While reflecting on the First Reading (Old Testament) and the Gospel for today (the Twenty-sixth Sunday of Ordinary Time), I was struck by the attitude of ‘ownership’ expressed by both the followers of Moses and Jesus. In both readings people complain that others who are not part of their “group” are doing good works in the name of the Lord. Moses and Jesus both try to make the people understand that God is not an exclusive possession. God is greater and larger in love, mercy and grace than we may define—yet we keep trying to own God—as if our way is the only way. This is the “them⎯and⎯us” attitude we find sometimes in our politics, families and yes, even our faith. Jesus tells us to cut away these offensive parts of us—eyes, hands and feet—while actually referring to sin, to envy and to deceit.

​St. James clearly tells us that if the ownership of things is more important than the needs of the poor you will “weep and wail over your impending miseries.” It is a dire warning regarding ownership: wealth rots; clothes molder; gold and silver corrodes. Remember the old saying: “You can’t take it with you…”

We are easily seduced by the perception of ownership; we are told and sold this idea constantly in the media and by the values are society evinces. It would be wiser to think spiritually: instead of thinking we own the earth, it is better to think that we are the stewards of creation. Rather than thinking we own the only way to God, we rejoice that God’s Spirit is at work in all of His children. Rather than think we ‘own’ wealth and possessions, talents and abilities, we should see these as the gifts and grace of God. Rather than think we ‘own’ positions of leadership in any community (or in any relationship of influence such as medical, parental, government, ecclesial):  it would be better to understand these are positions of service.

Today’s readings should encourage us to shine the light of discernment on our attitudes and choices. St. James reminds us that God will judge us in how we perceive and use the ‘wealth’ in our lives. Remember the prayer of Moses today: “Would that all the people of the Lord were prophets! Would that the Lord might bestow His Spirit on them all!”

Keep singing!

Elizabeth Dyc

Just a Note: Many of you may be wondering where I am. For those who are unaware, I have had surgery this past week for a total left knee replacement. (You may have seen me walking with the aid of a cane.) It is a long and hard recovery, so I ask you to pray for me that I may recover well and return soon. Thank you all for your support! I will keep you updated as the weeks progress.

There were they in great fear, where no fear was (Psalm 53:5). This Scripture verse is of special relevance for us today as our society is in general extremely conditioned by fear. Fear is a dangerous impulse because it is prone to make us irrational and to nurture anger (which is the mother of all passions). Fear also blinds us more than anything else. Therefore, one of our most important tasks right now is to identify our real fears because the things we think we fear aren’t necessarily the things that make us afraid.

​It is important in our personal and corporate lives to face the challenge of identifying our real fears because it seems that so much of our deep visceral fear is a projected fear. We need to have the honesty, humility and patience to follow that projection and see where it comes from. Is there fear where there is actually no fear? We often make tremendous and catastrophic mistakes acting to alleviate, circumvent, or (try to) obliterate imagined fears through a failure of facing what we are really frightened of. By rigorously and analytically asking the question of where our fears come from and what they tell us, there a real chance of finding security and hope.

In Scripture, the phrase, Do not be afraid, comes up 365 times. The necessary preliminary for overcoming fear is owning fear. This is where we often fall short in the endeavor to identify our real fears because fear is humiliating. Fear involves an owning of my non-omnipotence; of my non-capacity to save myself in a given situation. That is why it is so important to follow the impulse of fear to its root and to tackle it there.

Once you have found your fear, let love find you there. Call it forth in yourself there. And I mean by love the self-giving kind; non-possessive; capable even in extreme situations of honoring otherness. Fear will loosen its grip and an uncanny freedom will spread its wings (cf. Exodus 19:4; Psalm 91:4). Dealing with fear head-on can be the beginning of wisdom (cf. Proverbs 1:7).

David J. Conrad

Today is the Twenty-Fifth Sunday of Ordinary Time and St. James tells us clearly today how to start living the word. He is very clear about what it is to live in wisdom: it comes from above and is pure, peaceable, gentle, compliant and merciful. Wisdom is consistent and sincere in these things—and the result of a life of righteousness is peace! War and conflict are fruitless pursuits. “You covet but do not possess. You kill and envy but you cannot obtain…You ask but do not receive…” A bumper sticker I saw once says it succinctly: “No Jesus, No Peace. Know Jesus, Know Peace.”

​I looked up the word ‘wisdom’ (thanks Webster) and here is the meaning: The accumulated philosophic or scientific learning (not applicable in this particular Scripture)—but the rest I read seems to apply. Wisdom: the ability to discern inner qualities and relationships; good sense and judgement; a wise attitude or course of action. This all sounds good to me—I pray for this wisdom always.

I think that today’s reading from St. James is one that should be published everywhere, carved on buildings and inscribed on our hearts. His letter also contains a very clear description of how we humans operate against God’s plans for us: “Where jealousy and selfish ambition exist, there is disorder and every foul practice.” It is our passion in ambition and in jealousy that foment conflict among us—along with greed and fear. All that you need to do is turn on the news and you will see this observation is true.

