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Fire of Pentecost Versus the Fire of Hatred and Riots

5/31/2020

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When I began this blog in April of 2013, my plan was to articulate hope even amid difficult circumstances.  Actually, I wanted to articulate hope especially during difficult and challenging times.  That desire stems from my personal experience of battling cancer twice.  I know how hard it is to keep fighting the good fight when hope is gone.  Thus, I wanted to fan the flames of hope, or provide  that spark of renewal for those who needed it.  I wanted people who were hurting to see "new life" in each day regardless of the struggles.

I currently find myself at a loss  for words as I watch our country turn into a lawless nation.  Where do we find hope among the riots? 

Is there an organized network behind the scenes of the riots funding the chaos?  If so, why?  What is the end game?  What is the power to be gained in doing so? 

On the other hand, if this really is a spontaneous response, is there really any hope left for us to ever find healing in our country?

Although it has been forty years since I sat in my college classes studying human behavior, the "contemporary social problems" studied in 1980 seem to be relatively similar to the current situation in 2020.  There is still plenty of crime, poverty, unemployment, lack of good educational opportunities, lack of adequate housing, and a loss of hope.  Throw in a tragic incident between a white police officer and a black suspect and watch the tensions escalate.  Whether the incident was racially motivated or not, it has the appearance of that factor being in play.  Perception then becomes reality. 

As the video of the incident spread across all media outlets, righteous anger against the officer and his actions were mounting.  For a brief moment in time, most of the country was united in their anger.  Did you notice that? There was solidarity between the races in recognizing how wrong and disturbing the actions of the police officer were in leading up to the death of George Floyd.  But then came the riots and the focus shifted.

There is plenty of  blame to go around.  We have lost the ability to have civil discourse.  There is no respect for positions of authority.  We have become a faithless nation.  Social structures which once supported the stability of a community have been transformed into agenda-driven institutions designed to implement "progressive" ideologies.  Collectively, we have erased much of what the Founding Fathers put in place for our safety and well-being.

For instance, why has there been such a large endeavor to squelch the Christian religion?  Even non-believers have recognized the value of religion to society throughout history.  It has been worded in a variety of ways by different sociologists. 
Emile Durkheim argued that "religion provides social cohesion and social control to maintain society in social solidarity."  Thus, even if you don't have faith, religion serves a purpose.

There is a quote frequently credited to Napoleon Bonaparte which says, "Religion is what keeps the poor from murdering the rich."  I'll leave that quote stand on its own.

Where do we find hope today?  We find it in the Fire of Pentecost.  With God, all things are possible.  Ask for an outpouring of the Holy Spirit in your life today.

To lighten the mood I will close with these two thoughts.  First, did you notice that the riots ended the Covid 19 problem?  Secondly, the riots have sparked renewed interest in the space program.  Look at how many people are expressing jealousy on social media that the two astronauts had the opportunity to get off the planet.

As we turn the calendar to the month of June tomorrow, may we find renewal in the warmth of longer days, and hopefully, more peaceful nights.

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Pandemic, Memorial Day, Ascension--Time for Hope!

5/24/2020

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Memorial Day Weekend
Ascension Sunday

In my mind, the Solemnity of the Ascension of the Lord will always be on Thursday.  If I move it completely to Sunday as the Ordo declares for most dioceses of the United States, it messes up the timing of the annual Pentecost Novena.  That is one novena I never want to miss.  Those nine days of prayer put us with the early Church in a very profound way.

This year it is difficult to tell one day from another, but please don't miss out on the culminating days of the Easter Season.  These are powerful days leading us to Pentecost.  Pray for an outpouring of the Holy Spirit into your life to bring you renewed fervor and zeal.

I have a few prayer requests that I would like to bring to your attention.  Please pray for the man who was brutally beaten in the nursing home in Michigan.  I cannot even imagine being completely helpless and enduring such treatment.  So sad.

Please pray for all those struggling with mental health issues.  Doctors in California reported seeing a year's worth of suicide attempts in four weeks.  Domestic violence rates are up in many locales.  The repercussions of the prolonged lock down of society are really starting to come forth.  These effects will not disappear any time soon.

