Fr. Bob’s Corner

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I just came across this fascinating and entertaining video - a rich combination of seriousness and humor. It is a talk given at the University of California by Douglas Adams just before his death. Adams didn’t believe in God, but he certainly had a profound appreciation for our beautiful planet, and how we are unwittingly destroying  ourselves. Maybe, if Douglas Adams had lived a little longer, he would have come to appreciate that human beings were not only created from the earth*, but in God’s own image. And, I believe,  it is this most extraordinary revelation that will help save us from our destructive selves.  He once wrote: "I love to keep poking and prodding at it (religion). I’ve thought about it so much over the years that that fascination is bound to spill over into my writing.** Maybe, he was almost there, because he was obviously trying to awaken us. View the video, and you’ll see what I mean. (This is a longer YouTube video than usual, but it is well worth watching.)

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A little over a month ago, the “Deepwater Horizon” drilling rig blew up in the Gulf of Mexico. Since that date The New York Times reports that 210,000  Gallons of crude oil have been gushing into the gulf each and every day. I don’t think there has ever been a more catastrophic environmental disaster - and it just keeps gushing! Last Sunday night (May 16th, 2010) CBS reporter Scott Pelley of 60 Minutes interviewed a fellow by the name of Mike Williams. Mike was the chief electronics technician aboard the drilling rig who narrowly escaped with his life and some horrific memories.

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Don Justo is a Spaniard who had to leave a Trappist Monastery after eight years because of declining health. He promised Mary that he would build a cathedral in her honor, if he got well. Today, Don Justo is 83 years old, and for fifty years he has been single-handedly constructing his cathedral from a small family inheritance and private donations. His work and life are a tribute to our remarkable human spirit – and inspiring in an infinite number of ways.

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“For so many, the need to belong is strong but the search can be discouraging and lonely. One may feel isolated, unsure whether there is a place of love and nurturing for them. They do not feel at home anywhere, or with anyone. There is no place at a table for them. Their isolation can be anguishing; their spirit diminished. Every person has a need to belong.” This is a quote from The Downtown Chapel Web Site by one of the priests (Fr. Bob Loughery) who serves this community in Portland Oregon. This Site and ministry certainly deserve a visit, and I especially recommend the Christmas Portrait Slide Show for those of you who are visual. Please visit the site (Downtown Chapel) for more videos, the priest’s blogs, and this very special ministry in the downtown core of Portland, Oregon by the Holy Cross Fathers. It is a very special gift to help one begin the New Year with the blessing of hope.

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As I was preparing my homily for the New Year – Feast of Mary Mother of God, I came across Deacon Greg Kandra’s web site: The Deacon’s Bench. In his homily for the New Year he refers to a Martha Mason, of Lattimore, North Carolina. Martha was a survivor of Polio but lived in an iron lung for 61 years. The New York Times reported on her death this May 2009: Martha Mason, Who Wrote Book About Her Decades in an Iron Lung, Dies at 71. The story is truly inspirational, but also scary, when you think about it. Here is a quote that reflects both: "I live in a stable of nightmares," she once wrote, "but hope keeps them in harness."

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The Vatican is presently researching and reviewing women religious in the U.S.. Many are threatened and even angry for many reasons – why only women religious being a common concern. Be it as it may, many religious orders are in crisis situation (men and women)  with few or no new vocations. Let us pray that the Holy Spirit helps all involved to understand this present crisis, and that it will inspire a hopeful, loving response-answer-solution. One good article on this issue can be found in the Nov. 23, 2009 of America Magazine:  America Magazine - A Visitor’s Guide: How the Vatican Investigation could prove beneficial by Doris Gottemoeller

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Matthew Kelly is coming to Cornwall as part of our Diocesan Speaker Series this fall. Who is Matthew Kelly, you might ask? Well the best way to tell you is to show you. In March of 2009 he gave a mission at St. Andrew the Apostle Parish – Chandler Arizona (Theme: The Genius of Catholicism). Major segments of this mission were filmed and now appear as Videos on the parish website. In The Genius of Catholicism, Matthew Kelly talks about the 7 pillars of Catholic spirituality and challenges us to discover the relevance of Catholicism for modern problems, happiness, and day-to-day living. He challenges his listeners to be the best version of themselves – and to recognize and open their hearts to all their Catholic faith has to offer. The presentation will take place at St. Joe’s – General Vanier Auditorium on December 15th, 2009. For Further details please visit our Diocesan Website.

