Christ the King: the beginning and the end

On November 27, 2011 a new liturgical year begins with the words of the prophet Isaiah: “O Lord, your are the king (father), we are the clay, you are the king (potter); we are the work of your hands.”  (Is. 64:8).  On November 20, 2011 the church concludes the liturgical year with a specific feast, called Christ the King.  Americans have a tough time with the concept of a king.  After all, we never had one.  Yet, Catholics proclaim a King, whose dominion is based on love, truth, and compassion.

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Posted in Pastor's Corner

Authority de iure or/and de facto

The notion of authority is very important in our relationship with God and one another. The Holy Scripture is literally overspread with the authority syndrome. The prophet Isaiah describes in details the transfer of authority from Shebna to Eliakin (Is, 22:16-21). Saint Paul bows before the authority of God whose ways are unsearchable and full of wisdom ( Rm. 11:33-36) Saint Matthew gives
a new twist to the concept of authority connected with law and identity. About 20 centuries ago, Jesus asked a question, which was answered properly and correctly. That’s fine and dandy! The point is that Jesus asks that question today, to you and me, personally. Actually, you are the Peter of the Gospel. Do we really know Jesus? Here is a soliloquy, which may help our understanding:

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Posted in Pastor's Corner

2011 New Year’s Message

Are we looking back with nostalgia over the last year and forward with hope to what next year may bring? Nostalgia means looking back with fondness to find happy events: an oldest son married, a daughter promoted to CEO, a beloved grandfather retired; and some difficult events, too, such as an in-law falling ill then blaming us. But there are those of us who will look back with regret at the last (lost) year, at the missed chances, at the overlooked opportunities. For those of us glancing back from this viewpoint, a new year’s event may mean just another year of getting older, extra wrinkles, even more gray hairs. (For those of us who have actually have hair!) Continue reading →
Posted in Pastor's Corner

A Reflection

Jesus was rejected, so do you!

The fact is that rejection can break us or make us stronger. It all depends how we handle it. We know that Jesus experienced rejection in many instances, so he is training his apostles, disciples and followers how to handle this process which is present some time or another in our spiritual journey.

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Posted in Pastor's Corner

Receiving Communion

Just a few reminders:

  • Make a simple bow when the person in front of you is receiving communion; do not wait until it is your turn
  • Say “Amen” loud enough to be heard
  • Let the Eucharist be given to you; do not take it
  • If receiving in the hand, make sure your hands are clean and respectful
  • After receiving communion, step aside and consume it
  • Never take the Eucharist back to your seat
  • Cross your arms if you are coming for a blessing only
  • Fast for one hour from food and drink, except water
  • Read more from the USCCB
Posted in Uncategorized

Capuchin Franciscan Friars

A Capuchin is a Franciscan who follows St. Francis of Assisi. Want to learn more about the friars that serve here at Most Holy Redeemer? We would love to hear from you and share more about our life and our story and how you can possibly become one of us.

Contact Brother John Paul Russo at capuchinlife@aol.com or check out our web site: capuchinfriars

Posted in Uncategorized

Advent, ’09

I believe that I read the story in the New York Times back in 2006. That story never left my mind because it reminds me of what Advent should not be. The story is about the murder of four prostitutes in Atlantic City, NJ. It describes the dark underbelly of Atlantic City’s prosperity: prostitution, drugs, crimes. While the gambling industry brings more than 40 million tourists a year, and billions of dollars, to the city, a less prosperous side continues its slow deterioration into the abyss.

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Posted in Christmas