Tag: Confession

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Sermon Notes – December 8, 2024 – “We Have Christmas Every Day”

 “We Have Christmas Every Day”

Father Peter Fitzgibbons

December 7-8, 2024

Gospel:   Luke 3:1-6

I heard confessions on Monday night in Statesville and Thursday night at St. Lukes.  On Monday night, we were invited to dinner at Outback.  One priest had never heard the phrase “circling the drain.”   My gosh!  Where have you been all your life?  You haven’t spent much time in hospitals and around nurses, have you?   On Thursday night, I had to educate one of the older priests when he said, “Well, the patient’s mother and wife wanted him to be given Last Rites, but the patient wouldn’t take it, so I left without giving it to him.”   I told this priest I’m a trained hospitalist, and this is how you handle that situation.   You wait until you see the nurses go by with the medication cart.  Then, have a cup of coffee and, after about ten minutes, go back into the patient’s room while he’s bombed and ask him, ‘Would you like Last Rites now? Oh, I thought you might say ‘yes.’”   Or you could ask the nurses when the patient will be medicated again and wait about ten minutes after that to ask him if he wants Last Rites.  Get the mission done, Father.   But God takes care of that anyway.  That’s just my bed-snide manner.  That night at dinner, Father Rossi ordered some hors d’oeuvres.  He asked me if I would like some tuna ahi.  It looked like undone roast beef.  I said, “That’s very kind, Father.  Would it get me any time off purgatory?”   No?  In that case, they don’t make a pharmaceutical strong enough to make me eat that thing.   I don’t eat fish.  I have a rule. 

In 17 days and a wake-up, we will celebrate the incarnation of God.  Our good Lord became incarnate in the womb of the Blessed Mother and made visible on Christmas.  We do not have to ask what love looks like because we can see it.  It’s a wonderful day.  God becoming incarnate was a great act of love by God.  But was it His greatest act of love?  No.  His greatest act of love was the crucifixion.   People say, “I wish we could have Christmas every day.”  You do!  I don’t get cookies every day like I do at Christmas, but God comes to us every day in the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass. 

Jesus, as the 2nd Person in the Blessed Trinity, was hard to see under the veil of human flesh and blood.  He is also hard to see under the veil of bread and wine in the Mass when it becomes His Most Precious Body and Blood.  But this is our faith.   His human nature was united with His divinity in what is called hypostatic union.  In the Mass, that happens when I put a drop of water into the chalice of wine.  That is His human nature being assumed into His divine nature.  At every Mass, God becomes flesh again.  He is incarnate in the Most Blessed Sacrament in every Catholic church in the world.  So, we have Christmas every day but without bad music like, “I Saw Mommy Kissing Santa Clause” and “Grandma Got Run Over by a Reindeer.”  Shut up!  Those songs make me want to rip out the loudspeaker. 

God is present in our world.  On His ascension, Jesus took the flesh that he received from the Blessed Mother and brought it to Heaven.  But He did not leave our world.  He didn’t say, “I’m going up to Heaven, and when it’s time, I’ll come back to get you and take you home.”  God is made present in our world every day in the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass.  It was hard for the Apostles to see our Lord and believe He was truly God.  Because of our fallen human nature, it is also difficult for us because we see with the eyes of our bodies instead of the eyes of our souls.  The trouble is our vision.  I appreciate all the hard work my eye doctor, Dr. Billingsly, has done for me.  He has saved me from walking around with a stick and a dog.  But the ability to see with the eyes of faith is most important to me. 

We have God’s physical presence every day, just like the Apostles.  We have Christmas every day.  Isn’t that wonderful?  It truly is.  Granted, we don’t have cookies and baked goods every day.  I will leave my back door open if anyone would care to make a donation.  I would be most grateful; just don’t tell my doctor.    We have Christmas every day without the bad music, wreaths, trees, and lawn statues, but that is unimportant.  What is important is what resides in the Tabernacle.  God came into the world, and He never left. 

