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Catholic Man Moment: The Power to Forgive Sins and Bring People Back to God.

Gospel - Matthew 16:13-19

When Jesus went into the region of Caesarea Philippi he asked his disciples, “Who do people say that the Son of Man is?” They replied, “Some say John the Baptist, others Elijah, still others Jeremiah or one of the prophets.” He said to them, “But who do you say that I am?” Simon Peter said in reply, “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.” Jesus said to him in reply, “Blessed are you, Simon son of Jonah. For flesh and blood has not revealed this to you, but my heavenly Father. And so I say to you, you are Peter, and upon this rock I will build my Church, and the gates of the netherworld shall not prevail against it. I will give you the keys to the Kingdom of heaven. Whatever you bind on earth shall be bound in heaven; and whatever you loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven.”

This excerpt is from the Bible, specifically from the book of Matthew, chapter 16. It's a conversation between Jesus and his disciple Peter.

**Jesus calls Peter the "Son of the Living God"**

Jesus tells Peter that he has faith in him, and that faith is not just from humans, but from God. This means that Peter's understanding of Jesus is not just from what he's learned, but from a personal revelation from God.

**Jesus gives Peter a special role**

Jesus says that Peter is like a rock, and that he will build his community (called the church) on Peter. This means that Peter will be a foundation for the church, and that he will help guide it. The church is like a building, and Peter is the solid foundation that holds it together.

**The gates of death will not prevail**

Jesus says that the church will be strong and that the power of death will not be able to overcome it. This means that even though people may die, the church will continue to exist and grow.

**Jesus gives Peter the "keys to the kingdom of heaven"**

Jesus gives Peter the power to open and close the kingdom of heaven. This is a metaphor that comes from the Bible, where a key is used to unlock a door or a gate. In this case, the kingdom of heaven is like a door that is locked, and Jesus is giving Peter the power to open it.

**What does this mean?**

This means that Peter will have the authority to make decisions and take actions that will affect the church and its members. He will be able to guide the church and help it grow, and he will have the power to forgive sins and bring people back to God.

**A note on the language**

Some of the words and phrases used in this excerpt may be unfamiliar to you. Here are a few explanations:

* **Aramaic**: This is an ancient language that was spoken in the Middle East. Jesus and his disciples probably spoke Aramaic, and some of the words and phrases from this language are used in the Bible.

* **Kēpā'**: This is the Aramaic word for "rock" or "foundation". Jesus is saying that Peter is like a rock, and that he will be the foundation of the church.

* **Petros**: This is the Greek word for "rock" or "stone". Jesus is also using this word to describe Peter.

* **Hadēs**: This is the Greek word for "the netherworld" or "the abode of the dead". Jesus is saying that the power of death will not be able to overcome the church.

* **Excommunication**: This is a practice where a person is removed from the church community because of their actions or behavior. Jesus is giving Peter the power to forgive sins and bring people back to God, but he is not giving him the power to excommunicate people.

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Spiritual Nourishment: How Much is Enough?

Gospel - Luke 9:11b-17

Jesus spoke to the crowds about the kingdom of God, and he healed those who needed to be cured. As the day was drawing to a close, the Twelve approached him and said, "Dismiss the crowd so that they can go to the surrounding villages and farms and find lodging and provisions; for we are in a deserted place here." He said to them, "Give them some food yourselves." They replied, "Five loaves and two fish are all we have, unless we ourselves go and buy food for all these people." Now the men there numbered about five thousand. Then he said to his disciples, "Have them sit down in groups of about fifty." They did so and made them all sit down. Then taking the five loaves and the two fish, and looking up to heaven, he said the blessing over them, broke them, and gave them to the disciples to set before the crowd. They all ate and were satisfied. And when the leftover fragments were picked up, they filled twelve wicker baskets.

The Gospel passage from Luke 9:11-17 recounts Jesus' miraculous feeding of over five thousand people. It's only natural to assume that Jesus, who so generously provided for their physical needs, would also find a way to nourish his faithful followers spiritually on their journey to heaven.