We hear the story in the Gospel about the Disciples arguing on the way to Capernaum about who was the greatest. Can you imagine? Arguing! When Jesus questions them about the arguing they remain silent. They know; they must have known that this is not what belief in Jesus is about…

Today Jesus teaches the Disciples (and us) a lesson about living in God’s wisdom: Like St. James’ Letter He gives us directions to avoid ambition and jealousy—and thereby living a life of true service in Christ. He says: “If anyone wishes to be first, he shall be last of all and servant of all.” Jesus calls the Twelve and teaches them (and us) a lesson of living in His wisdom: “Whoever receives one child…in my name, receives me…” ‘Receiving a child’ is to give assistance to someone who may be helpless⎯and is usually unable to ever return your support in kind. It is the understanding that there will be no (earthly) payback, no investment, no (direct) return in helping someone with no resources. This, however, certainly describes what is expected of those who are baptized Disciples of Christ! To live a life in service of the helpless and powerless is to live a righteous life, to know Jesus and therefore to know His peace.

Keep singing!

Elizabeth Dyc

This year, we celebrate Catechetical Sunday on September 15th. To fulfill the Church’s evangelizing mission, the cooperation of a great many people is needed, so that we all may advance to full maturity in faith and continually show forth that faith through the celebration of the Mass, study and our manner of life.

​This cooperation is provided by those who devote themselves to catechesis. Enlightened by God’s Word and the teaching of the Church, catechists impart to others an initial or deeper formation in those realities that they themselves have learned as truths to be followed in living, and to be celebrated at Mass.

We praise and thank the Lord for giving us such co-workers and pray that through the Holy Spirit they will receive the grace they need in their service to the Church. These co-workers exercise their ministry in many areas: family faith formation, children’s liturgy of the Word, young adult group, various adult formation opportunities, and the Order of Christian Initiation of Adults.

Ella Artip
Sharon Bannon
Michael Banowetz
Denise Cassar
James Ciccarelli
Laura Farrell
Kathy Gale
Leslie Gola
Robert Gola
Diane Mann
Brandon Milanowski
Vanessa Niziol
Paul Pyrkosz
Ann Rowe
Julia Rowe
Cynthia Skrabut
Allison Turbiak
Cathy Vanecek
Jennifer Wakenell
Ashley Zimmerman
Debbie Zimmerman

Prayer for Catechists
Loving Father, we pray today for our catechists. We thank you for their gift of ministry in your Church.

Grant them your wisdom that they may grow in the understanding and teaching of your Word. Grant them also your love that they may be fruitful heralds of your Word and lead others to love you.

Pour forth your Holy Spirit upon them to grant them wisdom about what is important; knowledge of the truths of faith; understanding of their meaning; right judgement about how to apply them in life; courage to persevere even in the face of adversity; reverence before all that is sacred and holy; and that loving zeal which leads others to a transforming encounter with your Son.

We pray this through Christ, our Lord. Amen.

David J. Conrad

Today is the Twenty-Fourth Sunday of Ordinary Time. In the Gospel Jesus asks, “Who do you say that I am?” We answer this question by our Christian witness in service: all our actions, our priorities, our works, our love and our forgiveness for each other. We daily take up our cross and lift it high. Our time, talent and treasure are consigned to God and the Kingdom on earth.

​The sign of the cross is the emblem of our belief. We begin all liturgical and Para-liturgical celebrations, blessings and prayers with this sign. In Baptism we are signed by the cross, and we are anointed with it in Confirmation and in the Sacrament of the Sick. On Ash Wednesday we make the sign of the cross in ashes on our foreheads. We understand we must follow Jesus’ example and take up our own cross in order to live lives of hope—to live in the new life we are promised.

We gather today in the midst of all joy, sorrow, gratitude and burden. Each day we are given the opportunity to lift our cross high; this symbol of our salvation whose mark we carry by our Baptism. We believe in its power to destroy death and restore life. This is the core of our faith; to embrace the cross and its ability to transform death into life. All of us are commissioned by our Baptism to “teach” by our own personal examples of commitment to our faith—in the use of our time, talent and treasure—and in our worship of God. St. Paul reminds us today that faith without works is dead!

One of my favorite hymns is Lift High the Cross. It has a verse that says: “Each newborn fol’lwer of the Crucified, bears on the brow the seal of him who died. Lift high the cross! The cross of Christ proclaim!”  To paraphrase the “Workbook for Lectors and Gospel Readers” (another Liturgical Ministry!), we must grow up as Christians and step beyond just trying to be good people; we must also be good for people. How to do this? In service and love as we Lift High the Cross!

Keep singing!

Elizabeth Dyc

A highly charged and divisive election season is in full swing. Perhaps it is leading to tension and resentment among those with whom you interact. If so, you might find the following Scripture verses of use as they offer perspective and guidance on fostering peace and understanding.

​Know this, my beloved brethren. Let every man be quick to hear, slow to speak, slow to anger, for the anger of man does not work the righteousness of God (James 1:19-20).

In conversation, listening is more important that speaking. It is not always easy to listen and bite one’s tongue, however it is a skill that can allow us to manage conflicts more peacefully.

A mild answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger (Proverbs 15:1).

