Lent I: You Must Believe!

Todays Readings

Brothers and sisters: What does Scripture say? The word is near you, in your mouth and in your heart —that is, the word of faith that we preach—, for, if you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For one believes with the heart and so is justified, and one confesses with the mouth and so is saved. For the Scripture says, No one who believes in him will be put to shame. For there is no distinction between Jew and Greek; the same Lord is Lord of all,enriching all who call upon him.  Romans 10: 8-13

The Lord is Near You! This comforting concept is one that we hear often, "Don't worry, God is here!" But an equally popular concept is the age old reality that "seeing IS believing".  Where do we see the Lord, or from what loudspeaker, or pulpit do we hear Him?  I'd love to know the answer so as to write it here, but that would feed your need to have to see to believe.  Today, is it possible for us to let go and truly believe in our God without condition?  The answer is YES, but a few steps must be considered along the way.

Confess with Your Mouth, and Believe with Your Heart!  This is a simple truth, but a hard act to follow.  St. Paul is writing to the Roman people (but includes all, whether jew or greek), who need to change their ways.  They need to be honest with themselves, and consider that their way of living might be the reason why they feel so lost, or unfullfilled.  In my quasi-counselor chair, I would certainly agree that people who hurt should talk about it, and speak to their responsibility (for that hurt) before blaming the world around them.  Speaking about things encourages reflection, and reflection opens the heart, and strengthens one's spirit.  This opens the door to belief and salvation!

When our Lord Jesus is tempted in the desert, he reminds Satan, and the rest of us that:

• We Need the Lord, More Than Food!  So don't try to tempt me with lavish food, items or empty promises!

• When We Worship the Lord, We Are Saved!  So reclaim your purpose, and love the God who has always LOVED YOU!

• We Are Supported by the Lord, and We Do Not Walk Alone!  So let the angels come and greet you, and after a long and happy life, lead you to Paradise!

• Don't Test the Lord, Trust Him!  So relax!

St. Paul reassures the Romans, and us, that, "no one who believes in the Lord will be put to shame".  This whole Lenten concept, and the challenge for us to journey is truly worth the trouble.  May the Lord strengthen you in avoiding the temptations, and bless you in your efforts to speak and believe!

The NEW Missal Makes a Direct Hit

This past weekend, the New Roman Missal made a direct hit on english-speaking parishes around the world. A new and what is thought to be a more vibrant and formal translation of the Mass landed in a pew near you. I am sure that some of my initial observations in my own parish are very similar to what greeted the Church around the world...

A LITTLE CONFUSION, BUT CERTAINLY NOT CHAOS:  Like most parishes, ours has a new hymnal with everything you need to follow along.  We've even added the follow along,  "red letter marks the changed language" script and the Mass Music Assembly Booklet.  Its all there, and its probably a tad too much to navigate, but it seemed to have taken only a small portion of the hour for folks to figure out where to look and what to follow.  The fun part was watching the faces of many, many well intended people simply fall back into the routine... "The Lord be with you"... And also with y--, oh.. um... your... And with your spirit!" :)

EVERY BIT OF THE PREPARATION WAS WORTH EVERY SECOND:  I'm sure many parishes within the Church worked very hard for many, many months to prepare for the weekend debut of the New Missal.  Some chose to begin practicing months ago, and others have been studying the reasons behind the changes for a year.  Our parish, like many others, worked throughout the last year praying and deciding on what to do, but began the using the new translation only within the past few weeks, focusing on the Gloria, the Confiteor, and the Nicene Creed.  We made the decision not to debut any new music until this past weekend as well.  I believe that like us, the parishes who waited until the official start time of this past weekend to "do the new Mass" were treated to the value of what comes with that newness and how it compliments the season of Advent.

