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Posted by on Oct 11, 2026

Invited to the Feast – How do We Respond?

Invited to the Feast – How do We Respond?

Each of us, individually and as communities, is invited at all times to enter the presence of  the Lord, the Kingdom of God. If you are reading this, you are still on the earthly side of the Kingdom, as am I as I write it. Nevertheless, the Kingdom encompasses much more than any of us has ever experienced. It stretches from the moment we come into being to our entry into eternity and beyond. We are always invited to enter more deeply into the Kingdom through the events of our lives – the people we meet, the places we go, the things we learn, the work we do. All are doors that open a bit and let us glimpse the greatness of the Lord’s presence in everything and every moment.

When I was in college, I was walking across campus one day and met a “friend,” actually more of an acquaintance. This friend invited me to a prayer gathering. I was hesitant – he was one of those “Jesus people” who were living communally or just barely off the streets. Many had been hippies and drug users. Most were not well educated. Not at all the kind of people I had been raised to respect or with whom I was to be associated! I declined the invitation.

A bit later, another friend and I crossed paths. This friend was a nun who was studying on campus. She also invited me to the prayer gathering. Again, I declined. Not going to get involved with those things or those people.

As I continued on my way, I had one of those experiences that are totally unexpected. The thought came into my mind, “That’s a strange way to deal with two invitations I’ve just given you!” What? Wait! Those were from YOU?

A few days later, I went to the prayer gathering. It was different from what I had expected, but not in any bad way. Peaceful. Joyful. Prayerful. And filled with friendship and mutual caring. I went to many more through the next few years and met some wonderful people along the way, including the man I eventually married!

As Jesus neared the end of his ministry, he told a story about the Kingdom of Heaven and who would be welcomed there. Ordinary people living in Jerusalem probably assumed, as I had, that their ordinary lives of working and praying at regular times and places, along with their family and friends, was what was expected of them by the Lord. Follow the teachings of the religious leaders, whose guidance was very precise and not to be ignored. Then all would be well.

But Jesus presented a different picture. A King’s son was to be married, a Prince. High born members of the ruling class locally and in surrounding Kingdoms were invited to the wedding feast. It was a great honor to be invited. The King expected all would be delighted to join him and his family. But one after another, the invited guests sent their regrets. “It’s harvest time.” “I have just gotten married myself and can’t leave my wife.” “I just got some new cattle and can’t leave them yet.” One by one, all the invited guests declined the invitation, even when the King sent his servants to remind them. Some even went so far as to kill the servants sent to remind them!

The king was very surprised and dismayed. He punished those who had killed the servants,  but there still had to be a feast and guests to celebrate the marriage. The food had been purchased. The entertainers had been hired. Clothing was ready. Guests with whom to celebrate were necessary.

He sent his servants out to all the roads into and out of the city with instructions to bring everyone they met into the hall to celebrate with him and the family. As part of the deal, the new guests were given the fancy wedding clothes which would have been given to the wealthier guests who had originally been invited. This was customary and not inexpensive.

When the King arrived at the banquet hall, all were ready, clothed in new finery, and ready to celebrate. All, that is, except one. One person had refused to change into the fine clothes presented to him. The King was amazed and dismayed and insulted. He ordered that the man be tied up and removed from the banquet hall – tossed out into the dark, because he refused the invitation and all it brought.

Jesus concluded his story with the words, “Many are invited, but few are chosen.” (Mt 22:1-14)

These words could be taken to imply that the Lord is picky and only chooses a few of those who are initially invited into a closer life with him. But what if that is just what we as humans might do? What if instead the Lord’s invitation is such that each of us must choose whether to accept or not? What if our actions open or close the doors for our entry or exclusion from the feast?

