By Msgr. Joseph P. Calise ONE OF THE most important tools of the spiritual life is a spiritual director. As an old saying goes, “we all need somebody to talk to.” One day, I was speaking with one of the Passionist priests at the Bishop Molloy Retreat House in Jamaica Estates about something that was […]
Sunday Scriptures
Progress Not Perfection
THE PARABLE OF THE mustard seed presents us with an interesting paradox. The smallest of seeds becomes the largest of shrubs. That comparison, along with the introductory analogy of the Kingdom of God being like a seed that is planted and left to grow by God’s grace, presents us with not only an interesting perspective on the Church, but also a challenge to our daily lives.
Make the Love of Christ Visible to a World in Need
ABOUT 15 YEARS ago, while I was still rector-principal at Cathedral Prep, I received the invitation to preach at the Holy Thursday liturgy being celebrated in a local monastery.
Three Persons United in Love
By Father Anthony F. Raso MANY YEARS AGO, during my seminary years, I saw a short film – one of the “Insight” series, which were used at that time in religious education programs – that attempted to “illustrate” the Holy Trinity. Up there in Heaven, the Father was depicted as a late-middle-age man, an “old […]
Embrace Pentecost With Convert-Like Enthusiasm
By Father Anthony F. Raso CONVERTS TO THE Roman Catholic faith are always a great blessing to the rest of us who were baptized as babies. Whenever we get to forgetting how inspiring our faith really is, the converts will remind us well by the sound of their voices and the look in their eyes. […]
Forgiveness Without Bounds
By Father Anthony F. Raso IF I REVEALED my mother’s age in the pages of The Tablet, I might never be able to go home again – maybe. Let’s just say that since I will be 67 years old this coming Tuesday, my mother is now well over 39 years of age and we’ll leave […]
The Love of Christ Never Changes
I AM PARTICULARLY happy today to have the opportunity to offer this column to you because today is my 40th anniversary in the priesthood. I was ordained by Bishop Francis Mugavero on Saturday, May 10, 1975 in the Church of SS. Simon and Jude, Gravesend, where I had been serving as a deacon.
Standing Tall in the Presence of The Lord
BARNABAS IS AN unsung hero of the New Testament – or at least one who is not “sung” enough. Finding himself in a similar place to one in which we often find ourselves, his response is a whole lot more satisfying than the response we all-too-often give.
Offering Ourselves to Be Changed and Renewed
AS WE HAVE reflected upon the Acts of the Apostles, have you noticed the born-again bravery and courage which have filled Peter’s speech and action these Easter weeks? The fear, self-preserving behavior and “bystander” attitude which formerly afflicted him are long gone. No longer a “bystander,” acting like or going along with the crowd, he’s on fire with “let me tell you about Jesus Christ the Nazarene.” Peter is telling all of Israel, and you and me, of the One Who it is that he now “knows” with all of his being.
We Are Called to Know God
These are the Easter to Pentecost days, the great 50 days of Mystagogia (unpacking the Mystery). They invite us to journey with our brothers and sisters who were welcomed into our Church just two weeks ago.