Tag: Saint Paul

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Sermon Notes – July 20, 2025 – “Embrace the Suck”

“Embrace the Suck”

Father Peter Fitzgibbons

July 19-20, 2025

Gospel: Luke 10: 38-42

Last night, I was watching people come into the church, and it was quite amusing.  They were walking very slowly, and some of them were younger people.  I asked them why they were walking so slowly.  They said it was really hot out there.  Okay, but walking slowly doesn’t make it any cooler.  It reminded me of my last time overseas.  I was a part of the group that arrived there first, so we were the old old-timers. When our replacements arrived so that we could go home, the newcomers would be outside doing light work to get acclimated to the heat.  If it were 110 degrees, that would have been a nice, easy day for us.  We would go running on days like that because we had been acclimated to the heat.  So, the old-timers would watch the newcomers working outside in the heat and start a countdown, 3 – 2 – 1, and plunk, down they would go.  They would have IVs in both arms.  Yep, it takes a little time to get used to that kind of heat.  After a day up north, I could take my shirt off, and if I sat it on the floor, it would literally stand straight up from all the body fluid I had lost.  That is how hot it is over there.

We have a wonderful opportunity despite the discomfort of the summer heat.  Saint Paul wrote, “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).   We can offer up all our discomfort for the salvation of souls and the salvation of our own souls.   We have been given a great gift that we can use for ourselves and others.  So why waste it?   Embrace the suck and offer it up as a penance.  We have months of this heat ahead of us.  I knew that would cheer you up.  But what an opportunity we have to grow in grace and help others by our suffering.  So, take advantage of this uncomfortable heat and offer it up.  You don’t have to enjoy it.   Enjoyment is not a requirement for offering something up.

Now, I’m going to try to save you some money.  I’m going to share with you the secret to happiness and beauty, so you can stop watching TV commercials.  Do you know what the secret to happiness is?  Happiness comes from always having our Lord present in our souls and not losing Him.  We don’t lose Him . . . We kick Him out by our unrepentant venial sin and mortal sin.  Read the poem, “Hounds of Heaven,” by Francis Thompson.  We are the ones who drive Christ away.  Our Lord said, “But seek first the Kingdom [of God] and His righteousness, and all these things will be given you besides” (Matthew 6:33).   When Christ lives within us, we have the greatest peace that is possible in this life, and eventually, we will have even greater peace in Heaven.  But no matter how holy you are or try to be, you will always have disappointments.  For example, I have been a priest for 41 years, and I am still not a Monsignor.  So don’t tell me about your disappointments; I know what real disappointment is!   People will disappoint us.  My parents and brothers all died to get away from me, but I don’t take it personally.  When my mother was dying, God and I had a chat, which included official military words that I will not repeat here.  Was I disappointed?  Yes.  Did I lose faith?  No, because I knew Who I needed to talk to. 

The secret of beauty is having Christ within us and becoming His living Tabernacle.  I was watching a commercial that featured a macho man who was all dressed up and looking very sharp.  The commercial was for a cream that would help men eliminate the lines and creases on their faces.  Really?   Dude, give me your man-card; I’m going to shred it.   I earned all these lines on my face.  Numerous beauty products are available to enhance our appearance.  My favorites for men are the comb-over and the comb-forward.  Yeah, everybody sees it, especially on a windy day.  Former New York City mayor, Rudy Giuliani, would color his hair, and on a hot day, the color would melt and drip down his face.  Nobody sees that; it looks good!   Beauty is not about seeing a dermatologist for treatment just so someone can bounce quarters off your cheeks when you are older.  It is having Christ within you.  True beauty comes from living holy lives.   We are called to be a living Tabernacle and to bring Christ to others.  He uses the beauty that comes from holiness so that people see Christ in us.  At the end of their lives, Saint Teresa of Calcutta and Saint John Paul II were not going to win any beauty contests.   But they radiated a divine beauty, a divine glow, and a divine joy.   This is what we are called to be by living holy lives.  This is how you can become beautiful.  So, save your money on hair products and other beauty products.   Want to be beautiful or handsome?  Be holy.   It’s a lot cheaper, and you will be a lot happier.

