. Our time of prayer gives God space in our lives and in our hearts. We can only know how to serve by having that space with Him each day.
In Christ’s Peace,
Fr. O’Neill
7-13-25
Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,
(Adapted from GusLloyd.com) The Gospel reading today is from Luke 10 — the story of the Good Samaritan. For context, you must know that the Jews hated Samaritans. In their eyes, they were low-lifes, unfaithful people without any good traits whatsoever. Any decent Jew could never dream that there was a good bone in a Samaritan’s body. I'm sure their attitude was: “What? Good? A Samaritan??” Yet Jesus tells the story of one who does good, while other Jews refuse to show kindness and mercy.
This story no doubt stung the weeds and hearts of Jesus’ listeners. What if we were to insert ourselves into Jesus’ stories? For example, picture Jesus telling you a story about someone you think could not possibly have any good in them. Let me see if I can help. The one who showed mercy was a … [choose the one you dislike most]. Get the point? That person (or group of people) that you think is evil could easily be the Good Samaritan… while you or I turn and look the other way.
Faith requires change, and for many of us, lots of change. Let us ask the Father to help us to show mercy, and to recognize others who show mercy, even though our sometimes clouded vision prevents us from seeing the good in them.
In Christ’s Peace,
Fr. O’Neill
(Adapted from GusLloyd.com) The Gospel reading today is from Luke 10 — the story of the Good Samaritan. For context, you must know that the Jews hated Samaritans. In their eyes, they were low-lifes, unfaithful people without any good traits whatsoever. Any decent Jew could never dream that there was a good bone in a Samaritan’s body. I'm sure their attitude was: “What? Good? A Samaritan??” Yet Jesus tells the story of one who does good, while other Jews refuse to show kindness and mercy.
This story no doubt stung the weeds and hearts of Jesus’ listeners. What if we were to insert ourselves into Jesus’ stories? For example, picture Jesus telling you a story about someone you think could not possibly have any good in them. Let me see if I can help. The one who showed mercy was a … [choose the one you dislike most]. Get the point? That person (or group of people) that you think is evil could easily be the Good Samaritan… while you or I turn and look the other way.
Faith requires change, and for many of us, lots of change. Let us ask the Father to help us to show mercy, and to recognize others who show mercy, even though our sometimes clouded vision prevents us from seeing the good in them.
In Christ’s Peace,
Fr. O’Neill
6-29-25
Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,
Saints Peter and Paul’s Story
Peter (d. 64?)
Saint Mark ends the first half of his Gospel with a triumphant climax. He has recorded doubt, misunderstanding, and the opposition of many to Jesus. Now Peter makes his great confession of faith: “You are the Messiah” (Mark 8:29b). It was one of the many glorious moments in Peter’s life, beginning with the day he was called from his nets along the Sea of Galilee to become a fisher of men for Jesus. The New Testament clearly shows Peter as the leader of the apostles, chosen by Jesus to have a special relationship with him. With James and John he was privileged to witness the Transfiguration, the raising of a dead child to life, and the agony in Gethsemane. His mother-in-law was cured by Jesus.
He was sent with John to prepare for the last Passover before Jesus’ death. His name is first on every list of apostles.
And to Peter only did Jesus say, “Blessed are you, Simon son of Jonah. For flesh and blood has not revealed this to you, but my heavenly Father. And so I say to you, you are Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church, and the gates of the netherworld shall not prevail against it.
I will give you the keys to the kingdom of heaven. Whatever you bind on earth shall be bound in heaven; and whatever you loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven” (Matthew 16:17b-19).
But the Gospels prove their own trustworthiness by the unflattering details they include about Peter. He clearly had no public relations person. It is a great comfort for ordinary mortals to know that Peter also has his human weakness, even in the presence of Jesus.
He generously gave up all things, yet he can ask in childish self-regard, “What are we going to get for all this?” (see Matthew 19:27). He receives the full force of Christ’s anger when he objects to the idea of a suffering Messiah: “Get behind me, Satan! You are an obstacle to me. You are thinking not as God does, but as human beings do” (Matthew 16:23b).
Peter is willing to accept Jesus’ doctrine of forgiveness, but suggests a limit of seven times. He walks on the water in faith, but sinks in doubt. He refuses to let Jesus wash his feet, then wants his whole body cleansed. He swears at the Last Supper that he will never deny Jesus, and then swears to a servant maid that he has never known the man.
He loyally resists the first attempt to arrest Jesus by cutting off Malchus’ ear, but in the end he runs away with the others. In the depth of his sorrow, Jesus looks on him and forgives him, and he goes out and sheds bitter tears. The Risen Jesus told Peter to feed his lambs and his sheep (John 21:15-17).
Paul (d. 64?)
If the most well-known preacher today suddenly began preaching that the United States should adopt Marxism and not rely on the Constitution, the angry reaction would help us understand Paul’s life when he started preaching that Christ alone can save us. He had been the most pharisaic of Pharisees, the most legalistic of Mosaic lawyers. Now he suddenly appears to other Jews as a heretical welcomer of Gentiles, a traitor and apostate.
Paul’s central conviction was simple and absolute: Only God can save humanity. No human effort—even the most scrupulous observance of law—can create a human good which we can bring to God as reparation for sin and payment for grace. To be saved from itself, from sin, from the devil, and from death, humanity must open itself completely to the saving power of Jesus.
Paul never lost his love for his Jewish family, though he carried on a lifelong debate with them about the uselessness of the Law without Christ. He reminded the Gentiles that they were grafted on the parent stock of the Jews, who were still God’s chosen people, the children of the promise.
Reflection
We would probably go to confession to Peter sooner than to any of the other apostles. He is perhaps a more striking example of the simple fact of holiness. Jesus says to us as he said, in effect, to Peter: “It is not you who have chosen me, but I who have chosen you. Peter, it is not human wisdom that makes it possible for you to believe, but my Father’s revelation. I, not you, build my Church.” Paul’s experience of the risen Jesus on the road to Damascus was the driving force that made him one of the most zealous, dynamic, and courageous ambassadors of Christ the Church has ever had.
But persecution, humiliation, and weakness became his day-by-day carrying of the cross, material for further transformation. The dying Christ was in him; the living Christ was his life.
-cited from Franciscan Media
In Christ’s Peace,
Fr. O’Neill
Saints Peter and Paul’s Story
Peter (d. 64?)
Saint Mark ends the first half of his Gospel with a triumphant climax. He has recorded doubt, misunderstanding, and the opposition of many to Jesus. Now Peter makes his great confession of faith: “You are the Messiah” (Mark 8:29b). It was one of the many glorious moments in Peter’s life, beginning with the day he was called from his nets along the Sea of Galilee to become a fisher of men for Jesus. The New Testament clearly shows Peter as the leader of the apostles, chosen by Jesus to have a special relationship with him. With James and John he was privileged to witness the Transfiguration, the raising of a dead child to life, and the agony in Gethsemane. His mother-in-law was cured by Jesus.
He was sent with John to prepare for the last Passover before Jesus’ death. His name is first on every list of apostles.
And to Peter only did Jesus say, “Blessed are you, Simon son of Jonah. For flesh and blood has not revealed this to you, but my heavenly Father. And so I say to you, you are Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church, and the gates of the netherworld shall not prevail against it.
