Eternal rest grant unto Father O'Leary

Eternal rest grant unto Father O'Leary

  I am asking for prayers for Father O'Leary, who was called home today to be with our Lord. Father O"Leary was 86 years old and 62 of those years He answered the call of being a Priest. 

  

   I can not imagine the number of weddings, baptisms, funerals, communions, anointing of the sick and confessions that Father participated in. The number of masses that He presided at. The number of lives that He touched and helped. I have always said that He was the poster priest for Vocations. He always prayed at every mass for an increase in vocations but more so He was and will always be the idea of what a Priest should be. You just know He was to be a Priest and that His life's Vocation was one of honor and courage. Father O'Leary will be missed by many. 

Eternal rest grant unto him O Lord,

and let perpetual light shine upon him,

may he and all the souls of the faithful departed,

through the mercy of God,

rest in peace.

Amen

Second Sunday of Ordinary Time Lectionary: 65

Second Sunday of Ordinary Time

Lectionary: 65

Reading 1

1 SM 3:3B-10, 19

Samuel was sleeping in the temple of the LORD

where the ark of God was.

The LORD called to Samuel, who answered, “Here I am.”

Samuel ran to Eli and said, “Here I am. You called me.”

“I did not call you, “ Eli said. “Go back to sleep.”

So he went back to sleep.

Again the LORD called Samuel, who rose and went to Eli.

“Here I am, “ he said. “You called me.”

But Eli answered, “I did not call you, my son. Go back to sleep.”

At that time Samuel was not familiar with the LORD,

because the LORD had not revealed anything to him as yet.

The LORD called Samuel again, for the third time.

Getting up and going to Eli, he said, “Here I am. You called me.”

Then Eli understood that the LORD was calling the youth.

So he said to Samuel, “Go to sleep, and if you are called, reply,

Speak, LORD, for your servant is listening.”

When Samuel went to sleep in his place,

the LORD came and revealed his presence,

calling out as before, “Samuel, Samuel!”

Samuel answered, “Speak, for your servant is listening.”

Samuel grew up, and the LORD was with him,

not permitting any word of his to be without effect.

Responsorial Psalm

PS 40:2, 4, 7-8, 8-9, 10

R. (8a and 9a) Here am I, Lord; I come to do your will.

I have waited, waited for the LORD,

and he stooped toward me and heard my cry.

And he put a new song into my mouth,

a hymn to our God. 

R. Here am I, Lord; I come to do your will.

Sacrifice or offering you wished not,

but ears open to obedience you gave me.

Holocausts or sin-offerings you sought not;

then said I, “Behold I come.”

R. Here I am, Lord; I come to do your will.

“In the written scroll it is prescribed for me,

to do your will, O my God, is my delight,

and your law is within my heart!”

R. Here am I, Lord; I come to do your will.

I announced your justice in the vast assembly;

I did not restrain my lips, as you, O LORD, know.

R. Here am I, Lord; I come to do your will.

Reading 2

1 COR 6:13C-15A, 17-20

Brothers and sisters:

The body is not for immorality, but for the Lord,

and the Lord is for the body;

God raised the Lord and will also raise us by his power.

Do you not know that your bodies are members of Christ?

But whoever is joined to the Lord becomes one Spirit with him.

Avoid immorality.

Every other sin a person commits is outside the body,

but the immoral person sins against his own body.

Do you not know that your body

is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you,

whom you have from God, and that you are not your own?

For you have been purchased at a price.

Therefore glorify God in your body.

Alleluia

JN 1:41, 17B

R. Alleluia, alleluia.

We have found the Messiah:

Jesus Christ, who brings us truth and grace.

R. Alleluia, alleluia.

Gospel

JN 1:35-42

John was standing with two of his disciples,

and as he watched Jesus walk by, he said,

“Behold, the Lamb of God.”

The two disciples heard what he said and followed Jesus.

Jesus turned and saw them following him and said to them,

“What are you looking for?”

They said to him, “Rabbi” — which translated means Teacher —,

“where are you staying?”

He said to them, “Come, and you will see.”

