Reflection from Bp. Robert Morneau
“Nothing is so beautiful as spring” – the first line of Gerard Manley Hopkins’s poem entitled “Spring.” He goes on to share such images as weeds and thrush’s eggs and glassy pear tree leaves and racing lambs and echoing timber. Then he raises a question: “What is all this juice and all this joy?”
This is the juice and joy of creation. And even though we have messed it up (“sour with sinning,” Hopkins says), yet creation and human history is worthy of God’s redemptive love. So Jesus came into our springs and summers, our autumns and winters, to journey with us and to help us see what is beautiful despite all the ugliness that we have to deal with.
On May 27, we will celebrate Pentecost, the great gift of the Holy Spirit. It is this Spirit who helps us to see, who enkindles us to be on fire with love, who empowers us to hear and live God’s word. The Holy Spirit is God’s juice and joy; the Holy Spirit is God’s self-giving gift.
Happy Spring!!!
Reflection from Bp. Robert Morneau
In her novel O Pioneers, Willa Cather writes: “There are only two or three human stories, and they repeat themselves as fiercely as if they had never happened before; like the larks in this country that have been singing the same five notes over for thousands of years.”
The two stories that run throughout history are probably the story of Cain who in the Book of Genesis killed his brother Abel. The other story is probably that of Mary, the mother of Jesus, who did God’s will in accepting the call to become the mother of our Lord. Only two stories: either doing God’s will or not.
As for the “same five notes” that the lark sings about, what are the notes that we sing? Maybe they are the following: birth, growth, decisions, diminishment, and death. Herein seems to be the cycle of life. But because of Easter, there is a sixth note that the larks must learn how to sing: the note of resurrection. For those who believe in Christ, death is not the final note but just the one next to the last.
We are all pioneers on this planet Earth; we are all pilgrims. We and the larks must keep singing our song.
Reflection from Bp. Robert Morneau
Many of us remember from our childhood days the proverb that if the month of March comes in like a lion, it will go out like a lamb. Lions and Lambs! Two of God’s interesting creatures.
In the prophet Isaiah there are several references to the lion/lamb pairing. In Isaiah 11:6, we hear that one day the wolf will dwell with the lamb, and that the calf and the young lion will mature together. Then in Isaiah 64:25, we are told that the wolf and the lamb will graze together and the lion will eat straw like the ox. I can just hear all the historical realists saying: “I think not!”
The issue here is whether or not, in God’s great Kingdom of justice and peace, of truth and love, all the aggressiveness of nature and human life will come to an end. Or, as some might say, the wolf will always devour the lamb and the lion will never eat together with the calf. Just as among animals there seems to be a built in animosity, so too among people of different languages, traditions, and cultures there seems to be eternal conflict.
The prophet holds out to us another vision. So as we watch March come in (whether as a lion with fierce winds or like a lamb in soft gentleness), we might take a moment of quiet prayer and ask God to bring his Kingdom about in our hearts and in our world.
Reflection from Bp. Robert Morneau
Do you ever wonder who decides what our monthly celebrations and observances should be? I mean, why is February “National Caffeine Addiction Month?” Then there is, in February, “Return Shopping Carts to the Supermarket Month.” Add to this “Potato Lover’s Month” and “Bird Feeding Month.” Where do these come from?
I have no trouble with Lincoln’s birthday on Feb. 12th and Washington’s birthday on February 22nd. There is some logic here. More difficult is Feb. 2 (Groundhog Day) and Feb. 14 (Valentine Day).
Hopefully, this question of February celebrations and observances will not cause sleeplessness. One thing we can be assured of: February is another gift from God – the gift of time, to be used well. We need not be lovers of potatoes or watch birds, we need not be overly concerned about shopping carts or the groundhog appearance or not. But we are called to treasure the time God’s given us and to use it well. Come February 22nd we begin again the season of Lent. February invites to set our eyes on the Easter mystery (April 8th) and to come to this celebration with minds and hearts renewed.