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 – June 29, 2025 – “Christ Came to Build His Church … Not to Write a Book”

“Christ Came to Build His Church … Not to Write a Book”

Father Peter Fitzgibbons

June 28-29, 2025

Gospel: Matthew 16:13-19

Pop quiz: How many of you love Scripture?  Let’s try that again.  I’ll give you a do-over.   How many of you love Scripture?  Alright, I’m seeing hands being raised.  If you do not love Scripture, we need to have a chat, and it will be a one-way conversation.  Scripture is the revealed Word of God.  So, if you love Scripture, and you have all indicated that you do, then you must love the Church.  Do you know why?  Because the Church wrote it.  The Church knows exactly what is in Scripture, so she can both interpret and teach it.  Now, Scripture only contains what is necessary for salvation.  It is not a handbook for engineering or medicine, and dinosaurs are never mentioned.  Basically, the Gospel is Ecclesiology, or what the Church is.  By the way, the Church is not a “what,” but a “Who.”  Jesus revealed that to Paul on the road to Damascus when He said, “Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting Me?” (Acts 9:4).  We are the Body of Christ, so when you persecute the Church, you are persecuting Him. 

When you study Scripture, you must study it in the original language because English is a terrible language in which to study it.  When I first began my work in Hospice, I went to Nancy, who was one of the nurses, and I enrolled in Nancy’s College of Medical Terminology.  I asked Nancy what I needed to know so that I could become a better hospital chaplain.  Nancy gave me some books and papers to read.  This was because during treatment meetings, the medical staff would use all these big medical terms, and I was thankful that I could ask Dr. Google what they meant.  One of the doctors said, “Father, a veteran has Cheyne-Stokes respirations. Go see him.”  That is the kind of breathing you do until you don’t.  So, it was essential that I learn the language used by the medical staff. 

Likewise, we need to learn the words of Scripture, but we must learn them in the original language.  When Jesus said, “You are Peter and upon this rock I will build My church” (Matthew 16:18), Jesus renamed Simon, son of John.  In the Old Testament, Abram’s name was changed to Abraham to reflect his mission.  So, the Apostles understood what changing Simon’s name to Peter meant, and that was when they began to feel a bit of resentment.  When Jesus said, “Upon this rock I will build My church,” He used the Greek word “Ecclesia,” meaning “you.”   In English, the word “you” can be singular or plural.  In French, there are two words that mean “you” – vous (plural) and tu (singular).  That doesn’t happen in the English language.  Christ said, “You are Peter and upon this rock I will build My church.”  He said, “You.”   He did not say “through the power of the Apostles,” as the Episcopalians claim, nor “as a profession of faith,” but rather “you” personally.

Christ came to establish and embody His Church, which has continued throughout time.  The Catholic Church wrote the New Testament scripture, and it codified the Old Testament.  The Jews only had the first five books of the Old Testament, but after Christ established His Church, we now have a few more.  The last books of the New Testament were not written until around 90 A.D. The Church was present throughout the Roman Empire. A couple of generations of martyrs had already died for the true Faith.  The book wasn’t codified until the 4th Century.  Before that, we never had a book.  Jesus came to establish His Church and not to write a book.  It was the Catholic Church that wrote the book that became essential for salvation. 

