Sunday, April 5, 2020 

Dear Parishioners and Friends,

This Palm Sunday is very inordinate. Normally we would be sharing palms with loved ones, preparing Easter egg hunts for the children, donning our spring wardrobe, purchasing Easter treats and preparing to open the beach house. Personally, the smell of vinegar is always reminiscent, for me, of dyeing Easter eggs as well as for cleaning the glass of all the house windows for spring cleaning.

Today, we are distancing ourselves and very lost from the familiarity of bonding, traditions and spiritual practices of this holiest of weeks. That first Holy Week also pulled people out of their routine. Think about it. When Our Lord entered Jerusalem on a donkey, His followers lay their clothes and hailed Him with palm branches. This disrupted those who did know Jesus in Jerusalem, especially the Temple officials. This inordinate guest had to be silenced...and was, in order to keep their predictable advantages alive.

The followers of Jesus entered a most challenging week. Excited about the popularity of Jesus by some, His Apostles and disciples were also disturbed with His condemnation by others. As the week escalated, all but one Apostle left their Messiah; one denied Him and another even betrayed Him.

What was in the heart of Christ’s Blessed Mother must have been unsettling. Mary was initially surrounded by her Son’s disciples but even so was aware that her Son had enemies. She must have grown more and more perturbed as she witnessed the plot thicken that week and His inevitable death unfold. Here again, Our Lady was basically left alone at the cross with only a few sharing in her sorrow.

The scene at Calvary was the typical Roman punishment for capital crimes, also a common sport to be viewed by the interested public. Scripture tells us that on this tragic Friday, cosmic forces overtook the sky and some who witnessed the event were jolted in becoming believers. Indeed, this was a week when the tables were turned and routine was shaken.

Our faith is founded in the tragedy of the cross where good and bad battled it out. What makes the faith, we celebrate less ceremoniously this year, so profound is the belief that evil overshadowed the world at the cross but the pure and innocent Messiah was faithful to His Father to the bitter end. Yes, the tomb was closed and all withdrew but evil did not triumph. Jesus was raised gloriously that Sunday morning and God is victorious...

This specific year, allow Palm Sunday and Holy Week be a life changing episode for you. Surely we will always remember it. Yes, it is different but remember that it was “in the inordinate” where God was the victor. At the darkest hour came the brightest light.

Preparing for Holy Week: At this time, the ban on social contact continues to be enforced and will run into our High Holy Days. Locally, professionals feel we have not yet peaked with the ramifications of COVID-19. Globally, our Holy Father, Pope Francis, has given unprecedented directions for the Universal Church to celebrate Easter. With social distancing predicated, we will have to be creative in uniting ourselves in this holiest time of the year.

Palm Sunday is the beginning of Holy Week. Please visit SJBDE.org/Easter for a list resources to aid in your home celebration of the Holy Week, links to online Masses and more.

To abide by social distancing, take advantage of the many wonderful spiritual exercises available on television (EWTN) and websites available with Bishop Robert Barron, The Catholic Diocese of Wilmington and St. John the Beloved Parish. There are links that will connect you with the Diocesan Holy Week Liturgies, from the Cathedral of St. Peter in Wilmington, for the Mass of the Lord’s Supper on Holy Thursday, Passion of the Lord on Good Friday and the Easter Vigil, late on Holy Saturday evening.

Our parish will video Mass for Palm Sunday and Easter Morning. Make a Spiritual Communion when you listen and participate reverently in these Masses. This is the act of unifying yourself with the Eucharistic Lord, like: 

“My Jesus, I believe that you’re present in the Holy Sacrament. I love You above all else, and I desire You in my soul. As long as I can’t receive You sacramentally, at least enter spiritually into my soul.”

Our parish will video Tenabrae, which is the service of “shadows” or “darkness” for Holy Week, precisely Holy Thursday and Good Friday. Dating back to the Middle Ages, through the praying of psalms, hymns and sacred readings, this 12 part service recreates the emotional aspects of Our Lord being abandoned by His twelve Apostles and led into His Passion. Left in darkness, alone, is the Light of Christ which is escorted out to His death.  