This verse underscores the power of words in conflict situations. We are often told to choose our words wisely, and this is particularly the case in sensitive situations. Therefore, we should try to consider what value our words have in attempting to prove a point. Are our words helpful in deescalating a situation and creating a more peaceful atmosphere that can lead to resolution?

Do nothing from selfishness or conceit, but in humility count others better than yourselves. Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others (Philippians 2:3-4).

By employing Gospel values in our consideration of others' interests and valuing them, we can help foster a more caring and cooperative environment.

Bear with one another and, if one has a complaint against another, forgiving each other; as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive (Colossians 3:13).

There are a thousand objections to forgiveness, but there is one argument in support of it that is stronger than all objections: if we do not forgive, we die. The alternative to forgiveness is destruction in one form or another. In fact, extending forgiveness to others is necessary if we hope to receive the ongoing forgiveness of the Father (cf. Matthew 6:14-15).

If possible, so far as it depends upon you, live peaceably with all (Romans 12:18).

Peacemaking is part of our mission as Christians (cf. Matthew 5:9; Hebrews 12:14; James 3:18). Since harmony is sometimes impossible, St. Paul qualifies his command, recognizing that peace cannot be forced on others (cf. CCC 2304).

David J. Conrad

In the First Reading this Twenty-Third Sunday of Ordinary Time the Prophet Isaiah tells us about the saving grace of God (the Israelites were a people in exile needing a message of hope and deliverance): “Then will the eyes of the blind be opened, the ears of the deaf will be cleared; then the lame will leap like a stag, then the tongue of the mute will sing.” Elaine Rendler (Musician/Liturgist) says: “All pastoral (church) musicians pray for the day (the miracle) when the mute in the Assembly will speak the responses and sing all the sung prayers… (You know who you are…)  And although there are the ‘mute’ who won’t even consider picking up the hymnal (our actual book of sung prayer), I am very pleased and proud of the growing response of our Community to the singing during our liturgies together. Sung worship is alive and well, growing and developing at St. Aidan Parish!

​Today the words of Isaiah paint a picture of our future and heavenly salvation. All will be healed and sing and dance for joy! When my Mom died too young of cancer (many years ago), I was comforted with the idea that in heaven she danced and sang; that she finally had “no cane, no pain.”

In the Gospel story today we hear of how Jesus heals the deaf-mute man. Upon receiving his hearing and voice, Jesus has also opened the man’s senses to the power of God. This grace is also for us too: to speak and to do, to dance and sing in order to further the Kingdom of Heaven on earth. (Pick up your hymnals!)

The start of the 2024-25 program year is upon us! Are you ‘open’ to the needs of your Community? Ephphatha! Be open! Is there a ministry for you? There is so much healing, singing, and such amazing grace for those in any ministry—both given and received! Be a miracle for your Parish and join or do something. (Time, talent, treasure!)

Where to begin? Ask God that you be open to ministry—and pray for guidance. If you like to sing (and can sing in tune), please email me at [email protected] or see me after any Mass—and consider joining the St. Aidan Music Ministry. (If you are unsure of your gift, don’t worry, just check with me! This is part of my job as a pastoral church musician.)

We hear the Prophet Isaiah say: “Be strong, fear not!” Jesus tells us to be open: “Ephphatha!” So, Lift Every Voice and Sing, Be Not Afraid, for Jesus, the Healer of Our Every Ill will Open the Eyes of Your Heart and help us all with His Amazing Grace!

​Ephphatha! Keep Singing!

Elizabeth Dyc

Today’s readings (the Twenty-Second Sunday in Ordinary Time) are about the law of God (love God, yourself and your neighbor) and tradition.

​We hear Moses in the First Reading (from the Book of Deuteronomy) tell us that to follow the law (the commandments of the Lord) will make you happy and set you free. He tells us that in living the law we evince God—that we are evidence of God’s goodness and mercy.

The Gospel story tells us to watch carefully what comes from within us—that we must examine our consciences for those things that are evil, to be our own watchdogs of our motives for the things we say and do. Jesus talks about ritual for its own sake rather than for the heart of belief, and he quotes Isaiah: “This people honors me with their lips, but their hearts are far from me…” We all have experienced this at times; we know Christians who judge and condemn, who have a lack of compassion or mercy. Jesus continues, “…in vain do they worship me, teaching as doctrines human precepts…” We are told that we disregard God’s law of love and cling to human tradition as if it were law. In the Gospel today, Jesus warns us to know the difference.

The Responsorial Psalm today (#15) is literally a list of what to do or not to do: basically the idea is to be a just person and then you will live in the presence of God. St. James (the second reading) puts it all more simply: “Humbly welcome the word that has been planted in you and is able to save your souls. Be doers of the word…care for orphans and widows…and keep oneself unstained by the world.”

Tradition in ritual is not under attack by Jesus, but the rationale for what we do together at Mass⎯the motive, the reason, the purpose, the intention⎯is the point. We gather as a Community of faith in order to give Glory and Praise to Our God. Deep Within your heart, God will plant His law.

That is a reason to Keep Singing!

Elizabeth Dyc