I will give you the keys to the kingdom of heaven. Whatever you bind on earth shall be bound in heaven; and whatever you loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven” (Matthew 16:17b-19).
But the Gospels prove their own trustworthiness by the unflattering details they include about Peter. He clearly had no public relations person. It is a great comfort for ordinary mortals to know that Peter also has his human weakness, even in the presence of Jesus.
He generously gave up all things, yet he can ask in childish self-regard, “What are we going to get for all this?” (see Matthew 19:27). He receives the full force of Christ’s anger when he objects to the idea of a suffering Messiah: “Get behind me, Satan! You are an obstacle to me. You are thinking not as God does, but as human beings do” (Matthew 16:23b).
Peter is willing to accept Jesus’ doctrine of forgiveness, but suggests a limit of seven times. He walks on the water in faith, but sinks in doubt. He refuses to let Jesus wash his feet, then wants his whole body cleansed. He swears at the Last Supper that he will never deny Jesus, and then swears to a servant maid that he has never known the man.
He loyally resists the first attempt to arrest Jesus by cutting off Malchus’ ear, but in the end he runs away with the others. In the depth of his sorrow, Jesus looks on him and forgives him, and he goes out and sheds bitter tears. The Risen Jesus told Peter to feed his lambs and his sheep (John 21:15-17).
Paul (d. 64?)
If the most well-known preacher today suddenly began preaching that the United States should adopt Marxism and not rely on the Constitution, the angry reaction would help us understand Paul’s life when he started preaching that Christ alone can save us. He had been the most pharisaic of Pharisees, the most legalistic of Mosaic lawyers. Now he suddenly appears to other Jews as a heretical welcomer of Gentiles, a traitor and apostate.
Paul’s central conviction was simple and absolute: Only God can save humanity. No human effort—even the most scrupulous observance of law—can create a human good which we can bring to God as reparation for sin and payment for grace. To be saved from itself, from sin, from the devil, and from death, humanity must open itself completely to the saving power of Jesus.
Paul never lost his love for his Jewish family, though he carried on a lifelong debate with them about the uselessness of the Law without Christ. He reminded the Gentiles that they were grafted on the parent stock of the Jews, who were still God’s chosen people, the children of the promise.
Reflection
We would probably go to confession to Peter sooner than to any of the other apostles. He is perhaps a more striking example of the simple fact of holiness. Jesus says to us as he said, in effect, to Peter: “It is not you who have chosen me, but I who have chosen you. Peter, it is not human wisdom that makes it possible for you to believe, but my Father’s revelation. I, not you, build my Church.” Paul’s experience of the risen Jesus on the road to Damascus was the driving force that made him one of the most zealous, dynamic, and courageous ambassadors of Christ the Church has ever had.
But persecution, humiliation, and weakness became his day-by-day carrying of the cross, material for further transformation. The dying Christ was in him; the living Christ was his life.
-cited from Franciscan Media
In Christ’s Peace,
Fr. O’Neill
6-22-25
Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,
Sharing meals with others, with family members at home, or a special get together with extended family and friends for some special occasion or just to catch up, are part of our lives. Even having lunch at work or out with coworkers is a common thing.
Today, we focus on the great Gift of the Eucharist, as we celebrate the Solemnity of the Body and Blood of Christ, or Corpus Christi Sunday. At the Eucharist, not only do we receive our Lord and celebrate a Meal together with people that we only know very well or are related to, but with our neighbors and even with some who we do not know, or at least do not know well.
The point is that we never celebrate and consume the Eucharist alone: no matter how large or small the size of the congregation, we are one of many in the Body of Christ, the Church.
During the celebration of the Sacred Liturgy of the Mass We receive the Body of Christ, as part of the Body of Christ. We receive the Body, Blood, Soul and Divinity of Our Lord, Jesus Christ but as St. Paul says in the second reading from 1st Corinthians, we not only participate in the Bread, the Body of Christ and the Cup, the Blood of Christ, but in so doing we are formed into “one loaf.”
As we are fed and nourished with the Body of Christ in the Eucharist, we, the Body of Christ, the Church, are called to gather more “grains” for the Loaf, to use an ancient image of the Church Fathers, as we participate in Jesus’ Mission each day to preach the Good News of the Gospel and invite others to walk with Christ in the Church. To quote what St. John Paul once wrote in his encyclical, Ecclesia de Eucharistia, (The Church from the Eucharist), “the Eucharist builds the Church.”(EE, 2).
God continues to provide for us as He did of old for the Israelites in the desert (see first reading, Deut. 8:2-3, 14b-16b) No more giving us Manna, He gives us the Bread from Heaven, His Son, Jesus. No more giving us water from the rock, we are quenched with the “rock” who is Christ (see 1 Cor. 10:4).
In Jesus, we have Food for the Journey, a journey to eternal life which is Jesus Himself, and is at once the origin and destiny of our life. May we rejoice together in the Lord as we journey, nourished and fortified by the Body, Blood, Soul and Divinity of Jesus, our Redeemer!
In Christ’s Peace,
Fr. O’Neill
Sharing meals with others, with family members at home, or a special get together with extended family and friends for some special occasion or just to catch up, are part of our lives. Even having lunch at work or out with coworkers is a common thing.
Today, we focus on the great Gift of the Eucharist, as we celebrate the Solemnity of the Body and Blood of Christ, or Corpus Christi Sunday. At the Eucharist, not only do we receive our Lord and celebrate a Meal together with people that we only know very well or are related to, but with our neighbors and even with some who we do not know, or at least do not know well.
The point is that we never celebrate and consume the Eucharist alone: no matter how large or small the size of the congregation, we are one of many in the Body of Christ, the Church.
During the celebration of the Sacred Liturgy of the Mass We receive the Body of Christ, as part of the Body of Christ. We receive the Body, Blood, Soul and Divinity of Our Lord, Jesus Christ but as St. Paul says in the second reading from 1st Corinthians, we not only participate in the Bread, the Body of Christ and the Cup, the Blood of Christ, but in so doing we are formed into “one loaf.”
As we are fed and nourished with the Body of Christ in the Eucharist, we, the Body of Christ, the Church, are called to gather more “grains” for the Loaf, to use an ancient image of the Church Fathers, as we participate in Jesus’ Mission each day to preach the Good News of the Gospel and invite others to walk with Christ in the Church. To quote what St. John Paul once wrote in his encyclical, Ecclesia de Eucharistia, (The Church from the Eucharist), “the Eucharist builds the Church.”(EE, 2).
God continues to provide for us as He did of old for the Israelites in the desert (see first reading, Deut. 8:2-3, 14b-16b) No more giving us Manna, He gives us the Bread from Heaven, His Son, Jesus. No more giving us water from the rock, we are quenched with the “rock” who is Christ (see 1 Cor. 10:4).
In Jesus, we have Food for the Journey, a journey to eternal life which is Jesus Himself, and is at once the origin and destiny of our life. May we rejoice together in the Lord as we journey, nourished and fortified by the Body, Blood, Soul and Divinity of Jesus, our Redeemer!
