May   27,  2020

Thought  for  Today

“And  now,  Lord, what do I wait for?”

A line in one of the Psalms

Painting: The Wait and the Reward
by  Anna Bain

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A self portrait started at 34 weeks pregnant, and finished when my daughter was several weeks old. :-)

Visit my blog for more about this painting: http://artworkbyannarose.blogspot.com/2014/06/new-self-portrait-wait-and-reward.html

Contact the artist at annarosebain@gmail.com for how to purchase 5x5" greeting cards (nicer than the FAA ones!) :-)

http://www.artworkbyannarose.com/

 

by Anna Bain

SAINT  PHILIP  NERI 

AND  SAN  ALFONSO 

Today – May 26^th – being the feast of St. Philip Neri – it behooves me to say a few things about Philip Neri and his connection with St. Alphonsus.

To  know more about Philip Neri - I went through 5 books yesterday for my research – but  mainly for me. Who remembers sermons? I began to think about him - in relation to St. Alphonsus who often quoted him.

The main 3 things I knew about Philip Neri  – was that he was known for his joy. He was known to be a happy camper.  Most folks – especially Redemptorists -  know that about him. Say “Philip Neri” and you trigger “Joy”. Second thing most people know about him:  he founded the Oratory.  And thirdly, Alphonsus, who loves to quote,  often quoted him.

I didn’t see much about anything he wrote – but I did find lists of his quotes: 20, 10, 25 quotes and then there was a list of his sayings: one for everyday of the year.

No wonder Alphonsus quoted him.

Here’s an interesting quote:  “Let no one wear a mask, otherwise he will do ill; and if he has one let him burn it!” 

Obviously, they never met each other. Philip is from the 1500’s  [1515-1595]  and Alphonsus from the 1700’s  [1696-1787].

Alphonsus was born Sept. 27, 1696 and Philip Neri was born July 21, 1515.

Alphonsus is easier to know his dates in the 1700’s – just take off 4 years – for rough numbers.

Both were Italians – but from different kingdoms.  This was way before the unification of Italy under Garibaldi and Mazzini in 1861.  But it was a long process.  

We know from our CSSR roots  that the Redemptorists started down in the Kingdom of Naples.  Philip is from Florence in the north. At 17 he was sent south to his Uncle at Cassino – a merchant – with an eye to taking  over the Uncle’s business.  That would be a no go. In a year or so Philip headed to Rome – became a tutor to 2 sons of a Florentine, Galeotto del Caccia – and a new part of his life began.

He tutored  – but took courses as well in Rome – in Philosophy and Theology – from 1535 - 1538. People expected him to become a priest, but he quit his studies and for 13 years devoted himself to prayer – caring for the poor – visiting the sick – for example caring for sick pilgrims – did some informal talking to others about Christ – and was a member of a lay congregation.

In time, a priest, Persiano Rosa – his spiritual director – pushed him to get ordained and Philip Neri became a priest.

So both Alphonsus and Philip did something else before becoming diocesan priests. Alphonsus was ordained when he was around 30 – on December 21, 1726.  Philip was ordained when he was around 36 – on May 23, 1551.

So Philip ends up being a priest for about 44 years.

During that time he starts the Oratory – a group of  secular  priests who lived in community, prayed together, had 4 talks in the afternoon – read and studied scriptures and spiritual books together.

They are still around – having a couple of communities in the US. 

Cardinal Newman would be the most famous Oratorian: at the Birmingham England Oratory.

It would be a good study – comparing John Newman, Alphonsus and Philip Neri.

An interesting  point I noticed in reading was Alphonsus had an Oratorian - Thomas Pagano as his spiritual director for over 20 years. So when Alphonsus was a diocesan priest, joining the Oratory was a question.  If Alphonsus had done that, would he have founded the CSSR.

One book pointed out that the oratory was more big city oriented; Alphonsus became more concerned about small villages.

Next: when it comes to saint’s name dropping - Philip Neri would near the top of the list.  He was met and visited by the following saints: Ignatius of Loyola, Camillus de Lellis, John Leonardi, Charles Borromeo,  Francis de Sales.