Since the sacrament of Penance or Confession is on hold, until the social ban is lifted, privately examine your conscience and make a good confession of sin followed by a sincere Act of Contrition:

“O my God, I am heartily sorry for having offended Thee, and I detest all my sins because of thy just punishments, but most of all because they
offend Thee, my God, who art all good and deserving of all my love. I firmly resolve with the help of Thy grace, to sin no more and to avoid the near occasion of sin. Amen.”

Hopefully the ban will be lifted in time for the faithful to make their Easter Duty, which is making a worthy confession and making a worthy Communion during the Easter Season. Easter Season ends on Trinity Sunday, June 7th this year.

 Questions? Please CALL! St. John the Beloved Parish Office at 302.999-0211, or email via "Contact Us" online at SJBDE.org. Our mailing address is 907 Milltown Road, Wilmington DE 19808. Thank you.

Father Joe Piekarski, 
Pastor

Sunday, March 29, 2020 

Using modern technology, our parish is trying to keep in contact with each of you. It may not have the personal touch we often appreciate but it conveys our well wishes and blessings to one another.

Today’s Gospel about the raising of Lazarus could not be more appropriate than it is for us today. Jesus’ good friends are in a dilemma. Martha and Mary are concerned that their brother Lazarus is sick and send a message to Jesus. He postpones coming to Bethany, where the family resided, until Lazarus died. When Jesus arrives in Bethany, the funeral was completed and the two sisters are disappointed that Jesus was not there when their brother was dying.

Troubled in spirit, Jesus goes to the tomb of Lazarus and orders him to come out. Note that the Jewish population was well aware of disease and contamination when they remind Jesus that the corpse has been dead for four days. Following Jesus’ command, the burial stone is removed and Lazarus, the dead man, came out. A very dramatic scene showing the divine power Christ has over a bad situation...even death.

What we are going through is a similar situation. Disease and death are threatening the general public and precautions have to be allowed. Two thousand years ago, the ancient people of Israel were aware of contagion when they insisted on cleanliness with food, lepers being ostracized and the rapid burial of the dead to prevent the spread of disease. What we are experiencing is nothing new. Even Our Lord was aware of such predicaments.

The above image by Rembrandt, represents what the artist himself hoped for, in the seventeenth century, after the harrowing despair the artist himself faced; the incomprehensible deaths of one loved one after another, until there was none. Rembrandt was convinced of the Gospel truth that the power of darkness cannot put love to death even though it has the means to do so in times of near despair.

This particular Gospel touched Rembrandt’s heart because Jesus is so human He weeps over His friend: “See how much He loved him!” the people explain. This pain, this darkness, Rembrandt knew only too well after watching his parents, his wife, his children and friends horribly crushed by illness and snatched up in death.

Yes, the power of evil often triumphs—except that this man, Jesus who weeps, all too human as He is, suddenly says: “I am the resurrection and the life; whoever believes in me, even if he dies, will live.” And Rembrandt, who witnessed so much darkness and separation, believes in Him. Most significant in this canvas is the intense play of light striking the tomb of Lazarus. Those present at the miracle are spellbound. The figure of the Lord forms the vertical axis dividing the composition: a human Jesus, still grief-stricken, but the Christ of superhuman stature. Twice the height of the other figures, his right hand masterfully raised, with the power of God He commands His friend to rise. Our faith is not in vain.

At the writing of this bulletin, everything is changing minute to minute. To safeguard the public, the government is enacting stricter policies that keep us at a distance for obvious reasons. The Church, and in particular our Diocese, is cooperating with these policies to prevent the COVID-19 virus and all illness from spreading. Please use our website, SJBDE.org, to keep in contact with our parish. Assist those who do not have this technology, to be informed by phone. We are in a global crisis with unseen factors that spread within human contact. Therefore, avoiding unnecessary encounters with people is the moral thing to do right now. These are positive restrictions to keep everyone healthy.

