416 N 2nd St, Albemarle, NC, 28001 | (704) 982-2910
The Psalms are essential and powerful prayers. Through praying the Psalms, we are giving praise to God and expressing our belief while simultaneously nourishing our faith. In the Psalms, we are reminded of God’s love, faithfulness, and presence, even in the dark moments of our lives. Today’s readings are Catechism paragraphs 2590-2597.
Click on link: https://youtu.be/bztaPowbtng?si=r8Q2E0f7MUaqmRyj
The weather was nice the other day, so I took a walk and actually found my way back. . . shocking! I went by Will’s Place, and they were having their grand opening that night. Before the renovation, the building was in such rough shape that it needed a match. It was a horrible place. But they did a wonderful job with the renovation, and now it is a beautiful, beautiful place. There is a treatment area for substance abuse including alcohol and drugs. It is a place where those who suffer and carry that cross can get help carrying it. I was given a tour, and they even have a puppy there.
I was thinking about the Knights of Columbus and the help they provide to the Pregnancy Resource Center. That’s what I like about our parish. I won’t tell you how to spend your money whether it’s on Catholic Social Services or the Campaign for Human Development and all that stuff. Because when your money leaves the parish, everybody takes a cut here and a cut there for shipping and handling, know what I mean? Buy this product for just $20.95 plus $35.00 shipping and handling. Yeah right! The good news is you get a lot of packing material in a box from Amazon. Everything we do here goes to our friends, families, and neighbors. There are so many organizations in Stanly County that help people in need. The Stanly Foundation at the hospital provides free mammograms to those who cannot afford them. Stanly County Christian Ministries has a Clothing Closet, a Food Pantry, and a Community Table that the Knights of Columbus help. There is also the Pregnancy Resource Center and Will’s Place. There are all sorts of wonderful organizations to help people. We take care of our own, and that’s what is so wonderful. We take care of our poor and sick. So, I want to thank you all for that.
My undergraduate degree is in Philosophy. One of the best courses I ever took was Philosophy 101. I even loved the final exam although it took me three hours to complete it. But it was a fun course because it taught us how to argue, create positions, and defend them properly. We learned how to pick out words and throw the “BS” flag. One idea that has crept into theology, which should never have happened, is “We have to be inclusive.” You hear that in the synod of synodality which is an oxymoron term. One thing about the synod of synodality is that people have positions, and they speak using big fancy words. “Wow! You are really educated.” No, because the words they are using don’t make sense. “The Church needs to be more inclusive.” That sounds like a really great bumper sticker. The trouble with that statement is that on its face, it is blasphemy, and if you really believe the statement is true, it is heresy. “The Church must do this.” Well, what is the Church? Good answer. You’ve learned well. The Church is not a “what;” it’s a “Who.” What does Paul say in the Book of Acts? The Church is the body of Christ. Our Lord said, “Paul, Paul, why do you persecute Me?” (Acts 9:4). So, if the Church is Christ, are you telling me that Christ is not inclusive? Does He have conditions? Yes, He has conditions. So, you are trying to tell Christ what He should be. Good luck with that. Some people are educated way beyond their abilities, and our Lord talks about them in the Parable of the Talents.
Christ called everyone. “Come to me, all you who labor and are burdened, and I will give you rest” (Matthew 11:28). However, He did set some ground rules: “Take up your Cross and follow Me” (Matthew 16:24). Turn your back on your mother and father (Genesis 2:24-25). Sell your possessions, theologically speaking (Matthew 19:21). Eat My flesh and drink My blood (John 6:54). One man and one wife, male and female . . . He made us, so He knows what He is talking about (Matthew 19:9). Anybody who says, “The Church must be more inclusive” is trying to change the Deposit of Faith, a gift from God Himself and our means of salvation.
I was supposed to go to the Bishop’s Advent dinner, but I had other plans that precluded my going to Charlotte for the dinner. It’s distressing for me personally to see all these priests who are so talented, and I think, “My God, how talented they are! I’m not.” One priest, who is about to retire, speaks five languages and has two Ph.D.’s. Show-off! I speak five languages at the Spanish Mass. I can’t tell you which ones they are because they are all mixed into one language. Another priest has built two churches, one was a missionary, and another was a professor at seminary. I don’t visit other priests very often because I hate Charlotte almost as much as I hate fish. When I go there for my dental appointments, I wish I had a few of my friends in the back seat locked and loaded. Albemarle Road is terrible. We left pieces of Iraq in better shape after we bombed the you-know-what out of it.
My mother loved seafood, but it was difficult to persuade her to go all the way to Newport for dinner. Rhode Island has only 1045 miles of land mass, and if you take away the islands, it has even less. Going to Newport is like going to Charlotte, so it’s not a big deal. “Mom, do we need to pack a lunch?” That is small New England village mentality. We wanted to get some lobster for my mom, so my evil twin brother, who was a scuba diver, went diving in the bay and brought her fresh-from-the-sea lobster. You can’t get fresher than that, especially for the price. He also had two Ph.D.’s. Show off! Mom always liked him best anyway. Although I dislike administrative work intensely, the one talent I have is that I can do hospital work very well. When I go to the hospital with some of my fellow priests and they see and smell the sights and sounds of a trauma center, they gag. Want to grab lunch later? “No!” What’s wrong? I’m buying. Wanna play ball scarecrow? It’s hilarious.
