So the Lord sent them on their way. Seventy two, He sent. The harvest is abundant. So be on your way. I’m sending you like lambs among wolves. [Luke 10: 1-13].

So once upon a time, in our time, George and Mable decided they were going to be Catholic missionaries. They picked up everything including their son, John. They moved to the “no priest” land of upper Mississippi. John was attending a small college about twenty-five miles away. He used the same interstate to go to school that his parents used to go to their little Catholic mission. One day their son John decided he should call his parents and give them a warning. He knew his parents would be on the same interstate. He called them, and told them “please be careful of a certain stretch of highway because a car was  driving  the  wrong way, against the traffic.” His parents called him back. “Thanks for the call,” they said. “But it’s not just one car,” they said. They’re all going the wrong way, except for us.”

Sometimes when the Lord says, “go, get on the road and help me,” we may be faced with all kinds of opposite traffic. It may be our mistake that we go against the traffic. Or it may be that the traffic in that area will always go against us.

St. Anthony of Padua was born in Lisbon, Portugal in 1185 and died in 1231. He was well educated at the “cathedral school.” He joined the Augustinian order of canons but was disappointed with the direction of the order. It seemed he and they were at cross purposes. He joined the Franciscans, took the habit, and then sailed to Morocco where he wished to minister to the local people. But the “traffic” was against him. He fell ill and was forced to go back to Europe, this time to Assisi. When he was called upon to preach, the friars discovered his great
abilities. St. Francis of Assisi, himself, assigned Anthony to teach at Bologna and again, to Montpellier, Limoges, and then became the Provincial Superior of Bologna in 1227. He spent the short balance of his life, four years, at Padua where he preached and taught. He was canonized one year after his death in 1232 and was later declared “doctor of the church” (1946).

It seemed that what Anthony wanted, that is, to go to Morocco and be a missionary, or to preach in the Alps of northern Italy to regain the heretics there, [it seemed] his wishes never worked out. He was always running counter to traffic. However, when he was sent by his superiors to do ministry, everything worked out fine. It seemed that God was speaking through them. Because of his obedient, simple life,  Anthony became a living saint.

As a saint, Anthony is invoked to return lost items.   I  recall   a   real  incident  where  a  book of psalms, which Anthony was using in the classroom, was stolen by a student. Anthony’s prayers alarmed the student. The student saw an apparition. It was a warning. The student returned the book. What was lost was found.

Anthony is known for his concern for the poor, although he rarely ministered to large numbers of poor people; but he prayed for them. People would give alms for the poor which were known as, “St. Anthony’s Bread.”  Although his contact with mothers was limited, he is known to have protected pregnant mothers by his prayers, and is often depicted with the Holy Child Jesus in his arms as an indication of his concern unborn and for newborn children. Also, the Holy Child Jesus that Anthony holds was understood to be a reward from Jesus for Anthony’s child-like innocence. He is also known as patron of travelers, although he rarely traveled far from his places of living. There is one dramatic moment  in  his  life  as  recorded  in  the Franciscan Chronicles, chapt. 24, verse #21, that once, when carrying the blessed sacrament in procession, near his little church, a resentful heretic and townsperson yelled profanities against the sacrament and proceeded to verbally abuse Anthony. All the yelling caused a nearby mule to unfetter itself. The mule headed toward the sacrament to the surprise of everyone. The mule suddenly knelt before the sacrament and would not move until all the yelling was over. The heretic was overcome by the sheer  sacredness  of  the scene. Anthony processed on to where he was supposed to go, in the local church, to preach and teach.

Our scripture: The prophet Isaiah assures us that the Lord will give joy and comfort to all His servants. Servants are those who go, and do the will of the Lord. [Isaiah 66: 10-14c].

Paul’s letter to the Galatians remind us that true servants of the Lord never boast of their own accomplishments.  They  boast  of  the  power of the
“cross,” the power of dying to selfishness and sin and relying on the singular power of Jesus, to bring transforming, holy change to a fallen world. [Galatians 6: 14-18].