Father’s Afterthoughts: 

We had a new patient in hospice.  He’s 91 years old.  So, I went into his room and started talking to him to see if he was oriented to time and place.  He was pretty “gah-gah.”   My final question was, “Do you remember the branch of service you were in?”  He said, “Marines!”   That question always gets 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 – April 7, 2024 – “You Must Be Willing to Try”

“You Must Be Willing to Try”

Father Peter Fitzgibbons

April 6 – 7, 2024

Gospel: John 20: 19-31

When we go to Confession we are praying scripturally.  Now, this doesn’t happen very often, but I pray it happens to you because it will comfort and strengthen your faith.  We kneel and say, “Bless me Father for I have sinned.”  Our image of each other through the grate in the confessional is a bit hazy on purpose because I’m not supposed to recognize anyone.  In the hazy light, you may think that Father is growing a beard and has hair.  He has a certain glow about him, and he looks healthy because he doesn’t have that pale look he usually has.  Is that the father we know?”  Yes and no.  It’s my human body but you’ve been given the eyes of angels because you see Christ on the other side of that partition.  It is Christ who forgives sins.  It is Christ who hears your confession.  In His hand, He holds the chalice that is filled with His Precious Blood from His sacred wounds.  When He gives you absolution, He dips His hand into the chalice and anoints your soul with His Precious Blood for the remission of your sins.  As the Pentecostals say, “You’ve been washed in the blood.”  All your sins are forgiven and forgotten.  Your soul is infused with sanctifying and actual grace.  It is Christ who forgives your sins.  He uses my human nature just as our Good Lord heals you through the actions of good physicians and nurses.  This is one of the gifts He gives us and the fruits for which He sacrificed Himself so that we may have eternal life and forgiveness of our sins. 

I went to confession two weeks ago.  I do not ask you to do what I will not do myself.  Belief is proved by action.  Sometimes it is frightening to go to confession.   It can also be frightening to go to the doctor.  “Oh, my goodness!”   Going to the dentist can also be a really pleasant experience.  But why do we get nervous?  The doctors are going to do the best they can for you, reassure you, and make your life more pleasant.  That’s what I try to do on my hospital rounds.  It usually happens with drug addicts and alcoholics in the Emergency Room.  They are all nervous and upset.  I remember one man who served in Afghanistan as an Army first sergeant, and he was crying his eyes out.  He said, “You are going to throw me out of here!”  I said, “We don’t shoot our wounded.”  After that, I usually take out my business card and write my cell phone number on the back.   I tell them, “If you have a problem while you’re here, call me.  I know people.  If you have a problem, I’ll get it taken care of.”  In my 13 years at the VA Hospital, I’ve never had anyone call me. 

I always like it when people say, “We have scriptural beliefs.”  Really.  “We are a bible believing church!”  Really.  Scripture says that “Jesus did many other signs in the presence of [his] disciples that are not written” (John 2:30).  Not everything was written down.  After three years of ministry, if that’s all He did, He didn’t do much.  But the Word stayed with the Apostles which is called “tradition” and they taught it.  If you believe in Scripture, then go to Confession because He gave the power to the Apostles, bishops, and priests to absolve sin (John 20:21-23).  It says that in the black part of scripture not the white part. 

But we are all scared to go to Confession.  Why, I don’t know.  Actually, I do know.  It’s our pride.  Because you think that you are going to tell Christ, which is me acting in His person, something I haven’t heard before.  Very unlikely.  Moral Theology is a class we took before the Penance course at seminary, and it consisted of two very thick textbooks.  I’ve had people say, “Oh, I’ve committed every sin in the book!”  Okay, let’s see.  So, you married your first cousin and had relations with her?  “No, Father!  Okay, that’s one chapter from the textbook gone.  Did you fool around with animals?  “No!”  Okay, that’s another chapter gone.  The textbooks are getting thinner and thinner as we talk.   My point is that you are not going to surprise me.  It’s like when I go into hospital rooms and patients pull their bed sheets up around their chins.  I wish they all did that, but I tell them that I’ve seen more body parts than they will ever have. Occasionally, I have to say that to the Spanish because some of them wear very low-cut dresses.  Cover up!  I’ve seen more than that in the hospital. 

We have to say what we are sorry for as best as we can.  I cannot prescribe something for that which I don’t know about.  Doctors would never prescribe anyone pain medicine who said, “Oh, I have a terrible headache!  I need some oxycontin.”  The doctor is not going to say, “No problem, and I’ll make the prescription refillable too.”  Nope.  That would never happen.  If they did that, they would be over at FU (Felon University), and I’d be visiting them there.  In fact, I met a PA (physician’s assistant) at FU who was there for doing that same kind of funny stuff.  The physician may want to take a little peek because the problem could be sinuses, or it could be a brain tumor.  It’s the same with spiritual life.  The medicine I prescribe for your soul will depend on what I know.  The one thing priests cannot forgive is people who live in an objective state of sin.  For example, they have a bad marriage, or they are in a relationship that they are unwilling to leave or even try.   If you are unwilling to try, I cannot help you.  “Hey, I’ll give you cancer treatments if you’ll stop smoking.”  “But I don’t want to stop smoking.”   My older brother did that.  He had Hepatitis C, and the doctor said that he could cure it if he stopped drinking.   My brother said, “Nope,” and he did not have a good outcome.  We are all sinners, but you have to be willing to try. 