So they went and saw where Jesus was staying,

and they stayed with him that day.

It was about four in the afternoon.

Andrew, the brother of Simon Peter,

was one of the two who heard John and followed Jesus.

He first found his own brother Simon and told him,

“We have found the Messiah” — which is translated Christ —.

Then he brought him to Jesus.

Jesus looked at him and said,

“You are Simon the son of John;

you will be called Cephas” — which is translated Peter.

Memorial of Saint Anthony, Abbot Lectionary: 310

Memorial of Saint Anthony, AbbotLectionary: 310

Reading 1

HEB 4:12-16

The word of God is living and effective,

sharper than any two-edged sword,

penetrating even between soul and spirit,

joints and marrow,

and able to discern reflections and thoughts of the heart.

No creature is concealed from him,

but everything is naked and exposed to the eyes of him

to whom we must render an account.

Since we have a great high priest who has passed through the heavens, 

Jesus, the Son of God,

let us hold fast to our confession.

For we do not have a high priest

who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses,

but one who has similarly been tested in every way,

yet without sin.

So let us confidently approach the throne of grace

to receive mercy and to find grace for timely help.

Responsorial Psalm

PS 19:8, 9, 10, 15

R. (see John 6:63c) Your words, Lord, are Spirit and life.

The law of the LORD is perfect,

refreshing the soul;

The decree of the LORD is trustworthy,

giving wisdom to the simple.

R. Your words, Lord, are Spirit and life.

The precepts of the LORD are right,

rejoicing the heart;

The command of the LORD is clear,

enlightening the eye.

R. Your words, Lord, are Spirit and life.

The fear of the LORD is pure,

enduring forever;

The ordinances of the LORD are true,

all of them just.

R. Your words, Lord, are Spirit and life.

Let the words of my mouth and the thought of my heart

find favor before you,

O LORD, my rock and my redeemer.

R. Your words, Lord, are Spirit and life.

Alleluia

LK 4:18

R. Alleluia, alleluia.

The Lord sent me to bring glad tidings to the poor

and to proclaim liberty to captives.

R. Alleluia, alleluia.

Gospel

MK 2:13-17

Jesus went out along the sea.

All the crowd came to him and he taught them.

As he passed by, he saw Levi, son of Alphaeus,

sitting at the customs post.

Jesus said to him, “Follow me.”

And he got up and followed Jesus.

While he was at table in his house,

many tax collectors and sinners sat with Jesus and his disciples;

for there were many who followed him.

Some scribes who were Pharisees saw that Jesus was eating with sinners

and tax collectors and said to his disciples,

“Why does he eat with tax collectors and sinners?” 

Jesus heard this and said to them,

“Those who are well do not need a physician, but the sick do.

I did not come to call the righteous but sinners.”

March for Life 2015

March for Life

   January 22nd marks the 42nd  anniversary of Roe V Wade where it became legal for women to get abortions. People will gather and march in DC and other areas in the US. With this being a week away I am asking you to join me in praying the Rosary for the next week each and everyday. If you are not sure how to pray the rosary please click here to learn how to. I know for myself it has taken me some time to get into praying the Rosary. I now find it very relaxing and brings me into a deeper area of my soul as I pray it.

       I grew up in a time where abortion was legal. I knew no different and never really understood the reality of it. We have laws that protect us. Laws against murder and child abuse yet we allow abortion. How is that the case? I mean as a kid growing up I thought if it was wrong we had laws to protect us and others. Since there was no law against abortion, I listened to a secular world and thought, they had to be right. After all the government said it is ok and I bought into it. Really never thought about it. Then came a time in my 20's where I saw the video called "Silent Scream"  and my whole world changed. I could not believe it. I didn't understand or didn't want to understand what it really was and now I knew the full truth of it. We were taught in school that it was a quick solution to a problem and then life goes on. Then also I was a guy so it really wasn't "my issue" any way. It is everyones issue. It is humanities issue.

      Let us all take some time out of our day for the next week and pray for the children that we will never know, the women who felt they had no choice, the men who have no say, and the people who stand to change this law. Then after next week please keep those intentions in your prayers each day. This is an issue we all must face and stand against. 