"WHAT ABOUT THOSE BELLS?"  There a certainly a few nay-sayers in the pews, and some people that just aren't happy with the changes in the New Roman Missal.  Our parish has maintained a relatively "middle of the road" approach when it comes to celebrating the Mass.  The ringing of the bells has not been a usual practice at my parish.  While the use of the bells is certainly NOT part of the change of the Roman Missal, in other words, it is not a required element within the liturgy; adding the ringing of the bells at the two "elevations" of the Eucharistic Prayer came as a little bit of a shock to many in our congregation.  I would say that 85%-90% were pleasantly shocked, and enjoyed or could live with their return.  But like the usual "Bell Curve" (no pun intended), 10% just couldn't believe it.  When confronted by the unhappy, I was challenged to have to defend their re-placement within the liturgy because frankly I don't lose too much sleep over such things, but this is a great example of just how much we have to respect the 10%.  No, this isn't some "Occupy Rally", it's just a simple fact.  Many of our faithful, truly thought through, and have owned their style of worship.  No amount of training or prep classes in understanding the "New Stuff" was gonna make things any easier for these folks.  Their Mass was giving way to a new Mass!  One of our staff members put it quite nicely.  "I am now feeling what some of the older folks must have felt when I was younger, and those changes in the Missal "turned everything around".

So, I'll end by saying that while change is difficult, it is a part of growth, and that is exactly what's happening here... We, the living Body of Christ continues to grow!  We seek to perfect our worship because that's what is asked of us... Not by the Vatican, but by God.  We were created to love and worship Him.  He who fashioned us from the dust, and gave us the breath of life, has given us a chance to express our faith in the best way we know how... And that is what we'll do!

Pierce the Veil!

I have been participating in a wonderful Discussion Board on helping Catholic Youth understand the New Translation of the Mass that is coming later in the Fall. This is a closing thought that I shared with the group...

Our young people are being called FROM where they are; that is, their starting points vary, but all lead to the same joy and Truth in our Lord, Jesus Christ. Welcoming them into this journey, at whatever starting point they might be coming from, keeps them closer to the Church, calling us to be patient, and hopeful. I've heard it said that "no matter their tattoos, or dress, or opinions [at this point in their journey], as long as they are sharing those things HERE, in the Church, we have a better chance at putting them in a position to experience the Spirit, and begin their personal relationship with Christ. With that said, the rules, the gestures , the real expectations of what it means to mature in life and in faith are certainly crucial in our mentoring these youth to progress and move forward!

Now, with respect to the liturgy and the New Translation o

f the Mass, where are they headed? Why is it worth the effort? I asked my own Spiritual Director a very specific and pointed question this weekend. "Why do we go to Mass? Is it to receive the Eucharist, or hear the Word, or offer God our prayers and worship?" I expected an answer like "All of the above!" But what he said was, "We go to Mass to participate in the sacrifice given to us by our Lord, Jesus Christ. We pierce the veil that seperates time, heaven and earth, and we share in the love of God!" He went on to add that in the Mass, "when that veil is pierced, it is not Christ who comes to us, but it is we who are invited and able to come to Him!"

In the spirit of this past Sunday's readings, and with respect to what it is that we YM's do so well, we need to keep inviting young people to "come and see", knowing that where they are going, God's love is there to greet them! So be it Youth Group, or Bible Study, or retreats, or in this case Mass... Let us lead them to the sacrifice and the celebration of the love of God that is the Body of Christ. Remember to stay relaxed, for we are trying our best to attach words and gestures to that which we can never comprehend, but through our faith we can always attain.

I have enjoyed presenting, reading and participating in this experience with you, and I again thank Charlotte and Leigh and MTS for ALL of their amazing efforts and strength in bringing you this opportunity, because that is exactly what it is; an opportunity to come to a fuller understanding of what it is that Christ has in store for US! God bless you all, and good luck in your ministry this coming season. I look forward to our continued worship together, as the "one, holy, catholic, and apostolic Church" celebrates the love of God, yet again, at a Mass near you!

I Am Not Worthy!

This is a series of Blogs and reposts from a Discussion Board from an Online Course on the Implementation of the New Catholic Roman Missal with Youth...

