Pulling Back the Veil

I'm going to talk about something a little different this week, something a little sad and tough. But I promise, there's an uplifting point. This week, I'm going to talk about death and how God can use painful things for good. Stick with me, I promise it will be worth it.

Death is one of the hardest things to come to terms with as mortal beings. Many people try to forget death by living in the moment and trying to squeeze all the fun they can out of each and every moment (people like Post Malone and Antonio Brown who are often partying and in the headlines are good examples), but at some point we all have to sit down and realize that there is something more than life on this Earth. As Catholics, we believe that Heaven awaits us on the other side, but the unknown of death is still scary.

I came face to face with this last week when I heard that a friend of mine had died. His name was Roland Lavoie, and he was 78. I had known Roland for most of my life, seeing him frequently at my home parish, St. Pius X in Middletown. From the time I was a young kid, he was always very kind to me and would ask my mom how I was doing when he saw her. After I graduated college and came back to Middletown, he would always get my attention at the end of mass by calling out "Mr. Regis!" if I hadn't seen him.

When I heard that Roland had passed away, I was saddened. It's never easy to hear that a friend or loved one isn't here on Earth with us any more, as I'm sure you know if you've ever been in a similar situation. I decided to go with my mom to his funeral the next day, and what I saw there did two things for me: It made me proud to be a Catholic, and it made me extremely grateful that God's the one with the plan (and not me!).

Strange, right? Funerals are supposed to be sad, aren't they? Sure, there's sorrow inherent in death, and there was sorrow at Roland's funeral, too. But what stuck with me the most was the community and love that I saw there. I've been to a few funerals, but this was one of the best-attended I've seen. There must've been 100-150 people there! I was especially struck by what the priest said in his homily.

He spoke about how he saw Roland at the daily 9am mass each and every day, without fail. He spoke about how the two of them had bonded over their shared health concerns, and how they had become close friends after just a few months of knowing each other. As the priest said these things, I glanced over at Roland's family and saw them both smiling and crying; they had no idea that Roland had made such an impact on this priest.

I'll bet you they had no idea the impact that Roland had had on me, either. Interestingly enough, I bet you Roland himself didn't even know how much he affected people. And that, ladies and gents, is the entire point. We don't and will never (at least until, God willing, we get to Heaven), know the effect that we have on the people and the world around us. But that's not for us to know, it's for God to know and plan for.

Hopefully you've all seen "It's a Wonderful Life." If you haven't, stop reading my little blog post and go watch the greatest Christmas movie of all time! It came out like 75 years ago what are you doing?? But for those righteous folk who have seen it, you'll know that the climax of the movie involves a man being shown what the world would be like if he didn't exist. Of course it would be a much darker place, and he's done much more good in his lifetime than he could've ever imagined.

This is exactly what I'm talking about. Every single thing that we do, even the difficult, painful things, can be used by God for His glory. I'm sure there are things that I've done that I don't even think about anymore that have had a much larger impact than I know. Look at Roland! Roland did a lot of good in his life that I'm sure he didn't fully grasp (because he's not God). He even did a lot of good in his death.

Although he couldn't have known it, Roland's passing from this life brought the St. Pius community together. His family came to his funeral, of course, but there were dozens of people there who had gotten to know him at mass and other parish events, through simple little daily interactions. Small, little acts of kindness over years and years that added up to form the image that we all had of Roland at his funeral: a funny, kind, brutally honest, sometimes cranky, intelligent, caring man who will be missed.

What does this mean for you? That's easy. First, make a point to thank God for those moments where the curtain is pulled back just enough that we see a glimpse of His plan. Look for them and appreciate them when they come. Secondly, the next time you're going through something difficult, painful, or seemingly unfair, remember that it's not pointless. God uses all things for some good, and even though we may not see it, that fact can bring us comfort.

I pray that you are able to see the good in the painful things in life, and that God will grace you with those little glimpses of His plan.