Many of the five thousand were more interested in receiving material benefits from Jesus than in listening to his teachings. However, Jesus wanted to ensure that they didn't suffer unnecessarily, and so he provided for their physical needs.

As his followers, we've come to appreciate the value of Jesus' teachings and the promise of eternal life that he's given us. We strive to live according to his guidance and are working towards our ultimate goal of heaven. The fact that Jesus has provided for our spiritual nourishment, just as he did for the five thousand, is a testament to his kindness and generosity.

This truth is supported by centuries of Christian tradition, based on Jesus' own words as recorded in the Bible. Through the sacrament of the Mass, we can receive Jesus' sacred body and blood, soul and divinity, and experience spiritual nourishment.

While it may be difficult for us to fully understand why Jesus would do this for us, the answer is clear: it's a manifestation of his infinite love. Rather than trying to comprehend this mystery, we should focus on expressing our gratitude and making use of this gift as often as possible.

As Jesus himself said, "It is not the healthy who need the doctor but the sick" (Matthew 9:12). We Christians are often spiritually sick and in need of healing. Fortunately, we have a doctor who cares for us, and it's by following his guidance and using the spiritual nourishment he provides that we can overcome our weaknesses and stay on the path to heaven.

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A Message to Chicago from Pope Leo XIV.

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Catholic Man Moment: What’s Mine is Yours

Gospel

John 16:12-15

Jesus said to his disciples: "I have much more to tell you, but you cannot bear it now. But when he comes, the Spirit of truth, he will guide you to all truth. He will not speak on his own, but he will speak what he hears, and will declare to you the things that are coming. He will glorify me, because he will take from what is mine and declare it to you. Everything that the Father has is mine; for this reason I told you that he will take from what is mine and declare it to you."

The Gospel is from John 16:12-15. During his last supper with his disciples, Jesus promised to send them the Holy Spirit - a kind of helper and guide - to remind them of the truths he taught them. He repeats this promise today, saying that the Holy Spirit comes from both the Father and the Son, and that the truths he reveals will be the ones the Father and Son want us to know.

In St. Paul's letter to the Romans, we see a clear statement of the early Church's faith in the doctrine of the Blessed Trinity. It's based on Jesus' own words, who became human to save us. The thing is, our human minds can't fully wrap around this idea - it's a pretty mind-blowing concept. But we don't need to fully understand it to believe it. We just need to trust that Jesus is who he says he is, and that he's given us a way to share in God's own life.

Today, as we celebrate the three divine Persons, let's focus on saying thanks to each of them. Thanks to the loving Father, who created us and adopted us as his own children. Thanks to the all-obedient Son, who carried out the Father's plan and shared his humanity with us so we could share in his divinity. And thanks to the Holy Spirit, who comes to live in us and fill our hearts with a true love of God.

We know we're not worthy of this amazing gift, but that shouldn't stop us from being grateful and trying to show our appreciation in our daily lives. The Father, Son, and Holy Spirit know all our weaknesses, but they also know that we're capable of rising above them. And they'll exclude no one from their heaven - if we fail, it's because we didn't do what was asked of us.

Let's ask God the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit to give us the strength to overcome our weaknesses and live and die in their love, so we can share their eternal kingdom with them.

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A Father's Unwavering Love

Photo: Unstoppable - Copyright 2013 Frank J Casella.

By Frank J Casella, CMCS Executive Director

Men, how often do we make decisions based on human understanding rather than seeing things through the eyes of Christ? Do we have a switch that turns His love on and off, rather than being filled with it and allowing our plans to be guided by His? It's all about relationships, and as fathers, our relationships with our children and with the Lord Jesus are crucial.

I recall a weekend I spent with my son at a basketball tournament when he was a teenager. Initially, I rationalized that we would stay in a hotel due to the distance and cost, but in reality, I was trying to justify not spending quality time with him. I always ask for lessons from God in everything I do, but that weekend, He had a lesson in store for me that I hadn't planned for.