Until tomorrow, God Bless, and may God's will prevail.

Thursday of the First Week in Ordinary Time

Lectionary: 308

Reading 1

HEB 3:7-14

The Holy Spirit says:

Oh, that today you would hear his voice,

“Harden not your hearts as at the rebellion

in the day of testing in the desert,

where your ancestors tested and tried me

and saw my works for forty years.

Because of this I was provoked with that generation

and I said, ‘They have always been of erring heart,

and they do not know my ways.’

As I swore in my wrath,

‘They shall not enter into my rest.’”

Take care, brothers and sisters,

that none of you may have an evil and unfaithful heart,

so as to forsake the living God.

Encourage yourselves daily while it is still “today,”

so that none of you may grow hardened by the deceit of sin.

We have become partners of Christ

if only we hold the beginning of the reality firm until the end.

Responsorial Psalm

PS 95:6-7C, 8-9, 10-11

R. (8) If today you hear his voice, harden not your hearts.

Come, let us bow down in worship;

let us kneel before the LORD who made us.

For he is our God,

and we are the people he shepherds, the flock he guides.

R. If today you hear his voice, harden not your hearts.

Oh, that today you would hear his voice:

“Harden not your hearts as at Meribah,

as in the day of Massah in the desert,

Where your fathers tempted me;

they tested me though they had seen my works.” 

R. If today you hear his voice, harden not your hearts.

Forty years I was wearied of that generation;

I said: “This people’s heart goes astray,

they do not know my ways.”

Therefore I swore in my anger:

“They shall never enter my rest.”

R. If today you hear his voice, harden not your hearts.

Alleluia

SEE MT 4:23

R. Alleluia, alleluia.

Jesus preached the Gospel of the Kingdom

and cured every disease among the people.

R. Alleluia, alleluia.

Gospel

MK 1:40-45

A leper came to him and kneeling down begged him and said,

“If you wish, you can make me clean.”

Moved with pity, he stretched out his hand,

touched the leper, and said to him, 

“I do will it. Be made clean.”

The leprosy left him immediately, and he was made clean.

Then, warning him sternly, he dismissed him at once.

Then he said to him, “See that you tell no one anything,

but go, show yourself to the priest

and offer for your cleansing what Moses prescribed;

that will be proof for them.”

The man went away and began to publicize the whole matter.

He spread the report abroad

so that it was impossible for Jesus to enter a town openly.

He remained outside in deserted places,

and people kept coming to him from everywhere.

"Friendship & Beer with Jesus" Part 4

"Friendship & Beer with Jesus" Part 4 

  Today is the final part of the blog “Friendships & Beer with Jesus”. You can check out the other blogs by clicking, Part1, Part2, Part3. Tonights blog is about Jesus’s Friendships and a wrap up of all the blogs.   

     Have you ever thought about Jesus’s friends? Who He hung out with? What did they do? How did the respond when they learned the truth? Why didn’t Jesus choose His friends as the disciples? Each of this questions have crossed my mind a few times. I have always wanted to just see how Jesus was with His friends and family on the day to day life more so then the “ministry” time. 

     I want to first start with a quote from John’s Gospel chapter 15, verses 11-17.

 “I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and your joy may be complete. This is my commandment: love one another as I love you. No one has greater love than this, to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.You are my friends if you do what I command you. I no longer call you slaves, because a slave does not know what his master is doing. I have called you friends,^* because I have told you everything I have heard from my Father.It was not you who chose me, but I who chose you and appointed you to go and bear fruit that will remain, so that whatever you ask the Father in my name he may give you. This I command you: love one another.” 

   This quote from John shows what Jesus wants for us and from us. That unyielding love for one another and for Him.  He is foreshadowing His death on the Cross. He is saying “ I am doing this for you because you are my friends”. Jesus shares with His disciples what His Father has told Him. There is a connection a bond that Jesus is not only showing them but also experiencing for Himself. Remember there is nothing written how well or at all if Jesus knew them before calling them to “follow Him”. We know that Lazarus was a friend of Jesus along with his two sisters. He wept when He heard of His friends death. It was a true human emotion that we see Him dealing with. Where did all those friends of Jesus go that He grew up with? Why were they not chosen to be His disciples? 