Regis

The Presentation of the Lord - February 2, 2020

Dear Friends in Christ:

The Feast of the Presentation of the Lord which we celebrate this weekend is a feast that seems to bring us back to Christmastime! This Feast used to be called the Purification of Mary, remembering an ancient rite when women went to the Temple to be prayed over after childbirth.

A number of years ago the Church changed this feast from a Feast of Mary, the Purification, to a Feast of the Lord, The Presentation. This feast commemorates how Jesus, as a baby, was presented to God in the Temple in Jerusalem. This presentation finds its complete and perfect fulfillment in the mystery of the passion, death and Resurrection of the Lord. It is also called the Feast of Encounter because the New Testament, represented by the baby Jesus, encountered the Old Testament, represented by Simeon and Anna. In the Gospel today we see an encounter of the Holy Family with Simeon and Anna. In this passage, Simeon extols the divine blessings which the Messiah is bringing to Israel and to all men and predicts that Mary will play a crucial and sacrificial role in her Son’s redemptive work by sharing in her Son’s sufferings.

What does this Feast mean to us for our everyday lives?

First, let us realize that every Holy Mass in which we participate is our own presentation. Although we were officially presented to God on the day of our Baptism, we present ourselves and our dear ones on the altar before God our Father through our Savior Jesus Christ at every Holy Mass. Hence, we need to live our daily lives with the awareness both that we are dedicated people, consecrated to God, and that we are obliged to lead holy lives.

Second, we need the assistance of the Holy Spirit to recognize the presence of Jesus in ourselves and in others. All those who, like Simeon and Anna, persevere in piety and in the service of God, become instruments whom the Holy Spirit uses to make Christ known to others. The Holy Spirit employs ordinary men and women of faith as His instruments to bear witness to Christ, his ideals and teachings just as he used Simeon and Anna. Therefore, let us be open to the promptings of the Holy Spirit within us to recognize the indwelling presence of the Lord with us and in others.

Finally, from this encounter comes the great Canticle of Simeon which is recited in the Liturgy of the Hours, the Breviary, each Night Prayer. This is said by priest and religious, as well as by lay people. It is a great prayer to say prior to going to sleep.

The Antiphon each night is “Protect us, Lord, as we stay awake; watch over us as we sleep, that awake, we may keep watch with Christ, and asleep, rest in his peace.”

The Canticle is “Lord, now you let your servant go in peace; your word has been fulfilled: my own eyes have seen the salvation which you have prepared in the sight of every people: a light to reveal you to the nations and the glory of your people Israel. Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit: as it was in the beginning, is now, and will be forever. Amen.”

For those who would like to pray the Liturgy of the Hours each day there are two options. The One Volume, Christian Prayer, is a great way to start. It comes with a guide, or one can be purchased at any religious goods store, and will get you on your way to centering your day in prayer. Or you can purchase a four volume set, which contains all of the hours along with what is known as The Office of Readings with many beautiful passages from the writings of the Saints!

This Feast reminds us, too, that there is a connection between the interior light that is Christ, and the call of all believers to shine forth that light to the world in our words and actions. We do this, first and foremost, by nurturing our own faith! Increasing in prayer, studying Scripture, and studying the faith help us to this. Then, once we are strengthened in our faith, we can shine forth that light of Christ to the world. This is ALL of us. Not just priests, religious men and women, and deacons. Bringing the light of Christ to the world is an obligation of all God’s faithful! Let the light shine forth!

Last Sunday the world was in shock as news spread of the tragic death of basketball great Kobe Bryant, his 13 year-old daughter, and the others who died in the helicopter crash. What has amazed me is how many people last Sunday and throughout the week have recalled how Bryant gave much credit to his Catholic faith for seeing him through the bad times and strengthening his marriage and family.

Kobe grew up in Philadelphia, was raised Catholic, and as a youth lived for a while in Italy. He and his wife Vanessa were married in the Catholic Church and raised their children Catholic. We have heard reports this past week how he attended Sunday Mass and sometimes even daily Mass.