We all have the same amount of time; what differs is how we use it. We often prioritize work, household chores, and other responsibilities over relationships, which are the most important thing. While watching my son's game, he took a hard fall and was injured. As a father, I couldn't help but feel the overwhelming desire to take away his pain and carry it for him.

The Holy Spirit spoke to me, reminding me of 1 Peter 2:24-25: "He himself bore our sins in his body upon the cross, so that, free from sin, we might live for righteousness. By his wounds you have been healed. For you had gone astray like sheep, but you have now returned to the shepherd and guardian of your souls." The Lord's lesson was clear: Jesus envelops us with His loving arms, just as a father would with a young child. It's impossible to love Him more than He loves us.

A father's love for his child is just a glimpse of the Father's Love that the Lord Jesus has for us. Just as Jesus says, "I will never leave you nor forsake you," when we feel distant from God, it's because we've moved away from Him. As fathers, our relationship with our children should be an example of the love we have with the Lord. If not, what's holding us back?

Our primary job as dads is to guide our families to Heaven. Each child is unique, and developing a relationship with them takes time and effort. But the impact we have on our families can be profound, extending to three generations or more.

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Catholic Man Moment: Journey with the Holy Spirit

Gospel - John 20:19-23

On the evening of that first day of the week, when the doors were locked, where the disciples were, for fear of the Jews, Jesus came and stood in their midst and said to them, "Peace be with you." When he had said this, he showed them his hands and his side. The disciples rejoiced when they saw the Lord. Jesus said to them again, "Peace be with you. As the Father has sent me, so I send you." And when he had said this, he breathed on them and said to them, "Receive the Holy Spirit. Whose sins you forgive are forgiven them, and whose sins you retain are retained."

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Impact and Response: 2025 Bishop Perry's Chicago Catholic Men's Forum

Keynote Fr. Ryan Brady prays with the men for the close of his presentation at the Forum. 

[Listen to the recordings on the CMCS podcast archive here and here.] 

The Bishop Perry Chicago Catholic Men’s Forum 2025 was held on 31 May at Saint John Neumann Parish - North at the St. Anne Church site in Hazel Crest, Illinois. The Keynote speaker was Fr. Ryan Brady, Chicago Priest and Pastor at St. Christina Parish, and Chaplain for the Chicago Fire Departmet. His topic was about 'Holiness in our Ordinary Life'. 

A great group of about fifty men from across the Archdiocese of Chicago, and Midwest America, joined together to, as we say, feed our stomachs and then feed our Souls. A hot breakfast was served, and the closing Mass Celebrated by Monsenior Dennis Lyle many say was very meaningful, as well as the homily by Deacon James Norman, Vicar for Deacons. 

After the Keynote Presentation, the men were asked the two questions below to answer amongst each of their tables with a Forum (similar to a parish men's group) experience. These groups discussed each question and reported the response for their group, and the men where then able to categorize these into main themes. Fr. Ryan made bullet points from the responses as follows:

1. In my day to day life, what are the obstacles I find in doing the little things to grow in holiness?

2. What support do I need and what support can I offer to other men to grow in holiness?

Below are some of the response card comments from the men who attended this Men’s Forum:

'My first time, it was a joy and very peaceful, and soo good for men to come together in Christ.'

'Fr. Ryan shared what I had curiosity with in my faith.'

'Most excellent.' ....  'Profound.' .... 'Deeply meaningful.'

'Thank you CMCS for standing in the gap for Catholic men.'

'Best thing for me in several if not a decade of years!'

'Thank you, I think it's important that Catholic men gather to strengthen their faith and encourage evangelization.'

We would like to thank the Archdiocese of Chicago and Most Reverend Mark Bartosic for his support of CMCS and this event (as well as the stipend for Fr. Ryan). Thank you to Father Edmund Aristil, Pastor at St. John Neumann Parish, for opening his doors for us, as well as the CMCS-Donors who made this all possible. Last but not least, we thank Bishop Emeritus Joseph N Perry for his vision in making a dent on the Soles of many Catholic men for over the past two decades, as this would not happen without his long-time support of this apostolate.