Unfortunately, these restrictions will hinder Holy Week for us. As details are unfolding, we will keep you up to date. So what can we do for the remainder of Lent? We are already Fasting from natural routine and I ask you, the stronger folks, to be Charitable by contacting everyone you know by phone, texting, e-mail, etc. who is alone and may need something. This is indeed the most practical and necessary way to serve the needs of the poor at this time, as is donations to our Parish Outreach. They are dispensing food, only, at the Community Center Door to those in need.

Lastly, PRAY. All scheduled Masses are being said privately each day. So your intentions are lifted in prayer although walls separate us for now. Masses are available, to participate in, via television, on this and diocesan websites. EWTN has a multitude of devotions that one can devoutly participate in during the remainder of Lent and Easter. TAKE advantage of this modern technology. Private prayers like Stations of the Cross, rosary, litanies, spiritual readings and meditations will open your mind to the mystery of Christ’s Passion, Death and Resurrection; a relevant fact in this day and age. Be good to one another, especially the ones you may live with. Charity is the greatest virtue... let us practice it.

Sunday, March 22, 2020 

The Fourth Sunday of Lent is traditionally known as Laetare Sunday, so-called from the first word of theantiphon for this day. “Laetare! Rejoice!” sets a tone of joyful anticipation of the Easter mystery, as does the permitted use of rose-colored vestments. Since most of the world is aiming to practice social distancing, we naturally feel disconnected and the climactic response to what is intended for this week is deflated.

Not being able to attend Mass or devotional, Lenten practices makes us lost. Please keep up your prayer life, fasting and almsgiving from home. Watch Mass on television, make a spiritual Communion, do spiritual readings, meditate, say the rosary, pray the Way of the Cross...

Perhaps the “extra” funds we may have from the abstinence of going out are a perfect sum to give to charity. Please remember that your weekly contributions are still needed and our Parish Outreach also continues their ministry needing donations. Just leave the food to the Parish Office and mail-in your church contributions. Consider joining “on-Line” giving to the Parish Office. Please know that all Mass intentions are being satisfied in private Masses on the days they are intended. Weddings and funerals are a go as planned but considered “private” for now and have some restrictions.

This present restrictions are placed upon us to keep us safe and protect the most vulnerable. Let us pray that this distancing from one another will allow health and normality to return...and enhance a closer relationship with Our Lord. Better days are coming. Look toward the brightness of the Resurrection...Rejoice!
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Sunday, March 15, 2020 

Dear Parishioners and Friends of St. John the Beloved Parish:

These past days have truly altered our lives.  Fear and anxiety seem to be the general concern among us because of the Coronavirus and seasonal illnesses.  Social distancing has altered our routine. Even our mild winter and early spring are making us rethink what normal is.  
 
As the situation with the pandemic continues, our concern is to promote health and safety.  We acknowledge and appreciate all that is being done globally and specifically by everyone to stifle the spread of all viruses.  Relying on the numerous experts of disease control and prevention, we must listen seriously to what they strongly advise about staying home when ill, thoroughly washing hands, avoiding large gatherings and close contact with people.  We have to heed the medical reminders that upending the normal routines of our lives is not in itself a reason to panic but a way to save off needing panic down the line.   
 
We are more informed today in controlling these viruses, therefore it is our moral obligation to listen to the wisdom at hand, keep well ourselves, protect those around us, especially those who are most at risk and heal the affected.  The present constrains are aiming to safeguard one another from sickness and…death…despite the inconvenience.  Perhaps the loss of control and awkward detour will assist our Lenten Journey by reminding us that life is fragile, unpredictable and sacrificial.    
 
The additional time we now have, because of cancellations, is a void that must be filled with…PRAYER. Is it not one of the three pillars of lent that can complement the other two; fasting from that which we are accustomed and charity toward our neighbors in need?  This pandemic is full of many spiritual lessons.  
 
Throughout history, Catholic Christians in serious adversity have sought the intercession of Our Blessed Mother.  Pope Francis has asked the Virgin Mary to watch over the world in this current moment of crisis.  United in prayer and redemptive suffering, let us raise our voices to heaven, knowing that the horizon will eventually shine with a new rising and our present concerns will pass away.  We are a people of resurrection 

Pope Francis has asked the Virgin Mary to watch over the world in this current moment of crisis.
 