In Christ’s Peace,
Fr. O’Neill
6-15-25
Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,
One of the greatest challenges for members of the early Church during the first century was understanding who Jesus Christ was and redefining their understanding of God. Let’s face it, the Jewish converts believed in the One, True God, Yahweh, and had come to believe that Jesus was and is the Son of God become man.
Gentiles had believed in multiple deities. Of course, the Holy Spirit, the Paraclete, came upon them. Jesus revealed God as a Trinity, a community of three Persons in One God. Now, Jesus never used the word “Trinity,” but the Spirit, as Jesus promised, guided the Church “into all truth.” So, both Jewish and gentile converts to Christianity came to believe in the core truth that God Himself is a Community or a “Family” of three Divine Persons.
Speaking of “family,” another big challenge facing the early Church community was how to see and understand one another. Even the Apostles had to work out the Jewish convert vs. gentile convert debate. After much discussion, including St. Paul calling St. Peter, the first Pope, to task, it was decided that pagan converts to Christianity did not have to first become Jewish and go through Jewish rituals (like circumcision) to become a Christian. These were the early growing pains of the Church, the “Family of God.”
As we celebrate this Sunday in Honor of the Most Holy Trinity, the Family of the Church finds its model in the Trinity. Today, Jesus promises that “the Spirit of truth . . . will guide you to all truth” (John 16:13).
Part and parcel to this is the mercy of God. Mercy reveals the mystery of the Most Holy Trinity, showing us that God is a life-giving, love-sharing personal community and this Triune God fills our hearts with assurance that despite our sinfulness, we are loved—personally—forever.
How can we, as individual Christians, as families and as Parish Family, reflecting the “family" of the Holy Trinity, seek to bring that life-giving presence and mercy of our loving God to others in so many ways?
In Christ’s Peace,
Fr. O’Neill
One of the greatest challenges for members of the early Church during the first century was understanding who Jesus Christ was and redefining their understanding of God. Let’s face it, the Jewish converts believed in the One, True God, Yahweh, and had come to believe that Jesus was and is the Son of God become man.
Gentiles had believed in multiple deities. Of course, the Holy Spirit, the Paraclete, came upon them. Jesus revealed God as a Trinity, a community of three Persons in One God. Now, Jesus never used the word “Trinity,” but the Spirit, as Jesus promised, guided the Church “into all truth.” So, both Jewish and gentile converts to Christianity came to believe in the core truth that God Himself is a Community or a “Family” of three Divine Persons.
Speaking of “family,” another big challenge facing the early Church community was how to see and understand one another. Even the Apostles had to work out the Jewish convert vs. gentile convert debate. After much discussion, including St. Paul calling St. Peter, the first Pope, to task, it was decided that pagan converts to Christianity did not have to first become Jewish and go through Jewish rituals (like circumcision) to become a Christian. These were the early growing pains of the Church, the “Family of God.”
As we celebrate this Sunday in Honor of the Most Holy Trinity, the Family of the Church finds its model in the Trinity. Today, Jesus promises that “the Spirit of truth . . . will guide you to all truth” (John 16:13).
Part and parcel to this is the mercy of God. Mercy reveals the mystery of the Most Holy Trinity, showing us that God is a life-giving, love-sharing personal community and this Triune God fills our hearts with assurance that despite our sinfulness, we are loved—personally—forever.
How can we, as individual Christians, as families and as Parish Family, reflecting the “family" of the Holy Trinity, seek to bring that life-giving presence and mercy of our loving God to others in so many ways?
In Christ’s Peace,
Fr. O’Neill
6-8-25
Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,
On this great Feast of Pentecost, we rejoice in the power of the Holy Spirit, who has been poured out into our hearts. For our reflection, here is a beautiful writing from one of the great Fathers of the Church, St. Irenaeus, on the sending of the Holy Spirit.
In Christ’s Peace,
Fr. O’Neill
The sending of the Holy Spirit
When the Lord told his disciples to go and teach all nations and baptize them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, he conferred on them the power of giving men new life in God.
He had promised through the prophets that in these last days he would pour out his Spirit on his servants and handmaids, and that they would prophesy. So when the Son of God became the Son of Man, the Spirit also descended upon him, becoming accustomed in this way to dwelling with the human race, to living in men and to inhabiting God’s creation. The Spirit accomplished the Father’s will in men who had grown old in sin, and gave them new life in Christ.
Luke says that the Spirit came down on the disciples at Pentecost, after the Lord’s ascension, with power to open the gates of life to all nations and to make known to them the new covenant. So it was that men of every language joined in singing one song of praise to God, and scattered tribes, restored to unity by the Spirit, were offered to the Father as the first-fruits of all the nations.
This was why the Lord had promised to send the Advocate: he was to prepare us as an offering to God. Like dry flour, which cannot become one lump of dough, one loaf of bread, without moisture, we who are many could not become one in Christ Jesus without the water that comes down from heaven. And like parched ground, which yields no harvest unless it receives moisture, we who were once like a waterless tree could never have lived and borne fruit without this abundant rainfall from above.
Through the baptism that liberates us from change and decay we have become one in body; through the Spirit we have become one in soul.
The Spirit of wisdom and understanding, the Spirit of counsel and strength, the Spirit of knowledge and the fear of God came down upon the Lord, and the Lord in turn gave this Spirit to his Church, sending the Advocate from heaven into all the world into which, according to his own words, the devil too had been cast down like lightning.
If we are not to be scorched and made unfruitful, we need the dew of God. Since we have our accuser, we need an advocate as well. And so the Lord in his pity for man, who had fallen into the hands of brigands, having himself bound up his wounds and left for his care two coins bearing the royal image, entrusted him to the Holy Spirit. Now, through the Spirit, the image and inscription of the Father and the Son have been given to us, and it is our duty to use the coin committed to our charge and make it yield a rich profit for the Lord.
From the treatise “Against Heresies” by Saint Irenaeus, bishop (Lib. 3, 17. 1-3: SC 34, 302-306)
On this great Feast of Pentecost, we rejoice in the power of the Holy Spirit, who has been poured out into our hearts. For our reflection, here is a beautiful writing from one of the great Fathers of the Church, St. Irenaeus, on the sending of the Holy Spirit.
In Christ’s Peace,
Fr. O’Neill
The sending of the Holy Spirit
When the Lord told his disciples to go and teach all nations and baptize them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, he conferred on them the power of giving men new life in God.
He had promised through the prophets that in these last days he would pour out his Spirit on his servants and handmaids, and that they would prophesy. So when the Son of God became the Son of Man, the Spirit also descended upon him, becoming accustomed in this way to dwelling with the human race, to living in men and to inhabiting God’s creation. The Spirit accomplished the Father’s will in men who had grown old in sin, and gave them new life in Christ.
Luke says that the Spirit came down on the disciples at Pentecost, after the Lord’s ascension, with power to open the gates of life to all nations and to make known to them the new covenant. So it was that men of every language joined in singing one song of praise to God, and scattered tribes, restored to unity by the Spirit, were offered to the Father as the first-fruits of all the nations.