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A few words from Sister Joan in her latest Newsletter seemed extremely pertinent to me. I thought I would relay her words:

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A few days ago I received an email entitled: The unforgettable Commencement Address. I was rushing out the door to a medical appointment when I clicked the email link and was confronted with these words: “I thought that you might enjoy reading this particular address to a graduating class.” Following were a few word of introduction to a man named Paul Hawken, who I had never heard of, and then a fairly long speech. I promptly filed the email in a folder entitled: Read at Leisure.  A few days later, as I read the speech, I understood why it was labeled ‘unforgettable’.  Here are just a few sentences that typify its unforgettableness:

“Ralph Waldo Emerson once asked what we would do if the stars only came out once every thousand years. No one would sleep that night, of course. The world would create new religions overnight. We would be ecstatic, delirious, made rapturous by the glory of God. Instead, the stars come out every night and we watch television.”

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Yikes, I don’t like this editorial! (2009 America Magazine). I mean, I don’t want to hear this opinion because it sounds too much like reality. A reality that most of us, I suspect, don’t want to hear. When the stock market tumbled in September 2008 I wasn’t at all surprised. In fact, every bone in my body seemed to expect it.

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In a very special way this video movingly captures our common humanity,  inter-dependence, and need for one another.

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Years ago I was a huge fan of Marshall McLuhan (Media is the Message), and Theilard DeChardin who wrote about Cosmic Consciousness (Noosphere). As I watched this Video by Professor Michael Wesch from Kansas State Univ., I couldn’t help but think of these two men. If you have High Speed and an hour of time,  and are interested in exploring the Digital Age, specifically You Tube, then here is the video for you.

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John Allen who is following the Pope throughout Africa and attempting to give us a real feel and insight into what he sees, hears, and feels posted this on March 18, 2009. It tends to confirm what the Harvard Center reported in my previous post.

Benedict talks to journalists during his flight from Rome to Africa March 17. (CNS/ Reuters)

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I wish the Pope had handled the condom question a little differently so that the condom controversy didn’t overshadow his African pilgrimage. But now that it has become front page news I’d like to get my two cents worth in on the topic as well. It sounds to me like the Pope might be on the right track about condoms when you read what the Director of the Aids Prevention Research Project at The Harvard Center for Population and Development Studies has to say. (This quote is from First Things)

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This Sunday we read Mark’s account of the Transfiguration of Jesus on a mountain top. It is about a God who literally comes down the mountain to be with us - the mystery of the incarnation. I have posted a few thoughts I will share in this Sunday’s homily on my homily site: Fr. Bob’s Homilies

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There is something very disconcerting for those of us in religious leadership positions when we read about John the Baptist that scrubby character who called the people not to the synagogues or temple, but out into the wilderness. John was certainly not a presentable figure in elite civil and religious circles, yet it was his honor to announce the Messiah and to baptize him. In some says Jesus is very much like him. Just before he begins his three year ministry he too goes to the wilderness, and when he returns he begins to denounce the hypocritical practices of many of the religious leaders, as he proclaims the Good News>

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Here is an excerpt from an article in Jewish Magazine on five cultural forces that challenge us today. It was written by Stephen Bertman a professor at the University of Windsor.