So we pray:  Lord Jesus, You call, we follow. Sometimes we confuse our purpose and Your purpose. Sometimes we go against “traffic” and wonder why? Lord Jesus, gently guide us to Your purpose, to preach Your way. You gave Anthony of Padua power in his prayer, power in his preaching, and power in his example. He founded no missions, built no churches, and made no great journeys. He taught and evangelized simply, and in simple places, in the small friaries where he lived. Might we not have the grace to do the same? A favor we ask in Jesus’ name who lives forever and ever. Amen.

Rev. A. J. Geraci
St. Paul Parish
Yellow Springs, OH

“Lord, do you want us to call down fire from heaven to consume them?” [Luke 9: 54].

Fast forwarding to our times, there are groups of people who do not like Christ or the Christian religion. They have emerged as the darlings of the New York Times. They are on the best seller lists. They want to remove the “idiots” of society who spread the “poison of religion.” These darlings are the notable authors called the New Atheists.

Sam Harris has written a book entitled, “The End of Faith.” Christopher Hitchens has written a book entitled, “God is not Great, How Religion Poisons Everything.” Richard Dawson has written a book entitled, “The God Delusion.” The new atheists say that they represent the inevitable future of “rational and   scientific   humanity”  which  will  replace  “the
irrational/religious humanity.” Their strategy and tactics have become focused and forceful.

Hitchens and Dawson have announced plans to arrest Pope Benedict XVI during his pastoral visit to England this coming September (2010). They accuse Pope Benedict of “crimes against humanity” because of the child abuse issue. This is a platform for new atheists to tout as they grow in attention.

In July 2008, a biology professor, Paul Z. Meyers, of the University of Minnesota declared, “Nothing must be held sacred. Question everything. God is not great. Jesus is not your Lord, you are not disciples . . .” His message was announced on his blog. He claimed also to have desecrated a consecrated host while making his remarks.

We are seeing the onset of “Blasphemy Day” which first occurred in 2009. Blasphemy Day included an event called “trade your bibles for pornography.” There is even an event to “de-baptize” believers by using hair dryers.

Is all this occurring because belief in God is on the upswing in America and in Europe (especially after many years of decline in Europe following WWII)?

Hitchens has four premises: 1) Religion and religious faith misrepresents the origin of humankind; that there is no creator who created the universe and life. 2) Religion makes humanity a slave. There is no freedom. 3) Religion is the result of sexual repressions, the inability to really express sex-ual relations. 4) Religion is wishful thinking about life after death.

Our consistent answers are: 1) That there is a power beyond all forces, a wisdom beyond all thinking, a truth beyond all reasoning, a calm beyond all chaos, a prime mover and creator who is uncreated. What is more is that every culture in the world has expressed a desire for union with that power, the power beyond, the uncreated creator. 2) No  freedom:   We   answer   that   Jesus   really  did
understand humanity and following His ways gives freedom. 3) Sexual repression: Sex/sexuality can be a chaotic power. Each of us needs some ordering of our reproductive habits in ways that respect the man, the woman, the child, and all of nature. Used the wrong way sexuality destroys. Used the right way it is life giving. Connected to Jesus, our ultimate good, this power gives life. Disconnected from ultimate good we can destroy each other. This is Paul’s message in his letter to the Galatians, the second reading. 4) Life after death is mysterious and beautiful. In Faith we believe that one person did come back from the dead in order to lead all from death to life. Moving on:

New atheists share a common cause, to ban “religious principles, expressions, art, words, and symbols” everywhere. It is not a simple matter or removing the word, “God” from the Pledge of Allegiance. The very word and idea of “God” would be removed from all parts of the American culture or government.  Parents  would  not  be  able to raise their children in “faith.” Religion is something that the new atheists want silenced. [See The Catholic Answer, July-August 2010].

“Lord do you want us to call down fire from heaven to consume them?” [Luke 9: 54-55]. Jesus rebukes the disciples and says, “no.” Jesus is implying that the unbelievers will come around just as Elisha came around to following Elijah. [First Kings 19: 19-21].

Jesus for His part invites many to follow. Jesus hears a reply, “let me go bury my father, or say farewell to my family.” These are backhanded responses. The first excuse means the father, most likely, had another twenty years to live before the father would die. It was a polite, but backhanded “No Thank You” to Jesus. The second excuse about the family, most likely, is that the wife is not yet dead and that she and the family come first, before Jesus. Many people today do the same thing. “No thank you. Not yet Lord, not yet, if ever.”