   Well, lets think about it. Jesus said that He needed to leave His town to preach. Why? How was it when you decided to either turn your life around and follow Jesus or when you talk about “the new life” with those who know you? Do they act like there is no change or how can they take you seriously because they know all that you have done? I can see it being a case where those around Jesus may have a hard time believing He is the Savior. I mean, here you know this guy for 15, 20, 30 years and never once did He say anything about it. Let alone what you think the idea of the “Savior” is, and it is not this guy sitting next to you this whole time. Jesus knew He had to strike out and move on in a new direction where people and yes friends will hear what He has to say. I think how they may have felt or thought after they realized who was by their side that whole time. The guy who you hung out with. Talked to. Worked beside. Was the Savior the whole time. How did I not see it? Why didn’t He tell me? I mean I knew He seemed different but... It is a double edge sword for some of them I would think. Some may have been fine with it while others may have been upset. Think how you may have felt when you learned something about your friend but they didn’t tell you themselves. How upset were you? Some of them may have felt the same. Yet, it had to be. 

    Jesus then says “ It was not you who chose me, but I who chose you”. He picked out those who He knew would follow Him and continue on after Him. He chose those people to be in His life and learn and love. I often think about in prayer how I would have responded to Him back then. Will I have been a follower, a friend or held back in the distance to just see who this Man was? The disciples were followers but also friends. They lived and traveled together and in time they did lay down their lives for their Friend, and Savior. For myself, I have always felt that Jesus was a friend, a brother and savior. May not have spoken to Him at times but the relationship has always been that. He is that friend that I can truly 100% be myself. There is no fooling Him and when I have even tried He has always called me out. I even think “Why did you chose me?” Seriously, why???? I mean, He knows me in and out, up and down, side to side. It is mind blowing and an honor. I am not worthy at all to call Him my Savior let alone friend. When I am at adoration or when during mass the Eucharist is raised, I find it so hard to look right at Him. I have to close my eyes or at the least keep my head bowed down. That was not always the case but as my relationship with Him has deepened, so has my love and understanding of who He was and is in my life. 

    These past blogs and the closing of this one has shed light on Friendships in my life, my relationship and friendship with Jesus and how both are intertwined in my life. From those friendships that are fully opened with my Faith and Jesus to those where it is only one sided. Then that one on one relationship with Jesus where I feel I can sit anywhere with Him and just talk like we are old friends. There is also those times where I have to say when sitting with a fellow believer that at times it does seem exactly like sitting with Jesus. You know He is using them to help and guide you. They are being given just the right words that you know Jesus is whispering into their souls to share with you because He knows right now you need it. That you need to hear it from both your friends. I hope that you have been able to gain some understandings of your own relationships, friendships and even looked at your relationship with Jesus. 

    What have I learned? 

1. Without Jesus, my relationships do not have the same depths as the ones I have with Jesus. 
2. I must always bring Jesus into all my relationships even if it is only one sided.
3. Jesus chose me but I need to say yes.
4. A friendship with Jesus is all open and all loving.
5. My friendships are not by chance. There is a reason for each one.
6. Jesus is always with me and I bring Him along with me every time. The good and the bad. 
7. Jesus will always be there and in the relationships.

    What did you learn? 

   I want to Thank You all for reading the Four Part blog. May each one of you find the peace within your relationships and feel comfortable to be able to just sit down with Jesus no matter what it is over. 

Until tomorrow, God Bless, and may Jesus always be our best friend and savior. 

Wednesday of the First Week in Ordinary Time

Lectionary: 307

Reading 1

HEB 2:14-18

Since the children share in blood and Flesh,

Jesus likewise shared in them,

that through death he might destroy the one

who has the power of death, that is, the Devil,

and free those who through fear of death

had been subject to slavery all their life.

Surely he did not help angels

but rather the descendants of Abraham;

therefore, he had to become like his brothers and sisters in every way, 

that he might be a merciful and faithful high priest before God

to expiate the sins of the people.