The Prophet Isaiah spoke to Israel before the conquest of Jerusalem and the exile into Babylon, promising that the Lord would provide for all on His holy mountain, destroying the barriers that separate us (the veil that covers and isolates us from each other) and providing comfort and forgiveness to all, an end to the “reproach” and tears that characterize our interactions with each other. Isaiah calls us to remember “the Lord for whom we looked” and rejoice that he has saved us. Like the King who calls in everyone from the highways to join him in a great banquet, the Lord provides for those who accept his help and love, sharing it with others in celebration. (Is 25:6-10a)

In daily life, we learn to trust that the Lord’s love is the most important thing. As St. Paul noted as he thanked the Philippians for sending a gift to help support his ministry, the Lord provides for us as we reach out to each other. (Phil 4:12-14, 19-20)

These readings speak volumes to us today if we apply them to the world in which we are living. Some will say that only a few are chosen and welcome in their communities and countries. Some will say that those who dress differently or speak other languages or have different customs should be excluded. Some will say that borders must be carefully guarded against all who might come, regardless of the reasons they have come. Some will say the lives of peoples in other lands are less important than those of people here. And some will even say that the Lord calls us to some sort of “holy war” to defeat his enemies and bring about the end of time.

But is that really what we see in the readings? Does the King exclude anyone who comes and enters into the celebration? Only the one who refused to enter the celebration (by putting on the new clothing) was excluded.

What does the King expect of his people? Jesus told us that too in other times and places. Feed the hungry. Welcome the stranger. Give the thirsty something to drink. Care for the sick. Visit prisoners. Forgive those who have hurt us. Refuse to return evil for evil.

How will people and nations who refuse to follow these guidelines be treated? Will they find peace and security? Or will they enter into a time of ever greater conflict and destruction?

We are called to look around carefully in our lives as individuals and members of a world community. How can we be part of the solution? How do we reach out and care for those who cannot protect themselves? How do we work for peace?

We have been invited to the banquet. How do we respond? This is our call today.

Pray with me this week that we may be or again become a welcoming people who care for those we meet and reach out in love in our daily lives. May we withhold judgement of others and with them put on the wedding garments, so we are able to enter into the celebration of Love together.

Readings for the Twenty-eighth Sunday in Ordinary Time – Cycle A

(Image found on various internet sources – unknown artist)

 

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Posted by on Sep 27, 2026

Our God of Multiple Chances

Our God of Multiple Chances

Throughout both the Hebrew and Christian Scriptures, we hear the voice of the Lord calling us to kindness, compassion, and a commitment to caring for all – whether our family, friends, and fellow community members or those who have come seeking refuge from other lands. Recently, the focus of our readings has been on the loving mercy of the Most High. The stories of the servant who had been forgiven a large debt but refused to forgive a smaller one owed to him by a fellow servant, the owner of the vineyard who paid all of the workers the same full day’s wage without making a distinction among them based on number of hours worked, and the requirement to seek to find reconciliation with fellow members of the community – all have made clear the importance of mercy and compassion. All are parables pointing to the infinite mercy of the Father, who never gives up on us.

This week’s readings include the wonderful story of the two sons who were told by their father to go work in the vineyard. One flat out refused to go. The other said, “Sure.” But he never quite got around to getting to the vineyard. The first one thought better of his refusal and went to work in the vineyard. Jesus asked the people to whom he told the story and he asks us, “Which did his father’s will?”   (Mt 21:28-32)

It’s an important question for all of us. We all have times when we are asked to do something we’d rather not do, but it is something that needs to be done. Do we do it willingly and without hesitation? Do we say, sure, but never get around to doing it? (I know what mine is, do you know what yours is?) Do we say “not a chance,” but then realize we really should do it and get busy doing it?

And how does the father respond? He loves both sons. He rejoices when the one who originally refused to help stepped up anyway and did as he had been asked. I would guess he was frustrated with the response of the other son. But he keeps giving that son the chance to do what is asked as well. Frustration, exasperation, hope for a different response next time and delight when the son actually comes through and does what is asked – all point to the experience of being a loving parent.

Our heavenly Father is like that father. He keeps loving us – time after time – always hoping we will live with compassion, kindness, patience, and generosity in helping each other. I expect there’s a good deal of exasperation with all of us! But we keep trying too. That’s all we can do. Stumble along and keep getting up and trying again. And this Father, our God of multiple chances, asks us to remember to give others the benefit of the doubt, trusting that they too are loved. Maybe they just need a bit more time to notice it and figure out how to respond in a loving way. As Jesus noted, the great public sinners (tax collectors and prostitutes) were more often turning back to the Lord’s way faster than those who believed they were already living in obedience to the Law.