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Thanksgiving is a time to take the time to explore and count. our blessings, so look around and I am sure that you will find more things to be thankful for than you ever thought possible. Life is such a glorious gift, and when it is lived with the love of God in our hearts all that we see and do in life is transformed. Bishop Fulton Sheen said something many years ago that will help me explain:

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Did you know that most of the world religions have a primary belief and teaching in common. If only we could all learn to put into practice the golden rule of all these religions.

The Golden Rule Across the World’s Religions
Thirteen Sacred Texts - English Version

Baha’i Faith

Lay not on any soul a load that you would not wish to be laid upon you, and desire not for anyone the things you would not desire for yourself.

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Here is a little poem that I would like to share. I don’t know what it will mean to you, but I think it should be heard by all of us who live in this modern world. It is a good reminder that culture doesn’t always value that which is real and important in our lives.

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Stephen Harper, Conservative Government, Canada, Election, October 2008, Sunday,

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This morning’s ‘Globe and Mail’ had this to say about Dr. Morgentaler’s Award from the Order of Canada:

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Religion is a bad word in certain quarters of our society, and the world at large. Some people say: “Religion causes too much pain and tragedy. I’ll have nothing to do with it. It should be eradicated.” Here’s a response from a religious sister to this very question. I think it proves helpful in forming our own personal response to those that write religion off. How do you respond to those that believe that religion is a bad thing for the world?

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Facebook, My Space etc. have some new competition.

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In a powerful little booklet (pastoral letter) entitled, The Need for Conversion, the ‘Social Affairs Commission of the ‘Canadian confidence of Catholic Bishop’s’ challenged Canadians this March 2008 to take a hard realistic look at the way that we, as Canadians, are treating our planet. “Are we not like the prodigal son”, they ponder, “who asked his father for his inheritance and then left home and proceeded to waste it (Luke 15:11-32 [show]Luke 15:11-32 The Parable of the Prodigal Son [11]And he said, "There was a man who had two sons. [12]And the younger of them said to his father, ‘Father, give me the share of property that is coming to me.’ And he divided his property between them. [13]Not many days later, the younger son gathered all he had and took a journey into a far country, and there he squandered his property in reckless living. [14]And when he had spent everything, a severe famine arose in that country, and he began to be in need. [15]So he went and hired himself out to(1) one of the citizens of that country, who sent him into his fields to feed pigs. [16]And he was longing to be fed with the pods that the pigs ate, and no one gave him anything. [17]"But when he came to himself, he said, ‘How many of my father’s hired servants have more than enough bread, but I perish here with hunger! [18]I will arise and go to my father, and I will say to him, "Father, I have sinned against heaven and before you. [19]I am no longer worthy to be called your son. Treat me as one of your hired servants."’ [20]And he arose and came to his father. But while he was still a long way off, his father saw him and felt compassion, and ran and embraced him and kissed him. [21]And the son said to him, ‘Father, I have sinned against heaven and before you. I am no longer worthy to be called your son.’(2) [22]But the father said to his servants,(3) ‘Bring quickly the best robe, and put it on him, and put a ring on his hand, and shoes on his feet. [23]And bring the fattened calf and kill it, and let us eat and celebrate. [24]For this my son was dead, and is alive again; he was lost, and is found.’ And they began to celebrate. [25]"Now his older son was in the field, and as he came and drew near to the house, he heard music and dancing. [26]And he called one of the servants and asked what these things meant. [27]And he said to him, ‘Your brother has come, and your father has killed the fattened calf, because he has received him back safe and sound.’ [28]But he was angry and refused to go in. His father came out and entreated him, [29]but he answered his father, ‘Look, these many years I have served you, and I never disobeyed your command, yet you never gave me a young goat, that I might celebrate with my friends. [30]But when this son of yours came, who has devoured your property with prostitutes, you killed the fattened calf for him!’ [31]And he said to him, ‘Son, you are always with me, and all that is mine is yours. [32]It was fitting to celebrate and be glad, for this your brother was dead, and is alive; he was lost, and is found.’" (ESV) Footnotes 1. [15:15] Greek ‘joined himself to’ 2. [15:21] Some manuscripts add ‘treat me as one of your hired servants’ 3. [15:22] Greek ‘bondservants’
)?” Commenting on our excessive need for more and more, the Bishops observe that we are mismanaging the Garden of Eden: “In our drive to earn more, to possess more, to consume always more, we have sacrificed a great deal to the economic almighty, which has become like the substance of modern life. We have mismanaged the Garden of Eden entrusted to us.”