Please pray for all those who have lost their livelihoods.  Millions and millions of people have lost their jobs, their income, their health insurance, their purpose, and their hope.  Even if they have a job to go back to once things open up, it will take years to recover the losses.  Some will never recover.

MEMORIAL DAY
I wish to offer a word of gratitude to all military families.  The sacrifices you make are many.  Some families have made the ultimate sacrifice when their loved one did not return home.  A few of the photos I have seen on social media say more than words can ever convey.  One in particular broke my heart.  It was a young widow laying on a blanket on top of her husband's grave with a small child in a stroller next to her.  That single photo communicates a message that my words are unable to capture.

Freedom has come at a price.  Please offer a prayer for all of our deceased service men and women.  I also invite you to offer a prayer for their families who grieve and mourn the loss. 

Recent months have demonstrated the fragility of our freedom.  Please pray for our country.  May we truly become "one nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all."

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Framing the Beautiful Moments of Life

5/21/2020

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After another long day of meetings and appointments, I felt a need to be by the water.  It isn't Coligny Beach on Hilton Head Island, but Lake Manawa was able to provide a bit of the solitude I was seeking.  The sailboat served as a symbol of serenity and peace.
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The Omaha skyline in the backdrop did not distract from the beauty of the lake.  While the clouds blocked any chance of enjoying a beautiful sunset, the water provided a deep sense of contentment.  I am grateful for the many ways God renews our spirit.
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Where did you encounter God today?
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Graduation Celebration From A Distance

5/19/2020

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Having a parade as part of the graduation ceremony was a new experience for me.  However, that is exactly what we did this past Sunday afternoon.  Clouds and misting rain could not dampen our spirits.  It was just somewhat symbolic of what the last couple of months have been.  This has been an interesting year in a multitude of ways.  Flexibility has been essential.
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Graduates lined the sidewalk (with proper social distancing) as community members drove by wishing them well.  The firetruck served as the pace car.
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It was great to see this many people show up to honor our seniors.
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There is certainly plenty of doom and gloom in our society currently, but as we emerge from the lockdown please believe that we can overcome the fear. The challenges of life are real, but we celebrate the good times as well. 

Congratulations to all graduates.  May you be abundantly blessed as you transition into the next phase of your endeavors.

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Name the Greatest Challenge Facing the Church Today

5/16/2020

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In the past twenty years I have been interviewed on a number of occasions.  This has included television, radio, newspapers, and even podcasts.  There is always a bit of apprehension as I prepare for these events.  However, the level of anxiety that I feel depends upon the environment upon which I am entering.  Is the territory favorable to the cause or hostile?

After an interview about pro-life topics on a secular radio station years ago, the host of the radio show asked if I would stay and field phone calls on the air?  That was a new experience.  Looking back, I am grateful to have had the opportunity.  I vividly remember that callers to the station promptly informed me that since I am a man I had no right to talk about women's issues.  Okay then.  Nice chatting with you.

Being interviewed by fellow believers at Catholic radio stations usually makes the environment a little less contentious.  I am especially grateful when the topics are all set out before the interview takes place.  This allows for adequate preparation and we are all able to  do our best to build the Kingdom of God.

Television stations are notorious for editing out major components of the interview.  I understand a newscast is only 30 minutes (including commercial time).  However, if you are not going to air the question that was actually asked of me, but instead create a new question by the anchor to make my response look stupid, we are probably done in regard to granting future interviews.  Fool me once, shame on you.  Fool me twice, we aren't doing this again.

My experience with newspapers is a little better.  I am appreciative when reporters actually quote what I said and keep it in the context of which it was said.  Thank you to the reporters who do your job well.

Let's do a little role play at this time.  As churches are allowed to open up again, let's pretend that a few individuals representing various forms of the media are standing in the parking lot getting reactions from people as they prepare to see the inside of their church building for the first time in months.  As you get out of your car, several of these members of the media approach you with cameras rolling and microphones placed in front of you.  You are feeling emotional about coming back to church after all of these weeks and now you have this additional aspect with the media.  You are asked one question (listed below).  How do you think you would respond?

             What are the greatest challenges confronting the Church today?

