Walking down the street in Harlem is always an interesting opportunity. Seeing my Old Testament style beard and robe, a baby-carrying woman flagged me down. I learned that she had almost become a nun when she was a girl in Haiti. After a long series of unforeseen events (good and bad), she found herself a single mom in New York City.
After listening to her story I simply asked about her relationship with Jesus. She shared that she was afraid of God, "If I get close to Him, He will test me and I have more suffering than I want already."
It is so strange how we can get things exactly backwards sometimes. The God revealed in Jesus doesn't want to make us suffer. Rather, Jesus talked about and revealed "the perfect love which casts out all fear" (1 John 4:18). Suffering will come. It is precisely a close relationship with God which provides us the grace and strength to weather the storms of life.
Please pray for all of the wandering sons and daughters of Adam & Eve, still running and hiding from the One who loves us more than we can fathom.
God bless you,
Fr. Luke Mary Fletcher, CFR
Saint Joseph Friary, NYC
www.franciscanfriars.com
spin
Tuesday, May 15, 2012
Thursday, May 3, 2012
Fridays in Jail
Every Friday we go to the local jail, Essex county, and it’s mostly guys from our neighborhood;
so we fit right in.
That night after finishing visiting with the polish immigration criminals, we were scheduled to go down to the infirmary, which I was looking forward to since I had never been, and it was all-Mother Teresa style: the poorest of the poor, because it doesn’t get much worse than being sick and in jail.
So after checking in with a guard who is really compassionate and kind, where I think to myself ‘that must be why he is stationed here’ we turn around immediately to see a man in his orange jumper sitting down with his head against the wall letting out a groan. I think to myself “hello Jesus” as we approach and we pray with him and he tears up a bit and it is a real encounter with Christ, it was beautiful. Then we go inside, and there is armed guards and a nurse’s station and two sections behind bulletproof glass and steel doors. I look thru the glass and a young man with long dreadlocks sees us and is waving us over with what seems like a joyful confidence. So I think to myself “I think were supposed to go in there…”, so I tell the guards “were going in there” and they ask “you wanna go in there?” and I say “were going in there!” So in we go and right away the young man says:
“Wasup my brothers, we are all God’s children!” and I say “amen!” and I ask him “how you doin tonite?” And he says “o, pretty good, but I got shot B!... and stabbed” and he pulls up his shirt to reveal stiches that go from his sternum to his belly button, along with 2 bullet holes and a stab wound with no stiches on it in his stomach. And I exclaim “(Dang). Where did you get shot?!” and he says “In New York. I got shot in New York.” And I say “Manhattan?” and he says “nah, in the Bronx” and I say “I used to live in the Bronx!” Then I say “wow, they opened you up just to pull the bullets out right?” and he says “yep.” And I say: “wow, I am glad you made it out of that one.” And he says “me too….but somethin’ happened.” And I say “what happened?” And you could see the love of God in his eyes and could tell he was sincere and he says “I was in heaven for a second Bro. I was in heaven.” and I say “well tell me about that!” And he says “There were these huge walls, with these huge gates and all of these flower petals were pouring over the walls, and I heard everybody say ‘let ‘em in Father, let ‘em in!’ and there were all of these huge mansions, they were beautiful, all white and gold with roads made of pearls. (The mansions) They were huge and beautiful. And then I saw Jesus. His face was bright white, a little like yours and he had a little beard, like yours, and his skin was dark like mine, and his hair was like wool, and it was long, son! I mean long! And then I saw his face.” And at this point the young man recollects and looks into the distance as he remembers and says “Everything’s in that face brother, everything’s in that face...”
I ask him “was there music?”
“OH, beautiful music, like AAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHH!”
“What like chanting?”
“Yeah like chanting”
“was there light?
“yes, beautiful bright light, but you could look at it.”
I then ask, pointing to my habit “was there anybody up there dressed like this?”
And he laughs and looks away and looks back and says:
“The Catholics Bro! and Jesus IS CATHOLIC!...He’s got a long white robe, long and it never gets dirty, there’s no dirt in heaven Bro, there’s no dirt in Heaven!”
