As I delighted in the wonderful sunny day, one of many gorgeous days that have marked the Summer of 2005, my thoughts have regularly turned to the people of New Orleans and the Gulf States whose lives have been so devastated by Hurricane Katrina.

This weekend, I'm forwarding the homily I wrote for the parishioners of St. Mary's Bath and St. Gabriel's, Hammondsport. It is a reflection on the events of the past week in light of the Sunday Scriptures for the 23rd Sunday of Ordinary time.

If you'd also be interested in reading my "Sent to Serve" Bulletin Column which includes "Catholic Definitions" - keep reading.

Blessings to all . . .

Click the image to the right for our printable column (Adobe PDF file, plugin needed)

Life’s Uncertainties and Open Hearts
A Reflection following the Ravages of Hurricane Katrina
A23Ord – September 3-4, 2005

This has been quite a week for the people of New Orleans, and the Gulf States of Alabama, Louisiana and Mississippi.

It has been a week of discovering as never before
· the fragility of life and possessions
· and even the primary life resources of food, water, clothing, shelter, sanitation and personal security.

This has been quite a week for all Americans as the chasm between our rich and our poor, has been so dramatically illustrated by hundreds of thousands of our own brothers and sisters left behind for lack of a car, money for gas, and adequate emergency preparedness and public transportation as floodwaters took even the little they had.

This has been quite a week for finger-pointing . . .
first at those who we believed personally chose to brave the storm and stay at home – only to find themselves trapped in attics or roofs, or worse yet – dead - due to their own stubbornness.

Twenty-four hours passed to find fingers pointed when aid did not come in a timely manner.

Fingers next pointed at looters - carrying not only food and diapers – but flat screen TVs from flood ravaged stores. Shoot to kill orders were made – that order might be maintained in this state of abject chaos. Then finger pointers asked with astonishment and shame how American citizens could be left for days by their own government . . . without food, water, or information as raw sewage and acts of violence seeped into the festering heat and stench of the New Orleans Superdome and Convention Center.

This was also quite a week for people throughout the Country.

In our own community we saw gas prices crazily jump by 30, 50, 70 cents per gallon within hours.and Tuesday GAS SALE signs boasting - $3.10 per gallon.

But this week - like perhaps never before Americans witnessed not only the fragility and vulnerability of the wealthiest, most powerful country in the but also the interconnectedness of her people.

As the remnants of Katrina brought light winds and rains to far flung regions of the central and eastern United States deep soul searching was occurring in blue states and red states, about how are national priorities could so quickly change.

Texans who days earlier complained about the flood of Mexicans crossing their borders like sieves, Generously opened the Astrodome and their homes to refugees from Louisiana and Mississippi.

Jerry Lewis – announced that portions of the annual MDAA Labor Day Telethon would be diverted from HIS KIDS to help American refugees who had lost everything.

And, individuals, relief organizations and Churches like our own, searched for ways that they might
· put aside their own concerns
· and help their displaced brothers and sisters in such dire need.

Today’s scriptures speak clearly of the importance of
· caring and concern for the physical and spiritual needs of others.

· And the importance of taking personal responsibility for reconciling
relationships and forgiving one another.

In our 1st Reading – Ezekiel appeals to the people of Israel to . . .
· to keep a prophetic ear to what God is speaking to us, and
· to accept our personal responsible to do what is right
· and to encourage others – including governments - to do what is just
and right.

Saint Paul calls on us to make loving and caring for one another a personal priority . . .
· for love does no evil to neighbor
· allows no inequality in relationship
· and acts selflessly
· Love is thus the fulfillment of the Law of God.

In today’s Gospel, Jesus
· offers us a process to preserve right relationships
· and reminds us of the power of praying in relationship with others.

For selfish, self-serving acts compound misery, but whenever two or three gather in prayer, compassion or service – Jesus is indeed at their side.

This weekend, and throughout September, I am directing that our 2nd collections be devoted – not to our own needs – which only months ago seemed insurmountable – but to the needs of those whose very life and security is now dependent on the generosity and hospitality of others.

In the coming weeks, our parish will also be investigation ways that we might offer other assistance – including resettlement to help one or more families who – because of Katrina – have lost everything and must start over again.

I know that the pictures from New Orleans, Biloxi, Louisiana, Mississippi and the Gulf Region have deeply troubled us all.

Together – let us find a way to hear God’s voice in the midst of this storm . . . of loss and shame and desperation.
and prophetically open our minds and our hearts our wallets and perhaps even our community to the hurting voices of our brothers and sisters.

If today you hear his voice – harden not your hearts But instead . . . let us bow down in worship praying and working together – with the God who made us and our brother and Savior Jesus who walks with us - shepherding the flock he guides.

September 4, 2005 Can you believe it? Labor Day Weekend is upon us. Where did the Summer go?
I hope that you’ve enjoyed some R & R this summer. The weather has
certainly been great.

Pat and I returned from Chautauqua on Monday with an invitation from the Chautauqua Catholic Community to return nest year. In spite of back problems, tooth problems and the sickness and death of my Mom, it has been a very memorable summer. We’ve met hundreds of new friends, worked with wonderful priest chaplains, listened to mind challenging speakers and enjoyed a wide variety of music ranging from the Chautauqua Symphony to Neil Sedaka. Last week’s entertainment included a production of “The Music Man” and concerts by America, Air Supply, the Letterman, Bob Newhart and Pat and Debbie Boone. We have been so blest.
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Soon we’ll be beginning our RCIA Inquiry gatherings for anyone interested in finding out more about membership in the Catholic Church.
Coincidentally, I received this Top Secret Document this week via email.
Some will believe that I am wrong to divulge these Catholic Code Words to those who are not yet members of the Catholic faith. But, as you know, I’m transparent to a fault and try to not hold anything back. So here goes . .
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Catholic Code Words This information is for Catholics. It must not be divulged to non-Catholics. The less they know about our rituals and code words, the better off they are:

AMEN: The only part of a prayer that everyone knows.

BULLETIN: Your receipt for attending Mass.

CHOIR: A group of people whose singing allows the rest of the Parish to lip-sync.

HOLY WATER: A liquid whose chemical formula is H2OLY.

HYMN: A song of praise usually sung in a key three octaves higher than that of the congregation's range.

RECESSIONAL HYMN: The last song at Mass often sung a little more quietly, since most of the people have already left..

INCENSE: Holy Smoke!

JESUITS: An order of priests known for their ability to find colleges with good basketball teams.

JONAH: The original "Jaws" story.

JUSTICE: When kids have kids of their own.

KYRIE ELEISON: The only Greek words that most Catholics can recognize besides gyros and baklava.

MAGI: The most famous trio to attend a baby shower.

MANGER: Where Mary gave birth to Jesus because Joseph wasn't covered by an HMO. (The Bible's way of showing us that holiday travel has always been
rough.)

PEW: A medieval torture device still found in Catholic churches.

PROCESSION: The ceremonial formation at the beginning of Mass consisting of altar servers, the celebrant, and late parishioners looking for seats.

RECESSIONAL: The ceremonial procession at the conclusion of Mass led by parishioners trying to beat the crowd to the parking lot.

RELICS: People who have been going to Mass for so long, they actually know when to sit, kneel, and stand.

TEN COMMANDMENTS: The most important Top Ten list not given by David Letterman.

USHERS: The only people in the parish who don't know the seating capacity of a pew.

Have a delightful Holiday. Serve one another well.

I pray that you will enjoy this visit, and if you like,
                                          E-Mail me with your comments

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