Unlike Alphonsus - Philip Neri was considered a heretic and a nut, at times. Two books listed jealousy as motive.

Next Philip Neri – when he was in Florence – came into the story of Savonarola -  who had been killed in 1498 – 17 years before Philip Neri’s birth.   Everyone in Florence had their opinion and take on Savonarola.

It would be interesting to read a comparison between Philip Neri’s way of thinking – compared to Savonarola.

They definitely were different colored horses.

Next, it would be interesting if Alphonsus would have been much  stricter and tougher if he had not been influenced by the thought of Philip Neri.

Next I noticed that Philip Neri connected with Palestrina – especially with the musical tradition in the Oratorians. Did Alphonsus connect with any of that – with his music.

Two major similar themes for both  Alphonsus’ s and St. Philip Neri were: prayer and the practice of the Love of Jesus Christ.

Did Alphonsus ever beat on himself – for not having the sense of humor that Philip Neri had.  For example, Philip had some cute quips. Did Alphonsus ever crack funnies in the pulpit?

Lastly, did Alphonsus get his idea for the content and process of the evening chapels from the Oratorians 4 talks in the afternoon, etc. etc. etc.

Some thoughts for the feast of Philip Neri.

______________________________________________________

Painting on top:  St. Philip Neri by Carlo Dolci

Other painting: St. Alphonsus de Liguori

May  26,  2020

ALLOW   ME

Allow me,

please allow me,

to make mistakes,

to doubt,

to have atheistic thoughts,

add some agnostic thoughts as well,

to do dumb at times,

to expect forgiveness,

even when I won’t forgive you,

to cry,

to be amazed when you’re not,

to fumble the ball,

to strike out three times in the same game,
to hit a home run and you're on the other team,

to come up with a really funny joke,

to forget my mask,

to get sick,

to be late,

to have a different agenda than yours,

to be human.

There ….

I said it.
And there's more ....

© Andy Costello, Reflections 2020

May  26,  2020

Thought for Today

“It’s easier to guide  cheerful persons  in the spiritual life than melancholy ones.”

St. Philip Neri

May  25,  2020

RAILINGS

God called up 10 people this morning.

“Today you have 10 choices:

I need you to be a

banister or a railing,

a twenty dollar bill,

a smile, a greeting,

a glass of cold water,

a wave from a window,

a visitor to a nursing home,

a letter, an ice cream cone

to a little kid with ice cream eyes,

or a surprise phone call to

someone 1,000 miles away.

Tonight I’ll check in to see

if you caught the moment

I was hoping you would catch
and you did it.”

© Andy Costello, Reflections 2020

May  25,  2020

Thought  for  Today

“Only one feat is possible:  not to have run away.”

Dag Hammarskjold

May 24,  2020

MAKING 

AN  IMPRESSION 

INTRODUCTION

The title of my homily for this feast of the Ascension is, “Making an Impression.”

Jesus came into our world – he walked into our rooms – he came through our walls – he left – but he left an impression.

OPENING STORY

Let me begin with a scene.

It was her moment. The little girl was  ready to steal the show – but she was too young to know all this.

It was also their moment - the whole crowd – the audience – the nursing home community -  who were about to receive communion - to receive their gift – from this beautiful little girl.

The little girl had on a beautiful white dress. It was her first communion dress – which she wasn’t to use this year – because of the Virus.

She was about to make first communion with old people in a nursing home. Yes: a nursing home.  They were all at least 10 feet apart – all with masks – which several had no clue –  what this was on their face  for– and they were fidgeting with them.

The little girl waited in the wings outside the large recreation room.

Then on signal, on cue, she walked into the room that was filled with all the nursing home residents – in a semi-circle – facing center front.

Her white socks – white shoes -  white dress - white latex gloves - were perfect for the scene. The white and red tile floor had  just been cleaned and waxed and was sparkling for the occasion.