And, I personally thank the CMCS Team for their hard work to make this event meaningful for the men attending: Deacon John Rangel, Deacon Alfred Coleman, Mr. Oscar Griffin, Jr., Mr. Terry Shelley. (And a special Thank You! to Deacon Norman for buying coffee!).

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Catholic Man Moment: How to Evangelize the World

Death can be tough, especially when it's someone close to you. As an atheist, you might think that when you die, it's really over - no more family, friends, or experiences. That can be a pretty bleak outlook.

But for those who believe in God and an afterlife, death is more like a transition. It's not the end, but a new beginning. That's what today's celebration, the Ascension of Jesus, is all about. It's the idea that we'll all rise from the dead with new bodies and head to heaven to live forever with our loved ones.

Of course, it's natural to feel sad when someone dies, even if you're a Christian. But knowing that they're in a better place can help ease the pain. And who doesn't want to live on forever with the people they love?

Death might seem like a door closed, but it's actually a doorway to eternal life. And it's only in heaven that we can truly live on forever with our loved ones.

So today, take a moment to look up and imagine Jesus ascending to heaven. Say thanks to God for creating you and giving you the chance to live a life that will lead to eternal happiness. Remember, we all have to suffer and face challenges in life, but those struggles can help us grow and prepare for the life to come.

When you pray for success, don't forget to ask for a good death too - one that's free from sin and at peace with God.

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Gospel - Luke 24:46-53

Jesus said to his disciples: “Thus it is written that the Christ would suffer and rise from the dead on the third day and that repentance, for the forgiveness of sins, would be preached in his name to all the nations, beginning from Jerusalem. You are witnesses of these things. And behold I am sending the promise of my Father upon you; but stay in the city until you are clothed with power from on high.”

Then he led them out as far as Bethany, raised his hands, and blessed them. As he blessed them he parted from them and was taken up to heaven. They did him homage and then returned to Jerusalem with great joy, and they were continually in the temple praising God.

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Find Purpose in Embracing Your Faith

By Frank J Casella, CMCS Co-founder and Execuitve Director.

When Men put God first, all else that matters falls into their proper place. Copyright Frank J Casella - frankjcasella.pixels.com

In his first Mass as the head of the Catholic Church, Pope Leo XIV presented a powerful message to the faithful, urging them to embody their joyful faith in Jesus Christ, the Savior, in a world where a lack of faith often leads to a sense of purposelessness. He emphasized the importance of living out one's faith in a world that frequently lacks meaning and faith, encouraging believers to share their faith with others as a beacon of hope and guidance. 

As Catholic men dedicated to living our faith intentionally, we must remember the assurance Jesus gave to his Apostles at the Last Supper, declaring, "I am the way, the truth, and the life" (Jn 14:6). This powerful statement continues to hold true for us today. It resonates with the core of the Catholic faith, providing believers with the reassurance that Jesus serves as the way, the truth, and the life for both the Apostles and us, guiding us through the challenges and uncertainties we face in life.

By embracing this truth, we can discover comfort, peace, and purpose in a world often in search of deeper meaning. As followers of Jesus, we are urged, even when it’s challenging, to be beacons of light and hope in a world that desperately needs it, sharing our faith with others as Jesus commanded. In doing so, we can positively influence those around us and foster a world that is more loving, compassionate, and just. As Catholic men, I believe, we possess a unique calling to exemplify how to live out our Faith, regardless of what contemporary culture dictates about manhood.

We should prioritize listening to others, especially to the voice of God. In a world brimming with various viewpoints and opinions, it’s crucial to develop the skill of being attentive to those around us. This practice allows us to embrace new ideas, experiences, and insights that can enhance our lives and expand our horizons.

It is essential that we prioritize the voice of God, which communicates with us in multiple ways—through prayer, scripture, and the soft whispers of the Holy Spirit. By tuning in to God's voice, we are reminded of our core values, our purpose, and our role in the world. This guidance helps us make decisions that reflect our faith and beliefs, providing us with comfort during periods of uncertainty and doubt.

