Deacon Tom’s Blog

Welcome to the blog of Deacon Thomas Picciano. This weekly blog gives you another avenue of reflection.

Archive 2020 – 2023

3

Feb 25

February 3, 2025

“We even boast of our afflictions, knowing that affliction produces endurance, and endurance, proven character, and proven character, hope.” Romans 5:3-4

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

27

Jan 25

January 27, 2025

“Who are my mother and my brothers?” Mark 3:31

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

15

Jan 25

January 15, 2025

“Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will enter…”

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

23

Dec 24

December 23, 2024

“The people that walked in great darkness have seen a great light; on those who live in a deep shadow a light has shone.”  Isaiah  9:1 (Jerusalem Bible)

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

9

Dec 24

December 9, 2024

“Escape from your everyday business for a short while, hide for a moment from your restless thoughts.  Break off from your cares and troubles and be less concerned about your tasks and labors. Make a little time for God and rest a while in him.” (from the Proslogion by St. Anselm, bishop)

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


27

Nov 24

November 27, 2024

“O give thanks to the Lord, for he is good,    for his steadfast love endures forever.O give thanks to the God of gods,    for his steadfast love endures forever.”  Psalm 136:1-2 NRSV-CE

Visits to homebound parishioners this time of year are different.  It’s especially difficult for those who have had a loved one die recently.  There may also be renewed memories of family who passed away many years ago.  Grief is not easy.  Grief becomes more difficult around the holidays.

In the last few days, I’ve seen some positive among those I visit. It seems happy faces come when I ask a question related to Thanksgiving: “Most of us have the basics for the meal, turkey and stuffing and mashed potatoes and pumpkin or apple pie.  But what’s the special dish that your family always has at the big meal?”

While a variety of extras were mentioned, there’s something more important.  Smiles and twinkling eyes.  Thoughts of time passed, and gatherings to look forward to. It is and will be different with empty places at the table.  But…there are opportunities to remember as well as to change or add new traditions. 

A positive way to give thanks this year!

Happy Thanksgiving!

“Rejoice always,  pray without ceasing,  give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.”   1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 NRSV-CE

Peace,

Deacon Tom


18

Nov 24

November 18, 2024

“You fixed the boundaries of the world.  You made summer and winter.”                             Psalm 74:17 Jerusalem Bible

How many geese does it take to cross the road?  Um…at least seven. So that’s why the car stopped ahead of me on Murray Hill Road this morning.  It looked clear. Then one goose…followed by another…and another…then four more in a straight line.  They came from the athletic field toward the B-U Engineering building. Still more had gathered on the field, not yet ready to make their move. Didn’t geese used to fly south for winter? Not so much anymore.

John and Paul have been so busy these last few weeks moving the dead leaves off the grass around the church grounds.  Looks nice and green.  But a couple trees didn’t get the memo. They’re still holding on.  Wondering if they want to stay through the cold until next spring brings green leaves.

I’ve been thinking about today’s Gospel from Luke. It’s about the blind beggar told to be silent as he calls out as Jesus is walking by in Jericho. He’s not giving up---holding his place.  Not unlike some geese or leaves that persist around us.

 “Lord, please let me see.”
Jesus told him, “Have sight; your faith has saved you.”
He immediately received his sight and followed him, giving glory to God.
When they saw this, all the people gave praise to God. Luke 18:41-43

Peace,

Deacon Tom


28

Oct 24

October 28, 2024

“Brothers and sisters: You are no longer strangers and sojourners,but you are fellow citizens with the holy ones.” Ephesians 2:19

I’ve been on a journey as a Deacon. Hard to believe it’s been almost 18 and a half years of serving others. This trek has allowed me to meet and be there for so many people. It is a blessing to bring the Eucharist to them. 

But I have also learned from those I visit. They share so much about their faith and families.  We always join in formal prayer.  A deeper connection with God is very evident too. Sometimes it’s unspoken.  Other times it is not.

There’s one who shares a farewell whenever I say goodbye. I’ve heard it many times, but it really has me thinking and reflecting recently.  Three simple words we all can offer to each other when we part. Maybe try it. “Go with God!”

After reading Pope Francis’ new encyclical, I’m sensing a connectedness to the expression just above in the title. Two Latin words: DILEXIT NOS. “He loved us.”

Peace,

Deacon Tom

“In all your ways, be mindful of him and he will make straight your paths.” Proverbs 3:6


8

Oct 24

October 8, 2024

“Break forth mountains, into song, forest, with all  your trees…” Isaiah 45:23

I’ve been writing this blog for several years now.  As we get deeper into autumn, I always look to the change of seasons.  Yet, I’m learning more than the colored leaves falling from the branches.  The other day I was sitting on the bench in front of the Jesus statue just off the parking lot. Nice time for a few moments to reflect at the end of a busy day.

I heard a noise. Something fell from the tree.  Then another “plunk” and something hit close by. Again, this time it bounced off me. Close to rapid fire for a few moments.  A squirrel hard at work dropping acorns from the Oak above my head.

Stopped back there just now, a few days after the barrage from the tree.  Found a lot of tops, but nothing more.  Seems they’ve been collecting the rest of the acorns for the winter.  Wondering if the squirrels and chipmunks are getting ready for a cold season ahead?

“Can any of you by worrying add a single moment to your life-span?* Matthew 6:27

Peace,

Deacon Tom


26

Sep 24

September 26, 2024

“If you do not see any good in these persons, then say nothing,” St. Vincent De Paul , Correspondence, Conferences, Documents

I seem drawn to our Patron---Saint Vincent de Paul (1581-1660) around his feast day of September 27. St. Vincent was the founder of the Daughters of Charity.  Their sisters established Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital in 1925. The last sisters left Binghamton in 2017.  And the secular Guthrie Health Care System purchased Lourdes earlier this year. As they took over, Guthrie removed and donated many religious articles. A sketch of Jesus that was given in the 1980s by Blessed Sacrament Church was returned here.

The parish was also given 7 volumes of an 8-volume set of St. Vincent’s letters. Each book is hundreds of pages long.   While the missives are sometimes simple correspondence, others include advice and support.

Today, I found a letter some 372 years old to the day I write this, September 25. St. Vincent wrote to Marc Coglee, a superior in Seden. He expressed concerns about someone’s behavior. He called “M” good at heart, though he may be “too agitated and undisciplined.”

St. Vincent wrote (above) that if you don’t see good in a person, stay quiet. But he also added this:

“If you do see some, speak about it to honor God because all good proceeds from Him.”

St. Vincent de Paul, please pray for us!

Peace,

Deacon Tom

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