So we pray:  Lord, Your challenge means a  commitment from us to follow. Lord Jesus, there will always be people of disbelief. Show us by Your love how to convey the reality, the truth, the wisdom and eternal beauty that is You. Help us to share ultimate Love, wisdom and truth with all humanity as You did, Lord. In your name we pray for You live forever and ever. Amen.

[See, “Who are the new Atheists?” by Robert Lakwood, The Catholic Answer V24, #3, p6-8, July, August 2010.]

Rev. A. J. Geraci

St. Paul Church

Yellow Springs, OH

St. Paul’s Catholic Church
Minutes of the Parish Pastoral Council of St. Paul’s Parish
June 21, 2010
7:00 P.M., the Undercroft, Yellow Springs, OH

1. Call to Order & Faith Formation: 7:00 PM -Father Tony
2. Introduction of Guests: Norma Lewis
3. Present:  Gretchen Beers, Bob Furlong, Joyce Robinson, Jo Dunphy, Beth Paciorek, Dolores Sizemore, John Feltz, Deacon Paul, Gail Chambers, Jon Paul Rion, Ken Struewing, Suzann Blanton.
4. Approval/Correction of Minutes of: Not Applicable
5. Old and Pending Business
   1. Discussion Regarding Offer for 310 Phillips – A counter offer of 268, 000 was made by the seller. The county tax evaluation is $208,160.  A donation of 15,000 was made for the purchase of the home. Discussed making an offer of 240,000. A motion was made by John Feltz to reserve countering the sellers counter offer until the July 6, 2010 PPC meeting. Bob Furlong seconded. A second motion was made by John Feltz for Jo Dunphy to communicate to the Seller’s realtor that the PPC has only approved 225,000. Jo Dunphy will communicate to seller’s realtor that we are investigating building on to the POB. The offer will be resubmitted at 225,000. A response is expected in 72 hours.
6. New Business – Not Applicable
7. Commission Reports: These reports were not discussed.
   1. Building & Grounds –
   2. Cemetery – Ken Struewing
   3. Education – Beth Paciorek
   4. Finance – John Feltz
   5. Worship – Joyce Robinson
   6. Youth Ministry – Robbie Marion
8. 9. Matters for the Good of the Parish: Not Applicable
9. 10. Pastor’s Comments: Not Applicable
10. 11. Verification of Next Meeting – July 6, 2010, 7:00 PM in the Undercroft
11. 12. Adjournment and Closing Prayer

Respectfully Submitted,

Suzann Blanton

Download Homily (pdf)

Preface: The information in the following homily will be useful when you, your neighbors and friends are talking about why we Catholics so deeply respect the role of St. Peter, which is lived out in the role of the pope. When you are having your afternoon pickles and tea you will have some scripture quotes to help you. The following homily has a number of scripture citations.

The most important Apostle, most significant Apostles is St. Peter. My statement is not based on hearsay, that is, unsubstantiated information. My comment is based on the teaching of scripture. Our knowledge of St. Peter, his life, personality and death is chiefly derived from the four gospels, the Acts of the Apostles, and the Epistle to the Galatians. There are also two epistles attributed to St. Peter. According to the Gospel written by John 1: 44, Peter was a native of Bethsaida, a town near Lake Tiberias, also known as the Sea of Galilee [John 1: 35-42]. St. Andrew, brother of Peter, introduces Peter to Jesus. Jesus gives Peter an Aramaic name equivalent to the Greek word Petros. It is Cephas. Both words mean “rock.”

Peter and Andrew are fishermen. But Jesus commands Peter to follow as a “fisher of men.” [Matthew 5: 19-20].

Peter is described as belonging to a smaller inner group of disciples, the twelve, the Twelve Apostles, and within that group a core group of three, Peter, James, and John. The core group of Peter, James, and John witness the raising of Jairus’s daughter [Mt. 9: 18-26]; the Transfiguration [Mt. 17: 1-8]; and they witness the Agony in the Garden [Mt. 26: 37].