In the Old Testament, Jews were called Katoikos, meaning “settler.”  In the Gospel, which was written in Aramaic, there is a Greek word, ” ekklesia,” commonly translated as “church.”  There is a big difference between “settler” and “church.”  Now, you older people will remember this and thank God that you are old, because many of our contemporaries never had the opportunity.  Do you remember the group, Peter, Paul, and Mary?  They sang “Puff the Magic Dragon.”  Many people thought that “Puff” was a synonym for marijuana.  Peter Yarrow, who was a member of the group and wrote the song, said, “I’m Puff’s daddy. Puff was a dragon; he was not marijuana.”  Likewise, you cannot read into Scripture; you must read what is there.  It’s like us when we get a pimple, and we consult Dr. Google.  “Oh my God!  I’ve got leprosy!”  And we run to the doctor who says, “You’ve got a pimple. Go home and wash your face. Grow up. You’ll be fine.”   Don’t read more into Scripture than what is there.  Let the Church, which wrote it, help you interpret it. 

Christ appointed Peter to build His Church.  Why?  Was Peter the brightest?  No.  That would be Luke, who was a physician.  Why Peter?  He was dumb as a rock, but he was the most able conduit of God’s grace.  God chooses us to serve, as He did Peter, not because we are the biggest and brightest in the class, but for our ability to be a conduit of His grace. 

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 – June 15, 2025 – “Embrace the Suck”

“Embrace the Suck”

Father Peter Fitzgibbons

June 14 – 15, 2025

Gospel:  John 16:12-15

A number of years ago, I was having dinner with some priests, and there was one priest who was complaining a lot.  He was not a happy camper and was having a very bad year.  Finally, the smart-aleck in me came out and I said to him, “Father, come down from the cross. We need the wood.”   He did not appreciate my insight.  We all have bad days.  We let off steam by voicing our discontent with situations, and that’s okay.  It’s normal.  Saint Paul did that; he complained about the thorn in his flesh and the cross he had to carry.  He asked the Lord to take the cross from him, and the Lord said, “No.  My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness” (2Corinthians 12:9).  Then Paul understood: “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).

Sometimes our crosses are primarily in one part of the body.  However, when your foot hurts, your whole body is sick.  If you have a headache, your whole body is sick.  Whatever part of the body is sick affects the whole body.  Some of our crosses can be long crosses that we have to carry all our lives.  For example, my parents gave me good looks but no money, and it really sucks to be poor!  Other crosses can be temporary, like going to the gas chamber.  As we say in the military, “embrace the suck.”  We can laugh about it afterward.   

So, we have an opportunity to participate in Christ’s redemptive acts by joining our suffering to His.  Just like the Blessed Mother, who, along with Saint John and Mary Clopas, watched her Son die on the Cross.  Each day, we have the sublime opportunity to participate in the redemptive power of Christ.  We can embrace our crosses and offer them up as penance for our own sin and in union with the Most Holy Sacrifice of the Mass.   The Sacrifice on the Crucifix is always before the Father in Heaven pleading for us and for everyone.  We gain strength from His sacrifice, so that we can offer up our suffering for ourselves and for others.   The beautiful part is that we do not have to like our sufferings.  When I had Covid, I offered it up every day.  Did I find it enjoyable?  Did anyone around me find it enjoyable?  Not likely.  When I’m sick, give me a cigarette and a luger, and I will do the honorable thing.  I came over here to the church to walk and say my prayers, meditate, and say the Rosary.  I thought I was a tough guy.  I made it halfway around the church and had to sit down.  Did I enjoy the four to six weeks I was sick?  Nope.  Although it was very slimming because I lost my appetite.   But I offered it up because I knew it would do some good.  Did I like it?  Oh, hell no.   But it would help others, and that was what was important. 

Some people are given gifts so that they can help others financially or materially.  They may be gifted in a trade, and that’s wonderful.  The Misfits don’t let me handle power tools.  I won’t forget that, Bob.  That really hurt.  We all have different gifts to use in building up the Body of Christ.  Offer up all your sufferings to the Savior for the salvation of souls.  We can be coworkers with Christ in the mission of redemption.  How marvelous that gift is!  But like many great gifts, it is hidden below a bunch of garbage.  Who would think that having illnesses and suffering is a good thing?  None of us.  But it is and it can be a wondrous thing.  I remember one man who was a major in the 101st Airborne.  His mother-in-law was suffering from end-stage ovarian cancer.  Her last wish during her final days was to eat a hamburger.  That was the only thing she wanted.  Her son-in-law, who thought he was a tough guy, said, “Lord, I will take her pain for a day so that she can have a hamburger.”  The next day, she had a hamburger.  That same day, her son-in-law was in the hospital at Fort Campbell.  He took all her pain upon himself.  Sometimes the results are immediate when we take another person’s pain upon ourselves, but they are always work. 