When we take the time to listen to one another and to the voice of God, we can cultivate a more profound sense of community, compassion, and understanding, enabling us to lead lives of genuine authenticity and significance. Let us wholeheartedly heed Pope Leo's call for a missionary outreach, inviting us to share the Gospel in our world and extend the love of Christ to all.

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Catholic Man Moment: Who Is Your Advocate?

The Gospel is from John 14:23-29. In the readings at today's Mass, we got a story about the first big meeting ever held by the Church leaders. They made a huge decision with the help of the Holy Spirit, and it went like this: "It's a decision from the Holy Spirit and us" (Acts 15:28).

In the Gospel we just read, Jesus promised his friends that when he left, the Holy Spirit would come and teach them everything. He'd remind them of all the things Jesus had said. In other words, the Church was promised the Holy Spirit's help in keeping and understanding the "deposit of faith" - the whole truth that God shared with us to help us become holy.

This promise was kept in a big way about 20 years after Jesus died, at the Council of Jerusalem. It's happened many times since then, not just on big occasions like General Councils, but in everyday life too. The Holy Spirit "blows wherever he wants." He helps local leaders in the Church, and even individual Christians if they ask for his help. He inspires people to serve the Church and their neighbors, and he's helped people start new groups and orders to spread the faith.

We all have moments when we need to make tough decisions. If we get it wrong, it can mess up our lives and even put our souls at risk. We should ask the Holy Spirit for help every day, but especially when we're facing a big decision.

The Holy Spirit's job is to keep and protect the truth that God gave us. When we're unsure about what to believe or what to do, that's when we need his help the most. If we ask sincerely, he won't let us down.

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Gospel

John 14:23-29

Jesus said to his disciples: “Whoever loves me will keep my word, and my Father will love him, and we will come to him and make our dwelling with him. Whoever does not love me does not keep my words; yet the word you hear is not mine but that of the Father who sent me. “I have told you this while I am with you. The Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you everything and remind you of all that I told you. Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give it to you. Do not let your hearts be troubled or afraid. You heard me tell you, ‘I am going away and I will come back to you.’ If you loved me, you would rejoice that I am going to the Father; for the Father is greater than I. And now I have told you this before it happens, so that when it happens you may believe.”

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Catholic Man Moment: Share the Love: Forward This Reflection

The Gospel is from John 13:31-33a, 34-35. So, let's be real - how many of us would pass the test that Christ sets out for being a true follower? We've watered down the word "charity" to just mean giving money to someone in need, but that's not even close to what it's really about. True charity is about caring about the things that matter most to the people around us, like their spiritual well-being.

Here's where a lot of good people fall short - they don't actually care about missionary work or helping out in their parish. They think it's not their problem, but it totally is. We should be looking out for each other, and that means being kind and supportive when someone's struggling with their faith. It's also about speaking up when someone's heading down a bad path, because we care about their well-being and don't want to see them hurt themselves or others.

There are a lot of broken homes out there that would be whole if people just showed some real love and kindness. The good news is that it's never too late to make things right. So, take a minute today to think about the people around you and how you can show them some genuine care and interest in their spiritual lives.

Or simply forward this message to them.

—-

May 18, 2025

Fifth Sunday of Easter

Gospel

John 13:31-33a, 34-35

When Judas had left them, Jesus said,  “Now is the Son of Man glorified, and God is glorified in him.  If God is glorified in him,  God will also glorify him in himself,  and God will glorify him at once.  My children, I will be with you only a little while longer.  I give you a new commandment: love one another.  As I have loved you, so you also should love one another.  This is how all will know that you are my disciples,  if you have love for one another.”

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Catholic Man Moment: Unlock the Power of Jesus’s Words and Deeds.

Jesus said that his followers listen to him, and he knows them personally. He's the one who takes care of them and protects them from harm. He's the ultimate shepherd who was prophesied to save his people.