Last Sunday, two hours before he boarded the helicopter for that ill-fated helicopter flight, Kobe Bryant prayed before the 7AM Mass at his parish church, Our Lady Queen of the Angels, in Newport Beach, California.

We don't know what Kobe prayed in the stillness of that morning, but at Mass each week he prayed as we all do at each Mass, "Lord have mercy. Christ have mercy. Lord have mercy." Kobe's life is testimony that he meant the words of his prayer, and that his prayers were answered.

As a public figure, Kobe had to deal with some difficult moments in his life out in the public’s eyes and scrutiny. This week we are seeing many stories talking about those difficult times and quoting him as saying “The one thing that really helped me during that process—I’m Catholic, I grew up Catholic, my kids are Catholic—was talking to a priest.” My friends may his legacy be that in good times and in difficult times we will all turn to our faith in God and receive God’s mercy, as Kobe did!

A Special Word of Gratitude from Archbishop Blair…Archbishop Blair wrote me the other day and expressed his “heartfelt gratitude to the parishioners of Saint Bridget of Sweden Parish for their generous response” to the 2019 Archbishop’s Annual Appeal. This past year our parish donated $228,532.00 to the Archbishop’s Annual Appeal Sharing the Joy of the Gospel for Generations. How impressive your generosity is and how amazing it is to know that almost 10 million dollars was raised this past year to support the ministries, the charities, and so many local organizations who make a difference in the lives of thousands of our brothers and sisters in need through the Appeal. Thank you for your commitment to the Archbishop’s Annual Appeal in addition to your amazing and extraordinary commitment to our Parish Family, and thank you for seeing that through our generosity to the Archbishop’s Annual Appeal we are serving Christ himself through the many ministries, charities, and spiritual works that benefit from our generosity.

Job Opening…unfortunately the new Facility Coordinator for our parish has resigned as she was offered full-time employment elsewhere. THIS MEANS WE ARE HIRING. The Facility Coordinator is responsible for welcoming groups and organizations who utilize the school facilities from 5PM until 9PM Monday through Thursday as needed. If there are no events taking place on a particular evening then there are no hours. A schedule will be provided the week prior. The primary purpose is to have someone at the door of our facility to welcome those coming to programs, events, and meetings. This person will be responsible to ensure the people are directed to the proper room for their function. This person is also the point person in case of an emergency. If you are interested in learning more please email us at rectory@stbridgetcheshire.org. It is envisioned that some light duties might be required in addition to welcoming and opening the facility.

BEWARE…SCAMMERS are targeting priests. Scam artists are preying on people of faith to commit fraud. These people are preying on the faithful and the elderly seeking to convince you that they are your priest and that we are in need of help. I have become the target once again of these scammers. Please note that I WOULD NEVER EMAIL YOU or TEXT YOU asking for money or gift cards. If you look closely at the email they are using you will notice it is NOT a parish email. The scammers claim these gift cards are needed for some charitable reason and are needed soon. In a recent incident, which is being reported to the Cheshire Police Department, one of our faithful parishioners received a text from me, so they thought since it said it was Father Romans looking for a favor, and starting having an exchange getting more and more details until it was revealed that they were looking for five $100 gift cards and asked that she scan this person the receipt and the codes. She then realized it wasn’t me and stopped communicating with them. If something like this has occurred for you please do not hesitate to contact the Cheshire Police Department and report it. AGAIN, I will NEVER contact you via email or text looking for a favor or gift cards. BE ALERT.

As always, remember to pray for our parish family and ask God’s blessings as we build His kingdom here. Please know that I am praying for you, and I ask for your prayers for me, that together through the intercession of Saint Bridget of Sweden, our Patroness, and united in the Eucharist, we will reflect the presence of Jesus to the world.

