Category: Sermon Notes

Transripts of weekly sermons

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Sermon Notes – March 16, 2025 – “Experience is Not the Best Teacher”

                                          “Experience is Not the Best Teacher”

                                     Father Peter Fitzgibbons

                                       March 15 – 16, 2025

Gospel:  Luke 9:28b-36

You have heard it said that experience is the best teacher.  But that’s not true.  If it were, there would be no alcoholics.  People would get drunk only once in their lives to avoid nausea, vomiting, and pounding headaches.   Does that sound like fun to anybody?  No.  Experience is not the best teacher because we tend to forget about the pain.  It is also not the best teacher for good experiences. 

In today’s Gospel, we have another epiphany, which means the manifestation of Who Christ is.  Jesus lowered the veil of His humanity that He took from the Blessed Mother to reveal His Divinity.  This epiphany was given to strengthen the Apostles for the Passion, which would occur ten days later.  Peter, James, and John, who were the three lead Apostles, Peter being the most senior, had, by that time, seen at least three dead people raised to life.  The Apostles were there when Jesus fed loaves and fishes to the 5,000.  They were there when He walked on water and cured leprosy.  According to Scripture, not all our Lord’s miracles were written down, and even though the Apostles saw all His miracles, what happened ten days after this epiphany?  When Jesus entered into His Passion, the Apostles were nowhere to be found.  

Now you may be thinking, “Lord, if I had just one of the experiences like the Apostles had, I would never doubt You again.”   Yes, you would . . . We all would.  We are fallen creatures because of Original Sin, the sins we have committed after Baptism, and the wrongs committed against us by others.  “But I want a religious experience.”  Religious experiences are given to us by God.   Sometimes, He gives them to us before we undergo a great trial to help us prepare for it.  Sometimes, He gives them to us as an atta-boy or atta-girl.   Other times, God gives us religious experiences just to say, “I love you, and I’m still with you. I haven’t forgotten about you.”  But it is as God decides and not as we decide.  You cannot go to any church and have a religious experience on demand.  Nor does it happen every time we pray.  That just doesn’t happen.  God doesn’t come when we want Him to.  I wish He did.  I would have been a monsignor a long time ago.  I’m only 71 and have been a priest for 40 years.  But I’m a patient man.  He comes to strengthen our souls, to give us comfort, and sometimes for no reason at all.  He is God, and He decides when to come to us. 

“Every time I go to church, I feel good.”  Really.  Intellectually or emotionally?  Emotionally, you probably won’t.  Intellectually, you may because you are in the presence of Jesus Christ in the Blessed Sacrament and part of the Holy Sacrifice.  That’s a wonderful thing.   However, because of our fallen nature, we don’t always feel that way.   When we feel the Lord has abandoned us, even though He hasn’t, that is when we grow most in faith.  He never has and never will abandon us.  Just because we don’t feel His presence, doesn’t mean He isn’t there.  Drive up Highway 52 at     70 mph and let me know how that works out for you.  “I didn’t see the cop!”   But he saw you.  Cops are very good at hiding.  How many of you have seen your guardian angel?  Very few have.  Saint Teresa de Lisieux and Saint Francis of Assisi saw theirs.  But just because you cannot see them, doesn’t mean that they aren’t there.  Can you see your house from here?  I can.  But if you can’t, that doesn’t mean it’s not there – you just can’t see it.  The same is true for God’s love and His presence around you.   

So do not be disturbed by a lack of religious experiences.  God does not judge you on that.  God judges you on the constancy of your love and following Him whether you find it pleasant or not.  Hanging on to your faith is an act of Will.  We want to always be happy, joyous, and free, but that is not possible in this life.  That will happen only in the next life.  Keep the faith.  Do the next right thing.  And remember that our Lord is always there as a refuge no matter what suffering you are going through.

How will you apply this message to your life? _________________________________________

You can read all of Father Fitzgibbons’ sermons by going to AnnunciationCatholicAlbemarle.com, clicking on “Blog” then “Categories” and then “Sermon Notes.”  On a cell phone: click on “Blog” and then “Menu.”  Scroll to the bottom and click on “Categories.”  Sermon Notes are also available on the Church’s Facebook page at OLA.Catholic.Church.  Click on “Groups” and then “Sermon Notes.

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Sermon Notes – February 23, 2025 – “We Have No Idea”

                                                             “We Have No Idea”

                                       Father Peter Fitzgibbons

                                       February 22 – 23, 2025

Gospel:  Luke 6:27-38


We are called to love our good Lord.  But love is more than just a feeling.  People say, “Oh, I love God.”  Good for you.  So, what do you do about it?  Our Lord said, “If you love me, keep My Commandments.”  Love demands action.  It’s through that action that you grow more in love with our Lord.  When we have God in our souls, we evangelize.  But it’s not always a happy thing.  Sometimes, it is really difficult.  As I like to say, “I’m not much, but I’m all I think about.  It’s all about me.”   We must die to self to live for others.  I’m giving you a little homework.  Read the short story by O. Henry, “The Gift of the Magi.”  Look it up.  Love grows when we die to self, and our Lord tells us how to do that.  If someone comes up to me and slaps me in the face, we are going to have words.  He’s not going to be happy.  But we are not supposed to do that.  If someone insults you and calls you a name, what’s your first reaction?  A hand or arm gesture?  “Do you know who I am? Do you know who you are talking to?”  They cursed Christ, and if they curse you, be thankful.  “Hey, I’m doing good.”  All those things you find distasteful . . . do those things.  Lend with no expectation of getting it back.  If a man wants you to walk a mile with him, walk two.   Those are steps that are good for your heart.  If someone wants your cloak, give them your shirt as well.  These things are hard, but that’s what love is.  It is the renunciation of self and living for others.  The obsession of self must end, and that is very hard to do.  Obviously, you love God because you are here at Mass on Saturday at 5:00.  You could have stayed home and done something else, but you are here.   You sacrificed to be here today. 