For Jesus, his followers are like a flock of sheep, and he takes care of them through the church. He shares his love and guidance with them through the sacraments, teachings, and the support of the church community. Even after Jesus' death, his presence is still felt through the priests who lead the church and take care of its members. They're like the shepherds who continue to guide and protect the flock.

——

May 11, 2025

Gospel

John 10:27-30

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.  My Father, who has given them to me, is greater than all,  and no one can take them out of the Father’s hand.  The Father and I are one.”

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Catholic Man Moment: The Power of the Keys That Jesus Gave Peter

Gospel Reflection for Sunday, May 4, 2025

The Gospel of John, chapter 21, verses 1-19, tells a story about Jesus appearing to his apostles after he rose from the dead. But the real reason for this story is to show how Jesus gave Peter a special job - to be the leader of the church.  From the very beginning, Jesus had called Peter 'Rock' (John 1:42), and later on, he said that he'd build his church on this rock (Matthew 16:18-19). This meant that Peter was the foundation of the church, the one who would keep everyone together and make sure they were safe.  Jesus used another metaphor to explain this - Peter would be the shepherd of his flock, just like Jesus was. He'd take care of the sheep and protect them from harm. And it's clear that the other apostles and early Christians recognized Peter's leadership role. He was the one who:  * Helped choose a new apostle to replace Judas (Acts 1:15-26)  * Gave the first big sermon after the Holy Spirit came down (Acts 2:14-40)  * Worked a miracle to heal a man (Acts 3:1-11)  * Punished a couple who lied about giving money to the church (Acts 5:1-11)  * Welcomed the first non-Jewish convert to the church (Acts 11:1-18)  * Spoke up for Paul at a big meeting in Jerusalem (Acts 15:6-11)  No one questioned Peter's leadership, and it's easy to see why - he was the one who seemed to be in charge. Even after he died, the church kept looking to Rome for leadership, because that's where Peter had been based. And it makes sense that the church would need a leader, because Jesus himself thought it was a good idea. The power of the keys that Jesus gave Peter was especially important after the other apostles were gone, and it's still important today. The church needs a leader to take care of its members and keep them safe, just like Jesus did.

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John 21:1-14

At that time, Jesus revealed himself to his disciples at the Sea of Tiberias.  He revealed himself in this way.  Together were Simon Peter, Thomas called Didymus,  Nathanael from Cana in Galilee,  Zebedee's sons, and two others of his disciples.  Simon Peter said to them, ""I am going fishing.""  They said to him, ""We also will come with you.""  So they went out and got into the boat,  but that night they caught nothing.  When it was already dawn, Jesus was standing on the shore;  but the disciples did not realize that it was Jesus.  Jesus said to them, ""Children, have you caught anything to eat?""  They answered him, ""No.""  So he said to them, ""Cast the net over the right side of the boat  and you will find something.""  So they cast it, and were not able to pull it in  because of the number of fish.  So the disciple whom Jesus loved said to Peter, ""It is the Lord.""  When Simon Peter heard that it was the Lord,  he tucked in his garment, for he was lightly clad,  and jumped into the sea.  The other disciples came in the boat,  for they were not far from shore, only about a hundred yards,  dragging the net with the fish.  When they climbed out on shore,  they saw a charcoal fire with fish on it and bread.  Jesus said to them, ""Bring some of the fish you just caught.""  So Simon Peter went over and dragged the net ashore  full of one hundred fifty-three large fish.  Even though there were so many, the net was not torn.  Jesus said to them, ""Come, have breakfast.""  And none of the disciples dared to ask him, ""Who are you?""  because they realized it was the Lord.  Jesus came over and took the bread and gave it to them,  and in like manner the fish.  This was now the third time Jesus was revealed to his disciples  after being raised from the dead.

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Cor Catholic Men’s Spirituality Groups

Picture: Mark Kuczera of the K of C State of Illinois Evanelization and Faith Formation talks with CMCS about Cor Catholic Men's Spirituality Groups.