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Lent Is Not Just About You and Me, or

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The fourth commandment tell us that we should honor our father and mother. It is good to be lovingly reminded of what this means, as a parent ages. Here is a little video that is sure to touch your heart: http://parentswish.com/site01/big.html

Strange as this title may be, it does not condone sin, but points to moments of conversion. The following is an excerpt from an email sent by Sr. Joan Chittister to subscribers to Benetvision.

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Author of the American Papist lamented in a recent post: “Too cruel? I’m sorry. I just can’t believe Italians got mad that the Pope told them to clean up their city.” Read the full story

“My grandfather”, Cardinal Husar says, “was a priest, and other members of the family were priests; some were married, others were not.
If a person is good, he will be a good priest, and this does not depend on the fact that he is married,” Read full story

Alcohol is very much a part of our New Year’s Celebration. The New York times reports on a study that indicates that binge drinking can have permanent effects on the brain, especially, on those that binge when young. Read these sobering thoughts, and some recommendations for the New Year: The Hangover that Lasts

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 Gospel: Luke 21:5-19 [show]Luke 21:5-19 Jesus Foretells Destruction of the Temple [5]And while some were speaking of the temple, how it was adorned with noble stones and offerings, he said, [6]"As for these things that you see, the days will come when there will not be left here one stone upon another that will not be thrown down." [7]And they asked him, "Teacher, when will these things be, and what will be the sign when these things are about to take place?" [8]And he said, "See that you are not led astray. For many will come in my name, saying, ‘I am he!’ and, ‘The time is at hand!’ Do not go after them. [9]And when you hear of wars and tumults, do not be terrified, for these things must first take place, but the end will not be at once." Jesus Foretells Wars and Persecution [10]Then he said to them, "Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. [11]There will be great earthquakes, and in various places famines and pestilences. And there will be terrors and great signs from heaven. [12]But before all this they will lay their hands on you and persecute you, delivering you up to the synagogues and prisons, and you will be brought before kings and governors for my name’s sake. [13]This will be your opportunity to bear witness. [14]Settle it therefore in your minds not to meditate beforehand how to answer, [15]for I will give you a mouth and wisdom, which none of your adversaries will be able to withstand or contradict. [16]You will be delivered up even by parents and brothers(1) and relatives and friends, and some of you they will put to death. [17]You will be hated by all for my name’s sake. [18]But not a hair of your head will perish. [19]By your endurance you will gain your lives. (ESV) Footnotes 1. [21:16] Or ‘parents and brothers and sisters’