New Year’s Reflection from Bp. Robert Morneau
For some reason, I like the word osmosis. It has a ring to it that rivals the word sauerkraut. But what is osmosis? According to my little Merriam-Webster Dictionary, we read: “movement of a solvent through a semi permeable membrane into a solution of higher concentration that tends to equalize the concentrations of the solutions on either side of the membrane” – I think I’m getting a headache.
Then I came across this sentence from Aelred Squire’s Asking the Fathers: “Like a little drop of water in a quantity of wine, or red-hot iron in the burning flame, we take on the character of that in which we are immersed.” That’s it! That’s osmosis made visible. We become what we get next to.
We venture into a new year, 2012. One of the most important things will be our decisions of what we allow in our minds and hearts. The books we read, the movies we watch, the companions we select, will, (“osmostically”) get inside us and shape our days. A drop on water in wine knows this; a piece of iron in a fire knows this; and, if we are wise, we will know too the power of osmosis in our lives.
Birthday in Bethlehem
Twenty years ago, the idea for the first “Birthday in Bethlehem” program was born in the hearts of two moms who desired to have their children celebrate the true meaning of Christmas by acting out the story of the birth of the Christ Child. It was enthusiastically received from the parents of the children involved in the program.
It is not a large commitment, but one that is worthwhile as well as gratifying. We are asking you to consider getting involved by encouraging your child to participate in the program and then volunteering to assist in one of the areas on the attached sheet. But first, a little bit about the program itself.
The twentieth annual “Birthday in Bethlehem” program will be presented on Saturday, December 10 at 10:00 AM in church by the 3rd and 4th graders of Resurrection Parish. The program consists of acting out of the Nativity and singing Christmas Carols. “Birthday in Bethlehem” on December 10 will consist of the play (about 20 minutes), followed by a birthday celebration (cupcakes and family art project) for the entire family in the cafeteria.
The story of the birth of Jesus has been carried on down through the ages by its telling and retelling. Help make this story become real to your child by encouraging him or her to participate in this memorable event, on December 10. please do not hesitate to call.
Reflection from Bp. Robert Morneau
November offers each of us the opportunity to once again give thanks for the blessings that come our way. Here are a few that come to mind.
November 1: Feast of All Saints. Within our rich Catholic tradition we have a great band of witnesses who lived the Gospel to the full: St. Augustine who reminded us that “Our hearts are restless until they rest in the Lord!”; St. Therese of Liseux who, though dead by age twenty-four, shared her faith in a God who is Mercy and Love; St. Josephine Bakhita who experienced God as creating, knowing, loving and awaiting her. The saints light the way on our way home.
November 2: All Soul’s Day. We pause to remember and pray for all those who have been part of our family, community, and inner circle. So many of our acquaintances have beaten us to our heavenly dwelling. We cannot afford to forget them; we cannot afford to be ungrateful for all that they have done for us.
November 11: Veteran’s Day. We live in a free country, a freedom that has been purchased at a very high cost. The word here is sacrifice, even to the point of giving one’s life. Those who serve in the military deserve our profound appreciation. We need but view the cemetery at Normandy to have visual evidence of the price that was paid for our freedom.
November 13: World Kindness Day. A phrase from the poet George Herbert says it all: “All worldly joy go less / to the one joy of doing kindnesses.”
November 24: Thanksgiving Day. Oh, yes, the Packer-Lion game as well. But at the center of this Thursday is the table where we share a meal together and give thanks to God for the gifts that we have been given: family-friends-freedom-faith and so much more. Except for turkeys, this is one great day.
Blessed November!
Several years ago, when the Packers, Brewers, and Badgers were not doing well at all, I received a Confirmation letter for a high school junior: “Dear Bishop, for many years now I have been an avid Badger, Packer, and Brewer fan. As you know, they are having a very difficult year. Despite this, I have not lost my faith!” It is a good thing that our relationship with God is not determined by the success or failure of our teams.