He goes on to say “the people were praising God and even had signs that said ‘The God of Nazareth!”
He then says “Let me in Father.”
And Jesus says to him “Not yet my son, for there are battles yet for you to win for me on earth.” And he said to him “but, why?” and our Lord said to him “don’t question me, you’ll wake up now” and bang! He was back in the emergency room!
The young man then goes on to say “Brother, before, I wanted to kill people, commit adultery, lie, cheat, steal, you name it. But not now Brother…I have seen the light! I have seen the light!”
“This life is not what we always think it’s about…we’ve got to Love!”
At this point he witnesses to me by telling everyone good night and that he loves them, and giving the guy in the infirmary a big hug and telling him he loves him and pushing him into his hospital/cell.
This life is about love.
God bless you,
Br. Nicholas Joseph, CFR
Most Blessed Sacrament Friary
375 13th Avenue
Newark, NJ
www.franciscanfriars.com
so we fit right in.
That night after finishing visiting with the polish immigration criminals, we were scheduled to go down to the infirmary, which I was looking forward to since I had never been, and it was all-Mother Teresa style: the poorest of the poor, because it doesn’t get much worse than being sick and in jail.
So after checking in with a guard who is really compassionate and kind, where I think to myself ‘that must be why he is stationed here’ we turn around immediately to see a man in his orange jumper sitting down with his head against the wall letting out a groan. I think to myself “hello Jesus” as we approach and we pray with him and he tears up a bit and it is a real encounter with Christ, it was beautiful. Then we go inside, and there is armed guards and a nurse’s station and two sections behind bulletproof glass and steel doors. I look thru the glass and a young man with long dreadlocks sees us and is waving us over with what seems like a joyful confidence. So I think to myself “I think were supposed to go in there…”, so I tell the guards “were going in there” and they ask “you wanna go in there?” and I say “were going in there!” So in we go and right away the young man says:
“Wasup my brothers, we are all God’s children!” and I say “amen!” and I ask him “how you doin tonite?” And he says “o, pretty good, but I got shot B!... and stabbed” and he pulls up his shirt to reveal stiches that go from his sternum to his belly button, along with 2 bullet holes and a stab wound with no stiches on it in his stomach. And I exclaim “(Dang). Where did you get shot?!” and he says “In New York. I got shot in New York.” And I say “Manhattan?” and he says “nah, in the Bronx” and I say “I used to live in the Bronx!” Then I say “wow, they opened you up just to pull the bullets out right?” and he says “yep.” And I say: “wow, I am glad you made it out of that one.” And he says “me too….but somethin’ happened.” And I say “what happened?” And you could see the love of God in his eyes and could tell he was sincere and he says “I was in heaven for a second Bro. I was in heaven.” and I say “well tell me about that!” And he says “There were these huge walls, with these huge gates and all of these flower petals were pouring over the walls, and I heard everybody say ‘let ‘em in Father, let ‘em in!’ and there were all of these huge mansions, they were beautiful, all white and gold with roads made of pearls. (The mansions) They were huge and beautiful. And then I saw Jesus. His face was bright white, a little like yours and he had a little beard, like yours, and his skin was dark like mine, and his hair was like wool, and it was long, son! I mean long! And then I saw his face.” And at this point the young man recollects and looks into the distance as he remembers and says “Everything’s in that face brother, everything’s in that face...”
I ask him “was there music?”
“OH, beautiful music, like AAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHH!”
“What like chanting?”
“Yeah like chanting”
“was there light?
“yes, beautiful bright light, but you could look at it.”
I then ask, pointing to my habit “was there anybody up there dressed like this?”
And he laughs and looks away and looks back and says:
“The Catholics Bro! and Jesus IS CATHOLIC!...He’s got a long white robe, long and it never gets dirty, there’s no dirt in heaven Bro, there’s no dirt in Heaven!”
He goes on to say “the people were praising God and even had signs that said ‘The God of Nazareth!”
He then says “Let me in Father.”
And Jesus says to him “Not yet my son, for there are battles yet for you to win for me on earth.” And he said to him “but, why?” and our Lord said to him “don’t question me, you’ll wake up now” and bang! He was back in the emergency room!
