Jesus said: “My sheep hear my voice; I know them, and they follow me. I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish. No one can take them out of my hand.” (Jn 10:27-28) For the Lamb who is in the center of the throne will shepherd them and lead them to springs of life-giving water, and God will wipe away every tear from their eyes. (Rev. 7:17) This week is the Fourth Sunday in Easter, and it is traditionally known as “Good Shepherd Sunday” because of the Gospel reading today in which Jesus describes Himself as the Good Shepherd. We're all familiar with the images: Jesus standing, staff in hand, with the lamb across his shoulders. Or perhaps we think of Jesus sitting under a tree – a little lamb on his lap. These are beautiful images, but they are incomplete. For thousands of … [Read more...]
PLEASE SOUND OFF!
In February 2013 the Obama administration published a new “proposed rule” containing revisions to its earlier mandate requiring most health plans to cover contraception, sterilization and abortion-inducing drugs. These revisions did very little to correct the underlying problem with the mandate. A large number of religious organizations, including schools, colleges and universities, hospitals and charitable organizations will be forced to provide objectionable coverage. Businesses and individuals of faith will lose the right to provide health care coverage that respects their deeply held religious and moral convictions. The United States Conference of Catholic Bishops has expressed serious concerns about the new proposed rule and its violation of religious freedom. Public comments on … [Read more...]
John Paul II Exhibit
To Open at NOMA March 8 The Archdiocese invites everyone to visit the exhibit, Portrait of Faith: John Paul II in Life and Art, which opens Friday, March 8 and runs through Sunday, June 16, 2013 at the New Orleans Museum of Art. We're excited to have this opportunity to remind people of the deep faith of Blessed John Paul II. We encourage everyone to make plans to visit and reach out to people of all faiths to visit. For more information, visit www.JPIIinNOLA.com or call 866-608-4799. … [Read more...]
From the Pastor – April 14, 2013
When they had finished breakfast, Jesus said to Simon Peter, “Simon, son of John, do you love me more than these?” Simon Peter answered him, “Yes, Lord, you know that I love you.” Jesus said to him, “Feed my lambs.” He then said to Simon Peter a second time, “Simon, son of John, do you love me?” Simon Peter answered him, “Yes, Lord, you know that I love you.” Jesus said to him, “Tend my sheep.” Jesus said to him the third time, “Simon, son of John, do you love me?” Peter was distressed that Jesus had said to him a third time, “Do you love me?” and he said to him, “Lord, you know everything; you know that I love you.” Jesus said to him, “Feed my sheep.” (Jn 21:15-17) Simon Peter is one the most intriguing characters in the New Testament. Unlike people like John the Baptist, … [Read more...]
From the Pastor – April 7, 2013
Jesus came, although the doors were locked, and stood in their midst and said, “Peace be with you.” Then he said to Thomas, “Put your finger here and see my hands, and bring your hand and put it into my side, and do not be unbelieving, but believe.” Thomas answered and said to him, “My Lord and my God!” Jesus said to him, “Have you come to believe because you have seen me? Blessed are those who have not seen and have believed.” (Jn 21-26-29) We call him “Doubting Thomas,” but the words spoken by Thomas after he touched the hands and side of Jesus are the most important of John's Gospel because they form a literary “inclusion” with the very first words of the Gospel. In John 1:1 we read: “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.” And then that … [Read more...]
From the Pastor – March 24, 2013
It was now about noon and darkness came over the whole land until three in the afternoon because of an eclipse of the sun. Then the veil of the temple was torn down the middle. Jesus cried out in a loud voice, “Father, into your hands I commend my spirit”; and when he had said this he breathed his last. (Lk. 23:44-46) “Palm Sunday of the Lord's Passion” begins Holy Week. If you have never really experienced all of the services of Holy Week, consider doing so this year. Commemorating the events of the Lord's Suffering and Death help us to have a greater understanding of the importance of the Easter Resurrection. Jesus had to suffer and die before he rose. On Holy Thursday we will celebrate the Mass of the Lord's Supper at 7:00pm, which commemorates the night when Jesus instituted … [Read more...]
From the Pastor – March 17, 2013
While he was still a long way off, his father caught sight of him, and was filled with compassion. He ran to his son, embraced him and kissed him. (Lk 15:20) I'm writing this column from Rome, where I have been blessed to be able to witness the historic election of his Holiness, Pope Francis. It is been a time of great expectation and great joy. Although I think we will learn a lot about Pope Francis as the days go on, I do want to share three small thoughts that have come to me over the last few days. First of all, I need to help you understand the peace that filled Piazza San Pietro on the occasion of the announcement. Many "heard" on television the moment of silent prayer that Pope Francis called for. But it was more than a "moment of silence" that we sometimes experience at a … [Read more...]
Five Finger Prayer Guide
Here is a simple prayer that has been attributed to Pope Francis, which he wrote as a Cardinal. It's called the “five finger prayer guide.“ 1. The thumb is the closest finger to you. So start praying for those who are closest to you. They are the persons easiest to remember. To pray for our dear ones is a “sweet obligation.” 2. The next finger is the index. Pray for those who teach you, instruct you and heal you. They need the support and wisdom to show direction to others. Always keep them in your prayers. 3. The following finger is the tallest. It reminds us of our leaders, the governors and those who have authority. They need God's guidance. 4. The fourth finger is the ring finger. Even that it may surprise you, it is our weakest finger. It should remind us to pray for … [Read more...]
From the Pastor – March 10, 2013
While he was still a long way off, his father caught sight of him, and was filled with compassion. He ran to his son, embraced him and kissed him. (Lk 15:20) When we hear the Gospel for this Sunday, our mind immediately identifies it as the “Parable of the Prodigal Son.” It's so familiar that we could probably recite it from memory and likely explain it to others. We call the son “prodigal” because what he did was “prodigious” meaning “extraordinary in size and degree.” Calling someone a “prodigious” spender means they are a person who spends a lot of money. And the son is call “prodigal” because he spent his money with a wasteful extravagance. Our eyes tend to be fixed on the prodigal son rather than on the father or the other son. He's the protagonist. He's the one who carries … [Read more...]