We are quick to judge and condemn others. But through Ezekiel, the Lord asks us, “Is it my way that is unfair, or rather are not your ways unfair?” It’s a good question and one to take to heart each day. (Ez 18:25-28)

Here are a few prayers for this week:

We pray for our community of faith throughout the world, that we welcome and accept all who come to join us in serving the Lord through our lives, including those whose journeys may be long and winding along the way.

We pray for our leaders locally and around the world, that their hearts be opened to hear the Lord’s voice calling them to forgiveness, mercy, kindness and compassion in their lives and leadership, especially in dealings with those who are unable to provide for themselves and their families through their own efforts alone.

We pray for all peoples in war-torn lands, that they receive strength to continue their lives with hope for an end to the violence, and for all those who work either openly or behind the scenes to reach agreements that will end the suffering with justice for those whose lives have been disrupted.

And may we remember always to listen to the voice of the Father, asking us each day to go into the vineyard of our lives and work to help nourish and grow a rich harvest of love and compassion for all.

Peace be with you.

Readings for the Twenty-sixth Sunday in Ordinary Time – Cycle A

Bishop Ramón Bejarano of the Diocese of Monterey offered a marvelous reflection on these readings. His homily is available to watch on Resurrection Catholic Community’s YouTube channel.

 

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Posted by on Aug 20, 2015

Work: Share in the Divine Project or Join the Lemmings

Work: Share in the Divine Project or Join the Lemmings

Tunturisopuli_Lemmus_Lemmus When does getting a job and going to work become a question of “joining the lemmings going over the cliff?” The question arises one night over dinner. A young man who has an independent source of income finds he has no real reason to get out of bed in the morning. He has a new skill and set of training, but he finds himself hesitant to put himself into a situation that would require him to charge for services he would otherwise offer at no charge. He questions whether charging for services means he is joining the lemmings. Yet he feels an urgent need to have recognizable work.

Another person at the table finds such language distressing. This person does not have the luxury of choosing whether to go to work or not and certainly does not feel like a lemming!

The critical question, it seems, regards the value and importance of work. Work in and of itself is neutral. What we do each day to fulfill our responsibilities may be called work. Things we do for relaxation we often call play, despite the fact that some forms of relaxation take more physical and psychic effort than “work.”

Given that both work and play may take significant time and effort on a daily basis, how do we value each? Most commonly, we think of work in negative terms and play in positive ones. When something is hard, we even say, “That’s why we call it work!”

Work is a participation in the divine endeavour, bringing new energies into focus to carry out an ongoing development, whether of something old or new. As such, work can be a positive experience — tiring, yes; repetitive, perhaps; boring, sometimes — yet ultimately of value.

When does work become the province of “lemmings?” Work becomes something negative when it reduces or threatens the human dignity of the person who engages in it. It also becomes lemming-like when performed solely or largely for less-than-human reasons, such as the proverbial “keeping-up-with-the-Joneses.” If the only reason a person has for doing a job he or she hates is in order to buy a mansion, sports car, or other luxury item, then the value of that work is of lemming quality. If, on the other hand, the work keeps a roof over the head of the individual and/or family and food on the table, that work is valuable and not to be disparged.

In our daily lives, as we seek to recognize the presence of God in what we do, whether work or play, we are called to evaluate our actions regularly in terms of how they align with God’s plan for us and for this wonderful world in which we live. Work aligned with God’s activity is not the province of human “lemmings” but rather the path to human fulfillment.

 

Note: The notion that lemmings in nature have a propensity to go “over the cliff” in a mass suicidal wave is not actually correct. Sometimes when the population becomes too dense, they migrate to other areas. Bodies of water that must be crossed may prove too wide for some of them and some will drown. This may be the source of the idea that lemmings deliberately go over the cliff. In fact, lemmings too live according to divine plan, praising God through their daily lives by being lemmings!