Because he himself was tested through what he suffered,

he is able to help those who are being tested.

Responsorial Psalm

PS 105:1-2, 3-4, 6-7, 8-9

R. (8a) The Lord remembers his covenant for ever.

or:

R. Alleluia.

Give thanks to the LORD, invoke his name;

make known among the nations his deeds.

Sing to him, sing his praise,

proclaim all his wondrous deeds.

R. The Lord remembers his covenant for ever.

or:

R. Alleluia.

Glory in his holy name;

rejoice, O hearts that seek the LORD!

Look to the LORD in his strength;

seek to serve him constantly.

R. The Lord remembers his covenant for ever.

or:

R. Alleluia.

You descendants of Abraham, his servants,

sons of Jacob, his chosen ones!

He, the LORD, is our God;

throughout the earth his judgments prevail.

R. The Lord remembers his covenant for ever.

or:

R. Alleluia.

He remembers forever his covenant

which he made binding for a thousand generations—

Which he entered into with Abraham

and by his oath to Isaac. 

R. The Lord remembers his covenant for ever.

or:

R. Alleluia.

Alleluia

JN 10:27

R. Alleluia, alleluia.

My sheep hear my voice, says the Lord.

I know them, and they follow me.

R. Alleluia, alleluia.

Gospel

MK 1:29-39

On leaving the synagogue

Jesus entered the house of Simon and Andrew with James and John.

Simon’s mother-in-law lay sick with a fever.

They immediately told him about her.

He approached, grasped her hand, and helped her up.

Then the fever left her and she waited on them.

When it was evening, after sunset,

they brought to him all who were ill or possessed by demons.

The whole town was gathered at the door.

He cured many who were sick with various diseases,

and he drove out many demons,

not permitting them to speak because they knew him.

Rising very early before dawn, 

he left and went off to a deserted place, where he prayed.

Simon and those who were with him pursued him

and on finding him said, “Everyone is looking for you.”

He told them, “Let us go on to the nearby villages

that I may preach there also.

For this purpose have I come.”

So he went into their synagogues, preaching and driving out demons 

throughout the whole of Galilee.

"Friendship & Beer with Jesus" Part 3.

"Friendship & Beer with Jesus" Part 3. 

 Welcome to part 3 of the blog “Friendships & Beer with Jesus”. The first blog (click here for part1) was the introduction of the song “Beer with Jesus” and the quote from C.S. Lewis about friendships. The second blog (click here for part2) explored more in depth of that quote. Tonights blog will be about the song. Below I again have the video and the song lyrics or click here to be taken to the video. 

     I know some may say the title of the song may seem not respectful but you have to keep it is perspective. Also as we know we have to look past the outer (title) and look at the inside (lyrics) to really get the meaning of it. Jesus did sit down with His friends and have Wine after all. It is a reality and the idea of beer is just a one on one sitting with a friend talking over life and the issues that arise from it. The other part of it is that, well lets face it, it reaches people that may not have listened to a song about Jesus. Yet, because of the title it got them to listen. I personally do not have a problem with it at all. 

     The idea of the song is that one on one personal connection & relationship with Jesus. So much that it would be just like sitting down with your best friend over a beer, wine, coffee, whatever you choose. Can you really just imagine what it would be like? To just sit across from Jesus and have the experience. Just as you meet up with friends and ask for advise and share some laughs. I know I have in the past made sure it was a quiet section where I could just talk to some friends. Not to be distracted by what was around us and just focused on the time.  Yes, we speak to Jesus in prayer and in prayer we may get answers but this is not what I am talking about or down playing it. I have always wanted to see Jesus just interact with the disciples. Not per say in the “teaching” moments but in the daily conversations. 

     What questions would you ask? What would you say? Would you speak more or listen more? Would you ask for just one more drink, just 5 more minutes or just be happy with the time you had? I must say I would want more time. 