I do this all the time at the VA Hospital for patients who are getting a celestial discharge.  I don’t ask if I can give them Last Rites.  Instead, I say, “I’m going to give you Last Rites, okay?”  They usually say, “Yes.  Thank you, Father.”  Then I will ask, “When was the last time you went to Confession?”  I never ask if they would like to go to Confession.   When I ask them about the last time they went to Confession, I say it in a command-like tone, and that snaps them right back to their military days and they tell me.  Then I ask, “What are your sins?”  Of course, half of them can’t remember because they are usually sedated.  So, I say, “Key question: Are you sorry for all of your sins, those you remember and those you don’t?”   “Yes.”  Right answer, and I absolve them of their sins. 

There are two types of sorrow – perfect and imperfect contrition.  Perfect sorrow or contrition is when you are sorry for hurting the one you love.  You are sorry for offending them because you love them, and they are worthy of all your love as God Almighty is.  Imperfect contrition is when you are sorry because you got caught.  Ask a police officer how many people cry right before they get a ticket.  “I didn’t know!”   Well, here is a ticket as a reminder.  Imperfect contrition is sufficient. 

Remember, just because you don’t see Christ while in the confessional as I act in His person, doesn’t mean He’s not there.  Likewise, just because you don’t see law enforcement officers on Highway 52 while driving to Salisbury doesn’t mean they aren’t there.

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 18, 2024 – “Someday Tomorrow Will Begin Without Us”

“Someday Tomorrow Will Begin Without Us”

Father Peter Fitzgibbons

February 17 – 18, 2024

Gospel: Mark 1:12-15

Occasionally and according to my physician’s wishes, I have to go to the local pharmacy to get prescriptions filled.  They always ask for my date of birth.  I say, “It’s 7-11-53, and yes, I’m on the waiting list for Hartsell’s Funeral Home.”  They all laugh.  But it’s true.  Now I’m not much, but my two brothers were geniuses, and both had Mensa cards to prove it.  The cards each cost $500.  You paid $500 for a card?  I’m smarter than them . . . I’m going to save 500 bucks!   But I can read a calendar, and I watch the pages turn.  I know my time with you on this Earth is limited.  So, I try to use the time that God has given me to improve what teachers used to call my permanent record.   Remember that?  “This is going on your permanent record!”  Where the heck is this so-called permanent record?   But God sees all.  The Season of Lent is the time for us to work on our permanent records because we don’t know when our time will come.  Many people who have been given a terminal diagnosis outlive the prognosis.   Some live way beyond it and others even get discharged from hospice – not a celestial discharge – they go home.   So, we don’t know.  But someday, tomorrow will begin without us.   I am very fortunate to have made it this far because I traveled with a rough crowd.  I didn’t know any better – yes, I did. 

On the day that begins without me, I will see my Savior come to take my soul from this world to Himself.   So, I would like for my soul to be as beautiful as it was when He first gave it to me.  To that point, especially during this Season of Lent, I try to refresh my soul and make it beautiful again and unmarred by my sins and the sins of others.  I do that with prayer, almsgiving, penance, practicing the Sacraments, and confession.  I went 10 days ago.  I don’t ask you to do something that I haven’t done.  His coming for us should make us happy.  You all love God because you are here.  I’ve been here long enough to know the magnitude of your love and generosity to God and His people.   All the improvements to the church happened because of you.  That’s all you.  Grow in that love so you will not be afraid when God comes to take you home.   

I was over at the criminal university (prison) the other day, and I talked about almsgiving to my felons.  Of course, they don’t have wallets because they have no money, and they are limited as to what they can do outside.  They are monitored and rightly so.   So, they looked at me like I was stupid and said, “What can we do?”  There is plenty you can sacrifice.  Just think about what you are going to eat tonight.  Square fish.  They call it sewer bass and sewer trout.  I swear I can smell it from the parking lot.  I thought the gas chamber was bad, but that’s just not fair!  Some of the ladies who work there said, “Yeah, we can tell when any of the women are pregnant because they smell that and go bleagh!”   Breakfast is at 4:00 or 5:00 in the morning.  “But I like to sleep in.”  Not anymore.  The State does have a sense of humor.  You can offer that up and all the other irritations you endure.  You know, some folks in this institution are not as nice as you.   Offer it up as almsgiving because that is what you have.  Give what you have. 