Her smile, her face, her hair perfect, were  about to open up the consciousness doors of all the old people, in their chairs, with their walkers – in this recreation hall.

It was the first public gathering in about 3 months. The state had opened up a bit – but CDC guidelines were very much being practiced.

This was a nursing home – and they were having a tough, time in this time of Corona 19.  Fortunately, this nursing home did not have any deaths or people testing positive for having the virus.

Three nurses – also in white – also in gloves – also with  masks – also with smiles in their eyes – came in following the little girl – pushing silver stainless steel carts that carried 45 red roses – defanged of thorns on their long stems – with bandaids – for where the thorns were.  One nurse thought that would be a neat touch

This was to be a very careful communion procession and procedure.

The little girl gave each old person a single red rose – and a smile – and just two words, “For you!”

And most of the old folks said just two words back, “Thank you!” – even a few who hadn’t said a word since last month – in April.

Nobody had arthritis or dementia of the smile.

Tears appeared everywhere. Eyes danced around the room.

All were young again.

That little girl made some impression!

That little girl in her white dress had a wonderful First Communion ceremony this day.

TODAY’S  READINGS

There are several scripture texts that come to mind for this feast of the Ascension.

The one I like is: “Unless you become like little children, you shall not enter the kingdom of heaven.”

Unless you become like little children, you shall not make an impression of the crowd.

Unless you become little children – you won’t get Christmas – and why God sent his only Son into our world as a child.

In today’s readings one basic message is the call of Christians to be Christ’s witnesses

Our call is to get moving, stop staring into space, shake it – and start spreading the Good News – that Jesus is with us.

You got the power! You got the Spirit! Use it. Live it.

This is what a Lover of God – Theos – Philos – does – as we hear in the Acts of the Apostles.

Our job is to restore the Kingdom each day – till the ends of the earth.

This is what Paul told the Ephesians and ever audience he could reach.

This is the message he preaches in today’s second reading from Ephesians.

This is the New Testament insight that Christ impressed on all of us.

We have this insight, this innermost vision. How great our hope is. This is our heritage. We’re in the will. We have the strength, power, the fullness of him who fills the universe in its parts.

In today’s from Mathew 28:  16-20, we’re allowed to have doubts - but when Christ comes to us our doubts can disappear.

CONCLUSION

The title and theme of my homily for today -  the feast of the ascension is, “Making an Impression.”

When we give out roses, when we give out daily bread, when we give out love, we make an impression.

We put a dent in disregard.

We impress others by our love – especially those who feel forgotten – like folks in a nursing home.

Be like that little girl in my opening story.

Make a good impression.

May   24,   2020

FRUIT  AND VEGETABLE SECTION

Three people stood there at the fruit

and vegetable section of the supermarket.

Person A knocked on the melons – examining

each – knowing you never know what’s inside.

Person B held some apples – looking at each

carefully – “Hey you never till you slice them open.”

Person C picked up 3 bananas and 3 peaches

for his neighbor who’s mom is in a nursing home.

© Andy Costello, Reflections 2020

May 24, 2020

Thought  for  Today

“Tut, tut, child,” said the Duchess, “Everything’s got a moral if only you can find it.”  

The Duchess in Lewis Carroll’s 

Alice in Wonderland.

May   23,   2020

GETTING  CUT  OFF

It’s happening more and more:

this being cut off when I start

telling one of my stories.

Have they heard it before?

I don’t think so – but maybe that’s

it – or have I become boring?

Hitting 80,  I don’t want to be

shut off or shut up or shut out.

Hey, I still have things to say.

How about you? Do you have

things to say? Or do you feel

you’ve been cut off from talking too?

© Andy Costello, Reflections 2020

May  23, 2020

Thought for Today

“Breaks balance out.  The sun don’t shine on the same old dog’s rear end every day.”  

Darrell Royal

May  22,  2020

ISOLATION   GAME 

FOR  TEN  PEOPLE 

Instructions: Please Print when doing each paper.

For 10 people you need 100 pieces of paper.