In this month of October we celebrate some of the great saints who had a deep faith despite the fact that it was often tested by illness, suffering, and failures. St. Therese of the Child Jesus (Oct. 1) died at age twenty-four after a horrendous illness; St. Francis of Assisi (Oct. 4) had to deal with a divided community and misunderstandings; St. Teresa of Jesus (Oct. 15) knew the dark night of the soul; St. John de Brebeuf and St. Isaac Jogues (Oct. 19) were martyrs here in North America as they were doing their missionary work.
Discipleship has a cost. Faith will be tested. But we have the assurance, the blessed assurance, that God’s promise of presence will be realized. So if our Brewers, Packers, and Badgers falter, God will not. Of that we can be assured.
Reflection from Bp. Robert Morneau
Please join our parish community for Autumn Fest. Beginning with our outdoor Mass at 10:00 AM (weather permitting), we lift up our minds and hearts to God for the gifts God has given to us, especially the gift of the Sunday Supper, the Eucharist. In this sacrament, Jesus is with us in word, in communion, in the community. Just as at the Autumn Fest we can rejoice and have fun together with games, good food, and fellowship, so too we share the other moments of our lives when pain, suffering and death come upon us. As a pilgrim people, we share the whole of it, the whole of life. Special thanks to Mary Meisinger and her crew for all they do. Special thanks to all of you who shared auction items, your time and talent, and your financial resources. Autumn Fest is another example of good stewardship, this way of life by which we express our discipleship in the Lord Jesus.
Have you registered for Study It Nights yet? Generations of Disciples Study it Night will begin on Wednesday, September 14. To register online or for more information go to www.gbres.org/faith formation.
Reflection from Bp. Robert Morneau
Bp. Robert Morneau
Have you ever wondered who decides how days are chosen in each month to celebrate particular people or events? Who decided that August 22 would be Tooth Fairy Day, or August 11 Son’s and Daughter’s Day, or August 7 National Lighthouse Day, or August 12 Left-Hander’s Day?
Be that as it may, I would like to thank whoever it was who named the first Sunday of August Friendship Day and August 22 Be An Angel Day and August 15 the Feast of the Assumption.
Is there any greater gift in life than friendship? One theologian, Thomas Aquinas, maintained that grace is friendship with God (amacitia Dei). And then to have an angel in our life, be it a guardian one or a human one who is there in time of joy and sorrow. Add to this the gift of Mary, mother of the Church, who was taken up into heaven to be the queen of all creation.
August is filled with great celebration. Oh, yes, there is one more: the annual Sauerkraut Festival at St. Mary’s Parish in the metropolitan area of Bear Creek (pop. 400). And, yes, at which there is a Sauerkraut Queen, a local damsel of incredible beauty!
Reflection from Bp. Robert Morneau
One of the most significant dates on our Resurrection calendar occurs on July 17 when we have our annual golf outing. Both the PGA and the LPGA are jealous of this event. Their members have consistently failed to qualify. Our standards here are far too low.
In checking the Internet, I discovered that July 17 is also Cow Appreciation Day, Shark Awareness Day, and Toss Away the ‘Could Haves’ and ‘Should Haves’ Day. At our outing for the last five years all I would hear at the banquet, subsequent to our having brought the golf course to its knees, is “could have gotten a birdie” or “should have been given that putt.”
But lest we become too egoistical in being consumed with our July 17th major tournament, we must not forget other July dates that deserve our attention: “National Get Out of the Doghouse Day” on July 19 and, then on July 27, “Take Your Houseplant For a Walk Day.” As coach John Wooden tells us in his game-plan for life: “Make each day your masterpiece.” That includes every day of July and beyond.