Tax season is coming soon, and we must tell the Federal Government how much we made which could be true or maybe not depending on whether an Italian did your taxes.  Some of us were blessed with great finances and have been very good to the church and charities.  This is not an appeal for money.  I don’t do that.  That is why there’s no collection on Ash Wednesday and Good Friday.  There are no second collections, period.   I know that not everyone is well off and has obligations.  I know very well, especially in my own life and I’m no different than you – well, you are better looking, I’ll give you that – but I know that we all have crosses.  Many crosses.  Heavy crosses.  And they hurt.  They frustrate. They irritate.  But they can all be used for good not only to mortify our souls to keep us humble but also to be offered for someone else.  Saint Paul said, “Now I rejoice in my sufferings for your sake, and in my flesh, I complete what is lacking in Christ’s afflictions for the sake of His body, that is, the church” (Col 1:24).

You can go in and pay someone’s court fines.  The court doesn’t care as long as you have the cash.  Likewise, you can pay for other people’s sins by your own sufferings.  You can pay for the sins of your family, friends, souls in Purgatory, and especially for those who do not like you.  They may not have anyone to pray for them.  This is how wonderfully rich we all are.   This is the almsgiving that we can all give, that we are rich in and that we can give up for others.  We are all rich.  All that suffering that we bear can be offered up for others.  Use those riches God has given us wisely while we have time for an interior beauty treatment.  Scripture tells us that giving alms covers a multitude of sins.  By giving alms, we refresh the soul and make it beautiful.  Through penance, confession, prayer, the Sacraments, and almsgiving we can begin to restore our soul to its original beauty when Christ gave it to us.  This is so that when Christ comes for us whether it is tomorrow or many years from now, and I hope it is many years from now, we can run to Him with our arms around Him and His around us and be in paradise forever. 

Father’s Reflections . . . To the child in the audience who wants her mother – I felt the same way when I received my draft notice.  Mom!! 

I may have gotten a compliment the other day.  One of the nurse practitioners at Hospice said, “Father, you should have gone to medical school.”   Thank you!  That was very nice.  As I walked away a thought occurred to me.  Did she mean as a student or a cadaver?  Either way, I get to take the Gross Anatomy class, and it really is gross.

How will you apply this message to your life?______________________________________

You can read all of Father Fitzgibbons’ sermons by going to annunciationcatholicalbemarle.com and clicking on “Blog” then “Categories” 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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The Catechism in a Year – Day 204 – Summary of Sacrament of Reconciliation

In today’s nugget day, Fr. Mike reviews the major themes of the sacrament of Reconciliation. Fr. Mike emphasizes the six spiritual effects of this sacrament and reminds us of the great gift of Confession because, as the Catechism states, “to the eyes of faith, no evil is graver than sin.” We conclude today’s article with humble gratitude for God’s unfathomable mercy. Today’s readings are Catechism paragraphs 1485-1498.

Click on link to play video: https://youtu.be/PkeggrEIcVY

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The Catechism in a Year – Day 202 – How Confession Heals

What happens to us when we go to Confession? Fr. Mike explains the powerful ways the Sacrament of Reconciliation spiritually restores and perfects us. We also learn about the eternal and temporal consequences of sin, and finally, Fr. Mike discusses the four aspects to an indulgence and how these aspects require our cooperation with God’s grace. Today’s readings are Catechism paragraphs 1468-1473.

Click on link to play video: https://youtu.be/Z5T79PFdTtE

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Sermon Notes – May 14, 2023 – Grace Builds Upon Grace

Grace Builds Upon Grace

Father Peter Fitzgibbons

May 13 – 14, 2023

Gospel: John 14:15-21

In Latin, the word “Sacrament” means “mystery.”  So, why does God give us the Sacraments?  Through the Sacraments, He gives us the fruits of His suffering, death, and resurrection for the life of our souls.  The Sacraments (Baptism, Marriage, Holy Orders, Last Rites, Confirmation, Holy Communion, and Confession) are given at various times.  In Eastern Rite churches, Confirmation is called chrismation and is given at birth along with baptism.  I prefer it that way.  It’s like giving children all their shots early so they don’t get sick.   