Love is proven in our lives by imitating Christ, by being compassionate, and by our long-suffering.  Regarding his illness, Saint Paul wrote, “Now I rejoice in my sufferings for Your sake, and in my flesh I complete what is lacking inChrist’s afflictions for the sake of His body, that is, the Church” (Colossians 1:24).  Paul said, “I am bearing this for the sake of Christ and the redemption of souls.”  That is what we do when others persecute, hate, and utter every kind of slander against us.  We forgive them.  Now, if you are thinking, “I cannot forgive,” yes, you can.  You just don’t want to.  Forgiveness is an act of the will.  God never said, “Well, if you feel like it, forgive somebody.  No, no, no.  We forgive because God forgives us. 

Sometimes, it is uncomfortable to do what our Lord asks.  We have a fallen nature from original sin, from the sins we have committed since our baptism, and from the sins that others have committed against us.  We have a fallen nature, so we are not always highly motivated to do good.   We make a choice to love.  That’s when we grow in love the most.  It’s also when we are the happiest.  We have a joy that nobody can take from us because we are doing what our Lord asked.  Notice that our Lord never said, “Do this if it feels good.”  He never said that because He didn’t care how you felt.  Do the right thing, and then you will feel better.  Feelings are transitory, very much so.  Do the right thing.  Go over and above.  Love has no limits.   Christ said, “No one can have greater love than to lay down his life for his friends” (John 15:13).  And that is true. 

I always enjoyed watching the people in front of the courthouse.  I haven’t seen them lately, but they would be outside the courthouse yelling, “Jesus is Lord” and “You are going to die and go to hell.”  I found them amusing and appreciated their zeal.  The way they screamed showed they had great lung power.  Their oxygen stats must have been off the chart.  They would scream and carry on, and I would think, “Decaf folks. You need to mellow out.”  I’d really like to peek at their medication chart; they may have been short of a pill or two.  Everybody who doesn’t believe their particular brand of Christianity is going to hell.   Really?  Is God that unjust?  “You are all going to hell.”  How do you know?  Christ said, “Judge not, that you may not be judged” (Matthew 7:1). 

In my work at the VA, I have met a lot of men who served in Vietnam.  I talked to one man who said, “I had a couple of tours in Vietnam.”  I said, “Really?  Were you homesteading there or what?”   He said, “I took a 2nd and 3rd tour so my younger brother wouldn’t have to go.”  If you have ever been overseas doing the things those men did, you know that it takes a hell of a toll on your life.  That man may not be the staunchest Christian, and I may not see him at Sunday Mass, but don’t you think that what he did would cover a lot of things in his spiritual personnel record?   But instead, you are saying that this guy is condemned to hell because he doesn’t share your religion.  How can you say that?  You do not know this man.  They say, “You’re going to hell because you don’t believe my particular brand of Christianity.”  Shut up.  You don’t see the crosses we carry.  God judges us. 

Now, you may be thinking, “Father, you are slim, good-looking, and bright.”  Thanks, but neither of those things is correct.  You don’t know the crosses I’m carrying.  I’ve been a priest for over 40 years, and I’m still not a monsignor.  That really hurts!  We have no idea about the suffering other people are enduring.  When I talk to people, I ask them how they are doing.  They often say, “I’m fine.”  I love that word “fine.”  Do you know what it means?  It’s a medical term, and you wouldn’t like the meaning because it’s a bit rude.  We all struggle with our crosses.  Some are visible, and some are invisible.  We have no idea of the heavy burdens other people carry.  So, we don’t make judgments.  But what we can do is pray for them.  Why?  Because we appreciate it when people pray for us.

 How will you apply this message to your life? _______________________________________


You can read all of Father Fitzgibbons’ sermons by going to AnnunciationCatholicAlbemarle.com, clicking on “Blog” then “Categories” and then “Sermon Notes.”  On a cell phone: click on “Blog” and then “Menu.”  Scroll to the bottom and click on “Categories.”  Sermon Notes are also available on the Church’s Facebook page at OLA.Catholic.Church.  Click on “Groups” and then “Sermon Notes.

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Notas del Sermón – Tu sabrás que son cristianos por su amor – 16 de febrero 2025

“Tu sabrás que son cristianos por su amor”
Padre Peter Fitzgibbons
15-16 de febrero 2025

Evangelio: Lucas 6:17, 20-26

En el último año, la gente se ha mostrado cada vez más agitada por la política, el fútbol y otras cosas. Todos están molestos por una cosa u otra. Para ayudar a las personas con su agitación y lucha interna, les hago una serie de preguntas de diagnóstico. La serie de preguntas de diagnóstico comienza así: ¿Estás recibiendo fuego entrante? No. ¿Hay damnificaciones masivas? No. ¿Walmart está cerrando? No. ¿Dóminos ha dejado de realizar entregas? No. ¿Ha dejado de funcionar su plomería? No. ¿Ha perdido sus privilegios de respirar? No. ¿Dios ha dejado de amarte? No. Entonces estás bien, ¿vale? Crece. Estás bien. Esta no es la colina para morir. Simplemente haz lo que sigue correctamente y estarás bien. La gente me dice que necesitan asesoramiento sobre el duelo. Bueno, tengo una forma útil de conseguirlo y sólo te costará un dólar. Compra un periódico y mira en la sección de obituarios. Ahora tendrás un sentido de pertenencia. Todos mueren. Eres como el resto de nosotros que debemos lidiar con el dolor de perder a alguien.

Cuando estoy en público, esto me pasa mucho. La gente dirá: "Hola, pastor." La mayoría de la gente no lo sabe, pero la palabra “pastor” es un título de trabajo, tal como lo es “capellán.” Soy sacerdote. Me preguntan: "¿Cómo está?" y yo les digo: “Estoy bien. ¿Cómo esta usted?" Algunos dicen: "que soy cristiano," a lo que yo respondo: "Bien, me alegra oír eso." Intercambiamos algunas bromas más y ellos siguen su camino. Son respetuosos y muy amables en general. Pero siempre quiero preguntarles qué tipo de cristiano son. Realmente me gustaría saberlo. El otro día leí un artículo que decía que hay 45,000 sectas diferentes del cristianismo. Aunque creen cosas diferentes, todos piensan que van al cielo, todos menos nosotros.