Image from Wikipedia Commons – public domain

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Posted by on May 21, 2015

Work: Share in the Divine Project or Join the Lemmings

Tres Palabras para Familias Felices

Pope Francis - Canonization_2014-_The_Canonization_of_Saint_John_XXIII_and_Saint_John_Paul_II_(14036966125) - Jeffrey Bruno - Creative CommonsEn su Audiencia General de Miércoles el 13 de mayo, el Papa Francisco dio un corto mensaje sobre tres palabras claves para asegurar la alegría y el bienestar de la familia. Permiso, gracias, y perdón son las palabras esenciales para mantener saludables las relaciones familiares.

El Santo Papa dijo que algunas veces en nuestra cultura esas expresiones son consideradas como señales de debilidad en vez de ser una declaración de nuestro respeto y cariño en nuestras relaciones familiares. Subrayó la necesidad del respeto por la dignidad de nuestros esposos, hijos, y otros miembros de la familia como base de vivir nuestra fe. Sin esta fundación básica de respeto y cariño, esas relaciones importantes se pueden romper, hacienda daño a todos.

Pedir permiso es esencial para afirmar a otros y resulta en ligas más íntimas y fuertes. Mostrar nuestra gratitud es más que una formalidad social. Es un reconocimiento y validación de nuestros queridos y es una expresión de nuestra estimación de su amor. Es más, así demostramos nuestra comprensión de la importancia de nuestros familiares y su amor en nuestras vidas. La palabra más difícil, según el Santo Papa, es perdón. Conflictos y desacuerdos, y aún pleitos, son parte de cualquiera relación honesta. El Papa Francisco refiere también a incidentes más serios, cuando “vuelan los platos”. Lo más importante es pedir perdón. Papa Francisco nos aconseja hacer las paces antes del fin del día. A veces, eso no es posible, porque necesitamos más tiempo para calmarnos. Sobre todo Papa Francisco nos aconseja hacer las paces lo más pronto posible para demostrar que la fuerza de nuestro amor es más grande que cualquier desacuerdo o frustración.

Una clarificación en cuanto a las diferencias culturales puede ser útil aquí. En culturas Latinas generalmente se alivia el estrés por exteriorizarlo. Generalmente la molestia o irritación no es internalizada. La voces claman y los brazos gestionan con vigor y todo se puede parecer excesivo según el perspectivo de los de habla inglesa del norte del Atlántico. En muchas culturas de habla inglesa la expresión del estrés es más calmada. Los sentimientos no son menos intensos. A veces son más intensos por ser internalizados. Esta forma cultural de respuesta al conflicto requiere una distinta respuesta más tranquila. Las tres palabras todavía se aplican, pero necesitamos apreciar cómo nuestras familias perciben y manejan el conflicto.

El enojo, la disensión, y la desilusión pueden ser oportunidades para reconocer y resolver conflictos más profundos. La asistencia profesional de un consejero capacitado puede ayudarnos a evitar minando o rompiendo los vínculos de amor y cariño. La cortesía y el respeto son importantes en nuestra plática, pero además tienen que ser realizados en nuestros hechos y actitudes. Como ha dicho San Ignacio de Loyola << El amor se manifiesta en hechos más que palabras.>> Estas tres palabras son hechas muy importantes. Son más que palabras y pueden abrir la puerta a una mejor relación, aceptación mutua, y una respuesta amante a los retos fundamentales de estar feliz y realizar un hogar feliz.

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Posted by on Apr 20, 2015

Work: Share in the Divine Project or Join the Lemmings

Martyrs Continue To Witness

21 Martyrs of Libya - Tony Rezk - B-d6yZ9IMAAlR-zFrom the earliest days of Christianity, before Jesus’ followers were even known as Christians, men and women have been called upon to testify to what they have seen and experienced of God’s great love for all of us as it shines forth in the life, death and resurrection of Our Lord. We call those who witness with the total gift of their lives martyrs.

Today is no different. The martyrs of Libya and those who are dying in other countries around the world because they are Christians are a reminder that love and faith are risky. We pray for those who face this risk, that they may testify with courage and know the Father’s love in their hour of trial. And we pray that they will remember us when they meet our Lord.

