John Bosco and the Youth: Memorial of Saint John Bosco, priest (Philippians 4:4-9; Psalm 103:1bc-2, 3-4, 8-9, 13-14, 17-18; Matthew 18:1-5)

Saint John Bosco is one of the patron saints of the youth.  He lived in a time of great turmoil, a time where Europe was in the midst of a great cultural shift in the wake of the Protestant Reformation and subsequent the French Revolution.  As part of that, the Napoleonic wars and the Industrialization of society had presented numerous physical, spiritual, and moral dangers to which the youth seemed particularly vulnerable.

John Bosco witnessed the impact of this first hand in Turin Italy.  He felt the call from God to encounter the numerous youth wandering the streets of Turin in order to befriend them and ultimately shepherd them.  He helped them learn to live in the footsteps of Christ in a world that was increasingly an arena of secular humanism.  

We’ve seen evidence in our parish of the power of evangelizing to youth.  Entire families come to a deeper relationship with Christ through a deeper devotion introduced through a child.  

This indicates the importance of introducing children to Christ.  That doesn’t mean we need to indoctrinate them, but John Bosco reminds us of the importance of a relationship with Christ and gives us some thoughts on how we can help protect the younger generation from the world, the flesh, and the devil.

First, Recognize the Countless Enemies of the Young

In the 16th century, Our Lady of Good Success warned that by the end of the 20th century, “Innocence will almost no longer be found in children”.  We have seen this prophecy play out before our very eyes as society failed to heed the warnings of the Church and failed to recognize the enemies prowling about, seeking the souls of our children.  We must never underestimate the real dangers of moral relativism, secular humanism, and the other -isms that stand in opposition to the truth of Jesus Christ.

Second, Pray, Pray, and Pray

If we are being honest, each of us could probably pray a bit more for our youth…praying for their spiritual safety and sanctification.  In the midst of all the noble prayer intentions we have, be sure to include the youth.  Offer Masses, rosaries, novenas, spiritual communions, fasting, and almsgiving that our youth will live pure, noble, and holy lives.

Third, Strive to make connections with the youth

Negative attitudes we typically see in the youth are often the result of a need for positive attention and interaction.  One of the keys to John Bosco’s success is that he learned to play with the youth he worked with. 

It shows the importance of building relationships with the youth, but we can also encourage the families in our lives to be intentional about creating space for quality mealtime and family time.  Study after study show there is a direct correlation between sitting down to a quality meal as a family on a daily basis to lower depression rates and increased well-being among the youth.

At the same time, we must rediscover healthy boundaries.  We need to limit electronics..particularly during meal time and other family moments.  By doing so, we will send a clear message that God and the human person have infinite value over electronics and other modern idols of our day.  

Fourth, Consecrate children, grandchildren, and godchildren to the Immaculate Heart of Mary

John Bosco said, “I have done nothing by myself,” saying it was “Our Lady who has done everything” through her intercession with God.

As I have mentioned in the past, I consecrate my family to the Immaculate Heart of Mary through the Green Scapular.  When the Immaculate Heart of Mary is invoked through the Green Scapular, Our Lady will obtain great favors from her Divine Son—especially in the area of spiritual conversion.  Mary will obtain the conversion of those who have fallen away from the True Faith, as well as those who never possessed it.  By consecrating our youth to the Immaculate Heart of Mary through the Green Scapular, they will have access to this grace of conversion and spiritual protection.

The legacy of Saint John Bosco lives on through the Society of St. Francis de Sales, which he established, to help boys with their faith formation and to give them options to stay out of trouble.  We too can imitate John Bosco as examples of the Faith to the youth in our lives, helping them see Christ in everything they do.

Thanks be to God.

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Truth and Kindness of Saint Francis de Sales: Memorial of Saint Francis de Sales, Bishop and Doctor of the Church

In the midst of the chaos of the Protestant reformation, when Europe was torn by anger, violence, and revenge; God raised up saints that would bring true reformation to the Faith.  Saint Francis De Sales is one of those authentic reformers.

Nicknamed the “Gentleman Saint”, Francis was known for speaking the truth with kindness, gentleness, and forgiveness.

At the age of 27, Francis volunteered to be stationed in Geneva, which was almost exclusively Calvinist at that time. He had a deeply seated desire to evangelize to the Calvinists located there.  

For those that may not be aware, Calvinists tend to be a relatively anti-Catholic sect.  Francis would learn this quickly as most of the residents of Geneva wouldn’t even talk to him when he arrived on the scene.  He even faced several assassination threats and attempts.

After a period of extreme rejection, Francis began to create pamphlets on topics of the faith that related to the Truth of Catholicism vs the errors of Calvinism.  He would slip these pamphlets underneath the doors of the town residents.

Over time, the townspeople began to listen to Francis.  He is credited with converting approximately 72,000 Calvinists to the True Faith of Catholicism.

These pamphlets were later compiled into a book called “The Catholic Controversy”.  This book continues to be one of the finest sources of compelling arguments against the errors of Protestantism while providing a solid defence for the Truth of Catholicism.  