Hubo un tiempo en que todos los cristianos tenían un sentido común de moralidad. Todas las denominaciones que se llamaban a sí mismas cristianas creían que el control de la natalidad era un pecado. Pero en 1938 hubo una reunión de obispos episcopales y decidieron mejorar las escrituras. Decidieron que el control de la natalidad es bueno. Lo que antes se consideraban delitos en el antiguo derecho penal ahora se ensalzan como virtudes. “Cristo hubiera querido esto.” Bueno, si Él lo hubiera querido, lo habría dicho. El Nuevo Testamento termina con el Libro del Apocalipsis. No puedes mejorarlo. Entonces, cuando la gente dice que es cristiana, no tengo idea de lo que eso significa. Realmente no lo sé.

Si eres cristiano, ¿cómo lo sabría a menos que me lo digas? Sabes que la gente es cristiana por sus actos de amor. Los Apóstoles hicieron lo que hizo Cristo. Cristo dijo: “Si me amáis, mis mandamientos guardaréis (Juan 14:15). Dejó instrucciones específicas. No dijo: “Mis instrucciones sólo tienen una vida útil de unos 2,000 años. Después de eso, quedarán bsoletos y podrás crear los tuyos propios.” No, no lo creo. Cristo fue bastante específico y no nos dio mucho espacio para maniobrar. Si somos seguidores de Cristo, haremos lo que Él hizo. ¿Por qué? Porque lo amamos más que a nosotros mismos. No tenemos que decirle a nadie que somos cristianos. Lo verán en nuestros actos de amor, en nuestros actos de compasión y en nuestros actos de gran sufrimiento. Verán el amor de Cristo obrando a través de nuestra naturaleza humana. Verán su amor y cuidarán de nosotros. Puedes llamarte como quieras, pero debes ser como sea que te llames.

Si afirmas ser un seguidor de Cristo, debes seguirlo haciendo lo que Él hizo. Tomamos nuestras cruces todos los días y lo seguimos. Tratamos de reflejar nuestras vidas en lo que Él hizo. Caeremos; todos lo hacemos, incluso yo. Pero todos nos levantamos nuevamente y nos esforzamos por seguir a Cristo. Esto es lo que hacemos si somos cristianos. Lo demostramos con nuestras acciones, con la forma en que vivimos, con la forma en que amamos, con la forma en que nos sacrificamos y con la forma en que oramos. Así es como podemos conocer a los seguidores de Cristo.

Reflexiones del Padre. . . Es bueno estar en casa. Muchos de ustedes me han preguntado cómo estuvo mi viaje. Decir que fue extraño sería quedarse corto. Hay dos palabras que usamos en el ejército que lo describirían perfectamente, pero no puedo usarlas aquí. Todo lo que puedo decir sobre mi viaje es que elegí un momento increíble para dejar de beber. Después de terminar la misa del funeral de mi tía, hablé con los sacerdotes que estaban allí por unos minutos y luego me confesé. Cuando salí de la iglesia, todos se habían ido. Lindo. Dejaron al santo varón allí en medio de la nada en el oriente. Entonces llamé a mi prima y le pregunté: "¿Dónde estás?" Ella dijo: “Estamos en la procesión fúnebre. ¿Dónde estás?" Estoy aquí en la iglesia. Ella dijo: "Bueno, síguenos." Prima, no soy de “Fall River (Rio Caído).” No tengo idea de dónde estoy. "Oh." Ella me dio direcciones y supe dónde estaba en aproximadamente una milla. Después del funeral, encontré el camino de regreso a la casa. Habían pedido todo tipo de comida. La primera caja que agarre fue una pizza de queso con papas fritas encima. Estás bromeando, ¿verdad? Soy un paciente cardíaco. Mi familia definitivamente está en la cima de una escala extraña. ¡Qué bueno estar de regreso!

¿Cómo aplicarías este mensaje a tu vida? ____________________________________________

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Sermon Notes – You Will Know They are Christian by Their Love – February 16, 2025

 “You Will Know They are Christian by Their Love”

Father Peter Fitzgibbons

  February 15 – 16, 2025


Gospel:  Luke 6:17, 20-26

In the last year or so, people have become increasingly agitated about politics, football, and other stuff.  Everybody is upset about one thing or another.  To help people with their agitation and inner strife, I ask them a series of diagnostic questions.  The series of diagnostic questions begins like this: Are you taking incoming fire?  No.  Are there mass casualties?  No.  Is Walmart closing?  No.  Has Domino’s stopped delivering?  No.  Have you lost your flush plumbing?  No.  Have you lost your breathing privileges?  No.  Has God stopped loving you?  No.  Then you are fine, okay?  Grow up.  You’re fine.  This is not the hill to die on.  Just do the next right thing, and you will be great.  People tell me they need grief counseling.  Well, I have a useful way to get it, and it will only cost you a buck.  Buy a newspaper and look in the obituary section.  Now you will have a sense of belonging.  Everybody dies.  You are just like the rest of us who must deal with the grief of losing someone. 

When I’m out in public, this happens to me a lot.  People will say, “Hi, Pastor.”   Most people don’t know this, but the word “pastor” is a job title, just like “chaplain” is.  I’m a priest.  They ask me, “How are you?” and I’ll say, “I’m good.  How are you?”  Some say, “I’m a Christian,” to which I reply, “Good, I’m glad to hear that.”  We exchange a few more pleasantries, and they go about their way.  They are respectful and very nice by and large.  But I always want to ask them what brand of Christian they are.  I would really like to know.  I read an article the other day that there are 45,000 different sects of Christianity.  Even though they believe different things, they all think they are going to Heaven, everyone except us. 

There was a time when everyone who was Christian had a common sense of morality.  Every denomination that called itself Christian believed that birth control was a sin.  But in 1938, there was a meeting of Episcopal bishops, and they decided to improve Scripture.  They decided that birth control is good.  What were once considered crimes in the old criminal law are now extolled as virtues.  “Christ would have wanted this.”  Well, if He wanted it, He would have said it.  The New Testament ends with the Book of Revelation.  You cannot improve it.  So, when people say they are Christian, I have no idea what that means.  I really don’t. 