This was why the Lord had promised to send the Advocate: he was to prepare us as an offering to God. Like dry flour, which cannot become one lump of dough, one loaf of bread, without moisture, we who are many could not become one in Christ Jesus without the water that comes down from heaven. And like parched ground, which yields no harvest unless it receives moisture, we who were once like a waterless tree could never have lived and borne fruit without this abundant rainfall from above.
Through the baptism that liberates us from change and decay we have become one in body; through the Spirit we have become one in soul.
The Spirit of wisdom and understanding, the Spirit of counsel and strength, the Spirit of knowledge and the fear of God came down upon the Lord, and the Lord in turn gave this Spirit to his Church, sending the Advocate from heaven into all the world into which, according to his own words, the devil too had been cast down like lightning.
If we are not to be scorched and made unfruitful, we need the dew of God. Since we have our accuser, we need an advocate as well. And so the Lord in his pity for man, who had fallen into the hands of brigands, having himself bound up his wounds and left for his care two coins bearing the royal image, entrusted him to the Holy Spirit. Now, through the Spirit, the image and inscription of the Father and the Son have been given to us, and it is our duty to use the coin committed to our charge and make it yield a rich profit for the Lord.
From the treatise “Against Heresies” by Saint Irenaeus, bishop (Lib. 3, 17. 1-3: SC 34, 302-306)
6-1-25
Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,
On this 7th Sunday of Easter, Jesus prays for us, for all His disciples, both then and future believers, asking the Father that we may be brought to perfection as one. This reminds us that our faith relationship, like any relationship, needs to be worked at. Through the grace of the Holy Spirit, the Paraclete, whom He has and whom we have received, we work together to stay in union with our loving God.
Guided by the Holy Spirit, we will be transformed. In faith, let us turn to Stephen, the first martyr, whose witness and martyrdom are recounted in the 1st reading, and the saints for their intercession that we might have courage as we struggle to turn our lives over to God each day.
In Christ’s Peace,
Fr. O’Neill
On this 7th Sunday of Easter, Jesus prays for us, for all His disciples, both then and future believers, asking the Father that we may be brought to perfection as one. This reminds us that our faith relationship, like any relationship, needs to be worked at. Through the grace of the Holy Spirit, the Paraclete, whom He has and whom we have received, we work together to stay in union with our loving God.
Guided by the Holy Spirit, we will be transformed. In faith, let us turn to Stephen, the first martyr, whose witness and martyrdom are recounted in the 1st reading, and the saints for their intercession that we might have courage as we struggle to turn our lives over to God each day.
In Christ’s Peace,
Fr. O’Neill
5-25-25
Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,
We’ve seen Jesus on several occasions offer encouragement to His disciples and to others. In the case of His followers, it was to allay their fears for what lay ahead. We recall, for example, when He was transfigured on Mt. Horeb. A big part of that event was to offer encouragement to the disciples, so that they would remember after He died and remind them of His divinity.
Our Gospel for this 6th Sunday of Easter offers yet another example of Jesus offering that encouragement to them during the Last Supper. Knowing His disciples will need that encouragement for the events that lie ahead, Jesus grants them the gift of peace and the promise of the Spirit.
He assures them that His desire to allay their fears and the promise of the Advocate, The Holy Spirit, is also to increase their faith. Our Lord wants us to know His peace and the presence of the Holy Spirit, too. He wants to encourage us, too and help us to be prepared in faith for whatever lies ahead. He’s given us these gifts. May we use those same gifts that Jesus gives to us as we strive to live the Gospel life and be faithful to Christ.
In Christ’s Peace,
Fr. O’Neill
We’ve seen Jesus on several occasions offer encouragement to His disciples and to others. In the case of His followers, it was to allay their fears for what lay ahead. We recall, for example, when He was transfigured on Mt. Horeb. A big part of that event was to offer encouragement to the disciples, so that they would remember after He died and remind them of His divinity.
Our Gospel for this 6th Sunday of Easter offers yet another example of Jesus offering that encouragement to them during the Last Supper. Knowing His disciples will need that encouragement for the events that lie ahead, Jesus grants them the gift of peace and the promise of the Spirit.
He assures them that His desire to allay their fears and the promise of the Advocate, The Holy Spirit, is also to increase their faith. Our Lord wants us to know His peace and the presence of the Holy Spirit, too. He wants to encourage us, too and help us to be prepared in faith for whatever lies ahead. He’s given us these gifts. May we use those same gifts that Jesus gives to us as we strive to live the Gospel life and be faithful to Christ.
In Christ’s Peace,
Fr. O’Neill
5-18-25
Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,
If someone recognizes you either they know you, or possibly, they may mistake you for a sibling or relative that you resemble. How are we recognized as Christians? By how much we resemble Jesus. Jesus tells His Apostles that all will recognize them by their love for one another.
Love was and is the signature feature of Jesus’ life and ministry. His command to love one another not only draws us into the love of the Father, but that God would draw the world to Himself.
Paul and Barnabas are striving to do this very thing in the first reading from Acts. They are proclaiming the Gospel out of love for God and His people, so that the reign of His love may spread throughout the world.
May we follow this command to love one another as Christ has loved us each day.
In Christ’s Peace,
Fr. O’Neill
If someone recognizes you either they know you, or possibly, they may mistake you for a sibling or relative that you resemble. How are we recognized as Christians? By how much we resemble Jesus. Jesus tells His Apostles that all will recognize them by their love for one another.
Love was and is the signature feature of Jesus’ life and ministry. His command to love one another not only draws us into the love of the Father, but that God would draw the world to Himself.
Paul and Barnabas are striving to do this very thing in the first reading from Acts. They are proclaiming the Gospel out of love for God and His people, so that the reign of His love may spread throughout the world.
May we follow this command to love one another as Christ has loved us each day.
In Christ’s Peace,
Fr. O’Neill
5-11-25
Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,
Today we wish all mothers a Happy Mothers’ Day. With Mary our Mother, we pray for all our moms, living and deceased:
All-loving God, we give you thanks and praise for mothers young and old. We pray for young mothers, who give life and count toes and tend to our every need; May they be blessed with patience and tenderness to care for their families and themselves with great joy. We pray for our own mothers who have nurtured and cared for us; May they continue to guide us in strong and gentle ways.
We remember mothers who are separated from their children because of war, poverty, or conflict; May they feel the loving embrace of our God who wipes every tear away. We pray for women who are not mothers but still love and shape us with motherly care and compassion. We remember mothers, grandmothers, and great grandmothers who are no longer with us but who live forever in our memory and nourish us with their love.
Amen. Happy Mothers’ Day!
In Christ’s Peace,
Fr. O’Neill
Today we wish all mothers a Happy Mothers’ Day. With Mary our Mother, we pray for all our moms, living and deceased:
All-loving God, we give you thanks and praise for mothers young and old. We pray for young mothers, who give life and count toes and tend to our every need; May they be blessed with patience and tenderness to care for their families and themselves with great joy. We pray for our own mothers who have nurtured and cared for us; May they continue to guide us in strong and gentle ways.
We remember mothers who are separated from their children because of war, poverty, or conflict; May they feel the loving embrace of our God who wipes every tear away. We pray for women who are not mothers but still love and shape us with motherly care and compassion. We remember mothers, grandmothers, and great grandmothers who are no longer with us but who live forever in our memory and nourish us with their love.