In our age of the New Evangelization and Renewing the Mission of the Church, Saint Frances de Sales serves as a role model and advocate for how to have conversations with our family and friends who may have issues with the Faith.  

We can imitate the simplicity, goodness, truth, and beau­ty of the Catholic Faith that he conveyed to those in Geneva.  We too can practice open heartedness, open-mind­edness, and gentleness of spirit in our conversations with others; endeavoring to overcome conflicts with patience and time rather than hurt and alienation.

Francis sought to develop solid relationships before entering into a debate.  The more they trusted him, the more they trusted the information, and the more open their hearts were to the Truth of Catholicism.

Most of the literary work of Francis has less to do with theological arguments and more to do with simply relating to God.  “Treatise on the Love of God” and “Introduction to the Devout Life” are two books we can use to improve our relationship with God and in turn walk with someone else in their spiritual journey…journeying ever more deeply into the true Faith.  We can endeavor to foster faithfulness within our fellow parishioners.  We can help others work through their indifference in order to grow in apostolic zeal.

Ultimately, Francis was successful in conversions because others saw his life in Christ and the joy he radiated.  They simply wanted the same thing he had.  We too can radiate that same Christian joy to those around us.

Saint Francis de Sales reminds us to “walk on the way with our brothers and sisters gently, peacefully and amiably.”  In doing so, we will be instruments through which kindness and truth will meet.

Thanks be to God!

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Silence of Anthony: Memorial of Saint Anthony, Abbot (Ephesians 6:10-13, 18; Psalm 16:1-2a and 5, 7-8, 11; Matthew 19:16-26)

When we think of the desert fathers, one of the first to come to mind is likely to be today’s saint, Saint Anthony the Abbott.  In fact, he is often thought of as the father of wilderness monastic thought through asceticism.

Anthony was born in upper Egypt in the year 251 to a wealthy family, but his parents died while he was young.  In the wake of this, he was extremely moved by the following passage that we heard today from the Gospel of Matthew, “If you would be perfect, go, sell what you have and give to the poor.”

That’s exactly what he did.  He sold everything and gave it to the poor.  Then, he moved out to the Egyptian desert wilderness to live a life of growing virtue and holiness through prayer, poverty, and solitude.

He became known for his virtue and was sought out for spiritual direction.  After a while he began to ponder moving out deeper into the wilderness.  

At this point, a voice came to him from heaven saying: “Anthony, where are you going? And why?” Anthony answered: “All these people will not let me be quiet. They cause me weariness here and above all they want me to do things I am not able.”

The voice spoke again: “Even if you go as you want, you will have twice as much to go undergo. If you truly desire a solitary life, go into the inner desert.”

It seems Saint Anthony truly followed Jesus into the desert,…exteriorly, yes; but more importantly, interiorly.  The interior desert is where Anthony was shown the path to true life, fullness of joy, and delight in the refuge of God.  

The lesson for us is that when we can properly detach ourselves from the busyness of life and from the noise of the world, we can have a true encounter with the Lord and we can obtain the promise of His rest.  

Fortunately, we don’t have to move to some remote desert cave to heed the lesson of Saint Anthony the Abbot.  Instead of traveling to some remote desert destination, we can journey inward to the innermost recesses of the interior desert of the indwelling Trinity.  That spot “where the Holy Spirit speaks to you,” as Pope Saint John Paul II would say.

There are a number of ways we can make this journey.  We can make a holy hour with the blessed sacrament in Adoration.  We can spend a few minutes of meditation in the presence of the tabernacle following Mass.  We can make a silent retreat at the White House or other similar spiritual facility.  We can retreat to a private room for silent prayer or to ponder the Word of God.  We can take a quiet walk in the woods.  Whatever we choose, the key is to make ourselves available, completely surrendering to the moment, and allowing the Holy Spirit to draw us ever deeper into the holy silence.

The life of Saint Anthony the Abbot personifies the human desire for peace and tranquility, and gives us a blueprint for how to achieve it.  He gives us an example of how to let go of the distractions of life and how to silence the voices of the world, the flesh, and the devil.  Through this example, may we more clearly hear God speaking to us through the silent whisper and more fully respond to Him in charity.  Through the holy silence, all things are possible for God.

Thanks be to God!

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Jubilant Epiphany: Friday after Epiphany (1 John 5:5-13; Psalm 147:12-13, 14-15, 19-20; Luke 5:12-16)

I have come to see this week that we are in as an octave of the Epiphany, though you aren’t likely to find that referenced in any sort of recent Church document (at least not anything published since the mid-1950’s).  I came to adopt this personal perspective as a way to wrap my head around the timing of the Christmas season and the realization that this is perhaps one of the most misunderstood and under-appreciated periods of the Church year.  

For all intents and purposes Christmas music stopped playing on the 26th, and at that point the world stopped looking a lot like Christmas even though the season had hardly begun.

Unfortunately, we are not immune to following the tone of the world around us, which can cause us to slip from the Christmas spirit and fall into the spirit of the mundane.  When this happens, we miss out on the full effect of the hope and joy that can be made manifest through the Epiphany.