In all of the lists of the Apostles, Peter is named first  although  it  was  Andrew  who knew Jesus first. [See Matthew 10: 2, Mark 3: 16, Luke 6: 13-16, and Acts 1: 13].

We call this firstness “primacy”. The primacy of St. Peter continues through the ministry of the Bishop of Rome, the pope.

In today’s gospel according to Luke [9: 18-24], the central passage of the gospel reading is called the “confession of Peter.” The word confession here means a profession. It’s Peter’s profession of faith and belief in Jesus who is Christ (the anointed one of God, Saviour, Redeemer Messiah, Son of God). Peter’s profession of faith in Jesus is also found in Mark 8: 27-30 and Matthew 16: 16. In Matthew’s account (16-18)  the  Lord  Jesus  adds  the  words, “You are Peter and on this rock I will build my Church.” The passage (Matthew 16: 18 and following) also includes the power to bind and to loose in heaven and on earth through the power of the keys, the keys of the kingdom of God.

St. Peter and St. John are entrusted with the preparations  for  the  Last  Supper.  During  the Last Supper, the Lord Jesus reaffirms the pre-eminence of Peter by praying for Peter [Luke 22: 31]. And while Peter boasts that he will never abandon the Lord Jesus, Jesus predicts a threefold denial [Matthew 26: 33 f.]. After the resurrection St. Peter is made to profess his love in Jesus, three times, at the Sea of Tiberias/Galilee and receives a charge from Jesus to feed His lambs and sheep. [John 21: 15-19].

After the Ascension Peter immediately exercises leadership to help choose a replacement for Judas [Acts 1: 15-22].

On the day of Pentecost it is St. Peter who is preaching and the first of the Apostles to cause miracles in the name of Jesus [Acts 2: 14-41 and 3: 1-10]. Even Peter’s shadow heals the sick [Acts 5: 15].

Peter leads the Council of Jerusalem along with James [Acts 15: 7-11] and help to formulate a compromise, to open the Church to Gentiles.

Peter becomes founder of the Church in Antioch and ordains Ignatius of Antioch to continue his ministry. Peter moves to Rome, founds the Church there and is followed by Paul. [See Romans 15: 20-22].

The third bishop of Rome, successor to Peter, was Clement, pope/bishop in the year 96 ad. Clement   wrote  many   letters.  In  the  letter  titled, I Clement, chapter 5, Clement claims both Peter and Paul as outstanding heroes of faith, who founded the Church of Rome, exercised special authority, and started Episcopal succession, that is, they ordained Bishops to take their place. The biblical scholar and theologian, Origen of Alexandria (185-254 ad) tells us that Peter requested to be crucified upside down. This was done  under  the  Emperor  Nero  in  64  ad. Peter’s request to be crucified upside down grew out of his sense of unworthiness to be crucified right-side up like Jesus. There could be only one Jesus and one crucifixion like that of Jesus.

St. Peter is noted by historians and scripture scholars as the source of information behind the gospel of St. Mark. St. Mark’s gospel is the oldest synoptic gospel and the oldest of all four gospels. The words that describe events, where St. Peter is included, are some of the oldest used in the gospel of Mark.

When the prophet Zachariah, our first reading, prophesied the suffering of the Messiah, who is from the House and lineage of David, Zachariah is pointing to Jesus, known by St. Peter, denied by St. Peter, and loved by St. Peter. When St. Paul, in his letter to the Galatians, is speaking of the inclusion of Jews and Greeks, that is, the inclusion of the Jews and Gentiles, in the plan of salvation, by baptism
into Jesus Christ, Peter was there, part of the process   of   including   all   humanity  in  that plan. And in the gospel it is Peter who reveals the true, divine nature of Jesus. [Luke 9: 18-21].

For more on the role of St. Peter and the Papacy, note the Council of Chalcedon 451 AD and Pope Leo I.

So we pray:  Lord Jesus, the leadership of Peter is still with us, exercised in the ministry of Pope Benedict. Bless Pope Benedict and help him keep the Church together. Help him to keep its teaching pure and our practices true to Jesus as St. Peter did. We pray through Jesus who lives forever and ever. Amen.

Rev. A.J. Geraci
St. Paul Church
Yellow Springs, OH