About Cor

The Knights of Columbus empowers Catholic men to live their faith and serve their family, parish, community, and country. Why? Because families need strong husbands and fathers, and the world needs courageous witnesses to Jesus Christ. Through Cor, men will be formed and sharpened as disciples of Jesus.

The mission of Cor is to refocus Catholic men on Jesus Christ and to form and strengthen them in faith and virtue through a brotherhood committed to prayer, formation, and fraternity. The goal of each Cor gathering is to provide the opportunity for men to encounter Christ, to pray together, to be formed in their faith, and to strengthen their bonds of brotherhood, preparing them for courageous leadership and the mission of evangelization for their families and communities.

Cor is a simple concept. It consistently brings men together to refocus on Jesus Christ through shared time of prayer and formation. This blueprint of faith requires dedicated leadership. Your Grand Knight is encouraged to appoint a Council Evangelization and Faith Formation (EFF) Director to fully oversee the implementation and leadership of Cor. Once this position is established, it is now time for the Director to meet with their Pastor about introducing Cor to your parish community. 

Frequency is essential and should range from a minimum of monthly, to weekly, andmust always have the three key elements of prayer, formation, and fraternity. Cor does not have a formal curriculum or set schedule; it is based upon the needs of your parish Council and community. There is an abundance of Cor information and support material available to any interested Council at the Supreme website (https://www.kofc.org/en/index.html). Simply type ‘Cor’ into the search bar and begin to explore the opportunities and options for successfully hosting Cor at your parish.

Remember, Cor is open to all men of the council and parish. The time is now to begin growing your faith within your home and parish community.

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A Glass Full of Water

By Frank J Casella, CMCS Executive Director.

A spiritual director once shared a poignant analogy with me: a glass of water can be compared to the burdens we carry in life. Just as holding a glass of water for an extended period makes it increasingly heavy, forcing us to set it down, we too become weighed down by the burdens of sin, unforgiveness, stress, and grudges. To alleviate these burdens, we must choose to either consume them (in the sense of confronting and resolving the issue) or release them. However, many of us fail to take action and instead allow these burdens to linger.

As Catholics, we have a means of emptying ourselves of these burdens through the sacrament of confession. As men, we are called to be role models, setting an example for our loved ones, friends, family, and most importantly, God. By embracing this spiritual practice, we can find freedom and live a more authentic life.

Click here to read or download Bishop Perry's How to Make a Confession.

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Weekly Catholic Man Moment: Our Salvation Depends on Following Him.

Click here for this week's message.

Lent: April 13, 2025 Palm Sunday of the Lord's Passion

Topic: Our Salvation Depends on Following Him.

Hey there, let's talk about Palm Sunday. So, when we're at church on Palm Sunday, we're not just remembering something that happened a long time ago. We're actually experiencing it with Christ right now. How's that possible? Well, Christ is present in three ways: in the cross that leads the procession, in the priest who's representing Him, and in all of us as a community gathered together.

The procession is also a look to the future. Christ went from this world to heaven, which is like a new Jerusalem. Our church is like the old Jerusalem, so when we enter it, we're actually thinking about the day when we'll enter heaven with Christ as our King. It's like a rehearsal for our final journey on the Last Day.

Let's take a step back and think about why Christ went to Jerusalem in the first place. He didn't go to get crowned as King - that's not what it's about. He went to suffer and die for us, and then He rose from the dead. Our salvation depends on following Him, and that means we have to die with Him if we want to rise with Him.

When we're at Mass, we ask God to help us learn from Christ's endurance so we can have fellowship in His resurrection. That's a pretty powerful prayer, and we should definitely add our Amen to it.

After the procession, we take our palms home and put them behind our crucifix. It's a good idea to have palms in all the places where we spend our time, like the living room, kitchen, and bedrooms. Why? Because the priest says a prayer that asks God to bless those places and protect us from evil. The palms aren't magic or anything - they're just a visible sign of the Church's powerful prayer.