The Sacrament of Confirmation is a strengthening Sacrament and helps you fight temptations if you use it.  To use it, you must practice your faith. . . . Mass on Sundays, Confession at least once a year, and prayer.  Now, I am a man of no talent while my brother had many talents.  I enjoy people who have talents, and I wish I had them.  Frankie has a wonderful talent.  She reads a foreign language called music.  That is totally foreign to me.  I took some music appreciation courses in college because they were easy A’s.  To get as good as Frankie is, she had to practice constantly; otherwise, she would lose her talent.  It’s just like your muscles; if you don’t use them, they atrophy.  It’s the same for the grace God offers us for our souls.  God gives you the gift of Himself to help you in this world and to keep you holy.  By staying holy, you evangelize.  For example, when you say to people, “I don’t do that” and they say “Why not?  Everybody else does it.”  And you say, “Because it’s not right.  It’s not Christ-like.”  That’s evangelization.  That’s someone who has a Christian backbone and stands up to what’s not right.   God gives you this grace which is fortified by prayer.  You never lose it.  If you commit a grave sin, it becomes dormant because sin drives God out of your soul.   But He is always willing to come back.  That’s the beauty of God’s love.  He never writes any of us off.  At the VA, I don’t ask patients if they want Last Rites because they are going to get it whether they want it or not.  I’m not going to ask.  They will have Last Rites because it’s a sign of God’s love.

God gives Himself to us so that we may have eternal life.   When we receive the Sacraments for the first time like Baptism, First Communion, Confirmation, and Marriage, it’s so exciting.  However, after the first or second time, Confession kind of feels mundane or ordinary.  But it’s not ordinary.  Just because it’s not like the first time doesn’t mean it’s not as good or that you aren’t doing it right.  In fact, it’s just the opposite.  It means you are doing it right, because one grace from the Sacraments builds upon another and strengthens your will.  Grace builds upon grace. 

When you cooperate with the grace from the Sacraments, you grow in God’s love.  A word of caution- when we draw closer to God, it catches the devil’s attention, and he will really come after us.  Now, do you always feel yourself growing closer to God?  No.  For example, many of us are on blood pressure medicine.  You really don’t feel it working, but it’s easy to find out by using a sphygmomanometer.  Thunk!   Just because you don’t feel it, doesn’t mean it’s not working.  That’s a temptation of the devil.   What that lack of sensory excitement means is that your love for God is becoming deeper and more ingrained.  You know what the happiest day of a married couple should be?  The day that one leaves to see Jesus.  Not because you want to see Jesus – although that’s a good idea – and not because you are rid of them – till death do us part is not a hope and prayer.  It’s because that love should have kept on building over all the years and becoming deeper.  It is deeper because the love you have as a 40-year-old is not the same as when you were first married in your 20’s.  It is deeper.  Hopefully, you’ve changed by growing in holiness.  Saying the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass is a lot different for me than it was 38 years ago when I was a young priest.  I’ve said Mass in some unusual places.  I got to say Mass at the cathedral with the bishop.  Woo-hoo!   But each Mass was deeper than the earlier ones.  So, you mustn’t give into the devil’s temptation by saying, “Oh, I’m not getting anything out of the Sacraments.”   Of course, you are.  You may not feel it, but you are.  Otherwise, you are denying His power.  In the Gospel, Christ said, “And I will put my spirit within you.…” (Ezekiel 36:27).  How does His spirit come within you?   It comes through the Sacraments.  So, if you say you’re getting nothing from the Sacraments, you are denying the Gospel.  If you say, “I get nothing out of the Mass,” that’s okay – you aren’t supposed to.  You come to give of yourself.  You give yourself into my hands, and I, acting in the person of Christ, emulate with you Christ’s sacrifice on the altar as an offering to the Father.  You are united to His suffering, and I give you back your life in Holy Communion. 

I want to thank all the teachers who helped with Faith Formation this year.  It was a wonderful year.  It’s hard to do because we live in a very un-Christian society.  I appreciate the sacrifice; I really do.  Never think that your sacrifice goes unnoticed.  You will be repaid for anything you do for the love of God.   But you’ll never know when.  He will reward you for any small act of love you do for Him.  Give of yourself totally in the Mass.  Everybody has problems and they bring them here.  Make an intellectual prayer:  “I offer myself totally to you.”  And with that offering, you become part of Christ’s sacrifice.   From that offering, you give back to yourself.  More than that, He gives Himself to you.  