The young man then goes on to say “Brother, before, I wanted to kill people, commit adultery, lie, cheat, steal, you name it. But not now Brother…I have seen the light! I have seen the light!”
“This life is not what we always think it’s about…we’ve got to Love!”
At this point he witnesses to me by telling everyone good night and that he loves them, and giving the guy in the infirmary a big hug and telling him he loves him and pushing him into his hospital/cell.
This life is about love.
God bless you,
Br. Nicholas Joseph, CFR
Most Blessed Sacrament Friary
375 13th Avenue
Newark, NJ
www.franciscanfriars.com
Thursday, April 26, 2012
25th Anniversary
April 28, 2012, is the 25th anniversary of the founding of our community. We give thanks to God for His many blessings over the years and pray for His continued guidance as we strive to follow in the footsteps of St. Francis.
Please continue to pray for our community!
PRESS RELEASE – April 25, 2012
Also of note...
A Drama of Reform is the story of the new order founded by Fr. Benedict Groeschel and seven other Capuchin friars, and of the first two decades of a reform in religious life begun in 1987. United in the desire to be authentic disciples of Jesus Christ and following in the footsteps of Saint Francis, they want to encourage the army of Christians of all denominations who are discouraged by the erosion of Gospel values in our culture.
This inspirational volume combines more than 100 dramatic photos from the interesting and varied aspects of their daily lives. Along with the wonderful photos, members of the two independent communities of the Franciscan Friars of the Renewal and Franciscan Sisters of the Renewal provide short essays on their life, which will enable others to experience the earnestness and enthusiasm of this young and fervent group. More than one hundred sisters and friars from a dozen countries have come together with the common desire to follow the Gospel of Jesus Christ after the example of Saint Francis and the tradition of the Capuchin reform.
Well-known for their work with the poor and homeless in the South Bronx and other deprived areas, these Franciscans communicate a deep sense of the joy and love of those trying to be totally committed to living the Gospel in an increasingly de-Christianized world.
FIND A Drama of Reform HERE
+++
Please continue to pray for our community!
PRESS RELEASE – April 25, 2012
Also of note...
A Drama of Reform is the story of the new order founded by Fr. Benedict Groeschel and seven other Capuchin friars, and of the first two decades of a reform in religious life begun in 1987. United in the desire to be authentic disciples of Jesus Christ and following in the footsteps of Saint Francis, they want to encourage the army of Christians of all denominations who are discouraged by the erosion of Gospel values in our culture.
This inspirational volume combines more than 100 dramatic photos from the interesting and varied aspects of their daily lives. Along with the wonderful photos, members of the two independent communities of the Franciscan Friars of the Renewal and Franciscan Sisters of the Renewal provide short essays on their life, which will enable others to experience the earnestness and enthusiasm of this young and fervent group. More than one hundred sisters and friars from a dozen countries have come together with the common desire to follow the Gospel of Jesus Christ after the example of Saint Francis and the tradition of the Capuchin reform.
Well-known for their work with the poor and homeless in the South Bronx and other deprived areas, these Franciscans communicate a deep sense of the joy and love of those trying to be totally committed to living the Gospel in an increasingly de-Christianized world.
FIND A Drama of Reform HERE
+++
Friday, April 20, 2012
Letters of hope and consolation #4
It seems that more and more today people are suffering from boredom. People are bored with school, work, marriage, family, religion, politics and society in general. When something doesn’t immediately stimulate us or appeal directly to our senses we move on to the next thing. There seems to be a written rule in the minds and hearts of people today that equates pleasure with fulfillment. Therefore, if I am not experiencing consolation and pleasure in what I am doing than I am allowed to look elsewhere despite any previous commitments I have made.
This attitude is not only a tragedy on a human level but on a spiritual level as well. Prayer, meditation, growing in virtue and other exercises in the spiritual life can at times be “boring” and often leave us feeling dry and lacking in consolation and affirmation. We are not always go to feel God’s love, prayer is not always going to be a consoling and beautiful experience and trying to grow in virtue is rarely ever going to be an easy and wonderful experience on a natural level.