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Teacher Appreciation Week Draws To A Close

5/8/2020

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It was fantastic to see teachers back in the building this week, even if it was for the purpose of cleaning out their rooms.  While you could feel a renewed sense of energy on campus, it was obvious that things were far from normal.  Teachers were grateful to see one another, even though it was from a distance.  As I looked out in the parking lot, I realized that even our cars were social distancing themselves.

The shutdown of our schools brought creativity to a new level.  I am thrilled at how the faculty members at Saint Albert responded to these sudden twists and turns in moving from a brick and mortar school to online learning.  Our teachers have gone above and beyond the call of duty in their desire to help students continue to learn and succeed.  If there was one positive from this experience, I think it is the fact that we have all grown in appreciation for the work that our teachers do on a regular basis.

Words seem so inadequate at this time, but with a heart full of gratitude, I simply say THANK YOU to all of our teachers, support staff, cleaning crews, and all who have helped us in any way to be successful through these difficult circumstances.  On behalf of the all the administrators at Saint Albert, thank you for your dedication, your commitment, and your faithful witness to Jesus Christ.  You have clearly demonstrated why Catholic education stands out from the crowd.  May God bless you on this final day of "Teacher Appreciation Week" and all the days of your life!
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Deacon Al Conley--Rest in Peace!

5/4/2020

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Diaconate Ordination on June 5, 1999 at the Cathedral Basilica in St. Louis, Missouri

An early morning phone call from one of my deacon classmates brought some sad news.  The third one of my classmates had died.  Deacon Al  was one of the kindest and most gentle souls I have ever met.  I learned a lot from him in regard to enduring hardship and remaining positive.  He was a blessing to everyone around him.

Deacon Dan and Deacon Steve are my other two classmates that have died in recent years.  The rest of us are still active and plugging along.  The three bishops are all still living as well.  Bishop Sheridan is bishop of the Diocese of Colorado Springs, Colorado.  Bishop Braxton recently retired from the Diocese of Belleville, Illinois.  Cardinal Rigali is spending his retirement in Knoxville, Tennessee.

"Eternal rest grant unto Deacon Al, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon him.  May he rest in peace.  Amen.  May his soul and the souls of all the faithful departed through the mercy of God rest in peace.  Amen."

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The Question Is No Longer Hypothetical

5/2/2020

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In the last twenty years I have given hundreds of presentations at parish missions, retreats, workshops, conferences, and other special events.  The size of the group impacts the presentation style, but with a gathering of fifty or less, I typically enjoy more interaction with the participants.  I have a few favorite questions to toss out to the attendees to jump-start thinking and discussion.  One question I have asked for years was hypothetical in nature.  These days it is a little more realistic.

"If your church were to be suddenly uprooted from the community, what would the community feel is missing?"  Obviously, there are times when this tragically happens.  A fire, a tornado, a hurricane, or some other disaster can strike a local community and physically destroy the church building.  We typically see the strength of those communities during those difficult times.

I have posed the question to many groups and have learned some interesting things.  Here are just a couple of observations.

1. I have frequently received blank stares.  After a long awkward silence, a few nervous people will start offering some suggestions.  As the discussion progresses we are able to discern the gifts of the parish community.  At the end of the discussion, some people recognize that their community is doing ministry quite well.  Others recognize that they could use a boost in one way or another.  This may be in regard to having a clear vision, a more organized approach to ministry, more energy, more prayer, more service, and a whole list of additional possibilities.

2. On the other hand, some parish communities don't even have to hesitate to answer the question when posed.  They know who their parish community is and what their particular charisms are. 

It has fascinated me to witness the two extremes in response to the question.  The silence and uncertainty from some communities makes you wonder what is or is not going on in the parish.  The certainty and conviction of other communities as they explain the details of how they are living out the Gospel message is refreshing and exciting.  What is taking place in the parish where parishioners truly know their purpose and their mission as a group and as individuals?  What role does the Sunday liturgy serve in shaping a vibrant community of faith?  What communications from the pastor help foster this environment of growth?  How do all of the ministries of the parish build upon one another?  There is something to be learned from these communities.