Father’s Reflections . . . Yesterday was kind of fun.  People were all dressed up for Confirmation although that’s not a requirement.  They really looked good.  Even Tom Adams looked like he was ready for Hartsell’s Funeral Home.  Last night, we had 14 Confirmations and one First Communion.  It was an interesting day.   I administered five of the seven Sacraments.  If I had performed a marriage ceremony, it would have been six Sacraments.  The remaining sacrament is Holy Orders which only a bishop can administer.   Finally, I am sad to announce that Ms. Dottie is retiring after almost 50 years of teaching Faith Formation.  We’ll leave the light on just in case she changes her mind.  She will be missed. 

How will you apply this message to your life?  ______________________________________

You can read all of Father Fitzgibbons’ sermons by going to annunciationcatholicalbemarle.com and clicking on “Blog” then “Categories” then “Sermon Notes.”  On a cell phone: click on “Blog” then “Menu” and then “Categories.”  Sermon Notes are also available on the church Facebook page at facebook.com/ola.catholic.church.  Click on “Groups” and then “Sermon Notes.”

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Going to Confession for the First Time in a Long Time?

Confession is a place of never ending mercy and forgiveness, and is one of the most beautiful parts of our Catholic faith. But for many, it can also be a very daunting experience, especially if it’s been a long time since your last confession. Whether it’s the first time you’ve gone in a year, or it’s the first time you’ve gone in your life, God is ready and willing to forgive your sins. All we have to do is let him into our hearts. 

Today, Fr. Mike explains how to approach going to confession for the first time in a long time.

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Sermon Notes – February 19, 2023 – “Did I Say I Hate Fish?”

“Did I Say I Hate Fish?”

Father Peter Fitzgibbons

February 18 – 19, 2023

Gospel:   Matthew 5:38-48

On Wednesday, we begin the season of Lent.  Ash Wednesday is not a holy day of obligation.  It’s a “good to do” and not a “must do.”  Ashes will be given only at 8:30 am and 6:30 pm.  There will be no “drive-thru” ashes or “ashes to go” given.   Also, you cannot drive into the parking lot, beep the horn, and expect to receive ashes.  There are some places that actually do that.  It’s a Sacramental just like Holy Water and not mandatory.  We’d love for you to come to Mass to begin the season of Lent.  On Ash Wednesday and Good Friday there is a “black fast” for those younger than 59 (I’m 69) which means you cannot eat between meals, and you can have only one full meal for the day considering your medical circumstances of course.  Nobody can eat meat on Ash Wednesday and on Holy Fridays during Lent.  You don’t have to eat fish although I do.  Did I tell you I that I hate fish?  On Fridays, we will have Lenten dinners which will be followed by Stations of the Cross. 

Lent is a season of penance, and we are supposed to do works of penance or self-punishment to atone for our sins and the sins of others.  The season of Lent is not a “self-help” season.  “Oh, I resolve to eat better.”  You are supposed to eat well.  It falls under the Fifth Commandment, so it is not a penance.  You are doing your body a favor.  We are supposed to do something that disciplines the will, restrains our pride, and rids ourselves of the obsession of self so that we can love better.  There must be a sacrifice.  For me, that would be eating fish because I hate fish!   Get the theme here?  I hate fish!  There has to be some kind of degradation.  When we sin, we tell God, “No.  I’m not going to do that. No! No! No!”   So, we step away from God.  When we do penance, we are taking a step back toward God.  Some of us may be over-achievers, like those of us who were at Fort Bragg, and have taken multiple steps away from God.  Come see me.   If you say, “I’m going to spend extra time in prayer.”   Extra prayers take time away from our other activities.  And so we begin that walk back towards God. 

Now, you don’t have to say, “I’m going to give up a kidney.”  The penance doesn’t have to be huge.  What’s important is how much love you give it with.   It’s not the size of the gift but the love with which it is given.  Doing a little bit of penance with great love is very effective.  What are we doing when we do penance?  We are decreasing our love and fascination with ourselves, even as wonderful as I think I am, and increasing our love for God.  When we love ourselves – and I especially love me – it’s hard to love others.   We need to decrease self-love so that we can increase our love of God.  We must love God first and then we will be able to love others.  We cannot give what we do not have.  Saint John the Baptist said, “He must increase, and I must decrease.”   That’s exactly how we grow in the love of God.  It’s awfully difficult sometimes.  When I drive past a Hardee’s, I just tear up because there’s just something about the smell of bacon.  Last night I had a small discomfort, but for me every discomfort is HUGE because it’s me.  If you buy your lunch at work, don’t.  Deprive yourself of a small meal and give that money to the poor. 