Reflection from Bp. Robert Morneau
During Lent I received an e-mail from someone out East who shared with me a Holy Thursday reflection. Reference was made to Jesus’ indiscriminate love and forgiveness and how some graced people over the centuries have imitated these qualities. Specific reference was made regarding a small piece of wrapping paper found in the Ravensbruck concentration camp for women from the Second World War. Here are the words:
O Lord, remember not only the men and women of good will,
but also those of ill will. But do not remember all the suffering
they inflicted upon us; remember instead the fruits we have
brought thanks to this suffering – our comradeship, our loyalty,
our humility, the courage, the generosity, the greatness of heart
which has grown out of this suffering. And when they come to
judgment, let all the fruits that we have borne be their forgiveness.
Another piece of paper was found from a train heading toward another concentration camp.
The words simply read: “Tell them we left singing.”
What nobility here. In the face of suffering, to offer forgiveness; in the face of certain death, to continue to sing.
Reflection from Bp. Robert Morneau
Picture of Bp. Robert Morneau
Here is an April question worth pondering: “What is there to be loved and desired if friendship is not?” (St. Francis de Sales)
Part of our Catholic tradition is the awareness that grace is essentially friendship with God. In John’s Gospel, Jesus informs us that for those who keep the commandments we are no longer servants, but friends of God. That friendship is a supreme gift, one that transforms our thinking, our feeling, and our living. St. Paul experienced this reality as he tells us that he considers all loss in the face of his relationship to Christ.
During these days of Lent leading up to Easter, we are invited once again to recognize and deepen that friendship with God. We do so by lifting our minds and hearts to God in prayer, by reaching out to those in need, be they near or far away, by acts of self-denial that frees up energy to be for others. But again, friendship is not something we earn or merit; rather, it is a gift, but one that must be both nurtured and protected.
Friends see the same thing and have similar values; friends sacrifice their own wants to the needs of others; friends know the mystery of joy and peace. Come Easter we will hear again the Risen Lord saying to the fearful disciples in the upper room: “Peace be with you. Receive the Holy Spirit.” And their friendship is once again restored.
Reflection from Bp. Robert Morneau
Picture of Bp. Robert Morneau
Who was your favorite teacher? What lessons did that mentor share with you? Surely, one of the greatest gifts in life is the presence of a parent or grandparent, an instructor or a friend, a saint or a prophet, who shared some truth that changed our lives. We do well to pause and recall that insight or piece of wisdom or adage, and give thanks.
On a March day back in 1958, Msgr. Richard Maufort (former rector of the Cathedral and pastor at St. Agnes) taught our Latin class a prayer. We had to memorize it both in Latin and in English. Here it is:
Actiones nostras quaesumus, Domine, aspirando praeveni
et adjuvando prosequere: ut cuncta nostra oratio et
operatio a te semper incipiat et per te coepta finiatur
per Christum Dominum nostrum. Amen.
Direct, we beseech Thee, O Lord, all our actions by your divine
inspiration and carry them out through gracious assistance,
so that every prayer and work of ours may be begin from Thee
and through Thee be happily ended. We ask this through
Christ our Lord. Amen.
I pause during this month of March to give thanks to Msgr. Maufort for this gift, for this grace.
Bishop’s Appeal Kick Off Weekend – February 5-6
Bishop’s Appeal Kick Off Weekend – February 5-6
Through the Bishop’s Appeal, we are able to put a face onto the Church as we seek to serve and give that hope to those searching for Jesus and His love. In our Diocese we are blessed to have thousands of Faces of Faith who bring hope to people of all ages. Those faces may be a catechist sharing their faith with the support of our diocesan Education Department. It may be the face of a member of our Catholic Charities team who assists a family struggling with the loss of a job. Last year the Catholic Charities Financial Health program increased by 21% and helped many additional families. In our parishes, it is the face of our priests, parish directors, religious and lay ministers who directly minister to our spiritual needs. Your support of the Bishop’s Appeal has helped tremendously with training for parish directors, deacons, and lay ministers who become the face of Christ to parishioners throughout northeastern Wisconsin.
Your gift to the Bishop’s Appeal is one important way that you become part of the many Faces of Faith that help spread the light of Christ. Thank you so much for all your generous support in the past and please prayerfully consider making a gift this year to the Bishop’s Appeal 2011.