A Question posted for me to answer:
Greg, (in a presentation I hosted for the MTS Course on the New Roman Missal) you specifically stated that we were not to make the connection of the roof of our mouths with the response of “Lord, I am not worthy that you should enter under my roof…” Recently, we had a priest in residence who gave several talks about the new translation in which he contradicted that. He said that our bodies are temples in which we receive the Lord. Our mouths are the point of entry, with the roofs of our temples being the roofs of our mouths. I thought that made so much sense. Any comments?

That is a great and challenging question, for the explanation given by Father is a beautiful one, and certainly does make sense. So let me say at the outset that I do not "disagree" with the beauty of the explanation, I just think that the nature of Eucharist within the Mass is to heal AND adore. It can't be stressed enough, especially to young people, just how awesome it is to have Christ truly present in the Eucharist. But the prayer spoken before the reception of Holy Communion states, "Lord, I am not worthy that you should enter under my roof, but only say the word and my soul shall be healed." This reference to the healing of the Centurion's servant (Luke 7: 1-10) focuses on the

reality that the Body of Christ heals those who seek Him.

"And Jesus went with them, but when he was only a short distance from the house, the centurion sent friends to tell him, “Lord, do not trouble yourself, for I am not worthy to have you enter under my roof. Therefore, I did not consider myself worthy to come to you; but say the word and let my servant be healed. For I too am a person subject to authority, with soldiers subject to me. And I say to one, ‘Go,’ and he goes; and to another, ‘Come here,’ and he comes; and to my slave, ‘Do this,’ and he does it.” When Jesus heard this he was amazed at him and, turning, said to the crowd following him, “I tell you, not even in Israel have I found such faith.” Luke 7: 6-9

I would therefore maintain, that its primary purpose is not only recognize that Jesus is in our midst, but also to begin the healing of hearts so that the end of the Mass, as "we go forth to love and serve the world", we do so with a NEW HEART, and a new outlook on life. After all, that was the result of the Lord's visit with the Centurion.

With regards to the "roof" being of the mouth, or the Temple, or the Church in which we celebrate, I would maintain that we are fed by the Body of Christ as ONE Church, so the "personal" encounter with Christ in the Eucharist, while amazing, is not why one goes to Mass. WE, the People of God assemble to give praise and thanks to our God, and in turn are fed by His Word, His Body, and His Blood.

I hope this post doesn't get me in trouble, for I am not speaking as a highly educated expert in liturgy... Just a former YM who is excited (and opinionated) about how things are evolving. I have to add a disclaimer that my opinion on this matter was skewed by the workshop I attended at last year's NCCYM, where it seemed to be stressed that the liturgical purpose was as I've stated, but probably not adequately enough... "I'm not worthy!" :)

Here We Are to Worship!

I have been participating in an Online Course/Discussion on Implementing the New Catholic Roman Missal to Young People. Here's a question that was posed to me... "What are some key points you would suggest as a "must do" for youth ministers to help them catechize the youth of the parish? Any resources you have come across?" Here's my answer...

Some "Key Points":

•GO TO MASS as a Youth Group! You might even want to try and add a daily Mass option to your weekly schedule. Hopefully you have an early morning Mass before school or an evening Mass that you all can make an effort to attend. You can even add this to the list of responsibilities for your CORE Team, or Youth Leadership Council!

•I recommend that your Youth Programs take a look at "The Mass", and do some basic "reminder" style catechesis on its purpose and its opportunity in our lives as Catholic Christians.

•Make friends with your Music and Liturgy Director, and involve them in the planning and presentation of the "New" material. Help them understand how to work with young people, and put them in a good place to succeed in presenting to your group, establishing leadership and respect.

•If you have a music component to your program, think about adding the chosen Parish Mass Setting to your Praise & Worship Nights!

•Think about learning the "New" responses, especially the CREED. Use Youth Group Meetings to talk through them and discuss their purpose within the liturgy... I know (YAWN)... Seriously, this can be done effectively and with a sense of fun and prayerfulness. Think about adding a 10 minute block of time to the end of your youth group meetings dedicated to a different part of the liturgy through the Fall.