If you are a Christian, how would I know unless you tell me?  You know people are Christian by their acts of love.  The Apostles did what Christ did.  Christ said, “If you love Me, you will keep My Commandments (John 14:15).  He left specific instructions.  He didn’t say, “My instructions only have a shelf life of about 2,000 years. After that, they will be out of date, and you can make up your own.”  No, I don’t think so.  Christ was quite specific and did not give us much wiggle room.  If we are followers of Christ, we will do what He did.  Why?  Because we love Him more than ourselves.  We don’t have to tell anyone we are Christian.  They will see it in our acts of love, in our acts of compassion, and in our acts of long-suffering.  They will see the love of Christ working through our human nature.  They will see His love and care for us.  You can call yourself anything you want, but you must be whatever it is you call yourself.  

If you claim to be a follower of Christ, you must follow Him by doing what He did.  We take up our crosses every day and follow Him.  We try to mirror our lives by what He did.  We will fall; all of us do, even me.  But we all get back up again and strive to follow Christ.  This is what we do if we are Christian.  We show it by our actions, by the way we live, by the way we love, by the way we sacrifice, and by the way we pray.  This is how we can know the followers of Christ. 

Father’s Reflections . . . It is good to be home.  I’ve had many of you ask how my trip was.  To say it was weird, would be an understatement.  There are two words we use in the Army that would describe it perfectly, but I cannot use them here. All I can say about my trip is that I picked a hell of a time to stop drinking.  After I finished my aunt’s funeral Mass, I talked to the priests who were there for a few minutes and then went to Confession.  When I walked out of the church, everyone was gone.  Nice.  Leave the Holy Man there in the middle of East Nowhere.  So, I called my cousin and asked, “Where are you?”  She said, “We are in the funeral procession.  Where are you?”   I’m here at the church.  She said, “Well, follow us.”  Cousin, I am not from Fall River.  I have no idea where I am.  “Oh.”  She gave me directions, and I knew where I was in a mile or so.  After the funeral, I found my way back to the house.  They had ordered all sorts of food.  The first box I picked up was a cheese pizza with French fries as a topping.  You’re joking, right?  I’m a cardiac patient.  My family is definitely at the top of the weird scale.  It is good to be back!

How will you apply this message to your life? ___________________________________

You can read all of Father Fitzgibbons’ sermons by going to AnnunciationCatholicAlbemarle.com, clicking on “Blog” then “Categories” and then “Sermon Notes.”  On a cell phone: click on “Blog” and then “Menu.”  Scroll to the bottom and click on “Categories.”  Sermon Notes are also available on the Church’s Facebook page at OLA.Catholic.Church.  Click on “Groups” and then “Sermon Notes.

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Notas del Sermón – Calistenia Católica – 26 de enero 2025

“Calistenia Católica”

Padre Peter Fitzgibbons

25-26 de enero 2025

Evangelio: Lucas 1:1-4, 4:14-21

La gente dice: "Ustedes los católicos se mueven mucho en la iglesia." Sí, tratamos de mantenernos en forma. Lo llamamos calistenia católica. ¿Sabes qué es eso? Durante la misa nos sentamos, nos ponemos de pie, nos arrodillamos y repetimos. ¿Sabes por qué hacemos eso? Porque el hombre se compone de tres elementos: cuerpo, alma y espíritu. Oramos con todo nuestro cuerpo. Por eso nos arrodillamos durante las peticiones. Nos arrodillamos durante la adoración y nos levantamos por respeto. ¿Sabes por qué hacemos eso? Son posiciones de oración, y nos destacamos por respeto.

Cuando estaba en el curso básico para oficiales, como parte de mi formación, me exigían leer el manual de oficiales. ¿Sabes lo que decía? El ejército no toma cualquier cosa por hecho. Dicen que cuando una dama entra a la habitación, te pones de pie. Recuerdo haber pensado: "¿Algunos de estos tipos fueron criados por lobos y no por mujeres?" El ejército tenía amplia experiencia en el trato con estúpidos. Entonces, defendimos a las mujeres. Durante la misa también nos ponemos de pie para la lectura del evangelio. Estas son las palabras de Cristo y nos levantamos por respeto. Cuando el sacerdote proclama el evangelio, actúa en la persona de Cristo, por lo que es como escuchar las palabras de los labios de Cristo tal como era hace 2,000 años. Estamos para mostrar reverencia por las palabras de Dios.

Durante la oración, nos arrodillamos en súplica. Oramos con nuestros cuerpos. A veces se nos va un poco de las manos. Rezar con los brazos en alto es un gesto sacerdotal llamado postura de oración. Imitar las acciones de un sacerdote conlleva a un pecado venial. A veces la gente es demasiado celosa. En algunas iglesias, todos se toman de la mano durante el Padre Nuestro.

Ahora, a menos que seas una enfermera intentando tomarme el pulso, si me agarras la mano, eres hombre muerto. ¿Por qué? Porque eso es simplemente inventado. Había un hombre en mi parroquia en Statesville que estaba un poco descentrado. Serví con su hijo en el extranjero. Cuando yo decía: “El señor esté contigo”, él me respondía: “¡¡Y TAMBIÉN CON USTED, SEÑOR!!”

Gracias, lo aprecio. Hay que admirar el gesto del chico; le faltaban unas cuantas pastillas para tener un buen día. En la iglesia antigua, la gente rezaba el Padre Nuestro boca abajo, postrados, como signo de humildad porque son palabras del señor mismo y nos fueron dadas para enseñarnos a orar. Rezar el Padre Nuestro postrados mostró gran humildad, respeto, amor, admiración y asombro.

Nosotros también debemos orar con gran admiración y no canturreando. También debemos orar el domingo, el día que nuestro señor reservó para relajarnos y disfrutar. Esa lección está en el antiguo testamento en el Midrash judío. Si quieres ser católico, sé judío primero para entender por qué hacemos estas cosas. Durante el Midrash, se supone que debemos probar y disfrutar tantas cosas para darle cien bendiciones a Dios todopoderoso. Eso está en el antiguo testamento. De hecho, cuando oramos con todo el cuerpo, alabamos a Dios por todas sus bendiciones.

