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.
I charge you before God, who gives life to all things, and before Christ Jesus, who gave testimony under Pontius Pilate for the noble confession, to keep the commandment without stain or reproach until the appearance of our Lord Jesus Christ. (1 Tim 6:13-16)
https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/092025.cfm
Saint Andrew Kim Tae-gǒn, the first native Korean priest, and his companions followed Christ were faithful even unto death. https://youtu.be/W70zMx0iAnE?si=xe0pjkMYsNe0DwKm
Those who want to be rich are falling into temptation and into a trap and into many foolish and harmful desires, which plunge them into ruin and destruction. For the love of money is the root of all evils, and some people in their desire for it have strayed from the faith and have pierced themselves with many pains. (1 Tim 6:2c-12)
https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/091925.cfm
Malignant narcissism, raw power and insatiable greed, the ridiculing of empathy and compassion, the denigration of science and education, blatant racism and the lack of basic human decency, the attack on immigrants, the homeless, and the vulnerable, have all but destroyed the very fabric of our society. Christian nationalism has brought these evils to the very doorstep of the church. Scripture has some sobering words for us: “we brought nothing into the world, just as we shall not be able to take anything out of it”; therefore, “pursue righteousness, devotion, faith, love, patience, and gentleness.” https://youtu.be/2OBB5-bP6qs?si=HW6Rakf-wXV83_IT
Let no one have contempt for your youth. Do not neglect the gift you have, which was conferred on you through the prophetic word with the imposition of hands by the presbyterate. (1 Tim 4:12-16)
https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/0091825.cfm
Even the youngest can teach the oldest. The essential is to recognize the gift we have received and in humility to share it freely. My friend, Father Wilbur Thomas (1947-2022), was there the day of my ordination in 1978 and participated in the laying on of hands. It was the joy of my life to finally be able to work with him at the Basilica of Saint Lawrence from 2004-2018. https://youtu.be/2hlXlnTfGGc?si=RKVn_KLP-6npgW3t
For John the Baptist came neither eating food nor drinking wine, and you said, 'He is possessed by a demon.' The Son of Man came eating and drinking and you said, 'Look, he is a glutton and a drunkard, a friend of tax collectors and sinners.' But wisdom is vindicated by all her children." (Lk 7:31-35)
https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/091725.cfm
Saint Hildegard (1098-1179) showed her wisdom in being one of the most brilliant women of her age: theologian, mystic, composer, botanist, pharmacist, author, illustrator, poet, dramatist, and linguist. She taught that God comes to us through all our senses. Her music is still performed. https://youtu.be/HYzPR0nwcmY?si=8oEkigecc6aI_Shz
Similarly, deacons must be dignified, not deceitful, not addicted to drink, not greedy for sordid gain, holding fast to the mystery of the faith with a clear conscience. Women, similarly, should be dignified, not slanderers, but temperate and faithful in everything. (1 Tim 3:1-13)
https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/091625.cfm
The requirements for bishops and deacons are fascinating, especially since women are included in the ministry of deacon. Obviously, the church changed the requirements at a later time and perhaps one day will change them again. Saint Cornelius (d. 253) and Saint Cyprian (210-258) were good friends and though they died on different dates and locations are considered companion martyrs. Today's photo is of my friend Father Cyprian Davis, OSB (1930-2015).