Help for those left behind

As members of the wider community of faith, we may also feel called to make some offering of deeper support to the families of these martyrs. A program called Coptic Orphans works with poor families in Egypt.

Artist Tony Rezk, whose art is featured above, offers prints of his digital icons. A portion of the sale of the icon of the 21 Martyrs will go to support needy Christian families in Egypt.

Another group that is helping needy Christian families is Gather the Remnants.

The Vatican’s agency for humanitarian and pastoral support, Catholic Near East Welfare Association (CNEWA) is also active in supporting Christian communities in this time of need.

Help will certainly be needed as this campaign against Christians in countries around the world continues.

 

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Posted by on Apr 20, 2015

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Velaron, salieron y entraron en el misterio – Papa Francisco

Resurrection_of_Christ_and_Women_at_the_Tomb_by_Fra_Angelico_(San_Marco_cell_8)Papa Francisco, en su homilía para la Vigilia Pascual, reflexionó sobre la experiencia de los primeros discípulos y discípulas del Señor, en esa noche de dolor y de temor antes de la resurrección . Notó que el Señor no duerme, sino «vela el guardián de su pueblo» (Sal 121,4) y lo salva de la esclavitud, abriendo el camino a la libertad. Así como velaba y cuidaba a su pueblo Israel en Egipto, velaba e hizo «pasar a Jesús a través del abismo de la muerte y de los infiernos.»

Los discípulos se quedaron en el Cenáculo, el salón en donde celebraron con Jesús la Ultima Cena, cuando nació el alba, pero las discípulas salieron con sus ungüentos para ungir al cuerpo de su amigo fallecido. Se preocuparon por el detalle de la piedra, pero sin embargo salieron para enfrentarlo y atender a su amigo.

En su acción de salir de nuevo al mundo y entrar en su dolor, entraron en el misterio del poder y amor del Señor, según el Papa. La tumba estaba abierta. ¡Su amigo se había resucitado! Las discípulas habían «entrado en el misterio.» (1Re 19,12) en el cual se puede «escuchar el silencio y sentir el susurro de ese hilo de silencio sonoro en el que Dios nos habla.»

Nuestro Señor nos llama a todos a salir de lo que nos encierre, del miedo, de la incertidumbre, para enfrentar los temores, los problemas, los interrogantes y «entrar en el misterio … más allá de las cómodas certezas …»

Las mujeres discípulas de Jesús, junto con su Madre, pasaban la noche velando. Y luego, en la mañana, «salieron y encontraron la tumba abierta … Velaron, salieron y entraron en el misterio.»

Papa Francisco nos invita a «velar con Dios y con María, nuestra Madre, para entrar en el misterio que nos hace pasar de la muerte a la vida.»

 

La homilía completa y la vigilia pueden verse en el video adjunto. (No hay sonido por los primeros 3½ minutos, ¡espere con paciencia!)

 

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Posted by on Mar 24, 2015

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Un Año Santo Extraordinario de la Misericordia Divina

pope-francis-celebrity-backgrounds-28521En el 13 de marzo, el segundo aniversario de su elección, el Papa Francisco anunció la convocación de un Jubileo extraordinario con oraciones y otras actividades especiales para celebrar la misericordia divina. El Papa lo proclamó en su homilía durante una celebración penitencial. La misericordia divina es una de los temas claves de la enseñanza y ministerio pastoral del Santo Padre. El año se iniciará en la solemnidad de la Inmaculada Concepción (el 8 de diciembre de 2015) y concluirá con la solemnidad de Nuestro Señor Jesucristo, Rey del Universo (el 20 de noviembre de 2016). El Jubileo de la Misericordia tendrá lugar en el quincuagésimo aniversario de la clausura del Concilio Vaticano II. Se destaca el año de jubileo con ceremonias y liturgias especiales. Puesto que este jubileo se llevará a cabo afuera de la secuencia regular de 25 o 50 años, se refiere a este como un Año Santo Extraordinario.