Now, there is one important caveat in all of this.  We do not have to like our sufferings, and because we offer them up each day doesn’t mean they become more enjoyable.  But we offer them up, and we know intellectually and spiritually that our sufferings are doing good.  They are redemptive not only for us but for others.  Never lose sight of that.  “Oh God!  I’m so happy because I’m suffering!”   Uh-Huh.  We have pills for that.  Take all your sufferings and join them with the sufferings of Christ for the salvation of souls.  Some of your pain may go away.  I don’t know, but sometimes that happens.  This is how we can join Christ.  We can become part of Christ’s Sacrifice by truly joining our sacrifice with His. 

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 – June 1, 2025 – “Offer Up Your Suffering”

“Offer Up Your Suffering”

Father Peter Fitzgibbons

May 31 – June 1, 2025

Gospel:  John 17:20-26

Today, we celebrate the day our Lord ascended into Heaven with the human nature He took from His mother that was united with His own divine nature, two natures in one person, called the Hypostatic Union.  The human nature He suffered with, that He taught with, and that He healed with, was taken up to Heaven today.  Do you know what the last sight the Apostles had of our good Lord?   His hands and feet with the marks of the Passion . . .  His sacred wounds . . . the price of sin given out of love. 

What do the marks of His Crucifixion do for us in Heaven?  They are presented to the Father to intercede on our behalf.   Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do” (Luke 23:34).  He is always pleading for us before the Father. 

Our Lord left us a great example of what to do with our many crosses, our own, those we acquired during our life, and those cast upon us by the sins of other people.  For example, some people do not realize how important I am, and they won’t get out of my way on the highway.  That is so rude.  You are in front of the holy man, and you are going too darn slow, so move!   All those other crosses – our limitations and physical illnesses – are all crosses we carry.   Make an active prayer and present them to the Father for ourselves and, even better, for others.  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” (Colossians 1:24). 

What is lacking in the sufferings of Christ is our participation in it.  We can participate by offering up our prayers, works, joys, and sufferings to the Lord.   We offer them up for ourselves, for those who are dear to us, and especially for those who are not so dear to us.  They need our prayers, too.  So, keep them in your prayers, especially in your Morning Offering.  It’s a classic prayer, and an old one, but the old prayers are good because they focus us on the exact meaning of the prayer.

Morning Offering:

O Jesus, through the Immaculate Heart of Mary,

I offer You my prayers, works, joys, and sufferings of this day

for all the intentions of Your Sacred Heart

in union with the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass throughout the world,

for the salvation of souls, the reparation of sins, the reunion of all Christians,

and in particular for the intentions of the Holy Father this month.  Amen.

The last vision the Apostles had of our Lord in His human nature here on Earth was the marks of His love to plead for us before the Father.  We must bear our crosses, but we do not have to like them.  Bring them to the Father constantly in your prayers for all your infirmities, both interior and exterior.  Offer them up in prayer to the Father in imitation of and communion with the sacrifice of Jesus.