Hand out 10 pieces of paper to everyone present in the room. 

On the top – next to name – ask everyone to PRINT CLEARLY their name on all 10 pieces of paper.

Next pass along the papers till each person has 10 pieces of paper with 10 different names  on top - including their own.

Then on each piece of paper there are 10 categories.

Task:  Looking at the name on the top of a page, describe that person by just one word for each category.

For example: John Doe - Car  - Mercedes.

Here are the 10 categories:

Tree    ___________

Dog     ___________

Drink   ___________

Color   ___________

Virtue  ___________

Gift     ___________

Season  __________

Meal   ___________

Musical Instrument  ________

Chess piece _______________

Closing instructions:  No talking during the filling out part of the game. Take bathroom breaks. Nothing negative. You can pass – on any category for any reason – for any person. After everyone has done everyone, including themselves, each person should end up in hand with ten pieces of paper with their name on top - with a one word for each category.  Then start talking – but no dominating the conversation. Looking at your paper, spot surprises. You can tell why you gave a particular description, but you don’t have to. Trust one another. Love one another. Listen to one another. Build one another up.

© Andy Costello, Reflections 2020

May   22.  2020

Thought   for  today

"The problem is that books are so much easier to buy than to read.  I'm quickly running out of space on my bookshelf."

Siri Capenter 

May  21,  2020

ROOTS

We don’t see roots – but we sometimes

discover them in friends and in the “WHY”

some people do what they do – even when

we do dumb. Even when we ignore them –

they still love us – forgive us – stand by us.

They know trees. They know people. They

know themselves. They know you can’t cut

down a tree to discover how deep its roots are.

They just are. I am – in this forest called us.

© Andy Costello, Reflections 2020

May   21,   2020

Thought for Today

“One  must  be able to cut a knot, for everything  cannot be untied.”

Henri Frederic Amiel

 

PRIESTS:

ARTICULATORS  

OF  THE  INVISIBLE

INTRODUCTION

The title of my homily is, “Priests:  Articulators of the Invisible.”

THIS IS ONE OF MY FAVORITE THEMES

The preacher goes from the known to the unknown – the visible to the invisible.

We see this clearly in today’s first reading from Acts 17 when Paul stands up and preaches on Mars Hill – the Areopagus – which is above and overlooking  Athens – with the Parthenon – the temple of Athena – THE GODDESS -  in sight – plus several other temples and statues of gods and goddesses – which are  also very visible. 

Paul  says that he sees that the people of Athens are very religious. He says he walked around and saw all kinds of statues and shrines – up here in this religious place - as well as down there in the agora – the market place.

Then he says, “I saw an altar inscribed,  ‘To an unknown God!’”

Then he tells them about this invisible God – this unknown God  - the creator of heaven and earth.

This God doesn’t need temples and shrines. Everything and everyplace is the holy place and  holy presence of God.

He tells them to look around. God is giving you life and breath and being.

He proclaims, “In him we live and move and have our being.”

So we don’t have to make all these gold and silver and stone statues.

We just have to go into the temple of ourselves.

The last line in today’s first reading is, “After this he left Athens and went to Corinth.”

PAUL FAILED IN ATHENS

As we know -  Paul failed in Athens.  There is no Letter to the Athenians – but there are 2 to the people of Corinth – where he went next.

When I read – when I hear – today’s first reading – I have a wonderful invisible memory – becoming visible in my brain.

It’s  2011 and I’m in Athens with some 30 people from Saint Mary’s Annapolis – in this very place – in today’s first reading – and I can feel the presence of Saint Paul in this very spot.

You’d have to be there to realize this human experience I had.

Yet, come to think about it – and this is the key point in this homily  – all of us have experienced people long gone in the places we enter.

I can picture and feel the presence of Ed Twomey is this pulpit I’m at right now. He preached here one evening – and then he went back to Brazil and shortly afterwards left us.

Walking through the spaces and places of San Alfonso – I’m sure all of us have  caught  the presence of people who have walked and entered these spaces.