There is no need to be jealous of the talents and abilities other people have which is something I keep telling myself, and I hope to do better. All those talents and abilities are meant to be used for one thing . . . to share with others. The one talent we all share, and the most important one, is the gift of faith. You all have it because you are here. Faith is the most important talent and the one in which our Lord will judge us. How do we bring that gift of faith to others? By our words and example. How do we keep it alive? By the Sacraments and penance. How do we bring it to others? By word and deed or corporal and spiritual works of mercy. All of our other talents are based on that. Otherwise, they will never develop the way they should and be used for their proper purpose which is for the glory of God and the salvation of souls. Every talent is given to us for the glory of God and the salvation of souls. The people in our parish, I will say with all humility, are blessed with an abundance of talents and abilities. We are better than any other parish in the diocese regarding the talents and abilities we have here. But the most important talent or ability, and the one that provides focus on them all, giving them meaning, purpose, a goal, and a reason to exist is the gift of faith.
So, use your talents. As I grow older, getting up from a chair can be difficult. My mind writes checks my body can’t cash. That’s a talent, you know why? Because I can offer up my suffering for the salvation of souls, the glory of God, an act of penance for myself, and an act of humility which I really need. We all have talents, but the best talent of all is the gift of faith. He won’t ask me if I built churches or if I can speak five languages. I can barely speak English. However, He does ask me to be a conduit of His love to other people. That’s how God will judge us . . . how we brought His gift to others.
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.”
//Clergy Coaching Network//
The origin, motive, and object of the theological virtues are God himself. Today, we dive into the theological virtues, beginning with the virtue of Faith. Fr. Mike unpacks the meaning and purpose of the virtue of Faith and emphasizes that Faith is deeply rooted in trust in God. Lastly, Fr. Mike reminds us that Faith should be lived out along with Hope, and Love, and also professed to those who do know yet know God. Today’s readings are Catechism paragraphs 1812-1816.
Click on link: https://youtu.be/CBL3LGHBCUA?si=KZOMnrHHPJcMwYhj
We must place our faith in Christ in order to allow him to save us. But what does it actually mean to have faith? What does it look like? Does it mean you just “agree” with everything Jesus and his Church say? Or is it deeper than that?
Today, Fr. Mike draws a sharp distinction between faith and mere “agreement”, and calls us to a more radical trust in our savior.
Saint Bede the Venerable’s Story (c. 672 – May 25, 735)
Bede is one of the few saints honored as such even during his lifetime. His writings were filled with such faith and learning that even while he was still alive, a Church council ordered them to be read publicly in the churches.
At an early age, Bede was entrusted to the care of the abbot of the Monastery of St. Paul, Jarrow. The happy combination of genius and the instruction of scholarly, saintly monks, produced a saint and an extraordinary scholar, perhaps the most outstanding one of his day. He was deeply versed in all the sciences of his times: natural philosophy, the philosophical principles of Aristotle, astronomy, arithmetic, grammar, ecclesiastical history, the lives of the saints and especially, holy Scripture.
From the time of his ordination to the priesthood at 30—he had been ordained a deacon at 19—till his death, Bede was ever occupied with learning, writing, and teaching. Besides the many books that he copied, he composed 45 of his own, including 30 commentaries on books of the Bible.
His Ecclesiastical History of the English People is commonly regarded as of decisive importance in the art and science of writing history. A unique era was coming to an end at the time of Bede’s death: It had fulfilled its purpose of preparing Western Christianity to assimilate the non-Roman barbarian North. Bede recognized the opening to a new day in the life of the Church even as it was happening.
Although eagerly sought by kings and other notables, even Pope Sergius, Bede managed to remain in his own monastery until his death. Only once did he leave for a few months in order to teach in the school of the archbishop of York. Bede died in 735 praying his favorite prayer: “Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit. As in the beginning, so now, and forever.”
Reflection
Though his History is the greatest legacy Bede has left us, his work in all the sciences, especially in Scripture, should not be overlooked. During his last Lent, Bede worked on a translation of the Gospel of Saint John into English, completing it the day he died. But of this work “to break the word to the poor and unlearned” nothing remains today.
Saint Bede the Venerable is the Patron Saint of:
Scholars
Faith and Family
When is it okay for us to give up? Is it ever okay?
You may have seen the movie Rudy. Its eponymous protagonist is a not-so-athletic college football player who spent years taking hits and practicing with his team, only to see a few moments on the field. Those short moments, however, left him with a tremendous feeling of accomplishment and pride, knowing that he committed to something and saw it through, even when it seemed hopeless.
The question: is that always the right approach? Maybe if Rudy had dedicated that time to learning something he was naturally better at, he could have become an expert in his field. The choice Rudy made was made out of passion: he loved the game to the point of dedicating his college career to it, and not caring if the outcome wasn’t what he had expected.