An English-language translation of the Pope’s prayer is below:
 
O Mary, you shine continuously on our journey as a sign of salvation and hope.
We entrust ourselves to you, Health of the Sick.
At the foot of the Cross you participated in Jesus’ pain,
with steadfast faith.
You, Salvation of the Roman People, know what we need.
We are certain that you will provide, so that,
as you did at Cana of Galilee,
joy and feasting might return after this moment of trial.
Help us, Mother of Divine Love,
to conform ourselves to the Father’s will
and to do what Jesus tells us:
He who took our sufferings upon Himself, and bore our sorrows to bring us,
through the Cross, to the joy of the Resurrection. Amen.
We seek refuge under your protection, O Holy Mother of God.
Do not despise our pleas – we who are put to the test – and deliver us from every danger, O glorious and blessed Virgin.

May the peace of Christ control your hearts at this time of anxiety. Let us continue to pray.

 

Sunday, March 15, 2020 

Dear parishioners and friends,

The Lenten Gospel of the meeting of Jesus with the Samaritan Woman, at the well, is a story of quenching thirst.  Jesus was passing through Samaria, a hostile area for Jews, and He is tired, thirsty and sits near a famous biblical well.  Looking for someone to draw water from this well, Jesus addresses a woman resident to obtain water.  He is breaking the taboos of His time by speaking to a woman, a Samaritan. 

Shocked by Jesus’ request, the woman converses with Him and in the middle of all this, Jesus says something to the woman that causes her to allow Him to change her life.  Jesus recognized her sinful ways and this caused the woman to change her life.  Jesus’ tone must have said to her, “My dear woman, you can do better.” 

This dry encounter ended in overflowing grace.  The woman’s life was saved, she felt her real worth and it bubbled up throughout her community.  The Samaritans saw the change in one of their own and wanted to share in her happiness.  They, too, recognized the dignity of Christ in their midst, believed and followed Him.

Maybe, in our Lenten journey, we tend to see our sins as not mortal and therefore we are not that bad.  But when we recall our thoughts, and count the many acts of selfishness we act upon…we know we could do better.  Jesus wants to make us better than we are.  He alone can give Life Giving Water to quench our deepest yearnings for happiness.  Happy Lent.

The Little Sisters of the Poor will be with us at all Masses next weekend.  Please be considerate of their wonderful ministry to the aged.

Note that our Parish Mission will begin at all Masses next weekend.  Please take this opportunity to be spiritually nourished during this Lenten Season.

Sincerely, 
Father Joe
 

Sunday March 8, 2020

The common theme of today’s readings is transformation. The readings invite us to work with the assistance of the Holy Spirit to transform our lives by renewing them during Lent. In today’s Gospel, Jesus is revealed as a glorious figure, superior to Moses and Elijah. The primary purpose of Jesus’ Transfiguration was to allow Him to consult His Heavenly Father in order to ascertain His plan for His Son’s suffering, death and Resurrection.

The secondary aim was to make His chosen disciples aware of His Divine glory, so that they might discard their worldly ambitions and dreams of a conquering political Messiah and might be strengthened in their time of trial. On the mountain, Jesus is identified by the Heavenly Voice as the Son of God. Thus, the transfiguration narrative is a revelation of Who Jesus really is; giving us a glimpse of the Heavenly glory awaiting us.

As Christians, we continually change. Lent allows us to see our purpose for making Jesus the center of our lives; He is the Son of God. The tension we have within ourselves, the struggle to be less sinful and more holy are well worth overcoming because the Lord is the object of our desire and what we lack in our abilities are achieved by Christ’s death and resurrection. Lent is a time of transformation.

The flu, virus and cold season is peaking in many areas. Although the Coronavirus is of specific concern, the flu has had more impact in our area. Please remember that if you are seriously ill, there is no sin in avoiding Sunday Mass and recuperating. Stay at home and get well without spreading any sickness. The health department always reminds us that in order to limit illness at this time, wash your hands more often, and avoid close physical contact with other people. As for the sign of peace at Mass, simply avoid hand shaking or embracing. Also, please abstain from taking the Precious Blood from the chalice. This thoughtful consideration will keep us healthier.