El Santo Papa afirmó:

Queridos hermanos y hermanas, con frecuencia he pensado en cómo la Iglesia podría hacer clara su misión de ser testigo a la misericordia. Es un viaje que comienza con una conversión espiritual. Por eso, he decidido convocar un Jubileo extraordinario que tenga en el centro la misericordia de Dios. Será un Año Santo de la Misericordia. Lo queremos vivir a la luz de la palabra del Señor: “Sean misericordiosos como el Padre”. (Lc 6:36)

La tradición de años de jubileo se inició con el Papa Bonifacio VIII y desde el año 1475, el jubileo ordinario comenzó a espaciarse al ritmo de cada 25 años.  El concepto del Año Santo se modela en el año de jubileo del los antiguos hebreos en el cual los campos quedaban sin plantarse, los esclavos fueron liberados, y las deudas fueron perdonadas. El año de jubileo programado en el Libro de Levítico se llevaba a cabo cada 50 años.

La puerta de Jubileo de la Basílica de San Pedro será abierta al comenzar el Año Santo como símbolo del regreso de los penitentes a la fe. Además, se está planeando una celebración especial en 2016 para el Domingo de la Misericordia Divina, el domingo siguiente de la Pascua.

Haga clic para escuchar al anuncio del Papa en Radio Vaticano.

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Posted by on Mar 24, 2015

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Coming Soon — An Extraordinary Holy Year of Mercy

Pope Francis - Canonization_2014-_The_Canonization_of_Saint_John_XXIII_and_Saint_John_Paul_II_(14036966125) - Jeffrey Bruno - Creative CommonsOn March 13, the second anniversary of his papacy, Pope Francis announced a special year of prayer and other special activities to celebrate God’s unlimited mercy. The announcement was made as part of the Pope’s homily while he was presiding over a Lenten penance service. Divine mercy is one of the Pope’s major themes in his preaching and pastoral activity. The year will officially begin on the Feast of the Immaculate Conception (December 8, 2015) and end on the Feast of Christ the King (November 20, 2016). The Holy Year of Mercy also marks the 50th anniversary of the close of the Second Vatican Council. It will be marked by special ceremonies and liturgies. Since this Holy Year is outside the traditional 25 or 50 year interval for regular Holy Years it is called an Extraordinary Holy Year.

The Pope declared:

Dear brothers and sisters, I have often thought about how the Church might make clear its mission of being a witness to mercy. It is a journey that begins with a spiritual conversion. For this reason, I have decided to call an extraordinary Jubilee that is to have the mercy of God at its center. It shall be a Holy Year of Mercy. We want to live this Year in the light of the Lord’s words: “Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful. (cf. Lk 6:36)”

Jubilee years began in 1300 with Pope Boniface VIII and are traditionally held every 25 years. The concept of the Holy Year is modeled on the Old Testament Jubilee Year in which the fields rested, slaves were freed, and debts were forgiven. The Jubilee Year specified in Leviticas was to be held every 50 years.

Traditionally, the Jubilee door of St. Peter’s Basilica is opened at the beginning of Holy Years to symbolize the return of penitents to the faith. Additionally, special plans are being made for the celebration in 2016 of Divine Mercy Sunday, the first Sunday after Easter.

See a video of the announcement here.

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Posted by on Mar 24, 2015

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The Alpha Course — Presenting and Encountering Christ

Alpha Course logoA fundamental theme of Pope Francis’ papacy has been the Church’s call to missionary activity. This activity is not simply the call of a few who will travel to distant lands. It is the call of every Christian: the call to participate in evangelization. Yet in our communities,workplaces, and homes, we often feel uncomfortable in this role, whether because the Christian message and lifestyle are counter-cultural or because we don’t really know or understand what we believe, why we believe it, or why we do what we do.

The Alpha Course is a relatively new program that is focused on reaching out to those who have never really heard the Gospel or experienced life as Christians. One of the side-effects of the program, however, is to re-vitalize parish life as new people are touched by the love of the Risen Christ and enter the community of faith. Long-time members of Christian communities, including Roman Catholics, also experience a revitalization of their faith as they see it anew through the eyes of the newcomers.