So, if we have faith in the Church, we should have faith in her prayers and use her power to make us holy and safe.

Gospel - Luke 23:1-49 The elders of the people, chief priests and scribes, arose and brought Jesus before Pilate. They brought charges against him, saying, "We found this man misleading our people; he opposes the payment of taxes to Caesar and maintains that he is the Christ, a king." Pilate asked him, "Are you the king of the Jews?" He said to him in reply, "You say so." Pilate then addressed the chief priests and the crowds, "I find this man not guilty." But they were adamant and said, "He is inciting the people with his teaching throughout all Judea, from Galilee where he began even to here."

On hearing this Pilate asked if the man was a Galilean; and upon learning that he was under Herod's jurisdiction, he sent him to Herod who was in Jerusalem at that time. Herod was very glad to see Jesus; he had been wanting to see him for a long time, for he had heard about him and had been hoping to see him perform some sign. He questioned him at length, but he gave him no answer. The chief priests and scribes, meanwhile, stood by accusing him harshly. Herod and his soldiers treated him contemptuously and mocked him, and after clothing him in resplendent garb, he sent him back to Pilate. Herod and Pilate became friends that very day, even though they had been enemies formerly. Pilate then summoned the chief priests, the rulers, and the people and said to them, "You brought this man to me and accused him of inciting the people to revolt. I have conducted my investigation in your presence and have not found this man guilty of the charges you have brought against him, nor did Herod, for he sent him back to us. So no capital crime has been committed by him. Therefore I shall have him flogged and then release him."

But all together they shouted out, "Away with this man! Release Barabbas to us." — Now Barabbas had been imprisoned for a rebellion that had taken place in the city and for murder. — Again Pilate addressed them, still wishing to release Jesus, but they continued their shouting, "Crucify him! Crucify him!" Pilate addressed them a third time, "What evil has this man done? I found him guilty of no capital crime. Therefore I shall have him flogged and then release him." With loud shouts, however, they persisted in calling for his crucifixion, and their voices prevailed. The verdict of Pilate was that their demand should be granted. So he released the man who had been imprisoned for rebellion and murder, for whom they asked, and he handed Jesus over to them to deal with as they wished.

As they led him away they took hold of a certain Simon, a Cyrenian, who was coming in from the country; and after laying the cross on him, they made him carry it behind Jesus. A large crowd of people followed Jesus, including many women who mourned and lamented him. Jesus turned to them and said, "Daughters of Jerusalem, do not weep for me; weep instead for yourselves and for your children for indeed, the days are coming when people will say, 'Blessed are the barren, the wombs that never bore and the breasts that never nursed.' At that time people will say to the mountains, 'Fall upon us!' and to the hills, 'Cover us!' for if these things are done when the wood is green what will happen when it is dry?" Now two others, both criminals, were led away with him to be executed.

When they came to the place called the Skull, they crucified him and the criminals there, one on his right, the other on his left. Then Jesus said, "Father, forgive them, they know not what they do." They divided his garments by casting lots. The people stood by and watched; the rulers, meanwhile, sneered at him and said, "He saved others, let him save himself if he is the chosen one, the Christ of God." Even the soldiers jeered at him. As they approached to offer him wine they called out, "If you are King of the Jews, save yourself." Above him there was an inscription that read, "This is the King of the Jews."

Now one of the criminals hanging there reviled Jesus, saying, "Are you not the Christ? Save yourself and us." The other, however, rebuking him, said in reply, "Have you no fear of God, for you are subject to the same condemnation? And indeed, we have been condemned justly, for the sentence we received corresponds to our crimes, but this man has done nothing criminal." Then he said, "Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom." He replied to him, "Amen, I say to you, today you will be with me in Paradise."

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.

Here all kneel and pause for a short time.

The centurion who witnessed what had happened glorified God and said, "This man was innocent beyond doubt." When all the people who had gathered for this spectacle saw what had happened, they returned home beating their breasts; but all his acquaintances stood at a distance, including the women who had followed him from Galilee and saw these events.