 

Sunday, March 1, 2020

This past Wednesday, we were reminded of our humble beginnings. Our first reading, today, also tells us that we are formed out of the clay of the ground. These reflections are repeated annually to sharpen our life focus: the things of this world are passing and finite, while the divine spirit breathed into us is permanent and infinite. The beginning of Lent is a recollection of the cunningness of the devil in our human lives. It does not take much for evil to convince us we can do everything without God’s approval. How easily we are convinced that we do not need God or that there is an easier path to get what I want or that somehow God does not have our interest or perhaps... God may not even exist. The analogy of us being of weak origin and returning to basic matter points to our human frailty indeed.

Look at the world, look at yourself and we know that the Father of Lies fools us over and over again.

That is why Lent is a good time to reinforce our strength to be what we claim to be: Disciples of Christ. The Lord Himself went through a stringent physical, psychological and spiritual examination in the desert. His model of praying and fasting is what we need to imitate. Lent is a time to get away from the abstractions of life and place emphasis on what needs to be corrected in our relationship with God.

Prayer opens us to the grace that is given to those who ask for it. Prayer allows us to open ourselves to God in the silence of our hearts and minds and simply ask for correction, direction in our lives. In addition to daily Mass, Stations of the Cross and Exposition, taking time to read good spiritual articles and taking time to reflect, meditate is most important. We often are surprised, when giving the Lord this opportunity, to actually hear the Lord speaking to our hearts.

The Lord fasted, and so should we because it eliminates the routine of satisfying what we want. Fastingpurifies our intentions and truly allows us to recognize what is really important. Always looking back at the meals that we abstained from or the treats that we oh so needed...we recognize that we “do not live on bread alone.” My uncle, who was a priest, often said: “We should always leave the table...a little hungry.”

Lastly the ample time, we create by going into this desert experience gives us the opportunity to some good deeds: Be more charitable to the poor and needy, visit the abandoned and lonely, be kinder to family and coworkers, listen more intently to those who need a friend, etc, etc. What good is faith if we do not practice it? Lent shows us how to be people of faith, genuine Christians, loving children of God. Welcome to Lent. Remember... life is passing. Do not let this time pass away without some advancement toward our ultimate goal... everlasting Life in Heaven.
 

Sunday, February 23, 2020 

The Gospel reminds us to offer no resistance to one who persecutes you.  Rather love your neighbor as you love yourself.  As the Lord is gracious and merciful, treat others in the same way, humbling yourself before the Lord.  The opportunities are close at hand.  This is the last Sunday in the winter section of Ordinary Time.  It is time for us to evaluate what is in our heart.  Are there areas that should not be there and can be altered for the good?  Do I surprise myself in what I say and do and grasp that my actions come from my soul?  Lent is the time to evaluate what causes the disturbance, even evil, and address it. 

The Church offers various practices that root out bad behavior…Confession.  It offers the opportunities needed to reflect and open oneself to prayer and grace…Masses, Stations of the Cross, Exposition, and Missions.  This time of year, the Church is united in mortifying ourselves with fasts and abstinence.  The Church is the perfect area to distribute alms and serve the needy.  It is time to clean house and prepare a heart worthy for the Lord.

Lent begins on Ash Wednesday, February 26, 2020. Masses on Ash Wednesday are 6:30, 8:00, and 9:30 a.m., 12:10 Noon and 6:30 p.m. The distribution of ashes takes place after the homily. The practice of wearing ashes comes from the ancient Jewish tradition of penance and fasting. It symbolizes the dust from which God made us and the grief that we have sinned.

Ash Wednesday is a day of abstinence from meat and also a day of fast, that is, limited to a single full meal. All Fridays in Lent are days of abstinence from meat. All those who are fourteen years old are bound to the law of abstinence. The law of fast binds all who are 18 years old and not yet 59.

