Were you there when he laid the foundation of the Earth? Fr. Mark-Mary brings us this pertinent question from the book of Job as we reflect on the Apostles Creed that we pray every Rosary. He explains that this question, far from being accusatory, is a promise of care from the Lord, a promise that we can trust in God to be God. Today’s focus is “I believe in God, the Father Almighty, creator of heaven and earth. I believe in Jesus Christ, his only son, our Lord, ” and we will be praying one Our Father, three Hail Marys, and one Glory Be.
What will happen to humanity and the entire universe at the end of time? Fr. Mike shares with us the joyous hope of the new heaven and the new earth that awaits us after the Last Judgment. We learn that “at the end of time, the Kingdom of God will come in its fullness,” and all of creation will be redeemed and renewed. There will be no more weeping, mourning, nor pain, for death shall be no more. Fr. Mike invites us to hold on to this hope as we struggle on this side of heaven and await this great promise. Today’s Catechism readings are paragraphs 1042-1050.
God created heaven and earth — all that we see and all that we don’t see. We learn that the earth is filled with men and many things we can see, but our faith tells us that there are many things on earth that we cannot see, including the presence of God and angels. Fr. Mike explains how human beings are spiritual and corporeal creatures, but angels are immortal, purely spiritual creatures. He tells us more about the role of angels and how, possessing intellect and will, they too are created to glorify God. Today’s readings are Catechism paragraphs 325-330.
I was talking to one of my fellow chaplains with whom I share an office at the VA. We call it the cell. So, I said to my cell-mate, “Hey Gary, you’re a bright guy, even though you went into the Air Force, you’re a bright guy.” He was too old for Girl Scouts, but he does have a master’s degree in Divinity. “Where are the green pastures that our Lord, the Good Shepherd, leads us to give us repose?” Gary said “Heaven.” That’s true. Then, I said, “Would you say that, before we get there, He leads us to heaven on Earth…to a place in His Sacred Heart?” That is Heaven. Our Savior’s heart beats with love for us, and our two hearts will beat as one in Heaven. The Good Shepherd calls us, not just to follow Him, but to be part of His Sacred Heart and to take our rest there. It is in our Lord’s Sacred Heart that we will find peace and rest for our souls.
Our Lord said in Matthew 11:30: “…my yoke is sweet and my burden light.” The sweet yoke is our crosses that are just for us and not for anyone else. In that lovely green garden and pasture where He gives us repose, He also gives us strength, courage, and consolation as we carry our cross. We carry our cross with the Good Shepherd, if we let Him, so that we are able to carry it for our redemption and the redemption of others. And sometimes, but not nearly often enough, we will find joy in it. We will find joy in carrying our cross.
The Good Shepherd would like to lead us to His Sacred Heart. Saint Augustine said, “Our heart is restless until it rests in thee.” We will find peace for our souls which is what our souls need, but we try to fill it with every person, place, or thing. In His Sacred Heart, we will find rest. We will find strength, and we will find contentment. We walk with our Lord by the way of the Cross. First He leads us to His Sacred Heart, and then He walks with us all the way through to our passion and death.
How will you apply this message to your life? Will you let Him help you carry your cross for your redemption and the redemption of others?
Father’s Afterthoughts:
I had a meeting with the Bishop the other day. Sadly, I’m still not a monsignor. I had to drive 50+ miles to hear that bad news. Anyway, I felt safer in Iraq while driving to Charlotte on Hwy 485. Those people are crazy! I was never so glad to see Walmart in Locust and Mecklenburg County in my rear view mirror. One thing we discussed at the meeting is that, in the next couple of months, the Bishop will probably reinstitute the Sunday Mass obligation. When he does, the Mass will be a bit longer than those I’ve been giving.
I really don’t like the word “obligation.” Are you are obligated to remember your mother’s birthday or remember her on Mother’s Day? If you have to be told that, you need to be taken outside with a few of the guys for a chat. We come here out of love. If we say, “Oh, I’m too tired” or “I’m too whatever,” we lose the opportunity to grow in love.
Also, keep in your prayers, Father Michael Kottar. He’s 57 years old and a great priest. Father Kottar has been diagnosed with bovine spongiform encephalopathy or Mad Cow Disease. There is no treatment, so please keep him in your prayers.
You can read all of Father Fitzgibbons’ sermons by going to https://annunciationcatholicalbemarle.com/ and clicking on “Blog” then “Categories” and then “Sermon Notes.” From a cell phone, click on “Blog” then “Menu” and then “Categories” (located at the end of page). There is also a search box if you are looking for a specific topic.