Amen. Happy Mothers’ Day!
In Christ’s Peace,
Fr. O’Neill
5-4-25
Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,
Who doesn’t like a great fishing story? Usually, fishermen are very creative in telling their “fish tales” and over time, somehow, fish grow in size and the drama of catching them increases, too!!
In our Gospel, Peter and the other 10 go fishing, going back to what they knew best. They didn’t have a great time of it at first, until a “stranger” on the shore suggests they cast to the other side of the boat. They did, they had the catch of a lifetime! 153 total. John was the first to recognize that the stranger on the shore was the Lord Himself.
The miraculous catch symbolizes what Jesus said to them long ago: He would make them fishers of men. The huge amount of fish symbolizes that their message of the Risen Christ would “catch” men and women from all over the world and bring them into the Bark (boat) of the Church.
As we continue to celebrate this glorious season of Easter on this Third Sunday of Easter, our readings show us how the Resurrection was preached and made manifest to the early Church and how this gradual “catch” came about.
They also indicate how Jesus’ first followers were strengthened in their faith, becoming enthusiastic and faithful witnesses to the risen Lord. The same Risen Lord strengthens our faith as well. May His Presence make us enthusiastic witnesses to Christ as those first followers were.
In Christ’s Peace,
Fr. O’Neill
Who doesn’t like a great fishing story? Usually, fishermen are very creative in telling their “fish tales” and over time, somehow, fish grow in size and the drama of catching them increases, too!!
In our Gospel, Peter and the other 10 go fishing, going back to what they knew best. They didn’t have a great time of it at first, until a “stranger” on the shore suggests they cast to the other side of the boat. They did, they had the catch of a lifetime! 153 total. John was the first to recognize that the stranger on the shore was the Lord Himself.
The miraculous catch symbolizes what Jesus said to them long ago: He would make them fishers of men. The huge amount of fish symbolizes that their message of the Risen Christ would “catch” men and women from all over the world and bring them into the Bark (boat) of the Church.
As we continue to celebrate this glorious season of Easter on this Third Sunday of Easter, our readings show us how the Resurrection was preached and made manifest to the early Church and how this gradual “catch” came about.
They also indicate how Jesus’ first followers were strengthened in their faith, becoming enthusiastic and faithful witnesses to the risen Lord. The same Risen Lord strengthens our faith as well. May His Presence make us enthusiastic witnesses to Christ as those first followers were.
In Christ’s Peace,
Fr. O’Neill
4-20-25
EASTER SUNDAY OF THE RESURRECTION OF THE LORD
Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,
The Lord is Risen, Alleluia! He has Risen indeed, Alleluia! I wish you and your families sincere and joyful Easter blessings! On this Day that the Lord has made, let us truly rejoice and be glad, for the tomb is empty and Jesus Christ, Our Lord is truly Risen. We who are baptized into his death have been raised with Him and are called to proclaim the Good News that everyone who believes in Him will receive forgiveness of sins through His Name. Christ, our Paschal Lamb has been sacrificed. Let us feast with joy in the Lord and find in the Banquet of the Eucharist in His Word and Sacrament the strength to bear faithful witness to His Resurrection!
In Christ’s Peace,
Fr. O’Neill
The Lord is Risen, Alleluia! He has Risen indeed, Alleluia! I wish you and your families sincere and joyful Easter blessings! On this Day that the Lord has made, let us truly rejoice and be glad, for the tomb is empty and Jesus Christ, Our Lord is truly Risen. We who are baptized into his death have been raised with Him and are called to proclaim the Good News that everyone who believes in Him will receive forgiveness of sins through His Name. Christ, our Paschal Lamb has been sacrificed. Let us feast with joy in the Lord and find in the Banquet of the Eucharist in His Word and Sacrament the strength to bear faithful witness to His Resurrection!
In Christ’s Peace,
Fr. O’Neill
4-13-25
Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,
The joyful singing and shouting of the disciples as they accompany Jesus into His triumphant entrance into Jerusalem is palpable.
“Blessed is the King who comes in the name of the Lord,” (Lk. 19:40) is their refrain, as palm branches and cloaks are laid down on the road before Jesus. However, in a few short days, the same disciples will be silent and absent as Jesus is led away to His throne on Golgotha, the Cross on which He was crucified under the inscription, “This is the King of the Jews.” (Lk. 23:38)
Desolate and defeated, the disciples are in hiding until the Holy Spirit comes at Pentecost. As we begin this Holiest of Weeks, how filled with hope, then, can we be that even in times of trial, difficulty, and confusion, or because we are suffering from defeats in life, that the Holy Spirit, the Paraclete, given to us by Jesus, will give us words and courage to proclaim in full voice, “Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.” (Phil. 2:11)
In Christ’s Peace,
Fr. O’Neill
The joyful singing and shouting of the disciples as they accompany Jesus into His triumphant entrance into Jerusalem is palpable.
“Blessed is the King who comes in the name of the Lord,” (Lk. 19:40) is their refrain, as palm branches and cloaks are laid down on the road before Jesus. However, in a few short days, the same disciples will be silent and absent as Jesus is led away to His throne on Golgotha, the Cross on which He was crucified under the inscription, “This is the King of the Jews.” (Lk. 23:38)
Desolate and defeated, the disciples are in hiding until the Holy Spirit comes at Pentecost. As we begin this Holiest of Weeks, how filled with hope, then, can we be that even in times of trial, difficulty, and confusion, or because we are suffering from defeats in life, that the Holy Spirit, the Paraclete, given to us by Jesus, will give us words and courage to proclaim in full voice, “Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.” (Phil. 2:11)
In Christ’s Peace,
Fr. O’Neill
4-6-25
Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,
Today, on this 5th Sunday of Lent, our Gospel passage takes a detour from the Gospel of Luke as we hear from John’s Gospel this weekend. A woman we are told, has been “caught in the very act of adultery” (Jn. 8:4) She does not, nor can she deny the charge, but neither does she protest her innocence. She does not express repentance, either. But, our Lord does not demand that of her.
We might view Jesus’ attitude as “striking.” He is strikingly silent as he writes or doodles on the ground. Take note that when Jesus finally does speak, he does not condemn scornfully, but instead, offers words of love and mercy.
Any accusation that the crowds or any of us for that matter, could have uttered would have been silenced by Jesus’ statement: “Let the one among you who is without sin be the first to throw a stone at her” (Jn. 8:7).
Commenting on this passage, St. Augustine observed of the encounter between Jesus and the woman caught in adultery that “Misery and Mercy are face to face.” In Jesus’ merciful face, especially when we are in misery, we see God face to face. The unfailing patience, understanding and willingness of God to wait for us to return to Him are unmeasurable.
We recall this same patience and understanding from last week’s Gospel from Luke’s Prodigal Son Parable: the Father was patient with both his sons. God never tires of forgiving us, no matter when and how often we return and seek out His forgiveness. A question for us to ponder: Jesus offered unconditional and gracious pardon to this woman caught in adultery.
He offers it to us, too. To whom do I need to offer this unconditional and gracious patience and pardon?