Weekday Masses:  Monday through Friday, 6:30 & 8:00 a.m. and Saturday, 8:00 a.m.

Exposition & Benediction:  Mondays at 3:00p.m. to 7:00 p.m.

Confessions:  Saturdays, 4:00 to 4:45 p.m. 

Parish Penance Services on Tuesday, March 31 at noon and 6:30 p.m.

Stations of the Cross: Friday evenings at 7 p.m.

Parish Mission:  Sunday, March 22,  2:00 to 4:00 p.m.  Praise & Worship, Exposition and Confessions. 

Monday, March 23,  1:00 p.m. Mission Talk followed by Exposition to 6:00 p.m.;  Confessions  3:00-4:00 p.m.   6:30 p.m. Mission Talk.
 

Sunday, February 16, 2020

In today’s Gospel, Jesus contrasts the written law of the Torah with the new attitude of the Kingdom that must motivate this law. Living the life of the Lord motivates the Christian rather than the minimal performing the law. For example Jesus says, "You have heard it said that murder is wrong, but harboring hatred is also wrong even if you don't physically kill someone.” Why? Because murder is conceived by hatred.

It is not in the action itself but it is in the motivation behind the action where the person's true identity is found and formed. When a person is motivated by love, nothing is unrealistic. Look at the spouses and family members who take care of a sick loved one; even the most awkward and disdained task is not too much to ask when measured by the love for that person.

Perhaps it is a good time to review our reasoning. Jesus did not come to abolish any Law but to fulfill it. It starts with the reason why we do what we do: I go to the Church not because it is a law to keep holy the Sabbath but because I need to worship God and connect with my people of faith. I am honest and fair not because it makes me look good but because it is what God expects from me and that is what we expect from one another.

Imperfect as we humans are, our intentions, motivations and reasoning may be far from what Christ tells us. Do not give up hope because that is the reason Church is needed, to instruct us, challenge us and support each other to be the better angels of our nature.
 

Sunday, February 9, 2020

So often, people we admire the most are those who do not necessarily have degrees in education or even a vast amount of experience.  They just have a grasp of the world and even better; have a real connection with God.  When St. Paul visited Greece, he found many people entrenched in various philosophies of which he had no particular knowledge.  Some followed the philosophy of Plato who spoke about the inner recollection we have of an ideal world.  There were those who followed Aristotle’s philosophy who said the world is as it appears.    

You can understand why he came to these intelligentsia in fear.  "What line of thinking are you employing?" the Greek citizen would ask Paul.  To these Paul states in the second reading for today, "My message and my preaching has none of the persuasive force of ‘wise’ argumentation.  Instead it has the convincing power of the Holy Spirit."  Then he reminds the Christians at Corinth, "As a result your faith rests not on the wisdom of men, but on the power of God." 

The same message is relevant to us today.  Many people lay claim to the term of being wise for one reason or another.  And indeed there is a need for that intellectual capacity but our Christian wisdom is based not on theory or on any other person than Jesus Christ and the faith we put in Him.        

Paul reminds all of us that the reality which we do not see is more powerful, more certain, a deeper truth than the reality that we do see.  The wisdom that our minds cannot come to is infinitely superior to the wisdom that is based solely on our intellectual capacity. When sickness, trauma, or tragedy hit us; when our loved ones become ill, injured or die; it is Jesus Christ and Christ alone who brings order to the chaos of our lives.  We are called today to reveal the true wisdom of the Lord to the world.  The wisdom not based on great intellects, but on the power of God. The world needs this still new wisdom.  

This Sunday, February 9, 2020, at the 5:00 p.m. Mass, we will offer the Sacrament of Anointing to those who are seriously ill, physically, emotionally or spiritually.  Please join us by following the instructions of where to sit and register when you come to this special Mass.  

Study Week:   This week, all active diocesan priests are gathering in Cambridge, Maryland, with Bishop Malooly, for a study week session on bioethics.  There will be no Morning Masses on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday this week (February 11-13) at St. John the Beloved Church.  There will be Prayer Services offered at that time by our deacons.  Mass will be celebrated by a retired priest at St. Mary of the Assumption Church on those days at 8:30 a.m.  Father Marek and I will keep you in prayer. 