When this dryness or boredom occurs the temptation is usually to flee. If prayer is difficult then quit or at least reduce it drastically. It some person in your life is not easy to get along with and they don’t seem open to your attempts at love then ignore them. If you find it hard to spend time in silence and reflection then immerse yourself in noise and activity.
Boredom is not always a sign that you should be doing more but that maybe you should be going deeper where you are. When you are board there are always the opportunities for growth in patience, acceptance of God’s will, loving others, progress in prayer and a million other things. Yet none of this can happen if you are constantly running away from things because they are not immediately stimulating you.
In order for a person to truly appreciate a work of art, a sunset and even another person they must allow themselves to stop, be silent and wait for some time in order to grasp more fully what it is that is before them. The same is true in our relationship with God. We must be patient and wait through experiences of apparent “boredom” in order for us to grasp more fully the greatness and beauty of God. After all, it is we who are probably boring. God is the most exciting and interesting person in the entire universe.
God bless you,
Fr. Jeremiah Myriam Shryock, CFR
St. Felix Friary, Yonkers, NY
-PLEASE DO NOT REPLY-
This attitude is not only a tragedy on a human level but on a spiritual level as well. Prayer, meditation, growing in virtue and other exercises in the spiritual life can at times be “boring” and often leave us feeling dry and lacking in consolation and affirmation. We are not always go to feel God’s love, prayer is not always going to be a consoling and beautiful experience and trying to grow in virtue is rarely ever going to be an easy and wonderful experience on a natural level.
When this dryness or boredom occurs the temptation is usually to flee. If prayer is difficult then quit or at least reduce it drastically. It some person in your life is not easy to get along with and they don’t seem open to your attempts at love then ignore them. If you find it hard to spend time in silence and reflection then immerse yourself in noise and activity.
Boredom is not always a sign that you should be doing more but that maybe you should be going deeper where you are. When you are board there are always the opportunities for growth in patience, acceptance of God’s will, loving others, progress in prayer and a million other things. Yet none of this can happen if you are constantly running away from things because they are not immediately stimulating you.
In order for a person to truly appreciate a work of art, a sunset and even another person they must allow themselves to stop, be silent and wait for some time in order to grasp more fully what it is that is before them. The same is true in our relationship with God. We must be patient and wait through experiences of apparent “boredom” in order for us to grasp more fully the greatness and beauty of God. After all, it is we who are probably boring. God is the most exciting and interesting person in the entire universe.
God bless you,
Fr. Jeremiah Myriam Shryock, CFR
St. Felix Friary, Yonkers, NY
-PLEASE DO NOT REPLY-
Thursday, April 12, 2012
Easter Means Hope Exists
What does it mean to say that “Jesus is risen?” A translation, perhaps adapted especially
for non-believers could be, “hope exists.”
If we look deeply beneath all of our disordered desires, our brokenness and our selfish
concerns what we discover ultimately is the hope that there exists unconditional love. Not only
that unconditional love exists but that it is eternal and does not end after this life. The Easter
proclamation that “Jesus Christ is risen” fulfills this hope deep within us.
In many of the Resurrection accounts in the New Testament those to whom Jesus appears
to are often found afraid (Mt 28:5), amazed (Mk16:5), seized with trembling and bewilderment
(Mk 16:8), terrified (Lk:24:5), downcast (Lk 24:17), near despair (Lk 24:21), weeping (Jn 20:15)
and lacking in faith (20:25).
After their encounter with the Risen Lord they are all transformed from within because
the ultimate hope of their souls is confirmed. Unconditional love exists and has blasted through
space and time and is available to us for all eternity. How can one not be overwhelmed with joy
at such good news?
God bless you,
Fr. Jeremiah Myriam Shryock CFR
for non-believers could be, “hope exists.”
If we look deeply beneath all of our disordered desires, our brokenness and our selfish
concerns what we discover ultimately is the hope that there exists unconditional love. Not only
that unconditional love exists but that it is eternal and does not end after this life. The Easter
proclamation that “Jesus Christ is risen” fulfills this hope deep within us.