In Christ’s Peace,
Fr. O’Neill
Today, on this 5th Sunday of Lent, our Gospel passage takes a detour from the Gospel of Luke as we hear from John’s Gospel this weekend. A woman we are told, has been “caught in the very act of adultery” (Jn. 8:4) She does not, nor can she deny the charge, but neither does she protest her innocence. She does not express repentance, either. But, our Lord does not demand that of her.
We might view Jesus’ attitude as “striking.” He is strikingly silent as he writes or doodles on the ground. Take note that when Jesus finally does speak, he does not condemn scornfully, but instead, offers words of love and mercy.
Any accusation that the crowds or any of us for that matter, could have uttered would have been silenced by Jesus’ statement: “Let the one among you who is without sin be the first to throw a stone at her” (Jn. 8:7).
Commenting on this passage, St. Augustine observed of the encounter between Jesus and the woman caught in adultery that “Misery and Mercy are face to face.” In Jesus’ merciful face, especially when we are in misery, we see God face to face. The unfailing patience, understanding and willingness of God to wait for us to return to Him are unmeasurable.
We recall this same patience and understanding from last week’s Gospel from Luke’s Prodigal Son Parable: the Father was patient with both his sons. God never tires of forgiving us, no matter when and how often we return and seek out His forgiveness. A question for us to ponder: Jesus offered unconditional and gracious pardon to this woman caught in adultery.
He offers it to us, too. To whom do I need to offer this unconditional and gracious patience and pardon?
In Christ’s Peace,
Fr. O’Neill
3-30-25
Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,
The description of the Passover Celebration in the First Reading from Joshua, with the use of the produce of the Promised Land, is Israel’s “homecoming celebration.” (see Joshua 5:9a, 10-12.) The father in the Parable of the Prodigal Son orders the fatted calf to be killed and a feast prepared, celebrating the “homecoming” of and reconciliation with his lost son, who has now been found.
We can only conclude that since the son had gathered all his belongings at his departure (see Lk. 15:13), the finest robe that was fetched for him belonged to his loving father. The father had broken all taboos by running out to his errant son and embracing him publicly, dismissing any customs of shame and disowning his son in favor of generous compassion.
The ring given to the son was equivalent to a PIN number or family access code. The symbol on the ring was the official seal for all family business. Despite the son’s dissolute life, the father shows him unconditional trust. In addition, the order to bring him sandals elevates his status to beloved son, thereby demonstrating the father’s reconciling forgiveness.
The killing of the fatted calf and the feast was an invitation to the entire household and village to participate in a feast of reconciliation and forgiveness, the homecoming of the son who had been lost. Every time we celebrate the Sacrament of Reconciliation, we are “welcomed home” by the Father.
While we can relate to the prodigal son and his waywardness, what we might miss in this parable is the sin that the father wants to bring in, the son who while physically close, is far away from his father and brother. We need to beware of being the elder son, who refuses to enter, standing outside, incapable of rejoicing and seething with rancor that his unworthy brother now shares in the family’s banquet and life once again. He wanted nothing to do with his brother’s homecoming. His action forces the father to leave the feast in order to plead with and convince him to welcome his brother home.
The son’s reply to his father is one of disowning his brother. He hurts his father by describing what the father must have thought of as loving, family collaboration of caring for the farm as slavery. In contrast with the father’s compassion and mercy, the elder son has laid harsh and severe judgment on his brother and even on his father. Even then, the father’s response is one of love and then an appeal once more to forgive and be reconciled:
"My son, you are here with me always; everything I have is yours. But now we must celebrate and rejoice, because your brother was dead and has come to life again; he was lost and has been found." (Lk. 15:31b-32) This parable, only found in Luke, wants to help us to become more like the father, more like our Heavenly Father, who seeks out the lost and seeks to reconcile, people who like the Father, welcome home those that have been away, even those who have done us wrong.
Our own reconciliation in Christ with God, who is boundless in mercy, means that we are now instruments, agents of reconciliation, as St. Paul relates in the Second Reading (see 2 Cor. 5:18). May we seek ways to be instruments of reconciliation during this Lent in an unconditional and non-judgmental way. Questions for reflection: To whom have you and I behaved like the elder son in the Parable of the Prodigal Son? To whom will you and I, like the father (in imitation of God the Father) be forgiving, welcoming and reconciling? What are some ways that we can be instruments of reconciliation toward others?
In Christ’s Peace,
Fr. O’Neill
The description of the Passover Celebration in the First Reading from Joshua, with the use of the produce of the Promised Land, is Israel’s “homecoming celebration.” (see Joshua 5:9a, 10-12.) The father in the Parable of the Prodigal Son orders the fatted calf to be killed and a feast prepared, celebrating the “homecoming” of and reconciliation with his lost son, who has now been found.
We can only conclude that since the son had gathered all his belongings at his departure (see Lk. 15:13), the finest robe that was fetched for him belonged to his loving father. The father had broken all taboos by running out to his errant son and embracing him publicly, dismissing any customs of shame and disowning his son in favor of generous compassion.
The ring given to the son was equivalent to a PIN number or family access code. The symbol on the ring was the official seal for all family business. Despite the son’s dissolute life, the father shows him unconditional trust. In addition, the order to bring him sandals elevates his status to beloved son, thereby demonstrating the father’s reconciling forgiveness.
The killing of the fatted calf and the feast was an invitation to the entire household and village to participate in a feast of reconciliation and forgiveness, the homecoming of the son who had been lost. Every time we celebrate the Sacrament of Reconciliation, we are “welcomed home” by the Father.
While we can relate to the prodigal son and his waywardness, what we might miss in this parable is the sin that the father wants to bring in, the son who while physically close, is far away from his father and brother. We need to beware of being the elder son, who refuses to enter, standing outside, incapable of rejoicing and seething with rancor that his unworthy brother now shares in the family’s banquet and life once again. He wanted nothing to do with his brother’s homecoming. His action forces the father to leave the feast in order to plead with and convince him to welcome his brother home.
The son’s reply to his father is one of disowning his brother. He hurts his father by describing what the father must have thought of as loving, family collaboration of caring for the farm as slavery. In contrast with the father’s compassion and mercy, the elder son has laid harsh and severe judgment on his brother and even on his father. Even then, the father’s response is one of love and then an appeal once more to forgive and be reconciled:
"My son, you are here with me always; everything I have is yours. But now we must celebrate and rejoice, because your brother was dead and has come to life again; he was lost and has been found." (Lk. 15:31b-32) This parable, only found in Luke, wants to help us to become more like the father, more like our Heavenly Father, who seeks out the lost and seeks to reconcile, people who like the Father, welcome home those that have been away, even those who have done us wrong.
Our own reconciliation in Christ with God, who is boundless in mercy, means that we are now instruments, agents of reconciliation, as St. Paul relates in the Second Reading (see 2 Cor. 5:18). May we seek ways to be instruments of reconciliation during this Lent in an unconditional and non-judgmental way. Questions for reflection: To whom have you and I behaved like the elder son in the Parable of the Prodigal Son? To whom will you and I, like the father (in imitation of God the Father) be forgiving, welcoming and reconciling? What are some ways that we can be instruments of reconciliation toward others?