Sunday, February 2, 2020 

This weekend we celebrate a feast that seems to bring us back to Christmastime; The Presentation of the Lord.  Celebrated forty days after Christmas, this feast recalls Luke’s Gospel where Simeon called Jesus the “Light of the Nations”.  Hence, candles are blessed on this day and is also called Candlemas Day.  In the Eastern Church, this feast was called the Feast of the Encounter because it is the moment when in the Temple of Jerusalem the Old Testament meets the New Testament.  Simeon and Anna, representing the former order, encounter the new order, the Messiah precisely found in the Christ Child.  Jesus is presented in the Temple following the ancient Jewish laws.  In the New Law of the Kingdom of God, Jesus' own body would become the New Temple.

So many times we enjoyed watching our young couples bringing their new baby to Church.  They are so excited about the birth of their treasure, so grateful to God for this child.  That is what Mary and Joseph were doing when they walked into the Temple with Jesus.  Simeon, like all of us, wanted to hold the new baby. When he does, a spirit of prophecy comes upon him.  He realizes that in this child he is in the presence of God's salvation, the Light of the Nations.  Simeon also prophecies the pains that Mary would have as she witnessed God's plan being worked out in this child.  The encounter with the Lord would demand continual sacrifice from all including Mary.  The reward of this encounter is great, the presence of the Savior.

The Lord is presented as an infant to the Temple, the Temple will never be the same.  We all were presented to the Church for our baptism.  The Church will never again be the same.  Every child born and baptized, every single one of us, presented to the Lord, carries within himself or herself a unique image of the Holy of Holies.  Each one of us is called to seek that image within us, to develop it.  We are called to allow God to take over our lives.  This presentation with its resulting purification results in sorrow, for to follow the Lord means to sacrifice our own material inclinations and our physical desires for the sake of the cultivation of the spiritual within us.  This presentation results in joy, for when we live with the Lord we have meaning in our lives.

Next Sunday February 9, 2020, at the 5:00 p.m. Mass, we will offer the Sacrament of Anointing to those who are seriously ill, physically, emotionally or spiritually.  Please join us by following the instructions of where to sit and register when you come to this special Mass. 

Study Week: Next week, all active diocesan priests are gathering in Cambridge, Maryland, with Bishop Malooly, for a week long study session on bioethics.  There will be no Morning Masses on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday next week (February 11-13) at St. John the Beloved Church.  There will be Prayer Services offered at that time by our deacons.  Mass will be celebrated by a retired priest at St. Mary of the Assumption Church on those days at 8:30 a.m.  Father Marek and I will keep you in prayer.  
 

Sunday, January 26, 2020

In our first reading this weekend, the prophet Isaiah explains that the Galilean area of Israel is a place ofdarkness but will eventually see a great light. Eight-hundred years later, Matthew explains that what had been prophesied by Isaiah had been fulfilled through the preaching and healing ministry of Jesus. By His ministry of inviting people to the Kingdom of God through repentance, Jesus brought Light to peoples living in darkness, thus fulfilling God’s original promise.

The Gospel describes the call of the first disciples, inviting people to repent of their sins and accept the Good News of the Kingdom of God. Ordinary fishermen with no formal training in Mosaic Law were chosen to preach the Good News. Peter and Andrew, James and John heard the call of the Lord, dropped everything and followed Him. They were to be very effective instruments in the mission of Jesus.

The Call continues in our own day and age. This Sunday’s readings lead us to reflect, in particular, on the vocation to the priesthood and religious life. The Lord knows the need we have today for certain men and woman to serve specifically in the Church. And the Lord initiates the call to “Come and follow Him.” The need is becoming greater and can only be satisfied when we honestly recognize the summons and answer affirmatively.