Memories.

And right now this place is empty and we’re hoping for the Coronavirus 19 to disappear – so we can get back to normal.

So I’m saying – we’re all aware of the invisible – becoming visible in the here and now.

I look at the Styrofoam panels in this chapel and I can picture Father Bob Gaughler creating them down in the boiler room. I remember him saying, “Wow they take a lot of paint!”

So in walking through the whole area of the Areopagus in Athens  – I could feel the invisible presence of Paul  - as well as Socrates and Aristotle and Plato.

The next day – two of us got into  a bus – Maureen Eschbacher  and myself - and we headed for Corinth.  I

When we got there it wasn’t what I had been picturing –  especially when we went by a bungee jumping spot on the  bridge over the Corinthian canal.

Then we finally entered the ruins of Corinth. It was a bit further away from the water than I had figured – but we walked through the old ruins of the ancient city – and the invisible became very visible – and the two letters of Paul to the Corinthians became alive for me.

The title of my homily is, “Priests: Articulators of the Invisible.”

I don’t know who the invisible person – surely a Redemptorist – who taught me what to do when I entered a church where we were about to preach in.

That teacher  said,  “In  your homily talk about something everyone can see – in that church – or as a second resort – something in that area.”

Then go from the visible to the invisible.

So I mention names on vestments or on candle sticks or on the bottom of chalices. I mention characters in the stained-glass windows.

I mention during the preaching there the difference between a wedding ring in a jewelry store window and one that’s been on the ring finger of someone married in this church 53 years ago.

People move and have their being in memories and the mystery of where they have been in the past – when they walk where they have been before – in the present.

CONCLUSION

I think this theme of going from the visible to the invisible – is even more significant when reading the gospel of John: to mention light and  doors – water and wells – walls and upper rooms.

And then to bring people deeper into seeing and feeling and knowing God’s presence in the invisible all around us.

The priest is called to articulate all this – to tell folks it happens as today’s gospel from John puts it. Let me repeat today’s gospel:  “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 of the Lord.

May  20,  2020

DINNER  FOR  SIX

One person was complaining –

no – not about the dinner – but

about a family situation that was ugly.

One person jumped in with a solution.

One person held back their solution.

The other three heard all this before.

The crab cakes were delicious for 4.

The complainer complained about the dessert.

The problem solver didn’t taste a thing.

© Andy Costello, Reflections 2020

May  20, 2020

Thought  for  Today

“Time  is  not  a  line, but a series of now points.” 

Taisen Deshimaru

May  19,  2020

ROCK  AND  WATER

For some reason, I stopped for a moment.

A realizing is happening. After a while everything

between us has become rock and water ….

Did I just say something in Zen –

that relationships, conversations –

everything in life is give and take?

I look up. Drop by drop  the rain falls

on the earth. I look out and see the

waves keep continuing towards the shore ….

Sometimes I’m the giver; sometimes the receiver;

sometimes I have no clue where I am – in

a cloud – in the ocean – or deep in a rock.

Now what? Next? More? Stop! Wait! Is there a message,

a meaning, an answer here? Of course there is. It's the

pause when we can become aware of the ALL.

© Andy Costello, Reflections 2020

Picture taken of the jetty at the

Naval Academy in Annapolis, Maryland,

but I could also use a picture of the 

rocks and the ocean where I now

am in Long Branch, New Jersey.

May  19, 2020

Thought  for  Today 

“He uses statistics as a drunken man uses lamp posts -  for support rather than illumination.”  

Andrew Lang, quoted

By A. L. Mackay, in

Harvest of a Quite Eye

May  18,  2020

*

ASTERISK

We’ll be long dead, 

if they stick an asterisk 

after some of our accomplishments. 

I only want one asterisk: 

He believes he’s still alive, 

because he believes Jesus rose from the dead. 

© Andy Costello, Reflections 2020

May  18, 2020

Thought   for   Today

 “I paint objects as I think them, not as I see them.”

Pablo Picasso,

Quoted John Golding,

Cubism