This week our area will have a renowned peace activist visiting. Fr. Daniel Berrigan who gained fame in the 1960’s for his opposition to the Vietnam war along with the late Thomas Merton will be visiting Alfred State University in Alfred, New York. Its not often that someone of his stature visits our area. About … Read more
I mentioned in my bio that I’m an educator. More specifically I’m the technology director for a K-12 school system. In that capacity and in my business I am exposed to technological advances on regular basis. Last night I was attending a dinner seminar. The presenters were two men from Apple Computer. Their topic was … Read more
I’ve been invited to attend a three day retreat that’s focus is on Franciscan peacemaking. I’ll be traveling eleven or twelve hours by car to attend this event at the invitation of a friend who is a friar from nearby Mt. Irenaeus. I’ve been doing a lot of praying and meditating lately. I’ve made contemplation … Read more
Today was a special day for our Secular Franciscan Fraternity. It was the day of our official visitation from the regional fraternity. It’s all a part of becoming a canonically recognized fraternity. It’s been a long journey for many of us. In six years I’ve traveled spiritually from inquirer to professed member. In that time … Read more
Franciscans are called to live the Gospel going from “Gospel to life and life to the Gospel.” In the Old Testament justice meant fidelity to the bonds of relationship. In the Old Testament the evidence of your love of God and neighbor was how you treated the widow, the orphan, and the foreigner in your … Read more
Today’s Gospel is the Jesus standard for forgiveness. Seventy-seven times is a metaphor for infinity when it comes to forgiveness. Civil societies in the west today know of no such compassion when it comes to forgiveness. This is nothing like “three strikes and you’re out.” The same standard is found in The Lord’s Prayer, “forgive … Read more
I came across a really interesting blog today by way of an email note I received. I am supporter of the Friends Committee on National Legislation. Actually, I’m a poor supporter of FCNL. I don’t send them as much money as I should, but I surely appreciate the causes that they represent and witness for. … Read more
Today began with a trip to Mt. Irenaeus for Mass. That’s my routine on most Sundays. First a trip to the grocery store to pick up some brunch items to share after Mass and then a forty minute trip to the Mountain. Fr. Bob was the celebrant today. At Mt. Irenaeus all the homilies are … Read more
Today is St. Patrick’s Day and as an American descended from Irish roots it has been a day for the wearing of the green. I began my day with Mass at our local church. I reflected that this will be Fr. Mike O’Hara’s last St. Patrick’s day at the head of the St. Philomena Parish. … Read more
Today’s readings for Mass are powerful. In the first reading from Jeremiah, “cursed is the man who trusts in human beings, who trusts in flesh..Blessed is the man who trusts in the Lord.” The psalm adds to that with. “Blessed the man who follows not the counsel of the wicked Nor walks in the way … Read more