Father’s Reflections:  I visited a patient in Hospice who claimed to be a Catholic Buddhist.  I talked to the hospital chaplain, who said there actually was such a thing as a Catholic Buddhist.  Really?  It is either the guy with a beard or the guy with a fat belly.  It’s one or the other, not both.  The chaplain said the patient wasn’t doing well.  Well, in Hospice, nobody is doing well.  I went in to see this patient and talked to him for a bit.  I said, “I heard you aren’t going well, and I’d like to give you Last Rites.”  He said, “I’m not going to need them.”   Now, although that will make our hospitalist very happy, it will surprise him.  So, I talked to the patient some more, and I said, “You are Catholic, right?”  He said, “Yes.”  Are you sorry for your sins?  He said, “Yes.”  So, I gave him absolution and an Apostolic Pardon.  I wasn’t going to ask him any more questions, because I had gotten the deal done.  I didn’t put anything in the record.  Nobody needs to know; God does.  The other chaplain asked me how I interacted so well with people.  I said, “I had ethnic studies when I was very young.”  Really?  “Yeah, I learned how to make people an offer they couldn’t refuse.”  It’s the art of the deal.  Get the mission done. 

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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Sermon Notes – “Why You Should be Catholic” – December 22, 2024

“Why You Should be Catholic”

Father Peter Fitzgibbons

December 21 – 22, 2024

Gospel:  Luke 1:39-45

 If you are a big fan of Scripture, you would be Catholic.  In the 3rd or 4th Century, the Church assembled the Councils of Nicea, which resulted in the Nicene Creed which we will recite in a few minutes.  The Councils of Nicea declared Mary to be the Mother of God.  Some people might say, “But that’s not found in Scripture.”  Yes, it is.  You just heard it in the Gospel of Luke when Elizabeth called her the Mother of the Lord:  “43 Why should I be honoured with a visit from the Mother of my Lord?”  The Jews would only use the word “Lord” in reference to God.   Remember, you have to study scripture in the original language.  If you understood Scripture, you would have a deep affection for Mary not only because she is the Mother of God, but also because she is one of the authors of Scripture.  “What do you mean, Father?”   That’s a good question.  This is what I mean:  Where did Luke get his information?   He wasn’t there.  He wasn’t an apostle.  Luke was a physician who didn’t show up until much later with Saint Paul.  So, where did Luke get his information?   He got it from the original source, our Blessed Mother.   So, if you have a reverence for Scripture, you should also have a reverence for the Blessed Mother, and you should probably be Catholic. 

Now, there’s not a lot of Scripture that focuses on Saint Joseph, who was a humble man and a wonderful example of faith, especially for men.  He is the patron saint of the Church, fathers, and families.  Saint Joseph was a very military kind of guy.  He was told in a dream to take Mary as his wife, who had conceived the Son of God through the power of the Holy Spirit.  What did he say?  He said, “Okay.”   He was the perfect husband, right ladies?   Actually, Scripture does not record any words said by Saint Joseph.  In fact, after he and Mary found Jesus in the temple, Joseph disappears from Scripture altogether.  Scripture was written only to disclose the truth of salvation.  It is not a history book.  That is why there are no dinosaurs in it because dinosaurs are not essential for salvation.  Scripture is not a medical textbook.  It does not teach us how to do brain surgery because that is not the purpose of Scripture.  Scripture was written so that we might know of God’s love and how to achieve Heaven.  Scripture contains only what is necessary for salvation. 

The New Testament was written by the Church.  Remember, when Paul was writing the Epistles, the Church had already been established throughout the world.  Saint Joseph, in an act of faith, took Mary as his wife.  He had a lot of physical work to do.  In the middle of winter, Saint Joseph was told to take his nine-month-pregnant wife to Bethlehem using the “shoe leather express.”   Even though it was a very dangerous trip, Joseph said, “Okay.”   It was a very inconvenient time to be traveling because of the ongoing Roman census.   Traveling to Bethlehem at that time would have been like trying to find parking in Charlotte at a Panthers game.  Joseph knew that the Motel 6 would be full, so they stayed in a cave with the animals where it was a bit aromatic but warm. 