Hoy en la misa, las palabras de Isaías son muy ciertas. El profeta proclamó que había sido ungido por el Señor para traer buenas noticias: “El espíritu del Señor Dios está sobre mí, porque el Señor me ha ungido; Me ha enviado a llevar buenas nuevas a los afligidos, a vendar a los quebrantados de corazón, a proclamar libertad a los cautivos y liberar a los prisioneros (Isaías 61:1). Los sacerdotes tienen los medios para devolver la vista a quienes han sido cegados por el pecado y liberarlos de la prisión del pecado. Ésta es la buena noticia. Esto es lo que Nuestro buen señor anunció como el camino para ser libres de alma, mente y espíritu. Recuerde, el "camino" no es un "qué"; es un Quién. Tenemos los medios para tener una vida divina. Nuestro señor nos dice cómo y nos da los medios para alcanzar la vida eterna. Todos luchamos con las cruces diarias mientras lo seguimos al calvario y a la tumba vacía. Desafortunadamente, no se puede llegar a la resurrección sin pasar por el calvario. No puedes darle la vuelta. Este es un día maravilloso. Se cumplen las palabras del profeta Isaías.

¿Cómo aplicarías este mensaje a tu vida? ___________________________________________

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Sermon Notes – January 26, 2025 –  “Catholic Calisthenics”

                                   “Catholic Calisthenics”

                                  Father Peter Fitzgibbons

                                  January 25 – 26, 2025

Gospel:  Luke 1:1-4, 4:14-21

People say, “You Catholics move around a lot in church.”  Yeah, we try to keep fit.  We call it Catholic calisthenics.  Do you know what that is?   During the Mass, we sit, we stand, we kneel, and we repeat.   Do you know why we do that?  Because man is composed of three elements – body, soul, and spirit.  We pray with our whole body.  That’s why we kneel during petitions.  We kneel during Adoration, and we stand out of respect.  Do you know why we do that?  They are positions of prayer, and we stand out of respect.   

When I was in the Officer Basic Course, as part of my training, I was required to read the officer manual.  Do you know what it said?  The Army didn’t take anything for granted.  It said that when a lady comes into the room, you stand.  I remember thinking, “Were some of these guys raised by wolves and not by women?”  The Army had broad experience in dealing with stupid.  So, we stood up for women.  During the Mass, we also stand up for the Gospel reading.  These are the words of Christ, and we stand up out of respect.  When the priest proclaims the Gospel, he is acting in the person of Christ, so it is like hearing the words from Christ’s lips just as it was 2,000 years ago.   We stand to show reverence for the words of God. 

During prayer, we kneel in supplication. We pray with our bodies.  Sometimes it gets a little out of hand.  Praying with arms raised is a priestly gesture called orans posture.  Imitating the actions of a priest has venial sin attached to it.  Sometimes people are overly zealous.  In some churches, everyone holds hands during the Lord’s Prayer.  Now, unless you are a nurse trying to take my pulse, if you grab my hand, you are a dead man.   Why?  Because that is just made up.   There was this man at my parish in Statesville who was a little off-center.   I served with his son overseas.  When I would say, “The Lord be with you,” he would
yell back, “AND ALSO WITH YOU, SIR!!”   Thanks, appreciate it.  You have to admire the guy’s zeal; he was a few pills short of a good day.

In the ancient church, people prayed the Our Father flat on their faces, prostrated, as a sign of humility because it is the words of the Lord Himself and was given to us to teach us how to pray.  Praying the Our Father while prostrated showed great humility, respect, love, awe, and wonder.  We, too, should pray with great awe and not in a sing-song way.  We should also pray on Sunday, the day our Lord set aside for relaxation and enjoyment.  That lesson is in the Old Testament in the Jewish Midrash.   If you want to be Catholic, be a Jew first so that you understand why we do these things.  During Midrash, we are supposed to taste and enjoy so many things to give a hundred blessings to Almighty God.  That’s in the Old Testament.  Indeed, as we pray with our whole body, we praise God for all His blessings. 

Today in the Mass, the words of Isaiah are so true.  The prophet proclaimed that he had been anointed by the Lord to bring good news: “The spirit of the Lord God is upon me because the Lord has anointed me; He has sent me to bring good news to the afflicted, to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and release to the prisoners (Isaiah 61:1).   Priests have the means to restore sight to those who have been blinded by sin and to free them from the prison of sin.  This is the good news.  This is what our good Lord announced as the way to be free in soul, mind, and spirit.  Remember, the “way” is not a “what;” it is a Who.  We have the means to have a divine life.  Our Lord tells us how and gives us the means to achieve eternal life.  We all struggle with daily crosses as we follow Him to Calvary and to the empty tomb.  Unfortunately, you cannot get to the resurrection without going through Calvary.  You cannot go around it.  This is a wonderful day.  The words of the prophet Isaiah are fulfilled.

How will you apply this message to your life? _________________________________________

You can read all of Father Fitzgibbons’ sermons by going to AnnunciationCatholicAlbemarle.com, clicking on “Blog” then “Categories” and then “Sermon Notes.”  On a cell phone: click on “Blog” and then “Menu.”  Scroll to the bottom and click on “Categories.”  Sermon Notes are also available on the Church’s Facebook page at OLA.Catholic.Church.  Click on “Groups” and then “Sermon Notes.