Fr. Riccardo, pastor of Our Lady of Good Counsel Parish in Plymouth, Michigan and a regular contributor on Eternal Word Television Network (EWTN), talks about the fact that we as Catholics tend to focus on sacramentalizing: introducing our parishioners to the sacraments and helping them grow in their sacramental life.  According to Fr. Riccardo, if we teach the people about the faith and the sacraments without introducing them to the person of Christ, it is like throwing seeds on concrete. Nothing will grow. Fr. Riccardo gives a comprehensive presentation of the Alpha Course, a program for evangelization, in a series of YouTube podcasts.

The Alpha Course has a simple method. People gather for a meal and a discussion, not just in a church setting but wherever people gather. The attendees are primarily people who are currently outside the Church. Over a ten week period the participants come to an experience of the Risen Christ as their loving friend and savior.

The Alpha Course began in a Church of England parish in London and is now widely used by many denominations. It is opening doors to ecumenical cooperation and discussion about the centrality of Christ in our faith. Over 1 million Catholics in Canada have been through the course. Fr. Rainero Cantalamessa, preacher to the papal household, Cardinal Rino Fisichella, President of the Pontifical Council for Promoting the New Evangelization, and other Catholic leaders have praised the Alpha Course.

Rev. Mr. Steve Mitchell, a deacon of the Archdiocese of Detroit, is the national director for Alpha USA. According to Deacon Mitchell’s statement on the AlphaUSA.org website “Alpha provides a safe, non-threatening environment where no question is too dumb and no perception is criticized. Barriers are broken down as we share a meal together and build relationships without regard to what someone believes.”

Alpha’s video includes examples from Catholic parishes around the world.

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Posted by on Mar 24, 2015

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Growing Into an Adult Morality

Virtues fighting Vices - 14th Century window

Virtues fighting Vices      14th Century window

Fr. Bryan Massingale, in his workshop at the 2015 Los Angeles Religious Education Congress, “Virtues for Adult Christians”, explains that Christian morality is about decisions we make that are motivated by faith in Christ. They are a response to God’s prior gift of love and expressed in our choices and decisions about what we do and the kind of person we are.

Morality, like much of human experience, is different for children than for adults. Childhood is a time of formation and growth. Adulthood is a time of internalization of what has been learned and growth in wisdom. For children, morality is something that comes from the outside, tends to be phrased more negatively (“you may not…”), is based on rules and obedience, and is reinforced by fear or rewards. For adults, morality comes from within the person. It is a positive statement of who I am. Based on ideals and goals, it is virtue-centered. Virtues in this sense are good habits — attitudes and ways of being/acting that are positive responses to divine love. Adult morality is inspirational: becoming the best person I can be, the one God calls me to be.

Both approaches to morality are appropriate and Catholic. Children need rules and boundaries in order to learn and grow safely and securely. But in late adolescence and early adulthood, they need to grow and make what they have learned a positive part of who they are. Humans need to grow up morally as well as physically, because most of what we experience in our adult lives does not fit easily into the system of rules we learned as children. As Fr. Massingale noted, life is sloppy, complex, messy, and fascinating. Rules are for  perfect worlds: neat and precise! We expect more than rules can deliver and we want to be safe, but that’s not what adult life is about. Pope Francis tells us in The Joy of the Gospel (#39) that morality is more than rules and self-denial. It’s a response to the God of love.

Traditional lists of virtues are divided into two groups: Theological Virtues (Faith, Hope, Love) and Cardinal Virtues (Prudence, Temperance, Fortitude, Justice). The Cardinal virtues are sometimes known as “hinge” virtues because others flow from them.

In contrast to the virtues, we also have lists of vices. Interestingly, the vices come in two versions: an excess or a lack of that quality that makes a virtue the good quality that it is. For example the vice that is opposite to Hope may be seen as Despair (too little hope) or as Arrogance (too much misplaced confidence).

Fr. Massingale suggests that for today’s adult Christians, a list of some contemporary virtues should include: Courage, Compassion, Self-Love, Forgiveness, and Wisdom. If these are missing, our lives get all messed up.

His presentation was recorded and is well worth taking the time to enjoy. (The video gets started slowly. Move the cursor on the bar to 21.15 for the beginning!)

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