Whenever Joseph is mentioned in the bible, he is always practicing obedience.  Why?  Was he afraid of God?  No.  He did it because he loved God.  All those hardships God asked Saint Joseph to endure were gifts of love for the Beloved, for Mary, and for God’s son, Christ.   A common tradition in the Church is that Saint Joseph had no sin, original or otherwise.   I recommend you read ‘The Glories of Saint Joseph’ by Saint Alphonsus Liguori.  What was Saint Joseph’s reward?  He did not see the Resurrection; otherwise, why would Christ entrust the care of His mother to Saint John?  So, what was the reward for Saint Joseph’s obedience?  He was the first human being to hold God in his hands.  When Mary gave birth, who was there?  Joseph.  He held God Himself in his hands.  He was also the first human being to look down at Heaven instead of up. 

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 – December 3, 2023 – “ Are You Ready for What May Come? “

“Are You Ready for What May Come?“

Father Peter Fitzgibbons

December 2 – 3, 2023

Gospel:  Mark 13:33-37

 Jesus said to his disciples:
“Be watchful! Be alert!
You do not know when the time will come.
It is like a man traveling abroad.
He leaves home and places his servants in charge,
each with his own work,
and orders the gatekeeper to be on the watch.
Watch, therefore;
you do not know when the lord of the house is coming,
whether in the evening, or at midnight,
or at cockcrow, or in the morning.
May he not come suddenly and find you sleeping.
What I say to you, I say to all: ‘Watch!’”

This week there is a Holy Day of Obligation.  We will be observing the Feast Day for the Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception on Friday at 8:30 a.m.  There will be a Vigil Mass on Thursday at 6:30 p.m.  Also, Christmas falls on a Monday this year which means the faithful are obligated to participate in the Mass once for the Sunday and once on the holy day.   Believe it or not, I have already heard the Catholic angst.  “Oh, my goodness!  I have to go to two Masses in three days!”  Really?  Are you starting your own opera here?  That’s a lot of drama over nothing.  If you don’t like the Mass, you won’t like Heaven.  The same Lord appears in both places.  You’ll be fine.  In fact, you’ll be better than fine; you’ll be fantastic.  So, please come. 

Just like Lent, Advent is a season for penance.  Because it is a penitential season, I’m wearing violet – not purple – violet.  Because this is a season of penance, we will not be saying the Gloria during the Mass.  Advent is a time for reflection and preparing our souls for the coming of our Lord in the flesh.  When He comes again it will be to take us to Heaven. 

On Friday I was visiting a man in hospice.  I asked him how he was doing, and he said, “ho hum.”  At least he didn’t say “fine.”  I hate it when they do that.  So, we were talking, and I asked him how old he was.  I found out that he had been in the Army, and I asked if he had been in Vietnam.  He said, “No.  My brother took an extra tour there so I wouldn’t have to go.”  We kept talking, and I asked him if he was ready for what may happen.  When I’m talking to hospice patients, I never use the “D” word.  If they want to talk about it, they will bring it up.  But I don’t take away that crutch from people until they are ready.  Some patients have stabilized, gone home, and lived a lot longer.   You don’t know where people are on that spectrum.  Some people never reach the acceptance stage and need that crutch.   So, I asked him, “Are you ready for whatever might come?”  He said, “Yeah.”   I said “Okay,” and we talked a bit more. 

In one of his letters, Saint Paul said, “I don’t know if I wish to stay in the body or be at home with Christ” (Philippians 1:21-22).  He wasn’t sure if he should stay in his body to continue the work of the Church or go be with Christ.  Paul was torn but he was ready for anything.  During this penitential season, perhaps that can be a good meditation for us all, as in my question to that sick man: “Are you ready for what may happen?”  Or as in Saint Paul’s statement:  I do not know whether it would be better to stay in my body to build up the Church on Earth or go to Heaven.  Are we ready for whatever may come?