In many of the Resurrection accounts in the New Testament those to whom Jesus appears
to are often found afraid (Mt 28:5), amazed (Mk16:5), seized with trembling and bewilderment
(Mk 16:8), terrified (Lk:24:5), downcast (Lk 24:17), near despair (Lk 24:21), weeping (Jn 20:15)
and lacking in faith (20:25).
After their encounter with the Risen Lord they are all transformed from within because
the ultimate hope of their souls is confirmed. Unconditional love exists and has blasted through
space and time and is available to us for all eternity. How can one not be overwhelmed with joy
at such good news?
God bless you,
Fr. Jeremiah Myriam Shryock CFR
St. Felix Friary, Yonkers, NY
Saturday, April 7, 2012
Christ is Risen!
The mind-boggling, knee-knocking, earth-shattering, and head-spinning historical event we celebrated on Sunday, simply known as “the Resurrection,” is indeed a case of history and not hysteria, as some might believe. In short, what all our “Alleluias” are about surrounds an event actually witnessed by no one, yet its truth is witnessed by many.
Unlike the sacred writings of other religions, the highly embellished imaginative legends of Greek and Roman mythology, and those of the Hindu tradition, what we have are stark historical events. It is of interest to note that all the miraculous events we read in the Bible, most notably the resurrection, all somehow fall within the context of human reason. Meaning, there is a difference between the extraordinary events in mythology and the miraculous events in the Gospels. There is big difference between Medusa who turns people into stone and the man born blind who sees. In Oriental legends people sprout wings and fly away, in the Gospels paralyzed people walk away – there is a difference.
What I like to propose is that the historical event which we are celebrating as the key and cornerstone of the Christian faith is rational and reasonable. While we may not be able to understand the depth and dimensions of the resurrection, we are not speaking about myth, but rather mystery. The resurrection is a credible historical event – a product of God’s hand and not man’s imagination.
Yet the power of the resurrection on the apostles and disciples of Our Lord was indeed mind-boggling and knee-knocking – literally! All of us have a friend or family member who has died. For some of us their passing is quite recent. Now, how would you react if the person who you know is dead suddenly walked into the room? What would you do – jump up and say “Wow! I thought you were dead! What are you doing here?” No, you and I would probably either faint, punch ourselves in the head to make sure it wasn’t a dream, or we would run out of the house! In short, we would be like the disciples – incredulous at first, then beside ourselves with fear and joy. No wonder Jesus’ first words to the gathered apostles were: “Peace be with you.”
Friends, while few of us experience the full impact of the resurrection in our emotions, we can possess in some way its power in our soul. This means we can believe in this mysterious and miraculous event without physically or emotionally collapsing. The faith and conviction exhibited in the lives of the early disciples who literally saw and touched the Risen Lord can be ours. In fact, while many of you don’t believe you have such an apostolic faith, you should remember how the Lord has carried you through some dark and difficult days. The power which has brought you through the deep valleys and up the daunting mountains was at work in you. This is what we call faith.
Although you have not witnessed the battered and bloodied body of Jesus placed in the tomb, and then gloriously liberated from death, you believe it, not because it happened in history but because it is happening in your history. Faith is not only a gift by which we believe in the things of God, but it enables us to behave as God – to be godly, holy, and righteous – especially when it is most difficult.
The saints – those sanctified by the gift of faith – prove that the historical event called the resurrection is not only reasonable, but real. Despite a cross, a scouring, and a spear, they lived a life triumphant and glorious. Especially seen in the lives of the martyrs, we read about those who conquered sin and death – stared into the face of death – and smiled. Yes, the power of the resurrection alive and at work, not only in past history, but in your history.
During these eight days, the Octave of Easter, let us continue to wish each other a “Happy Easter.” It’s not about a day – this is the Easter season. Let us reflect on the ways faith has lead us through a Red Sea, fed us in the desert, opened our eyes, and empowered our weak limbs. Despite it all, we’re still here in hope of that day when death will be no more. The Easter story is not a myth, but a fact – a fact of faith. For this faith, this gift, this grace, may we be ever grateful. Perhaps the only word that sums it all up is “Alleluia!”