There are actually three major events that we celebrate under the umbrella of the Epiphany (or the Theophany as we may hear from the Eastern Rites of the Church):  the Visit of the Magi that we celebrated last Sunday, the Baptism of the Lord that we will celebrate this coming Sunday, and the Wedding Feast of Cana (which is the Gospel reading for the following Sunday).  Each of these events were revelations of hope and joy to the world that can in turn strengthen virtues of hope and joy in our lives.

True to the season, today's readings seem to fall under this theme of Epiphany, reminding us that the true revelation of Christ is to be found in the Sacramental life of the Church, particularly,  the water and blood that flows from the side of Christ on the Cross, representative of the Sacraments He instituted, ultimately the fount of Divine Mercy.   It is a reminder that it is through the Sacramental life of the Church that we have true life, true hope, true joy, and true healing. 

On Christmas Eve, our Holy Father opened the first set of Holy Doors to kick off the Jubilee Year of Pilgrims of Hope.   Our Holy Father has called this Jubilee to be a restoration of a climate of hope, trust, renewal, and rebirth, particularly from a sacramental perspective. 

He said, "Tonight, the door of hope has opened wide to the world" and "God speaks to each of us and says: 'there is hope also for you!'"

He said, "We can truly say: Hope is not dead; hope is alive and it embraces our lives forever!”

"With haste, therefore," he said, "let us set out to behold the Lord who is born for us, our hearts joyful and attentive, ready to meet him and then to bring hope to the way we live our daily lives. For Christian hope is not a 'happy ending' which we passively await, but rather, a promise, the Lord’s promise, to be welcomed here and now in our world of suffering and sighs."

Whether you are joining us on our Jubilee Pilgrimage to Rome in September, going to Rome with another group or perhaps on your own, or planning to participate locally at one of the nine Jubilee sites designated by Archbishop Rozanski, this is your invitation to allow yourself to fully enter into the true spirit of the Jubilee.  Make this Jubilee your year of Sacramental rebirth and renewal.   Make this Jubilee the year you truly experience the hope and healing we can only receive from Jesus Christ through the Sacramental life of the Church.   May this Jubilee be a series of personal epiphanies for you that you may come to possess the Lord through the Eucharist in ever more powerful ways, increasingly praising the Lord with your entire being.

Our Holy Father concluded his Papal Bull announcing the Jubilee with the following:  "Through our witness, may hope spread to all those who anxiously seek it. May the way we live our lives say to them in so many words: 'Hope in the Lord! Hold firm, take heart and hope in the Lord!' (Ps 27:14). May the power of hope fill our days, as we await with confidence the coming of the Lord Jesus Christ, to whom be praise and glory, now and forever."

Thanks be to God!

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Epiphany Watch: Thursday after Epiphany (1 John 4:19–5:4; Psalm 72:1-2, 14 and 15bc, 17; Luke 4:14-22)

Leading up to the celebration of the birth of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, Archbishop William Lori challenged us to meditate on the poor shepherds who watched over their flocks on the night He was born.  In doing so, he challenged us to identify one way we can better incorporate watchfulness into our own life.

I believe this is a pertinent challenge for us to consider as we continue through the Christmas season, which is defined by a series of epiphanies.  Epiphanies are moments of conversion.  Epiphanies are moments to let go of our false sense of reality and to conform ourselves to the objective Truth of God as taught by the Catholic Church.  Epiphanies are moments to seek the Truth with all our heart and to serve it once we have found it.

The Visit of the Magi, the Baptism of the Lord, and the Wedding Feast at Cana, as well as our Gospel reading today where Jesus reads from the scroll in Nazareth, are all examples of epiphanies.  

Epiphanies occur when people are hungry.  The wise men represent a hunger for a king.  John the Baptist and his disciples represent a hunger for a savior.  The wedding feast attendees represent a hunger for a priest.  The congregation at the synagogue in Nazareth represents a hunger for a prophet.

We come to recognize our own hunger through internal watchfulness.  We must nurture a sense of internal watchfulness, which is meant to focus on the world within us (where the Holy Spirit speaks to us) as opposed to the world around us.  It means being mindful and vigilant to what we are thinking and feeling.  It means having a discerning heart.

Do we allow ourselves to be hungry, or do we constantly fill ourselves with the things of this world? What are we looking for and where are we looking for it?  What are we actually watching?  Do we maintain a practice of daily prayer, regular examination of conscience and frequent confession, or do we sometimes grow spiritually lazy? Do we commit ourselves to steady growth in holiness and virtue as preparation for the final judgment? Do we teach and encourage our loved ones to do the same?

Saint Symeon the Theologian said, “He who does not have attention in himself and does not guard his mind, cannot become pure in heart, and so cannot see God. He who does not have attention in himself cannot be poor in spirit, cannot weep and be contrite, nor be gentle and meek, nor hunger and thirst after righteousness, nor be merciful, nor a peacemaker, nor suffer persecution for righteousness sake.”

The more we can adopt this spirit of watchfulness associated with the Epiphanies during the Christmas season, the better we will understand those things that we must confront and renounce as we enter into the spiritual desert of Lent.  

The more deeply we can do this, the more we will experience the victory that conquers the world through our faith.

Thanks be to God!