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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Sermon Notes – September 3, 2023 – “A Spoonful of Sugar Helps the Medicine Go Down”

“A Spoonful of Sugar Helps the Medicine Go Down”

 Father Peter Fitzgibbons

 September 2 – 3, 2023

Gospel:  Matthew 16: 21-27

From that time on, Jesus began to show His disciples that He must go to Jerusalem and suffer greatly from the elders, the chief priests, and the scribes, and be killed and on the third day be raised.  22 Then Peter took Him aside and began to rebuke Him, “God forbid, Lord! No such thing shall ever happen to you.”  23 He turned and said to Peter, “Get behind me, Satan! You are an obstacle to Me. You are thinking not as God does, but as human beings do.”  24 Then Jesus said to his disciples, “Whoever wishes to come after Me must deny himself, take up his cross, and follow Me.  25 For whoever wishes to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for My sake will find it.  26 What profit would there be for one to gain the whole world and forfeit his life? Or what can one give in exchange for his life?  27 For the Son of Man will come with His angels in His Father’s glory, and then He will repay everyone according to his conduct.

Last Friday night I had dinner at Blue Bay, and I had a love/hate relationship with my dinner.   Guess what I had . . . fish.  Did I tell you I hate fish?  But my doctor said if I eat fish at least twice a week, I might live longer.  I guess that is so I can die of something else.  Thanks a lot, Doc!   Appreciate it!   I was thinking about a time when I liked fish.  I’d had a cardiac procedure and when I came back, one of the ladies in the parish brought me a salmon dinner.  I didn’t mind it.  Of course, I was still on medication at the time, and I felt much better!  Perhaps that’s the secret to liking fish.  But that’s just a little cross of mine. 

Whether you love Jesus or not, you will get a cross.  We both love and hate our crosses.  They are meant to help us, so embrace them.  When we carry our crosses, we are fulfilling the command of our Savior.  But we struggle with them, and that is good because it means you love God.  We also hate our crosses.  Nobody likes them.   Some crosses come and some go in accordance with the time of life.   Some we have from the beginning until the end.  And sometimes, we even get extra ones.  We all have our share, and they are heavy enough for us to carry.  We cannot refuse our crosses.  None of them.  Nor can we, like the Protestant churches, remove some of the Commandments because, you know . . .  they’re hard.   Jesus called those people satan.   They take away the redemptive nature of suffering that we are all called to endure like Christ to achieve Heaven. 

Our crosses, like all the Commandments, are not that difficult.  They are not pleasant . . . I’ll give you that.  That’s why God made French dressing.  When I get a slab of Moby Dick on my plate, out comes the French dressing.  Mary Poppins was right . . . a spoonful of sugar helps the medicine go down.   I have tasted better stuff in the military.  That’s how much I hate fish.  By the way, monkey still tastes like monkey.  Yuck!  One of our crosses is to conform our lives to Christ.  It’s a gift.  How many of you think of their crosses as a gift?   Not many, just as I thought.   But our crosses are like a celestial choke chain so that we don’t wander too far off the reservation.   My evil twin brother, Paul, was very gifted and he had many crosses.  He had two doctorates and a file cabinet full of certifications he had earned.  Saint Teresa of Lisieux said, “Our crosses help keep us small, humble, and reliant on our Savior for there is power in His mercy.”    

Our crosses are redemptive.  As Saint Paul said, “I make up with my body what is lacking in the sufferings of Christ.”   Now a final thought . . . Our crosses are abrasive and a beauty treatment for our soul.  Because I do all sorts of reading (I’m an eclectic reader), I once read about how to remove water marks from furniture.  You take some cigar ash, mix it with water, and rub the mixture onto the water stain.  Because cigar ash is abrasive, it will remove the water stain and bring back the richness and luster of the furniture.   And that’s what our crosses do.  They are abrasive to our souls.  They remove the stain of venial sin.  They also remove the remains of the stain of mortal sin on our souls.  And what do our crosses reveal especially when we are standing before God at our Particular Judgment?  They reveal the true beauty of our soul.  What is the true beauty of our soul?  The image and likeness of God from which we were created.  He will look at us and seek the image of His Son.

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.”