I looked out my back window this morning. A bit of yellow caught my eye.  Thought at first I was looking at the hose.  But then I turned my head and realized this color was much bigger.  It was flowers, not daffodils.  Smaller ones on branches where I’d not seen them for some time.  A big forsythia bush was in bloom.  What a beautiful sight!  Certainly, it brings joy.

I write this on the Wednesday of Holy Week, with Holy Thursday, Good Friday and Easter yet to come.

Think ahead.  It will soon be a time to rejoice!  Alleluia will return to Mass. We’ll read of Jesus being risen. In John’s Gospel, Peter “Saw and believed” that Jesus had indeed been resurrected.  Took a bit more time for all the apostles to realize that Jesus was risen. We too need to remember what Easter is all about. Our Collect Prayer reminds us that His Only Begotten Son “conquered death and unlocked the path to eternity.” And “through the renewal brought by your Spirit, rise up in the light of life.” 

Amen.

Peace,

Deacon Tom

It’s been a busy Lent.  Seems like much is going on and the days and weeks have flown by.  So many things to attend to, both here in Vestal and up in Bainbridge.  The Serenity Prayer pictured above has been hanging in my office for a few days now.  A parishioner gave it to me saying that it would be good for me to slow down. Brings a certain calmness.

Prayer, fasting and almsgiving are our Lenten focus. I’ve really picked up on the prayer part especially since March 30.  That’s when I started a new 12-week personal retreat.  The book has much reading and meditating and writing and prayer.  I know of at least one other person who is taking part in this retreat written by the Jesuits.

The Isaiah passage above has been on my mind since retreat day one.  I’ll carry it through these next weeks, and beyond.  Really spoke to me.  Where am I being sent?  What may be new? How will I answer?  Send me!

Take time now with the rest of your Lent. Feel free to borrow the Isaiah passage, the Serenity Prayer or find something on your own.  Go to HIM and find calmness and…

“Listen”---St. Benedict.

Peace.

Deacon Tom

We always celebrated St. Patrick’s Day on the 17^th. Wouldn’t be any other way for my mom to celebrate her Irish heritage. Had the traditional meal of corned beef (or ham) along with cabbage, potatoes, and carrots. She also planned an afternoon tea with the ladies.  She’d serve Irish Soda bread, fresh-baked, complete with caraway seeds. 

Those celebrations changed perhaps 20 years ago, when it became easier to join an evening party at Brothers 2.  For several years about then, cards arrived at the house signed by “St. Patrick.” Turns out a good friend sent the messages.  This friend admitted to it as I was praying with as she was near death. “I was St. Patrick,” this woman told me.

Lots of thoughts about my mother, the Lady in Green, for March anyway. Perhaps she’s had the chance to meet St. Patrick by now.  Difficult day for me as I remember mom Helen on this March 21^st, the fifth year since she died. Can’t believe how much time has passed. I leave you with this prayer that was so special to her.

May the road rise with you.

May the wind be always at your back.

May the sun shine warm upon your face;

the rains fall soft upon your fields and until we meet again,

may God hold you in the palm of His hand.

St. Patrick, please pray for us!

Peace,

Deacon Tom

Sunny day today.  Warmer temperatures.  Not “officially” spring, yet it sure feels like it. Nice to walk around the grounds.  Can’t wait to see the new growth. Um, wait a minute! Several months ago, as autumn was concluding I took a photo of this tree. It’s on the island between the roadway in front of the church. Months have gone by and the orange leaves hang on. C’mon, it’s time for greenery!

Whoa. Never thought I’d be concerned about some leftover leaves. Should be neat and clear to await new buds and then leaves.  See what happened there? A peaceful walk among God’s vegetation bothered by something that’s not “perfect.”  Perhaps it’s unique, as are all of us!

Brought me back to a quote I heard in a homily the other day. It’s the one above.  Doesn’t have to do only with trees.  What other things in our lives seem imperfect?  Do they take up more time than we need? Yes!

Instead, try this. Try this simple prayer to restore our peace. 

Breathe in saying: “Jesus.”  Breathe out saying: “Peace.”

The “perfect” quote above comes from St. Therese of the Little Flower.

St. Therese, please pray for us!

Peace,

Deacon Tom

Word from the Vatican on this Monday is that Pope Francis had a restful overnight in the hospital.   The quote from the Press Office said: "The night went well; the Pope slept and is resting,"

But the Holy Father continues to be treated for double pneumonia and he is still listed in critical condition. Bishop Lucia has offered a prayer (see below) that all of us can continue to say for Pope Francis.

The Bishop will also be offering a special Rosary today.  Everyone is invited to via the Diocesan YouTube Channel.  If you don’t make it at the 3pm start time, please connect here and you can replay it and join in the Rosary.  Diocesan YouTube Channel

O God, shepherd and ruler of all the faithful,

look favorably on your servant Francis,

whom you have set at the head of your Church as her shepherd.

Grant him health so he may continue to spread your Hope in the world.

Through word and example

May he continue to be of service to those over whom he presides

so that, together with the flock entrusted to his care,

he may come to everlasting life.

Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son,

who lives and reigns with you in the

unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever.

Amen.

God Bless,

Deacon Tom

I remember as a child that we would always go to church on the Feast of St. Blaise.  I’m not sure that I understood then why the priest held those candles into my neck.  There was also the blessing, not always enunciated completely. 