This season of penance is the perfect time for us to make a good Confession.  According to Church law, we are supposed to confess once a year.  It’s also a good time to reach out to others who may have fallen by the wayside and bring them back to the Sacraments and to the Church to rejoin in God’s love.  How do you call someone back to the Church?  I’ll give you a story.  This week I was doing my rounds in the Emergency Department at the VA hospital.  I’m just there for the scare.  When I walk by someone who is on an EKG, the machine goes crazy.  Nervous?  Anyway, I saw two veterans, and one of the guys was very talkative.  He was coming off drugs, and he wanted to get clean.  So, I talked to him for a long time.  The other guy was coming off booze, but he didn’t want much to do with me.  The next couple of days are not going to be pleasant at all for them.  As I was talking to the nurses, I learned that the guy who was coming off the sauce has a behavioral problem.  I said, “Well, he’ll get that fixed here.”   The ER nurses at the VA could top any WWE steel cage match.  Don’t mess with them.  They don’t wear a camera; however, whatever they break the doctors can fix.  So don’t worry about that. 

Anyway, I was talking to the one guy, and he was upset and ashamed.  One of the phrases we use in the military, not those phrases, but a good one that we use is, “We don’t shoot our wounded.”  You are sick and we will take care of you until you are not.  That’s exactly what we tell sinners.   We don’t shoot our wounded here.  The Church wants to reclaim people for Christ and keep them close to the Cross.  The guy was upset so I said to him, “Here is my card.  If you need someone to talk to, give me a call.   A lot of counselors have not been where we’ve been.”  When counselors are working with someone who has PTSD, they’ll say, “Oh, I know it must have been hard over there.”   They don’t have a freaking clue because they weren’t there.  But if a counselor has been there, the veterans will talk to them. 

In the ten years I’ve been handing out my cards, nobody has ever called me.  I’m not upset, but it’s important for me to do that.  It gives people something to hang on to and to give them hope that somebody cares.   We can tell people how great God has been to us and that we do not shoot our wounded although the Catholic Church tends to shoot theirs.  But we will take care of you until you no longer need us.  That’s what we tell people especially those who have fallen away from God because they feel guilty.  Some of the guilt they feel is expressed as anger.  “I don’t need this!”  Then why are you so angry?     

It is important for all of us to go out and search for stray and lost sheep.  What are the signs of sin?  Guilt, shame, fear, and remorse.   The one that keeps people away is fear.  Tell them that we don’t shoot our wounded.  The sad part about the two veterans I met in the ER that day is that I don’t know if either of them will get clean or sober.  Because they feel better for a few days, a lot of people check themselves out against medical advice and try the drugs or booze again.  That’s why we must stay close and remember our frailties.  As Saint Therese of Lisieux said, “When I am small, I am safe.”   Instead, we think, “I’m the smartest bear in Jellystone Park.  I can do this all by myself.  I’m good.”   However, our Lord said to be perfect.  Good is not good enough. 

Lent is a wonderful time for us to help ourselves to love even more.  When we love more, we will be happier.  Remember the apostles who had the you-know-what beat out of them in prison?  They left prison and rejoiced for they were found worthy to suffer for the name.  So, when we give up these small things in our lives, we should be happier.  I still hate fish. . .did I tell you that?   But I’m happy because I eat it for Christ and the love of others.  As Saint Paul says, “Now I rejoice in my sufferings for Your sake, and in my flesh, I complete what is lacking in Christ’s afflictions for the sake of His body, that is, the church” (Colossians 1:24).

How will you apply this message to your life? _________________________________________

You can read all of Father Fitzgibbons’ sermons by going to annunciationcatholicalbemarle.com and clicking on “Blog” then “Categories” then “Sermon Notes.”  On a cell phone: click on “Blog” then “Menu” and then “Categories.”  Sermon Notes are also available on the church Facebook page at facebook.com/ola.catholic.church.  Click on “Groups” and then “Sermon Notes.”