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Notas del Sermón – 19 de enero 2025 – Haz lo que mama dice

“Haz lo que mama dice”

Padre Peter Fitzgibbons

18-19 de enero 2025

Evangelio: Juan 2:1-12

¿Recuerdas la palabra “E” de la que he estado hablando durante las últimas dos semanas? Epifanía. ¿Qué significa “epifanía?” Manifestación. Bueno, tenemos otra epifanía. Esta manifestación en particular fue la del poder y el amor de Jesús. Realizó el primero de sus milagros al convertir 150 galones de agua en vino. Eso es bastante impresionante. ¿Tuvo que Jesús hacer esto? No, pero lo hizo porque amaba a su madre y ella le pidió que lo hiciera. Es interesante leer la parte de las escrituras sobre la respuesta de Jesús a la petición de su madre: “Mujer, ¿cómo me afecta tu preocupación?” Ahora, según el Obispo Sheen, una traducción más precisa del griego original es: “Mujer, quien eres tú para mí?” ¿De verdad? Eso suena bastante grosero. Intenta decirle eso a tu madre o esposa y ve cómo te va. Podrías terminar en cuidados intensivos. Pero esto fue el comienzo del ministerio público de Jesús y su primer milagro. También fue el comienzo del papel secundario de María: no sólo era la madre de Jesús, sino que también debía con vértice en madre de toda la humanidad. Ella llegó a esta conclusión al pie de la cruz en el calvario. La santísima madre es una poderosa intercesora ante su hijo. La gente me pide, “padre, rece por mí.” Estaría feliz de hacerlo; es mi trabajo y agradezco la fe que tienen en mí para pedírmelo. Sin embargo, ¿quién crees que tendría una mejor audiencia? ¿Yo? Quiero decir, soy bastante maravilloso, pero sabes. . . la santísima madre podría ganarme. Además, ¿Quién puede negarle algo a su madre?

Jesús les dijo a los camareros que llenaran las tinajas de piedra con agua. Ahora, ¿tenían una manguera de agua? No. Ellos jalaron cubetas de agua del pozo. El agua que sacaron del pozo resulto en 150 galones del mejor vino. Esto sonó como mis reuniones familiares…Tengo una familia sedienta. El llenar las tinajas y luego sacarlas del pozo tendría que tomar demasiada fuerza superior del cuerpo. Y también se tomaba bastante tiempo. Pero ellos hicieron lo que se les pidió. 

¿Cuál es el primer camino hacia la santidad? Obediencia. ¿Cuándo Jesús les dijo a los camareros que llenaran las tinajas de agua, te podrías imaginar que estaban pasando en el fondo de sus mentes? “¿Estás bromeando? ¿En qué está pensando este idiota?” Después de llenar las tinajas con agua, les dijeron que se las llevaran al jefe de camareros. Aunque no entendían porque deberían llevar el agua al jefe de camareros, ellos hicieron lo que se les pidió. ¿Qué pasó después? Ocurrió algo maravilloso… el agua se convirtió en vino; de hecho, era el mejor vino, más allá de las expectativas de todos. Normalmente, uno se espera hasta que la gente esté borracha para luego darles el vino de menor calidad. Pero este era el mejor vino y lo reservamos para el final. Ése es el fruto de la obediencia. Después que el agua se convirtió en vino, fue entonces que los camareros entendieron y vieron el resultado de su obediencia. Ellos obedecieron, aunque no entendían. Esto es lo que nuestro señor nos pide; que cumplamos sus mandamientos y hagamos lo que él nos pide. Quizás estés pensando: “Oh, eso es muy anticuado.” Observa los resultados antes de criticar. Además, está en las escrituras. Si hacemos  lo que nuestro señor nos pide que hagamos, recibiremos recompensas increíbles. ¿Qué tipo de recompensas increíbles? Él mismo. Todo lo demás es una simple representación de su amor por nosotros, así como los regalos que nos damos unos a otros son reflejos de lo que hay en nuestros corazones. 

Llevo mucho tiempo en esto y he asistido a muchas conferencias, probablemente no a tantas como debería porque me vuelven loco y la mayoría de ellas no valen nada. Preferiría estar en un curso de escape y evasión porque sé que esto tiene un final. “¡Oh! Debes comprar este libro; ¡es genial! Puedes aumentar la espiritualidad de tu parroquia.” Así que compré el libro, y es un verdadero iniciador de fuego. En el libro, un sacerdote estaba teniendo un día difícil, así que se puso su chal de oración y encendió su vela de oración. Oye, padre, me estás rompiendo el corazón. ¿Por qué no mejor “bip” vas a la iglesia y rezas frente al santísimo sacramento? Yo sí creo que tienes una llave. Ve a rezar en presencia de nuestro señor. No encuentro nada en las escrituras sobre velas de oración. Son un montón de tonterías. Así que ahórrate algo de dinero en libros tontos.

Puede que se lleve un tiempo, pero Dios siempre recompensa la obediencia a su palabra. El mejor concejo espiritual son las últimas palabras dichas por la santísima madre: “Hagan lo que Él les diga.” Hagan lo que mamá dice.

Reflexiones de un padre… Cuando estuve en Wilmington la semana pasada, vi a una señora que  conozco que hace trabajos de joyería para beneficiar a un refugio para mujeres maltratadas. Esta señora me preguntó: “Oye, padre, ¿quieres un bolígrafo con las manos en oración? Le dije: “Muchas gracias, pero no. Ya tengo dos manos en oración, y están unidas.”

¿Cómo aplicarías este mensaje a tu vida? ____________________________

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Sermon Notes – January 19, 2025 –  “Do What Mom Says”

“Do What Mom Says”

 Father Peter Fitzgibbons

 January 18 – 19, 2025


Gospel:  John 2:1-12

Remember the “E” word I’ve been talking about for the past two weeks?  Epiphany.  What does “epiphany” mean?  Manifestation.  Well, we have another epiphany.  This particular manifestation was of Jesus’ power and love.  He performed the first of His miracles by changing 150 gallons of water into wine.  That’s pretty impressive.  Did Jesus have to do this?  No, but He did it because He loved His mother, and she asked Him to do it.  It is interesting to read the part of Scripture about Jesus’ response to His mother’s request, “Woman, how does your concern affect Me?”  Now, according to Bishop Sheen, a more accurate translation from the original Greek is, “Woman, who are thee to Me?”  Really?  That sounds rather rude. Try saying that to your mother or wife and see how it works out for you.  You just might end up in intensive care.   But this was the beginning of Jesus’ public ministry and His first miracle.  It was also the beginning of Mary’s secondary role – not only was she the Mother of Jesus, but she was also to become the Mother of all mankind.  She came to this realization at the foot of the Cross in Calvary.  The Blessed Mother is a powerful intercessor with her Son.  People ask me, “Father, pray for me.”  I’d be happy to; it’s my job, and I appreciate the faith you have in me to ask.  However, who do you think would get a better hearing?  Me?  I mean, I’m pretty wonderful, but you know . . . the Blessed Mother might have me beat.  Besides, who can refuse their mother anything? 