"To the End of the Age"

How often do you read your Bible? Once a day? Once a week? At all? I can only speak for myself, but I think that consistently reading the Bible can be one of the toughest parts of being Catholic, especially as a young person. For the longest time, it was something I REALLY struggled with. I'd sit down, determined to read from Genesis to Revelations, but I never got more than a few chapters in before giving up. Why was that? Why was something that's supposedly so central to our faith so difficult for me?

Here's the thing: I was doing it all wrong. If you try to read the Bible from front to back in one go, your chances of getting through it are probably not that high. My secret, and how I've been able to make the Bible a much bigger part of my life, is that I start with the verses.

Okay, I know that sounds a little weird. Start with the verses? Isn't the whole Bible made up of verses? You're absolutely right. What I'm referring to is finding some verses that speak to you, move you, or even just sound cool, and reading the books and chapters that they're in. A few of my favorites are "(Jesus) sighed from the depth of His spirit," "Jesus wept," and "For God's gifts and His call are irrevocable" (Mark 8:12, John 11:35, and Romans 11:29, respectively).

I happen to really resonate with verses that show us the humanity of Jesus, like when He sighs with weariness at the Pharisees' lack of understanding or when He weeps with sorrow at the death of his friend Lazarus. Those are my preferences, though. Any number of things can speak to us from the Bible. Today, however, I want to focus on just one verse that I really love. A verse that, to me, just SOUNDS different from the rest of the Bible: "'And behold I am with you always, to the end of the age'" (Matthew 28:20).

Let's break this down. First of all, these are the last words Jesus speaks in bodily form on Earth, ever, so we know they have to be pretty important. Secondly, is it just me, or does this sound wildly different from most of the language in the Bible? Maybe I'm crazy, but this sounds like something out of Lord of the Rings, right?! I can SO easily picture Gandalf saying something like this.

Quick side note, remember back in my Rise of Skywalker post where I said I liked Star Wars enough to discuss it but wasn't a crazy superfan? Yeah.....forget all of that with regards to Lord of the Rings. I'm obsessed. You wanna know who Sauron's boss was a thousand years before the War of the Ring? I've got you covered (it was Melkor, Lord of the Rings' version of Satan). You wanna know who the true hero and main character of the story is? I'm on it (it is, and forever will be Samwise Gamgee).

Let's not go down that rabbit hole, or I'll be here all day talking about the Fellowship and the One Ring. Back to the truly "precious:" the Word of God. So we have this line from Jesus: "I will be with you always, to the end of the age." I can't quite explain it, but this resonates through my entire being. There are two main things we can take away from this verse as Catholics.

Firstly, Jesus is literally always with us. Always. When we're going through a brutal breakup, when we're failing 3 classes, when it feels like we can't do anything right, He's there in that mess with us. These are the times that we often reach out to God for help, and that's good! We should cry to our Father when we need His aid, and He will provide it for us (though not always how we expect Him to). However, Jesus is there in the times where we try to hide from Him, too.

Think about it! If Jesus is with us all the time, shouldn't we act like it? When we're tempted to fall into sin, or to lead others down a bad path, shouldn't Christ's presence give us pause? He's not only there to pick us up when we need help. He also gives us the opportunity to praise Him with our every act, day in and day out.

I think that's pretty cool. God sees when we sin, and it hurts Him deeply, but He also sees when we do good. Even if nobody on Earth will ever know your good deeds, God does. And He never forgets, especially when we help others.

This verse, "I am with you always, to the end of the age," brings me immense comfort. It reminds me that God's on my side no matter what, and that I have been chosen by the Creator of the universe to bring some good into this fallen world (this "Land of Confusion," if you will). And that, if you ask me, is a pretty awesome thing to be chosen for.

I hope that this verse speaks to you as it does to me, but I'd encourage you to find your own! God speaks to us through every single book of the Bible, and I guarantee there's parts in there that you've never even heard of before. It doesn't have to be an hour a day, but I urge you to crack the Word open every once in a while. I bet you'll be happy you did.

God Bless,

Regis