These reflections are a result of more than 40 years of ministry as a Roman Catholic priest. Most of these years I spent in the Diocese of Charlotte which covers Western North Carolina. Now I am retired, and live in Medellín, Colombia where I continue to serve as a priest in the Archdiocese of Medellín.

Memorial of Saint John Chrysostom, September 13

First of all, I ask that supplications, prayers,
petitions, and thanksgivings be offered for everyone,
for kings and for all in authority,
that we may lead a quiet and tranquil life
in all devotion and dignity. 
This is good and pleasing to God our savior,
who wills everyone to be saved . . . It is my wish, then,
that in every place you should pray,
lifting up holy hands, without anger or argument.  (1 Tim 2:1-8)

Prayer and thanksgiving is the essence of worship, lifting up our hands praising God. Saint John Chrysostom was archbishop of Constantinople. The emperor and his wife were in his parish. The empress and her friends wanted to gussy up the church with silk vestments and golden chalices to which John Chrysostom replied, “Give God the honor prescribed in God’s law by giving your riches to the poor. For God does not want golden vessels but golden hearts.” She got him exiled. Today’s picture is of Hagia Sophia, the cathedral in Istanbul where Saint John Chrysostom preached and prayed.