Jesus told the waiters to fill the stone jars with water.   Now, did they have a water hose?  No.  They hauled buckets from the well.  The water they drew from the well resulted in 150 gallons of the best wine.  That sounds like my family reunions . . . I have a thirsty family.   Filling the jars and then lifting them out of the well would have taken a lot of upper-body strength.   It also took a fair amount of time.  But they did as they were told.   

What is the primary way to holiness?  Obedience.   When Jesus told the waiters to fill the jars with water, can you imagine what was going on in the back of their minds?  “Are you kidding me?  What is this idiot thinking?”  After filling the jars with water, they were told to take them to the head waiter.   Even though they didn’t understand why they were taking the water to the head waiter, they did as they were told.   What happened after that?  A wonderful thing happened . . . the water was changed into wine – in fact, it was the best wine, above and beyond anyone’s expectations.  Normally, you wait until people are smashed and then give them the lesser wine.  But this was the best wine, and it was saved for last.  That’s the fruit of obedience.  After the water was turned into wine, it was then the waiters understood, and they saw the result of their obedience.  They obeyed even though they didn’t understand.  This is what our Lord asks of us; to keep His Commandments and to do what He asks us to do.  You may be thinking, “Oh, that’s so old-fashioned.”   Look at the results before you criticize.  Besides, it’s in Scripture.  If we do what our Lord asks us to do, we will receive unbelievable rewards.  What kinds of unbelievable rewards?  Himself.  All the other stuff is a mere representation of His love for us, just as the gifts we give each other are reflections of what is in our hearts.   

I’ve been around a long time and have gone to a lot of conferences, probably not as many as I should have because they drive me nuts, and most of them are worthless.  I’d rather be on an escape and evasion course because I know there’s an end to it.  “Oh!  You must buy this book; it’s great!  You can increase the spirituality of your parish.”  So, I bought the book, and it’s a real fire starter.   In the book, this one priest was having a tough day, so he put on his prayer shawl and lit his prayer candle.  Hey Father, you’re breaking my heart.  Why don’t you get your ”beep” to the church and pray in front of the Blessed Sacrament?  I do believe you have a key.  Go pray in the presence of our Lord.  I find nothing in Scripture about prayer candles.  It’s a bunch of dribble.   So, save yourself some money on silly books. 

It may take a while but God always rewards obedience to His Word.  The best spiritual advice given is the last words spoken by the Blessed Mother: “Do whatever He tells you.”  Do what mom says.

Father’s Reflections . . . When I was in Wilmington last week, I saw a lady I know who does jewelry work to benefit a battered women’s shelter.  This lady asked me, “Hey, Father, would you like a praying hands pen?”  I said, “Thank you very much, but no.  I already have two praying hands, and they are attached.”



How will you apply this message to your life? _________________________________________

You can read all of Father Fitzgibbons’ sermons by going to AnnunciationCatholicAlbemarle.com, clicking on “Blog” then “Categories” and then “Sermon Notes.”  On a cell phone: click on “Blog” and then “Menu.”  Scroll to the bottom and click on “Categories.”  Sermon Notes are also available on the Church’s Facebook page at OLA.Catholic.Church.  Click on “Groups” and then “Sermon Notes.


                      

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Sermon Notes – January 12, 2025 – “Behold the Lamb of God”

“Behold the Lamb of God”

 Father Peter Fitzgibbons

 January 11- 12, 2025

Gospel:   Luke 3:15-16, 21-22

Do you remember the Greek I taught you last week about the Epiphany and what it means?   In English, the Epiphany means manifestation, and today there is another one.  Our good Lord is manifested and made visible by God the Father.  God revealed to us the nature of the Trinity . . . the triune nature of God.  The Spirit came upon us in the form of a Dove.  By the way, the word “Spirit” is capitalized in Scripture.  The Holy Spirit revealed the triune nature of God.   We could have realized a lot of things on our own by backward reasoning, but the Trinity of God had to be revealed. 

God also revealed things that are reflected in the “ologies” including Theology, Sacramentology, Soteriology, and Christology.  God said, “This is My beloved Son” which is studied in Christology.  Soteriology is the study of redemption and that of His suffering, death, and resurrection.  Sacramentology, the study of Sacramental Life, began with our Lord’s Baptism and gave us the means for our walk to Paradise.   Soteriology is the study of the Sacrificial Lamb.  He came down to be sacrificed for our redemption.  Remember in Scripture the command our Lord gave the Apostles?  “Go, therefore, and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit” (Matthew 28:19).  Contrary to our Protestant brethren and some enlightened Catholics, Baptism was not age restricted.   The house of Cornelius was baptized, including many children.  In those days, the child mortality rate was huge, and if you didn’t have a lot of children, there would be nobody to care for you in your old age.  So, Baptism is the first Sacrament.   

In other accounts of the Baptism of our Lord, what did Saint John say?  In the past, we said this during Mass after the Minor Elevation.  In Latin, which was the language of the Empire and is still the official language of the Church, Saint John said, “Ecce Agnus Dei” which means “Behold the Lamb of God.”  And with that, the question that was first asked in Genesis is finally answered:  Where is the Lamb of Sacrifice Who takes away our sins?   Saint John answered that question 5,000 years after it was asked: “Ecce Agnus Dei” – “Behold the Lamb of God.”  He picked Jesus out of a crowd.  Behold the Lamb of God. 

It was not the people’s lamb and not the Jew’s lamb, but the Lamb of God who came to be sacrificed.   Lambs are gentle and docile, just as Jesus was.  He was docile to God the Father by obeying His Word.   Our Lord did the will of the Father.  He came down and achieved our redemption by His death and resurrection.  He took on a human nature to fulfill the debt that man could not repay because of the abomination of the first sin.  It was such a great offense that only God could repair it.  Our first parents walked with God and talked with God. They had full knowledge of Who God is, and they still disobeyed Him by eating the apple.  “I’m going to do what I want and eat the apple.”  That was such an offense that only God could correct it. 