“Through the intercession of St. Blaise, bishop and martyr, may God deliver you from every disease of the throat and from every other illness: In the name of the Father, and of the Son, + and of the Holy Spirit.”

It’s become more important to me in the 18+-years as a Deacon as I’ve offered those words countless times. Trying also to be gentle as the crossed candles go toward the necks of those receiving the blessing.

The Franciscan Saint of the Day entry for February 3 notes that we know more about the devotion to Blaise, than the saint himself.  They repeat the story of how St. Blaise saved a young child choking on a fish bone.

St. Paul’s Letter to the Romans (in bold above and below) gives us much to ponder when we consider sickness or “affliction.”

“And hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out into our hearts” Romans 5:5

St. Blaise, please pray for us!

Peace,

Deacon Tom

I started the second to last week of my 3-month Ignatian retreat last night.  Second time in less than three years. I’ve been following a spiral bound book of prayer and scripture and reflection.  It is based on St. Ignatius’ Examen.

My pen has been hard at work each night. Noted a lot.  Written responses to statements or questions. Sometimes emphasized previous notes. New thoughts marked down too.

One focus throughout it all is on those close to me. Mom died in 2020, oldest brother a decade prior, before my first retreat started. My other brother and a buddy (who was like a brother) passed away before the latest 12-week session.   

Got to thinking about family when reading today’s Gospel. Jesus was told his mother and brothers were awaiting him.  In his time cousins were sometimes considered like siblings. Read the conclusion below to the message Jesus offered us.

“Looking around at those seated in the circle he said,
“Here are my mother and my brothers. For whoever does the will of God is my brother and sister and mother.” Mark 3:34-35

Hmmm…we have a big family!

God Bless and Peace,

Deacon Tom

Revelation 3:20

I get a lot of calls each day on my cell phone. While I was in the office at St. John’s in Bainbridge Tuesday it rang again. I saw my sister’s name appear and answered quickly.  She told me she was at my house, dropping off a gift. She reached inside the screen door. Then the front door opened into the living room on its own. Seemed secure when I got home later, yet the door needs the deadbolt to stay locked.   

Nice way to start a first blog of the new year. Thought of an image of Jesus that’s been repeated many times over.  He’s at a door.  You see one of his hands knocking. He seems to be listening for movement or a voice.  Will that door open?  Good question for us all.

Did I mention that there’s no knob or handle on the door? So it is not possible for Jesus to open it and walk in. It has to be opened from the inside.  Something for us to consider as 2025 moves along.

Listen for Jesus. Be open to Him.  Let Him in.

Sacred Heart of Jesus, I place my trust in you.

Peace,

Deacon Tom

I’ve asked a question several times during homilies this Advent.  Are you ready? On the fourth Sunday, the words became: Are we ready? Our hope is that Christmas will be the best ever.  We look to bring and receive joy.  It’s our anticipation that all will go well. What I’ve asked about is much more than gifts…and meals…and decorating. It’s really about our faith.

Jesus is important these next few days.  With that in mind…it’s alright to take time away from all those tasks we feel that need to be done. Instead…sit down…kneel down. Get comfortable in whatever is easiest.  Then say something simple: “I’m here Lord” and be silent.  It’s OK. Just a few minutes. Be present to the Lord.  And be ready for the unexpected.  It may be a new experience. But.. LISTEN. Open our hearts to HIM.  Welcome Jesus to a dwelling place within ourselves and our world.

Perhaps we’ve felt He doesn’t hear us…or has forgotten us. Or could it be…we just haven’t realized HE’s been right beside us all along?

On Monday, I made a visit to Transfiguration Monastery. As a Benedictine Oblate, I’ve spent much time there. It’s a place where I’ve experienced Jesus’ presence in silence and in prayer.  Just over an hour this time. Sister Donald showed me two manger scenes there, including the one pictured above from the Chapel. Beautiful.

As I write this blog in my office back here at St. Vincent de Paul Blessed Sacrament I’m listening to the choir rehearse for Christmas. 

Are you ready?  I am!

May you be blessed on Christmas!

Peace.

Deacon Tom

How’s your Advent going? Are you preparing the way of the Lord? Have you talked to Him?

Four weeks ago, I began an Ignatian retreat.  It’s the second time with this process, self-directed in prayer and reflection for a total of three months. Used the same spiral bound guide book a couple years ago.  Reaching out to God.  I’ve found myself updating some of my previous entries. A friend gave me a book of Henri Nouwen’s writings for each day of the year.  I’ve added “You are the Beloved” as part of my retreat.

Interesting how I’ve stayed with it. Less than a half-hour each day. Usually before bed. Sensing a bit more calmness. I’ve consciously made more time for God and have rested a while with Him.

“But we have so much to do this time of year…” Could we add one thing? Maybe make busy with some spiritual writings or pick up the Bible and begin.  

Funny how easy it is to close out distractions…like the TV or computer.  Then follow the advice of St. Anselm.    

“Enter into your mind’s inner chamber. Shut out everything but God and whatever helps you seek him and when you have shut the door, look for him.  Speak now to God and say with your whole heart.  I seek your face, your face, Lord, I desire.” (from the Proslogion by St. Anselm, bishop)

St. Anselm, please pray for us!

Peace,

Deacon Tom

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