Nearly twenty years ago a pastor invited me into his parish to do a workshop with his parish council.  Specifically, he wanted me to help them establish a vision for the parish based upon the parish mission statement.  I was not connected to the parish in any way so I had to do some research.  I did not want to walk into the situation unprepared.  Also, he wanted this completed in a three-hour time frame.  I knew I had to be organized.

On the evening we gathered I did not waste any time.  We jumped right into prayer to ask for the guidance of the Holy Spirit, and then I asked my opening question.  "Does the mission statement say what you want it to say?"  I had placed a copy of their mission statement in front of each one of them.  After reading it a time or two they slowly and hesitantly responded one by one with an affirmative yes.  The mission statement says what we want it to say.  My second question to them was one word.  "Really?"

There was so much doubt in their affirmation that I knew we had to go deeper.  There was a mixture of them being unsure about the statement, but probably even more angst from them trying to figure out what I was looking for in regard to their response.  Saying what the teacher wants to hear still resonates even in adulthood.

It took an hour to finally reach awareness of what was missing in the mission statement.  The revelation brought some amazing feedback in body language from the group.  While I could have saved time and just told them what I thought was missing, it paid great dividends to walk through a process to let them discover it for themselves.  What was missing?  Their whole mission statement was inward focused. It was all about what they would do on the parish campus to take care of their own needs.  They were not taking the Gospel message out to the world.  In reality, they actually were taking the Gospel message out to the world.  They were just keeping it a secret by not stating it in their mission statement.

At the end of the three hours we had not developed a specific plan as had been requested by the pastor, but I had equipped them with new insights, joy, excitement, and the skills to complete the task on their own.  The parish council members were excited.  I think the pastor would have preferred a completed project to take the task off of his to-do list.  However, he did invite me back for a couple of other events through the years so I guess we did okay.

Why do I bring this all up now?  In a way, each of our parish communities have been uprooted from the community by being closed for the virus.  What has been the impact?  Obviously, people have also been locked down so it is hard to make a clean observation.  However, what particular charism of your parish has been able to shine despite the shutdown?

Memes on social media say that the Church is not closed.  We have been sent on mission.  I have seen that in many instances, and I am grateful for all those that continue to bring the love of Christ to others.  Keep up the good work.  In other cases, I am getting the impression we have been uprooted and have vanished from the scene.  I hope those observations are inaccurate.

Do you know what the mission statement, purpose statement, vision statement, or the tag line of your parish says?  Some are short and easy to remember.  Others are more detailed.  I will simply highlight two statements today that have impressed me.

Short and sweet:
"May you find Christ here...May you Bring Christ to the World."
Assumption Catholic Church in O'Fallon, Missouri
assumptionbvm.org/Welcome-Video-Mission-History-Virtual-Tours
It is a wide open statement that lets you fill in the details of how it is accomplished.

More detailed:

We are Christ’s eyes, ears, mouth, hands, and feet – sent out to do justice, especially for the poor and oppressed, to minister to the needs of the community, to be faithful stewards of God’s creation – awakening faith among the hopeless, and promoting life even within the culture of death.
Cathedral Parish of Saint Augustine, Florida
thefirstparish.org/our-mission-statement/
This one excites me because it is practical and tangible.  I can almost "feel" what it is like to live  the Gospel message because of the details provided.

Reflection questions for today:
1. Do you have a personal mission statement that guides your life?
2. If yes, is it working?  Explain.
3. If not, do you need one?  Explain.
4. What role do you play in fulfilling the mission statement of your parish?

Keep the faith.  Pray the rosary.

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Will the Month of May Bring New Life to Your Prayer?

5/1/2020

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We start the month out with the Feast of St. Joseph, but we also dedicate the whole month of May to our Blessed Mother.  If you have not prayed your rosary recently, I invite you to pray it each day during this entire month.  Mary always leads us to her Son.  Don't miss the opportunity to experience new zest in your prayer life.
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    This is my personal blog.  The opinions expressed are those of Deacon Vernon and the blog's readers.  This site operates independently and is not affiliated with any other entity. The information I provide is on an "as-is" basis. I make no representations as to the accuracy, completeness, or suitability of any information on this blog. I will not be liable for any errors or omissions in this information. Furthermore, I will not be liable for any losses, injuries, or damages arising from its use.

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