    It is not hard for me to imagine this idea at all. I have often though about sitting with Jesus at a restaurant or walking on a trail in the woods or even walking along the beach. Just talking like old friends. Are you able to do the same? Take more of that personal side and human side of Jesus? It is great to be able to have the balance of Jesus as God and Jesus as human. If you tend to go to one end or the other, you miss out and you will not have the full experience of the life that He wants for you. 

    When things are tuff and you find it hard to do the formal prayers, think about this song. Put yourself and Jesus in a place where its comfortable for you and just talk like friends would. It will make a difference and you will get a different perspective. 

    Tomorrow will be part four of the blog and it will focus on friendships with Jesus.

Until tomorrow, God Bless, and where would you sit with Jesus and talk? 

"Beer With Jesus"

 If I could have a beer with Jesus

Heaven knows I’d sip it nice and slow

I’d try to pick a place that ain’t too crowded

Or gladly go wherever he wants to go

You can bet I’d order up a couple tall ones

Tell the waitress put ‘em on my tab

I’d be sure to let him do the talkin’

Careful when I got the chance to ask

How’d you turn the other cheek

To save a sorry soul like me

Do you hear the prayers I send

What happens when life ends

And when you think you’re comin’ back again

I’d tell everyone, but no one would believe it

If I could have a beer with Jesus

If I could have a beer with Jesus

I’d put my whole paycheck in that jukebox

Fill it up with nothing but the good stuff

Sit somewhere we couldn’t see a clock

Ask him how’d you turn the other cheek

To save a sorry soul like me

Have you been there from the start

How’d you change a sinner’s heart

And is heaven really just beyond the stars

I’d tell everyone, but no one would believe it

If I could have a beer with Jesus

He can probably only stay, for just a couple rounds

But I hope and pray he’s stayin’ till we shut the whole place down

Ask him how’d you turn the other cheek

To save a sorry soul like me

What’s on the other side?

Is mom and daddy alright?

And if it ain’t no trouble tell them I said hi

I’d tell everyone but no one would believe it

If I could have a beer with Jesus

I’d tell everyone but no one would believe it

If I could have a beer with Jesus

Monday of the First Week in Ordinary Time

Lectionary: 305

Reading 1

HEB 1:1-6

Brothers and sisters:

In times past, God spoke in partial and various ways 

to our ancestors through the prophets; 

in these last days, he spoke to us through the Son, 

whom he made heir of all things 

and through whom he created the universe,

who is the refulgence of his glory, 

the very imprint of his being,

and who sustains all things by his mighty word.

When he had accomplished purification from sins,

he took his seat at the right hand of the Majesty on high,

as far superior to the angels

as the name he has inherited is more excellent than theirs.

For to which of the angels did God ever say:

You are my Son; this day I have begotten you?

Or again:

I will be a father to him, and he shall be a Son to me?

And again, when he leads the first born into the world, he says:

Let all the angels of God worship him.

Responsorial Psalm

PS 97:1 AND 2B, 6 AND 7C, 9

R. (see 7c) Let all his angels worship him.

The LORD is king; let the earth rejoice;

let the many isles be glad.

Justice and judgment are the foundation of his throne. 

R. Let all his angels worship him.

The heavens proclaim his justice,

and all peoples see his glory.

Let all his angels worship him.

R. Let all his angels worship him.

Because you, O LORD, are the Most High over all the earth,

exalted far above all gods.

R. Let all his angels worship him.

Alleluia

MK 1:15

R. Alleluia, alleluia.

The Kingdom of God is at hand:

repent and believe in the Gospel.

R. Alleluia, alleluia.

Gospel

MK 1:14-20

After John had been arrested,

Jesus came to Galilee proclaiming the Gospel of God:

“This is the time of fulfillment.

The Kingdom of God is at hand.

Repent, and believe in the Gospel.”

As he passed by the Sea of Galilee,

he saw Simon and his brother Andrew casting their nets into the sea;

they were fishermen.

Jesus said to them,

“Come after me, and I will make you fishers of men.”

Then they left their nets and followed him.

He walked along a little farther

and saw James, the son of Zebedee, and his brother John.

They too were in a boat mending their nets.

Then he called them.

So they left their father Zebedee in the boat

along with the hired men and followed him.