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Sermon Notes – March 27, 2022 – “The Oreo Confession”

“The Oreo Confession”

Father Peter Fitzgibbons

 March 26 – 27, 2022

Gospel:  Luke 15:1-3, 11-32

I’ve been here a long time and have had the opportunity to become ill several times.  When that has happened, I’ve gone to see either Phyllis or Cindy.  Last time, I had Lori drive me up to the VA hospital.   She wouldn’t give me a gun and a cigarette so I could cure myself.  Oh no!  Let’s make you enjoy COVID to the fullest!  You know what they told me at the VA?  They told me I was sick.  Gosh, those people are really good!  When you go there, they will ask, “What’s wrong?”  My brother was captain of the rescue squad, and he brought somebody into the emergency room over at King County Hospital.  Now, my brother was dressed in his fire and rescue uniform, and the nurse asked, “What’s the matter with him?”  My brother goes, “He’s sick.  What do I look like to you?”   Healthcare providers need to ask what your symptoms are.  Unfortunately, there is not yet a universal pill that you can take, and everything will be cured.  Take two aspirin and have a good life.  No, the medicine you are given depends on your symptoms. 

The parable of the prodigal son and his older brother is demonstrated every day of the week in the Church.  Both brothers needed God’s forgiveness but for different reasons.  Even though Jews don’t touch pigs, the prodigal son fed them which was very sinful.  Leaving his father went against the Fourth Commandment which, in the Old Testament, carried the penalty of death.  But his father welcomed him back.  Somebody told me once that the older son got a raw deal.  Well, the older son had some grave problems too.  He was ungrateful.  “I’ve slaved for you, Dad, all these years!”  So let me see…he called to one of his servants.  Really?  You were really slaving away, kid, if you had servants!   “You never gave me a goat to celebrate with my friends.”  Did he ever ask?  Dads are not psychic, believe it or not.  He never asked.  He was not grateful, and he didn’t care about his brother…he was just jealous.  Then, he cast aspersions on his brother.  “He spent money on loose women!”  Excuse me…how do you know?   First of all, it is scandalous to repeat such a statement.  Second of all, if he did, you have no idea what those women’s situations were.  It was a rash judgement.  It was ingratitude and self-righteousness. 

This is where priests function as the Divine Physician.  We apply the mercy of God’s love to souls.  When healthcare providers figure out what’s physically wrong with us and offer the appropriate remedy, they are offering us God’s love because a doctor’s wisdom is a gift from God.  God’s love and healing power is manifested in healthcare professionals.   Likewise, God’s healing love is manifested in priests as the Divine Physician so that when you come in for Confession, I can apply the appropriate remedy.  To have God’s mercy properly applied, you have to tell me what your sins are.  My mother always wanted to have doctors in the family.  Well, she got two.  My brother earned two doctorates, and I am a physician for souls.  I diagnose severe illness, and I treat it.  Rather, I offer treatment, and people take it, or they don’t.  Sometimes I get “Orio confessions.”   “Father, I was mean to my dog, I killed two people, and I…”   Whoa!  You’re trying to slip one in there hoping Father didn’t hear it.  I ain’t deaf!  I hear everything in there.  “Bless me Father for I have sinned.  I have told some white lies.”   Lies are not color coded.  It’s either a lie or it’s not.  Just putting that out there.  Sometimes, I have to ask questions – not that I’m nosey – but I have to find out the gravity of the sin.  People have different crosses at different times in their lives.  I have to assess the sin and offer the proper remedies to heal your soul.  Like the two brothers, both were in need of God’s forgiveness but for different reasons. 

We always get jailhouse lawyers.  They stayed at a Holiday Inn last night, now they know everything.  They’ll say, “Father, I was taught in Catechism that a mortal sin must have three conditions:  grave offense, sufficient knowledge and reflection, and full consent.  So, that’s not a mortal sin.”  Well, you may be brighter than me, and you probably are.  There is no Mensa card in my pocket.  My brother had one, I don’t.  He had to pay $400 to get it, so how bright was he? For those who truly love God, do you know the difference between a mortal and a venial sin?  It’s the same difference as punching y ,m.our wife or slapping her.  That’s the difference. 

People try to see God in elaborate things.  I have been blessed to be in this beautiful church for a long time.  I look at the beautiful vestments, the beautiful adornments on the altar, and the beautiful music from Frankie and the choir.   For most of my priesthood, I have not been favored with all that.  I’m used to a bit more rustic environment when I offered Mass.  I didn’t have an organist or a choir, but God was present.  Surroundings mean nothing.  My spiritual advisor told me once that the greatest experience you will ever have with God is the experience of His forgiveness.  In the Sacrament of Penance, God forgives and forgets all our sins.

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.”   Sermon notes can also be found on the church Facebook page by searching for “Facebook Our Lady of the Annunciation Albemarle”