We continue our overview of the Ten Commandments by looking at the two parts: love of God and love of neighbor. Together they form a “coherent whole,” and there is a unity between the two. While the Catechism shows us our obligation to follow the Commandments, it also reminds us that, “What God commands, he makes possible by his grace.” Fr. Mike emphasizes that even though it may be challenging at times, we are not alone. Jesus is here to help us keep his Commandments. Today’s readings are Catechism paragraphs 2064-2082.
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.
“Children are the supreme gift of marriage,” says Vatican II. Marriage is directed by its very nature toward the procreation of children. Beyond this, parents are the primary educators of their children, responsible for their holistic formation. Sadly, many couples suffer from infertility. Even in their struggle, they can provide a powerful witness of love, sacrifice, and fidelity. In all this and more, we see the family as the Domestic Church. Today’s readings are Catechism paragraphs 1652-1658.
“Love seeks to be definitive,” the Catechism tells us in this section on marital fidelity. The faithfulness of husband and wife in the sacrament of Matrimony is a sign of God’s irrevocable covenant with humanity. This fidelity is both beautiful and challenging. Fr. Mike addresses painful separation and divorce situations and how the whole ecclesial community should respond with truthful love. Today’s readings are Catechism paragraphs 1646-1651.
When I prepare couples for marriage, I don’t ask them if they have learned how to talk to one another. No . . . I’m not Doctor Phil. I wanted to be Doctor House, but I’m definitely not Doctor Phil. The whole basis of marriage, a vocation, is love of God. Be holy and perfect and all things will be given to you. Our Lord tells us being holy is first and foremost because you cannot give what you do not have. When we are united with the Source of love, we can give that love to others. All love comes from the Father because He is love itself. And that is what I tell couples. If you want to have a marriage that lasts and survives the rotten times, be holy. However, good times can be rotten too, and you should be wary of them.
I also tell couples to pray the Rosary together every night. “Father, what if they are not Catholic?” Well, the good news is that they are praying the Rosary. The bad news is that it ain’t going to hurt a bit. There is no downside. If you pray the Rosary together, you can talk to each other about anything. I got that from Bishop Sheen by the way. I’m not that bright. You need to be united to the Source of life. “But Father, you are not married.” I could not do that to a woman although my brother did, and he had a Mensa card.
Each vocation is manifested in love to the Sacred Body of Christ – the Church. In my 39 years of priesthood, I have seen so many priests and religious leave the vocation because they do not, and will not, give themselves totally to God. “My work is my prayer.” No, it’s not. Those are two different words. I know because I went to Catholic school. They are spelled differently and mean different things. Both can be acts of love, but you cannot give what you do not have. So, you must return to and be united with the Source of love. Remember, in Scripture, Christ said, “Come away and spend time with God.” The religious and priests become disheartened, and they leave. They go looking for love in all the wrong places. They look for love in people, places, and things. Some do come back, which is tough because they don’t want to admit their mistakes. But that Love they once touched won’t give up and follows them. The faithful are united with the source of God’s love and seek Him by immersing themselves in His love through the Sacraments. This is where we get the strength to do what God asks of us – to do corporal and spiritual works of mercy.
We always like it when people thank us for our good works, but most people don’t. “Well, Father, you do good works.” I hope so; I’m going to be judged on that. “So, people must thank you a lot.” No, not really. I’ve performed a lot of funerals and weddings and did not even get a thank you note. Doing weddings is like negotiating with terrorists. They come in with a list of nonnegotiable demands. This is my Church, and I appreciate your desire to have your wedding here, but we don’t do that here. “Well, father so and so does it.” That’s nice. Here are the rules straight from the Church’s rulebook. Many people don’t say “thank you.” Although we do it for Christ, I would love to get a “thank you” especially for the staff here who work so hard.
Our feelings get hurt when people don’t say “thank you” and appreciate the enormity of our stooping down from our greatness to help them. However, we humbly do it for Christ, and people see Christ in our human natures. It’s tough sometimes. Because you are hurt, you really want to say some good old Anglo-Saxon words that shouldn’t be used in polite company. But Christ says, “You gave a gift of love to Me, and I will repay you according to My nature.” So do not worry about it. Bring Me your sorrows. Bring Me your rejections. Bring Me your feelings of being unappreciated. Bring them to Me and stay awhile. You will learn how unappreciated I am for My gift of love. I offer Myself to the world in the Blessed Sacraments and look at how few show up. Look at how few say, “thank you.” People haven’t finished singing my praises and they begin leaving the church. Whoa! Did I dismiss you? No! They can’t wait to leave even though there’s not much going on in Albemarle at 10:30 in the morning.
Once I had a funeral here, and it was on a day like this. After the funeral, we got into the car to drive to the cemetery. We drove at a funeral pace, so we were not traveling very fast. I had the robes on, and I was very thirsty. But when you are in a hearse and in a funeral procession, you really can’t ask the driver to stop at a gas station so you can grab a Coke. That would be in poor taste and really frowned upon. I got to the church – and it was a beautiful church – if you don’t know where it is, you’ll never find it. It’s up over a hill and back. I got out of the hearse and began walking to the grave site. And there was this big, old man in bib overalls coming toward me with a cup in his hand. He said, “I thought you might like this.” It was a cup of ice-cold water. He is now resting with his family in the back of the church grounds. It was such a great act of love. How he knew that I would need it or if it was a simple act of courtesy and kindness, I don’t know. He did not know me, and I did not know him. As I talked to him, I realized that he was related to some of the parishioners here. But such as that. Always remember, when we do things for others, we are doing them for Christ.
Father’s Reflections . . . I looked at the calendar today, and I was reminded that 21 years ago I received an interesting letter. Know who it was from? The AARP. Know what made it so interesting? They sent it to me while I was in Iraq. So, we have geriatrics protecting our country. Great!
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 Facebook page at ola.catholic.church. Click on “Groups” and then “Sermon Notes.”