But what about bigger dreams? The dream of getting married, having kids, getting into a certain religious order, entering into a certain profession? Is there ever a point where you just have to give it up?
There are a few things it’s never okay to give up. It’s never okay to give up hope itself. Hope is trust in the Lord extended into the future, knowing that he will always be with you in whatever circumstances you find yourself in. It’s also never okay to give up faith, God’s promises, or life itself.
However, it is okay—and sometimes wise—to reevaluate certain outcomes, and realize that maybe it’s time to adjust your expectations. How do you know when to do that? When reality makes it obvious.
For Rudy, that might have meant recognizing that he wasn’t going to be a starter on his football team. It’s still okay for him to want to be a part of the team in some way, and maybe get playing time one day, but reality must be acknowledged and accepted in these situations, or else we risk chasing empty expectations.
This doesn’t mean you have to give up on your dreams, or that you can’t do anything: it just means you can’t do everything. Maybe your dream is to have a family, but you and your spouse can’t get pregnant. You might not be able to conceive, but you can still adopt, or be a foster parent. Accepting the reality of your current situation means having a dream, realizing it’s place in your life, and then asking, “Okay God, now what do you want me to do?”
The outcome may not be what you had expected or planned, but if it’s with the Lord, it will still be good. And once we accept this reality, we will start to see that the real work is being done in our character, and that’s the power of trying. It may not make you the kind of person you had planned to be, but it will make you the kind of person that God wants you to be.
Either It is What It is or It Isn’t
Father Peter Fitzgibbons
April 22 – 23, 2023
In the Gospel, there are many points. So, start with the minor ones and then go on to the big ones. Jesus taught us how to study Scripture. He also taught us what we must do before Mass. What must we do before Mass? A famous word from one of the great spiritual directors is “Shut-Up!” That’s because every time the apostles talked about the Bible, they got it wrong. Every time our Lord asked them a question, they got it wrong. The apostles were discussing Scripture one day while in Jerusalem and when our Lord showed up, He asked them, “What are you doing?” They said, “Talking about Scripture.” What did He tell them? “You got it wrong!” Then, for the better part of two hours, He taught them Scripture, because He is Scripture. And in the presence of God, they listened. He explained to them the meaning of the Bible. Scripture study is not people sitting around a table and asking, “What do you think this is?” It’s not that. The Church teaches what Scripture is . . . not what we’d like it to be. It’s a lot more complicated than just reading a book and saying, “Oh yeah. I can do that.” You have to listen to the experts.
What resulted from the apostles’ time with Jesus? During the Breaking of Bread (the Mass), their eyes were opened, and they recognized Him. This is our faith. Jesus is physically present on the altar and at the altar during the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass. What happens when we see our Lord in the Breaking of Bread during the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass? The same as what happened to two of Jesus’ disciples as they were going to Emmaus which was near Jerusalem. They were tired, but in the middle of the night they walked seven miles, most of it uphill. Now most people are afraid to go outside at night even though we have great law enforcement. Back then, there was no 911. And the Roman soldiers didn’t patrol at night. So, you were on your own . . . good luck! But the disciples were no longer tired. Instead, they were filled with joy and couldn’t wait to tell people, “We have seen the Lord. We recognized Him in the Breaking of Bread.”
This is what we preach for conversion. Transubstantiation and the Real Presence of our Lord in the Most Blessed Sacrament. This is our Faith. This is what we preach. This is what brings people to church. And this is how we get converts to the Faith. A good friend of mine, a Catholic priest, took Philosophy 101. He said that during the first week of class they learned that “a thing is what it is or it isn’t.” There is no in-between. Would you want to eat a slightly poisonous salad? Would you want to get slightly sick on Listeria? No. Either the food is good or it’s not. Either it is or it isn’t. A wrench is a wrench or it’s not. You can’t use a pencil as a wrench. It won’t work. So, either you believe what Scripture says or you don’t.
Christ is present in the Eucharist. His true Real Presence is what draws people to the Faith. We recognize Him with the eyes of faith and intellect. Sometimes it affects the whole body . . . sometimes not. But we recognize Him. In church, everything is pointed to the Real Presence. That’s why we kneel, stand, and genuflect. Some people rather blasphemously call it Catholic aerobics – up and down, up and down. By the way, do you know why we stand for the Gospel? We stand out of respect for the Word of God because the Gospel contains the actual words of Christ. So, we stand out of respect for His words, and we pray with our hearts. This is what we proclaim. This is what we profess. And this is what we teach. Paul came to that conclusion. Paul taught people, and he admonished them that “Whoever eats and drinks the body of Christ unworthily is guilty of His death.” If it’s just a symbol or just a community builder as some blasphemous people say, how can we be convicted of His death? How can we be like Judas and be guilty of His death? If His Body and Blood is just a symbol, then what’s the big deal?
So, this is what we believe. This is what we profess. And this is what we tell people. This is the good news. What happened to the apostles and what happened to the two disciples enroute to Emmaus, is the same joy and the same Presence we have before us.
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.”