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Sharing Christ's message: Enthusiastically
The pastor of my parish is on sabbatical, so several retired priests have shared responsibilities of sacramental ministry for the last five months.
Our permanent deacon expected to give the homily most weekends but was surprised to find that the priests wanted to preach the word themselves.
One of them, Msgr. Chet Michaels, has become a favorite. It has been interesting to hear parishioners often quoting him when they are gathered for other activities: "It's like Father Chet said last Sunday . . . " or "Father Chet explained it so well."
Most Holy Body
and Blood of Christ
(Sunday, June 10, 2007)
Genesis 14:18-20
Psalm 110:1-4
1 Corinthians 11:23-26
Luke 9:11b-17
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As a catechist of youth, I particularly was impressed at the number of times I heard teenagers relate a lesson they'd learned at Mass from this 80-something priest!
On a recent Sunday he mentioned to the congregation that it was the 60th anniversary of his first Mass as a priest. The sheer number of years was astounding enough. But more amazing was the fact that he continues to share the message of Jesus in resonant ways and with a seemingly endless supply of enthusiasm and freshness.
No doubt the monsignor doesn't worry about whether or not he can come up with an effective way to bring God's presence to the people. He believes and practices the eternal source of Jesus among people of faith.
His lifetime of ministry draws from the same well as did the feeding of the multitudes in this weekend's Gospel. Through Monsignor Chet's inspired words, the multitudes grow by generations, and through the miracle of Jesus' body and blood this source of life is constant.
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Reflection questions
• How have you experienced the body and blood of Christ as an eternal source?
• In what ways have you seen the life of Jesus multiplied among people you know?
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At one Mass Monsignor Chet, after elevating the host, started right into the Memorial Acclamation. The deacon whispered that he'd forgotten to consecrate the wine. As the last words of the acclamation still echoed in the sanctuary, the priest intoned, "Likewise he took the cup . . . ," and we followed with the Memorial Acclamation again. Somehow it was a graced moment, remembering that with Jesus there is always more, and celebrating him feeds our endless desire.
This column is offered in cooperation with the North Texas Catholic of Fort Worth, Texas.
This week's readings
Week of June 10 - 16, 2007
Sunday, June 10, 2007
The Solemnity of the Most Holy Body
and Blood of Christ
Reading I: Gn 14:18-20
Reading II: 1 Cor 11:23-26
Gospel: Lk 9:11b-17
Monday, June 11, 2007
Memorial of Saint Barnabas, Apostle
Reading I: Acts 11:21b-26; 13:1-3
Gospel: Mt 5:1-12
Tuesday, June 12, 2007
Reading I: 2 Cor 1:18-22
Gospel: Mt 5:13-16
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Wednesday, June 13, 2007
Memorial of Saint Anthony of Padua, priest
and doctor of the Church
Reading I: 2 Cor 3:4-11
Gospel: Mt 5:17-19
Thursday, June 14, 2007
Reading I: 2 Cor 3:15--4:1, 3-6
Gospel: Mt 5:20-26
Friday, June 15, 2007
Solemnity of Most Sacred Heart of Jesus
Reading I: Ez 34:11-16
Reading II: Rom 5:5b-11
Gospel: Lk 15:3-7
Saturday, June 16, 2007
Memorial of the Immaculate Heart of Mary
Reading I: 2 Cor 5:14-21
Gospel: Luke 2:41-51
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Pope's Prayer Intentions
June General Intention
Sailors: That the Lord may protect sailors and all those involved in maritime activities.
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June Mission Intention
North African Church: That the Church in North Africa may bear witness to God's love for every individual and all peoples.
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Prayer for St. Raphael Cathedral
O God,
Whose word is like fire,
who spoke to Your servant Moses in the burning bush;
who led Your people Israel out of bondage
with a cloud by day and a pillar of fire by night:
hear Your people as we call upon You
in both need and gratitude.
May the Cathedral fire purify Your Church
in the Diocese of Madison
so that our hearts may burn with the knowledge
that Your Church is built upon the bedrock
of Your Son, Jesus Christ.
Through the intercession of Saint Raphael,
Your messenger of healing,
in union with our Holy Father, Pope Benedict XVI,
and with our Bishop, Robert C. Morlino,
may we find comfort in our affliction
and the courage to proclaim
the Good News of Jesus Christ,
who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit,
one God forever and ever.
Amen.
For more prayer resources visit the Office of Worship's Web page at www.straphael.org/~office_of_worship/
(Click on the link on the main page.)
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