In Christ’s Peace,
Fr. O’Neill
3-23-25
Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,
We hear about two current events--current at the time Jesus was preaching--that our Lord used to instruct His listeners in today’s Gospel reading from Luke 13. One apparently refers to Pilate’s “mingling the blood of Galileans with the blood of their sacrifices.” Evidently, Pilate murdered these Galileans while they were engaged in ritual worship, perhaps during one of the great Jewish feasts.
He may have done so to send a message as a consequence of a revolt. The Galileans were particularly problematic for the Romans and Pilate was making his authority known to teach them a lesson. Regardless of what the actual historical details were, Jesus’ point is that it wasn’t because of any fault of their own that these particular Galileans suffered grievously.
Jesus also speaks about a tragic accident when a tower near the pool of Siloam in Jerusalem fell and killed 18 people. This was an unexpected event and certainly no moral culpability was the cause of their untimely death. In Jesus’ time, the people believed that these events were a sign that the victims or their families were being punished by God for some sin they or family members committed, even random things like these two incidents, and these were the just consequences of their iniquities.
Jesus says with clarity that this is not the case with God. God does not act in this way. However, what Jesus does teach is that we need to be prepared for all possibilities. We know not the day or the hour when our earthly lives will end and we will be called to give an accounting for how we lived the gift of our lives.
Jesus is the Rock onto which we cling for mercy, but our responsibility is being prepared, to do our part in working out our salvation. We cannot take for granted the mercy and love of God. God desires our full participation in cooperating with His grace as we journey through life.
Lent certainly is a time to work on our preparedness and to connect again with His grace to live out our faith journey. May God’s gracious assistance help us to be prepared and ready to respond to whatever life throws at us.
In Christ’s Peace,
Fr. O’Neill
We hear about two current events--current at the time Jesus was preaching--that our Lord used to instruct His listeners in today’s Gospel reading from Luke 13. One apparently refers to Pilate’s “mingling the blood of Galileans with the blood of their sacrifices.” Evidently, Pilate murdered these Galileans while they were engaged in ritual worship, perhaps during one of the great Jewish feasts.
He may have done so to send a message as a consequence of a revolt. The Galileans were particularly problematic for the Romans and Pilate was making his authority known to teach them a lesson. Regardless of what the actual historical details were, Jesus’ point is that it wasn’t because of any fault of their own that these particular Galileans suffered grievously.
Jesus also speaks about a tragic accident when a tower near the pool of Siloam in Jerusalem fell and killed 18 people. This was an unexpected event and certainly no moral culpability was the cause of their untimely death. In Jesus’ time, the people believed that these events were a sign that the victims or their families were being punished by God for some sin they or family members committed, even random things like these two incidents, and these were the just consequences of their iniquities.
Jesus says with clarity that this is not the case with God. God does not act in this way. However, what Jesus does teach is that we need to be prepared for all possibilities. We know not the day or the hour when our earthly lives will end and we will be called to give an accounting for how we lived the gift of our lives.
Jesus is the Rock onto which we cling for mercy, but our responsibility is being prepared, to do our part in working out our salvation. We cannot take for granted the mercy and love of God. God desires our full participation in cooperating with His grace as we journey through life.
Lent certainly is a time to work on our preparedness and to connect again with His grace to live out our faith journey. May God’s gracious assistance help us to be prepared and ready to respond to whatever life throws at us.
In Christ’s Peace,
Fr. O’Neill
3-16-25
Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,
Our Gospel for the 2nd Sunday of Lent always presents to us the great event of the Transfiguration of Our Lord, this year from the Gospel of Luke. The voice of God the Father exhorts Peter, James and John and all who could hear it (and us!): “This is my chosen Son; listen to Him.”
Unlike the uncertainty, confusion or unclarity of some words we hear throughout a given day, the Father’s words are clear. We have no need to worry in listening to what Christ says to us, as so many who heard Him preach said that He spoke with authority.
Knowing this, however, we struggle to listen to Jesus’ words to us. We know they are truth, that He is Himself, indeed, the Way, the Truth and the Life and has only the best for us in our following Him. But, to take up our cross daily and follow Him, to enter through the narrow gate, to love and forgive our enemies, to seek out and help the poor from our own hearts usually gets drowned out by other words that we allow to take precedence. An integral part of our Lenten journey and our life as disciples of Jesus is listening.
Lent invites us to hear and listen once again to the words of Jesus, who is the Word of God. What a wonderful thing it would be to take up and focus on the words of Jesus that our Father commands us to listen to. May I offer a suggestion? Take up one of the Gospels--Mark is the shortest, Matthew contains many of Jesus’ teachings, Luke is the Gospel we hear from throughout this liturgical year (and Café and myself are offering a study of Luke’s Gospel) and has so many familiar parables and uniquely shows the universal message of Christ to all--and read it in one sitting.
As we get closer to Holy Week, maybe we could read St. John’s Gospel. Now, we may think that we’ve heard it all before and we know the various passages and words and actions of our Lord. But, I guarantee you that you will see, notice, in essence “hear” the words of Jesus in a new and different way.
The late Fr. Benedict Groeschel, C.F.R., in his book, “The King, Crucified and Risen: Meditations on the Passion and Glory of Christ,” shares that when he spent time in jail for praying a rosary outside of an abortion clinic, was only allowed one book: his Bible. While in his cell, he relates that he read whole books of the Scriptures.
As fruitful as this was, he found that after reading the Gospels in one sitting, something different happened. He said that every time he concluded reading a Gospel in one sitting, he had “the experience of knowing Jesus as I had never known Him before. “In fact,” Fr. Groeschel continues, “the clarity of each evangelist’s picture of Him, most of all the power of His words, electrified me.” (pp. 46-47)
In reading the Gospels in this way, see how a word, an idea comes into your heart and mind that you know does not originate from you, but from the words of the Gospel. Allow the words of the Father to remind you to “listen” to the words of His Son.
Believe that this is the word or words that Jesus has for you to respond to as you continue through Lent, a word of renewal and grace for you, a word of conversion, of “changing the mindset,” an invitation to follow Him anew, not fearing the Cross, but seeing it as the entrance into new life in Him
In Christ’s Peace,
Fr. O’Neill
Our Gospel for the 2nd Sunday of Lent always presents to us the great event of the Transfiguration of Our Lord, this year from the Gospel of Luke. The voice of God the Father exhorts Peter, James and John and all who could hear it (and us!): “This is my chosen Son; listen to Him.”
Unlike the uncertainty, confusion or unclarity of some words we hear throughout a given day, the Father’s words are clear. We have no need to worry in listening to what Christ says to us, as so many who heard Him preach said that He spoke with authority.
Knowing this, however, we struggle to listen to Jesus’ words to us. We know they are truth, that He is Himself, indeed, the Way, the Truth and the Life and has only the best for us in our following Him. But, to take up our cross daily and follow Him, to enter through the narrow gate, to love and forgive our enemies, to seek out and help the poor from our own hearts usually gets drowned out by other words that we allow to take precedence. An integral part of our Lenten journey and our life as disciples of Jesus is listening.