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Last Weekend ‘Our Lady’s Missionaries’ made a visit to both our Parishes. Sr. Christine Gebel gave us an update on their work since her last visit with us about two years ago. As she spoke at all our Masses, she reflected on the Gospel passage of the lady who had seven deceased husbands and the Sadducees question: “In the Resurrection whose wife will the woman be?” (Lk. 20:27-39 [show]Luke 20:27-39 Sadducees Ask About the Resurrection [27]There came to him some Sadducees, those who deny that there is a resurrection, [28]and they asked him a question, saying, "Teacher, Moses wrote for us that if a man’s brother dies, having a wife but no children, the man(1) must take the widow and raise up offspring for his brother. [29]Now there were seven brothers. The first took a wife, and died without children. [30]And the second [31]and the third took her, and likewise all seven left no children and died. [32]Afterward the woman also died. [33]In the resurrection, therefore, whose wife will the woman be? For the seven had her as wife." [34]And Jesus said to them, "The sons of this age marry and are given in marriage, [35]but those who are considered worthy to attain to that age and to the resurrection from the dead neither marry nor are given in marriage, [36]for they cannot die anymore, because they are equal to angels and are sons of God, being sons(2) of the resurrection. [37]But that the dead are raised, even Moses showed, in the passage about the bush, where he calls the Lord the God of Abraham and the God of Isaac and the God of Jacob. [38]Now he is not God of the dead, but of the living, for all live to him." [39]Then some of the scribes answered, "Teacher, you have spoken well." (ESV) Footnotes 1. [20:28] Greek ‘his brother’ 2. [20:36] Greek ‘huioi’; see preface
) Now in Jesus’ time a wife was more or less the property of a husband, and therefore the question not only enquired about the marriage bond in eternity, but had a connotation of ownership. As she pointed out, no one owns anybody in eternity, and in God’s kingdom in the here and now. As Christians we are called to love our neighbor as our selves, and to live in freedom, as children of God. Her insights came from the Sisters work with oppressed people around the world who are often owned by another. An example being prostitutes one of the Sisters works with in one of their missions. And, from a personal point of view and her involvement in Muslim Christian dialogue in the Philippines, she offered the insight that no one even owns God.

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Catholicism in Quebec

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In this last year the Vatican and Benedict XVI have been increasing their advocacy on behalf of the environment. On Sept 2, 2007 the Pope called on people to make “courageous decisions” on the future of the planet at an address to 300,000 Roman Catholics at an environment festival in

Loreto, Italy. We need a decisive ‘yes’ to care for creation and a strong commitment to reverse those trends that risk making the situation of decay irreversible,” he stated. 

Surprisingly, or maybe not so surprising, there is a great furor in Austria about five small trees that were planted at the time of John Paul II’s visit to Austria ten years ago. The trees were cut to build the public platform for an outdoor Mass.  Some how or other many seem to feel this action smacks of hypocrisy. (Say one thing and do another - isn’t that just like him, they are saying.) I suppose, if one wants to find fault and to be critical, a way can be found, and they found it. It’s too bad that some loose focus and can’t see the forest for the trees, literally speaking.

Most serious environmentalist are applauding the Pope and the

Vatican’s actions on behalf of humanity and the planet. Let us pray that the human family will wake up before it is too late. The this week the New York Time reported that biologist in the last 250 years have only been able to identify and categorize only 1.8 million species of plants, animals and micro-organisms which is estimated to be about 10 percent of the planet’s life forms. The good news is that with recent technological advances it is now going to be possible to identify and classify the other 90 percent in the next 25 years:“Why bother making such an effort,” asks the NY Times? “Because each species from a bacterium to a whale is a masterpiece of evolution. Each has persisted, its mix of genes slowly evolving, for thousands to millions of years. And each is exquisitely adapted to its environment and interlocks with a legion of other species to form the ecosystems upon which our own lives ultimately depend. We need to properly explore Earth’s biodiversity if we are to understand, preserve and manage it.”

Meanwhile bulldozers and chainsaws are furiously competing with the Scientist who are trying to preserve and understand God’s creation. Each day unknown species become extinct as their habitat fall prey to the ruthless rampage of so called developers. Maybe our Austrian friends should stop worring about five trees and rally behind church leaders who are trying to save the world’s forests and their inhabitants.

“What will we and future generations lose if a large part of the living environment continues to disappear, asks the Times.” And the answer they provide from the scientific community should make all men and women of good will applaud the Pope’s efforts to halt our planet’s destruction. “Huge potential stores of scientific information will never exist. Novel classes of pharmaceuticals and future crops will be thrown away. Ecological services like water purification, soil renewal and pollination — which are approximately equal to the world gross domestic product, and given away by natural ecosystems — will be diminished. Environmental stability will be harder to achieve.

If you would like to know more about the Pope’s visit to Austria go to this link.

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