Fr. Glenn Sudano, CFR
Most Blessed Sacrament Friary
Newark, NJ
Thursday, April 5, 2012
The Holy Triduum
Good Friday
Today we witness in the crucifixition of Jesus
the worst of humanity: the betrayal of a friend and teacher by his very own
disciples; the cowardliness of a politician afraid to defend the truth; the
fear of religious leaders, who stubbornly refuse to listen to another
interpretation; the fickleness of the crowd, who only a few days ago proclaimed
that Jesus was the Messiah, and the arrogance and stupidity of the soldiers as
they spit on him, scourge him and crown him with thorns.
Despite the horror this stupidity forced upon
Jesus he reacts in the complete opposite way.
There is no cursing or promising revenge, there is no betrayal of those
whom he loved, there are no signs of him becoming a coward or growing fickle in
his conviction regarding the Father’s will.
Rather, there is forgiveness uttered from his lips, simply because “they
know not what they do” (Lk 23:34).
Humanity has killed God. He came to this earth proclaiming mercy and
forgiveness. He revealed the heart of
God as an ocean of love, a place were sinners are washed clean and made saints. Yet we were not convinced. We betrayed him for a multitude of
reasons. The only option was to destroy
him, yet even that would not turn him against us.
Holy Saturday
Your blood has finally dried upon your tired and
mangled body. There is nothing left for
you to give, you have been poured out to the point of death. It is finished.
The beauty of your eyes has faded. The gentleness of your hands has been
forgotten. The serenity of your smile
has been extinguished. Could you still
be our God?
Who could have ever predicted it would end like
this? Your passion has stolen all of our
words. In you was all our joy, all our
hope for life, and the answer to the question of our life. What you have revealed no man could ever
fathom, you the eternal paradise, the place of infinite rapture.
Now we wait like madmen, not knowing who we are,
not knowing what will happen to us. Each
second is an agonizing mystery and we die a thousand deaths reliving yesterdays
nightmare. My God awake, come back and
save us! Do not leave us in this
wretched state of despair.
God bless you,
Fr. Jeremiah Myriam Shryock CFR
Fr. Jeremiah Myriam Shryock CFR
St. Felix Friary, Yonkers , NY
Wednesday, March 21, 2012
AN OPEN LETTER TO OUR POLITICIANS AND FELLOW CITIZENS
Is there any legitimate limit to the power of the government? Is there any area of our lives that are protected from governmental control? This great country of the United States of America was founded on the principles of individual liberties. Our founding fathers all agreed that there are areas of our lives that the government has no business meddling with.
In recent months we have seen the government attacking and infringing upon one of these fundamental areas: religious liberty. In fact, it is the very first of the Amendments to our honorable Constitution that ensure freedom of religious, freedom, that is, from governmental intrusion in the area of belief. Does the government have the right to tell you what to believe? Can the government force you to do that which you find morally reprehensible?
The recent H.H.S. Mandate attacks and undermines this fundamental principle of our American way of life. Therefore, the Community of the Franciscan Friars of the Renewal stands shoulder to shoulder with our Bishops and all those who defend our American values. Our founding Fathers sacrificed for what they believed in and left us a powerful legacy. Following their courageous example, we will peacefully and steadfastly resist any infringement upon our religious liberties and our deep-seated beliefs.
Whether someone agrees with the Catholic position or not, it must be admitted that the Catholic position is a deep-seated, ancient and constant belief of the Catholic faithful. It goes back to the time of the Apostles. It is quintessentially a religious belief. It is a belief that the Almighty God created human life and it is very good. It is a belief that each human person has an inalienable value because of a God-given immortal soul. It is a belief that we are all daughters and sons of a Loving Father. Only in acting with dignity and purity do we express the full wonder of being human. Anything that artificially interferes with the beautiful act of the marital embrace or involves a voluntary mutilation of a healthy person or causes the deliberate death of an innocent human being is diametrically opposed to the goodness of life and the love of God. Accordingly, all of these acts are beneath our dignity and can never be supported by those who hold the Catholic faith.
We ask our politicians and our fellow Americans to stand with us against this assault on our freedoms. If we can be forced to act against our fundamental beliefs, how long will it be before you are forced to do the same?