•Finally, because the kids in your Parish will adapt to these changes much more easily than their parents, trea

t your youth group as the disciples that they are! They can be leading the way, and embrace the opportunity to journey through this time with enthusiasm!

Some Resources: My parish is depending on the Liturgy Training Publication series based on the booklet Understanding the Revised Mass Texts, Second Edition by Paul Turner (and the Leader Book). There is a book for teens and children as well. I like it because its not too detailed, but it offer all the explanation one needs. Our plan is to offer a copy of the Turner booklet to our congregation, and use it in our Adult Ed. Program. We will utilize the children and teen material in the RE Program, most likely taught in three lessons.

Free to Worship Without Fear!

Yesterday, there were another round of killer storms, this time in Joplin, MO. Too many are dead, and even more are left to pick up way too many pieces. From the folks in my neck of the wood here in Alabama, WE ARE PRAYING FOR YOU!

Like last month, many will attempt to describe this act of nature as a sign of God's wrath, or His tool to help us all understand the true fragility of our humanity... Hence the response, We should all watch ourselves and be prepared, because next time, unless we change our ways, we might not be so lucky... We've been given another chance, so..."

For the record, I do not subscribe to such ways of thinking. Tragedy is just that... Tragic! It is not a tool, nor is it a way of saying something. God does not use such events to "slap us into submission", rather He is here with us when we fall. He is here with us, when trouble comes to town. He is here with us when the people He loves need him most. God is with us, always!

Jimmy Buffett is on my mind a lot lately, and here's a lyric from the song "Breathe In, Breathe Out (Move On)" from the Bama Breeze collection. It was written with the people of Katrina in mind, but it is oh so perfect for times like these:

I bought a cheap watch from a crazy man
Floating down canal
It doesn't use numbers or moving hands
It always just says now
Now you may be thinking that I was had
But this watch is never wrong
And If I have trouble the warranty said
Breathe In, Breathe Out, Move On

The song goes on to reassure us of what we already know... "That which does not kill us, only makes us stronger!" May the people of Missouri do as the people of Alabama have done... Help one another and be the hands and feet of the Lord, for as the Canticle of Zech* says, "We are free to worship [and work with the Lord] without fear", for God is with us, and is here to help us all "breathe in, breath out, and move on"!

* CANTICLE OF ZECHARIAH (Luke 1:68 – 79)

What Are You Doing on the Sabbath?

“The Son of Man is Lord of the sabbath." (Matthew 12: 8)

The weekend is here so what are you doing on Sunday? Going to Church? Sleeping in? Taking that walk or run? Mowing the yard? Playing with the kids? Working?

Certainly, going to church is a must, but whatever you are doing, you may take time to give it up to the Lord who made Earth and sky. You may consider adding in the extra few minutes, or even an hour of quiet. You should try and prioritize relaxation, rejuvenation and worship! As Jesus said, the sabbath is not a day to be worshipped, but rather it is a day TO WORSHIP. We were not made for the sabbath, the sabbath was made for us! So we need to use it for what it was intended... Worship!

There are a lot of thoughts out there on what constitutes worship, and I will not spend a lot of time here debating what it is or what it is not. I will offer that while one can worship alone, our Christian worship, Muslim worship, and the worship of all organized religion seems to thrive on gathering in a community to praise and give thanks to God, Allah, our Creator.

So, you guessed it... All I’m saying is GO TO CHURCH! But I am not saying it with a veiled threat in mind, because the sabbath was made for you, and you have to make a point to utilize it for what it was intended to be... a day of worship! So head to your place of worship, and sing those songs with the congregation! Go to the Eucharist! Pray those prayers out loud and join the person next to you, as you pay homage to the Lord of Hosts! We are God’s people, the sheep of His flock!

If anyone make you feel uncomfortable or unwelcome, let me know... I’ll take care of them! But I bet you’ll see some smiling faces, and shake a few warm hands! Give it a shot and make the sabbath your own!