Lent invites us to hear and listen once again to the words of Jesus, who is the Word of God. What a wonderful thing it would be to take up and focus on the words of Jesus that our Father commands us to listen to. May I offer a suggestion? Take up one of the Gospels--Mark is the shortest, Matthew contains many of Jesus’ teachings, Luke is the Gospel we hear from throughout this liturgical year (and Café and myself are offering a study of Luke’s Gospel) and has so many familiar parables and uniquely shows the universal message of Christ to all--and read it in one sitting.
As we get closer to Holy Week, maybe we could read St. John’s Gospel. Now, we may think that we’ve heard it all before and we know the various passages and words and actions of our Lord. But, I guarantee you that you will see, notice, in essence “hear” the words of Jesus in a new and different way.
The late Fr. Benedict Groeschel, C.F.R., in his book, “The King, Crucified and Risen: Meditations on the Passion and Glory of Christ,” shares that when he spent time in jail for praying a rosary outside of an abortion clinic, was only allowed one book: his Bible. While in his cell, he relates that he read whole books of the Scriptures.
As fruitful as this was, he found that after reading the Gospels in one sitting, something different happened. He said that every time he concluded reading a Gospel in one sitting, he had “the experience of knowing Jesus as I had never known Him before. “In fact,” Fr. Groeschel continues, “the clarity of each evangelist’s picture of Him, most of all the power of His words, electrified me.” (pp. 46-47)
In reading the Gospels in this way, see how a word, an idea comes into your heart and mind that you know does not originate from you, but from the words of the Gospel. Allow the words of the Father to remind you to “listen” to the words of His Son.
Believe that this is the word or words that Jesus has for you to respond to as you continue through Lent, a word of renewal and grace for you, a word of conversion, of “changing the mindset,” an invitation to follow Him anew, not fearing the Cross, but seeing it as the entrance into new life in Him
In Christ’s Peace,
Fr. O’Neill
3-9-25
Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,
Please see this week's Bulletin.
In Christ’s Peace,
Fr. O’Neill
Please see this week's Bulletin.
In Christ’s Peace,
Fr. O’Neill
3-2-25
Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,
We often have check lists when we’re preparing to do something: a shopping list for the store, a to-do list of various chores/ activities for a particular day, a check list when preparing for a trip, etc. This coming Wednesday, March 5th, we will once again begin our journey through the Holy Season of Lent, a time of preparation for the central Mysteries of our faith, the Paschal Mysteries of the Passions, Death and Resurrection of Christ our Lord.
As we “prepare to be prepared,” we might have come up with a few things for Lent, or maybe not. Usually, our default is, “Ok, what am I going to give up this year?” And, we might pick things like chocolate, or our favorite snacks, etc. That’s certainly all well and good, but Jesus gives us some insight on coming up with a check list that might lead to a more fruitful Lenten experience.
To begin with, I suggest we go back to last week’s Gospel reading (Lk. 6:27-38) and prayerfully reflect on it. It can serve as an examination of conscience of sorts. Jesus exhorts us to be forgiving, generous, to treat others as we would want them to treat us, to not judge, etc. He also teaches us that we need to look at our actions/ways of living and to honestly ask ourselves if we can see a difference in how we live and how the rest of the world does. Lending, helping, loving not just those we like or love, but those who even don’t love us back. This is what distinguishes us from being Christian from the rest of the world.
Jesus goes a bit deeper in His Sermon on the Plane in Luke’s Gospel today. (Lk.6:39-45) A major theme that our Lord focuses on is our integrity: a correlation between our speech and our actions that are in sync. The first reading from Sirach uses an apt image of a sieve shaken to reveal the husks of bean stalks or corn, which are no good for consumption. The comparison is that just as the husks appear when the sieve is shaken, so too our true interior faults when we speak. Our words identify our actions and our
actions flesh out the words we first formulate in our minds and on our lips.
This is part of the check list of our Lenten journey that Jesus invites us to include. Lenten challenges us to be renewed from within, including our mindset and approach to living, which goes deeper than what is on the surface. This is all part of the work of being transformed by Christ into the persons He calls us to be.
That transformation, despite the contrary notion we might get from reading this section of Luke, is possible. It is possible because with Jesus, all things are possible, left to ourselves, not so much. It’s pretty awesome to see the Church present these readings today just as we are preparing on the threshold of Lent. These readings don’t come up this way every year, so it is a blessing that we have this to reflect on. Let us, therefore add this to the list: how do our words and actions, the intentions of our hearts jive together?
As we seek to open our hearts to God’s grace and make this coming Lent a truly fruitful time of renewal, may we ask the Lord to help us in all areas of our lives in need of conversion and offer what we do as a gift to God our Father.
In Christ’s Peace,
Fr. O’Neill
We often have check lists when we’re preparing to do something: a shopping list for the store, a to-do list of various chores/ activities for a particular day, a check list when preparing for a trip, etc. This coming Wednesday, March 5th, we will once again begin our journey through the Holy Season of Lent, a time of preparation for the central Mysteries of our faith, the Paschal Mysteries of the Passions, Death and Resurrection of Christ our Lord.
As we “prepare to be prepared,” we might have come up with a few things for Lent, or maybe not. Usually, our default is, “Ok, what am I going to give up this year?” And, we might pick things like chocolate, or our favorite snacks, etc. That’s certainly all well and good, but Jesus gives us some insight on coming up with a check list that might lead to a more fruitful Lenten experience.
To begin with, I suggest we go back to last week’s Gospel reading (Lk. 6:27-38) and prayerfully reflect on it. It can serve as an examination of conscience of sorts. Jesus exhorts us to be forgiving, generous, to treat others as we would want them to treat us, to not judge, etc. He also teaches us that we need to look at our actions/ways of living and to honestly ask ourselves if we can see a difference in how we live and how the rest of the world does. Lending, helping, loving not just those we like or love, but those who even don’t love us back. This is what distinguishes us from being Christian from the rest of the world.
Jesus goes a bit deeper in His Sermon on the Plane in Luke’s Gospel today. (Lk.6:39-45) A major theme that our Lord focuses on is our integrity: a correlation between our speech and our actions that are in sync. The first reading from Sirach uses an apt image of a sieve shaken to reveal the husks of bean stalks or corn, which are no good for consumption. The comparison is that just as the husks appear when the sieve is shaken, so too our true interior faults when we speak. Our words identify our actions and our
actions flesh out the words we first formulate in our minds and on our lips.
This is part of the check list of our Lenten journey that Jesus invites us to include. Lenten challenges us to be renewed from within, including our mindset and approach to living, which goes deeper than what is on the surface. This is all part of the work of being transformed by Christ into the persons He calls us to be.
That transformation, despite the contrary notion we might get from reading this section of Luke, is possible. It is possible because with Jesus, all things are possible, left to ourselves, not so much. It’s pretty awesome to see the Church present these readings today just as we are preparing on the threshold of Lent. These readings don’t come up this way every year, so it is a blessing that we have this to reflect on. Let us, therefore add this to the list: how do our words and actions, the intentions of our hearts jive together?
As we seek to open our hearts to God’s grace and make this coming Lent a truly fruitful time of renewal, may we ask the Lord to help us in all areas of our lives in need of conversion and offer what we do as a gift to God our Father.
In Christ’s Peace,
Fr. O’Neill
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