God sent the Sacrificial Lamb to redeem us.  That is what we are doing here today.  We see the Lamb of God in the Most Blessed Sacrament.  As Saint John said, and as you can also say, “I see the Lamb of God.”  Ecce agnus dei – Behold the Lamb of God.  He’s right there in the Tabernacle.  We have God.  It is the fulfillment of His love for us.  You see His Sacrifice in the Mass.  It is not a re-sacrifice of Christ; He will not have to die again.  It is a view of what is always before the Father in Heaven pleading on our behalf and will be until the end of time.  “Father, forgive them, they know not what they do.”  It is the Sacrificial Lamb Who is on the Altar.  As Scripture has it, He is the scapegoat for our sins.  The Lamb of God is among the lambs He created.  What a wonderful thing. 

How will you apply this message to your life? _________________________________________


You can read all of Father Fitzgibbons’ sermons by going to AnnunciationCatholicAlbemarle.com, clicking on “Blog” then “Categories” and then “Sermon Notes.”  On a cell phone: click on “Blog” and then “Menu.”  Scroll to the bottom and click on “Categories.”  Sermon Notes are also available on the Church’s Facebook page at OLA.Catholic.Church.  Click on “Groups” and then “Sermon Notes.”

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Sermon Notes – January 5, 2025 – “A Tour of the Nativity”

“A Tour of the Nativity”

Father Peter Fitzgibbons

January 4 – 5, 2025

Gospel:  Matthew 2:1-12

As you can see, and as promised, the Wisemen made it.  They always do.  The creche will be up for another week.  Do you know why?  The Christmas season doesn’t end until next week, which is the Baptism of our Lord.  I’m kind of a traditionalist, so we are keeping it up until then.  Saint Francis is credited for creating the first nativity scene in the 13th Century.  The nativity or creche is a portrait of the Church and a small book on Catholic theology, so I’m always amused when non-Catholics have one.   You display Catholic icons, and you’re not Catholic?  Really? 

The creche is the Church and is one of the first of many manifestations of Christ in the Gospel.  Inside the creche, you see Christology – the study of Christ; Ecclesiology – the study of Who the Church is; Soteriology – the study of redemption; Hagiography – the study of the saints; and Eucharistic theology, the study of doctrine regarding the Eucharist.  There are a lot of ‘ologies’ present in the creche and, in the interest of time, I’ll make just a few points about each.

In Ecclesiology, you learn that the Church and its people are always gathered around Jesus just as we are now – He’s right there in the Tabernacle.   In the creche, you find who makes up the Church.  Who makes up the Body of Christ?  That’s an interesting question.  In the creche, we see the very holy – the Blessed Mother and Saint Joseph were both born without original sin.   You also see the very learned and the very ignorant.  Do you know why they are there?  The ignorant – the shepherds – know that they don’t know anything.  They were not the sharpest knives in the drawer, but they knew enough to be obedient.  They responded to the voice of an angel, and they saw the Savior.  The Wisemen are educated and know they don’t know everything, which is the goal of education.   They took the shoe leather express across the desert, which would not have been fun.  What do the Blessed Mother, Saint Joseph, the Wisemen, and the shepherds have in common?  Obedience.  If you read the Gospels, obedience did not always come easy.  The Wisemen walked across the desert or rode on camels, neither of which would be pleasant.  And yes, I have ridden on a camel.  I haven’t eaten one, but I’ve heard they taste like chicken.  But if you walk across the desert during the day, it’s not pleasant, and it’s not much better at night.  During the day, the temperature is about 70 degrees, but at night it drops to about 30 degrees.   The Wisemen were out there in the desert, and they were freezing.  Their trip across the desert was both brutal and dangerous.   But they were obedient, and they won the prize for obedience . . . to see the Savior and be in His presence.   We will, too, if we are obedient and achieve Heaven.   

In the creche, the Savior is lying in a manger, which reflects Soteriology.  In 33 years, the wood of the manger would become the wood of the Cross.  So, His suffering, death, and resurrection are already forecasted in the nativity. 

Christology is also reflected because of the gifts the Wisemen brought:  gold because He is a king and frankincense because He is God.   A lot of non-Catholics say, “Using incense is terrible.”  Why?  It’s used in Scripture.  Christ didn’t throw it out, did He?   The Blessed Mother didn’t say, “Get this crap out of here,” did she?  In fact, incense is used in the presence of God.  Read Revelation 8:3-5.  Incense is the prayers of God’s people rising.  If you want to be biblical, use incense.  The Wisemen also brought myrrh which forecasted Christ’s sacrifice.  Myrrh is a burial spice similar to formaldehyde or embalming fluid.  I’m sure the Blessed Mother wasn’t exactly thrilled about that gift.  The first two gifts were pretty cool, but that last one, not so much.  There is no sense in Scripture that she knew her Son would die.  But that is why He came.  In 33 years, the reason He came would be fulfilled . . . to suffer in death and to be resurrected so that we would have the means to eternal life.   

Finally, Eucharistic theology is reflected in the creche because Christ laid in a manger where the animals ate, and He became for us the Bread of Life.  His flesh would become the food of life for all of us.  Christ said, “Truly, truly, I say to you, unless you eat the flesh of the Son of man and drink His blood, you have no life in you” (John 6:53).   For the non-Catholics, He is saying that His flesh is real food, and His blood is real drink. 

The Epiphany is a wonderful meditation about the truths of our faith.   I always liked the sheep and wished I could be like them.  Know why?  They realized they had no brains, but they had great humility, and they were there.  They kept our Savior warm.

How will you apply this message to your life? _________________________________________

You can read all of Father Fitzgibbons’ sermons by going to AnnunciationCatholicAlbemarle.com, clicking on “Blog” then “Categories” and then “Sermon Notes.”  On a cell phone: click on “Blog” and then “Menu.”  Scroll to the bottom and click on “Categories.”  Sermon Notes are also available on the Church’s Facebook page at OLA.Catholic.Church.  Click on “Groups” and then “Sermon Notes.”