In recent months we have seen the government attacking and infringing upon one of these fundamental areas: religious liberty. In fact, it is the very first of the Amendments to our honorable Constitution that ensure freedom of religious, freedom, that is, from governmental intrusion in the area of belief. Does the government have the right to tell you what to believe? Can the government force you to do that which you find morally reprehensible?
The recent H.H.S. Mandate attacks and undermines this fundamental principle of our American way of life. Therefore, the Community of the Franciscan Friars of the Renewal stands shoulder to shoulder with our Bishops and all those who defend our American values. Our founding Fathers sacrificed for what they believed in and left us a powerful legacy. Following their courageous example, we will peacefully and steadfastly resist any infringement upon our religious liberties and our deep-seated beliefs.
Whether someone agrees with the Catholic position or not, it must be admitted that the Catholic position is a deep-seated, ancient and constant belief of the Catholic faithful. It goes back to the time of the Apostles. It is quintessentially a religious belief. It is a belief that the Almighty God created human life and it is very good. It is a belief that each human person has an inalienable value because of a God-given immortal soul. It is a belief that we are all daughters and sons of a Loving Father. Only in acting with dignity and purity do we express the full wonder of being human. Anything that artificially interferes with the beautiful act of the marital embrace or involves a voluntary mutilation of a healthy person or causes the deliberate death of an innocent human being is diametrically opposed to the goodness of life and the love of God. Accordingly, all of these acts are beneath our dignity and can never be supported by those who hold the Catholic faith.
We ask our politicians and our fellow Americans to stand with us against this assault on our freedoms. If we can be forced to act against our fundamental beliefs, how long will it be before you are forced to do the same?
Thursday, March 15, 2012
Letters of hope and consolation # 3
Imagine if you had the opportunity to watch a slideshow of your life from your birth up
until the present moment. As all the moments of your life pass before you what do you think
you would learn? Have you arrived at the place you are right now in your life because of
coincidence, your own abilities, or gifts? The truth is God has been with you your entire life.
He has always been with you, helping you to walk when you believed you couldn’t, opening
your eyes when you felt unable to see and opening your heart to believe when you felt that life
was empty.
The rest of the slideshow, beginning now until the last day of your life, is not available
yet. However, the question remains, how will you live the rest of your life? If God has been
with you in the past, will you allow him to be with you in the present and in the future? Or will
you live as if you are in control and spend the rest of your days trying to “be” God, instead of
living in the freedom that belongs to you as one of his children?
Whether it is the past, present or future God is in control. There is only one God and
there is no need for us to try and be Him. He has done a good enough job on his own and does
not heed our help!
God bless you,
Fr. Jeremiah Myriam Shryock CFR
St. Felix Friary, Yonkers, NY
Friday, March 9, 2012
The Meaning of Lent
Christianity is a religion centered on Easter, that annual remembrance of the defeat of sin, death and the devil. Every year, Easter comes and Easter goes. Each year we should be entering into the sacred mysteries ever more deeply. Try to imagine your life like the accent of a spiral staircase or coil. As we come around to the point of Easter again, hopefully we are higher, closer to heaven.
The historical origins of the holy season of Lent derive from the early Church practice of preparing for the celebration of Easter. The English word Lent has the meaning of springtime. The traditional Lenten practices of prayer, fasting and almsgiving help us to be spiritually prepared to enter into the mystery of Easter more deeply. It is the mystery of Jesus Christ rising to new life. Let us pray for a spiritual springtime of new life in the world today, a world which needs it like never before.
Pray, pray, pray!
Fr. Luke Mary Fletcher, CFR
St. Joseph Friary, New York, NY
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The historical origins of the holy season of Lent derive from the early Church practice of preparing for the celebration of Easter. The English word Lent has the meaning of springtime. The traditional Lenten practices of prayer, fasting and almsgiving help us to be spiritually prepared to enter into the mystery of Easter more deeply. It is the mystery of Jesus Christ rising to new life. Let us pray for a spiritual springtime of new life in the world today, a world which needs it like never before.
Pray, pray, pray!
Fr. Luke Mary Fletcher, CFR
St. Joseph Friary, New York, NY
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