We begin Catholic Schools Week today. We recognize the accomplishments that Catholic education has made and continues to provide in academics and social growth. Our parish has made this a priority for over sixty years in our efforts to evangelize, promote Gospel values and spread the Franciscan spirit. Many generations have benefited from the quality education of St. John the Beloved School and continue to do so. We congratulate the principal, teachers and staff of our parish school on their ministry in Catholic education. We acknowledge the sacrificial efforts made by families to supply this education for our children and are thankful to the parishioners for supporting this noble effort. May the Good Lord continue to bless you.

Parish Lay Trustees: An open meeting, to elect two lay trustees in accordance with the religious corporation laws of the State of Delaware, was held on January 13th, 2020 at the 8:00 morning Mass. The two lay trustees nominated and elected for the Parish Corporation of St. John the Beloved Parish are standing trustee, Joseph Koskol and Bonnie DiMichele replacing Susan Trolio who passed away in December. Congratulations to both of them and we thank them for their continued service to our parish.
 

Sunday, January 19, 2020

You come to Church today and notice right away that the Christmas decorations are done.  Some of the flowers remain.  The Christmas season is over.  Now we move on with the very beginning of Jesus’ public life, usually referred to as His ministry.  We come upon John the Baptist seeing Jesus and pointing to Him and saying:  “This is the Lamb of God.”

We use that term often.  The Prophet Isaiah first used this phrase, six hundred years before Jesus was born, to describe the feelings of God’s people as they look at the Savior on the cross.  Just like an innocent lamb was slaughtered by the Jews in worship, as an atonement for the sins of many…The Savior would take on our infirmities, endure our sufferings, be pierced for our offenses and by His stripes we are healed.  That is why John the Baptist points to Jesus, announcing to the world that Jesus is the Lamb of God that the world has been waiting for. 

Since the fall of creation, when humans in their selfishness perverted the whole purpose of creation, God planned a human to restore creation to God’s original plan.  Jesus is that man.  His mission was defined by John the Baptist and He fulfilled it at the cross and glorious resurrection.  In the later part of the Bible, in the Book of Revelation, the visionary acknowledges that Christ’s death opened the Book of God’s plan for humankind.  Jesus, the Sacrificial Lamb, alone is worthy to once more restore things.

When we say or sing, “Lamb of God” we are remembering what Jesus did for us and what He has empowered us to do for others.  We are remembering His sacrifice to make God’s love real on earth. We are reminding ourselves that joining Jesus in sacrificial love is the only way we can be His followers.  May we have the courage, like John the Baptist, to reveal Christ to the world.  May we join the Baptist in saying with our lives, “Look, there is the Lamb of God.”

Wednesday, January 22, all dioceses of the United States will observe a Day of Prayer for the Legal Protection of Unborn Children.  It marks the 47th anniversary of the historic Supreme Court’s decision making abortion legal in the United States.  As Catholics we are asked to make that day a solemn occasion for prayer, penance and sacrifice as atonement for the taking of human life. To unite ourselves in prayer for this anniversary, along with those who will travel to Washington DC later on Friday for the March for Life, St. John the Beloved Parish will celebrate the Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament in church on Wednesday, January 22, 2020 ,after the 8 a.m. Mass to 10 a.m.  All are welcome. 
 

Sunday, January 12, 2020

Today, we celebrate the Baptism of the Lord; the closing of the Christmas Season.  It is the feast of the Second Epiphany.  Last week we celebrated the first Epiphany, the Arrival of the Magi.  The third Epiphany is the Wedding of Cana.   All three episodes in the Gospel point to Jesus being God.  Epiphany is a manifestation of Jesus being the Christ, of Divine Being. 

The Arrival of the Three Magi initiates this revelation when people from around the world realize that the light from heaven has shown upon earth; they seek and find in Jesus the Divine presence foretold in scripture.  At the Baptism of the Lord, a voice from heaven points to Jesus saying “This is my Beloved Son. My favor rests on Him.”  At the Wedding of Cana, Jesus reveals His divinity by changing water into wine.  Thus, we are enlightened with grace to acknowledge Jesus Christ as God among us.

Jesus entered humanity fully in the waters of the Jordan.  Sinless, He makes the waters holy and unites Himself with us.  We, who are baptized, are purified by the waters that Christ makes holy.  We enter the realm of divinity and become One with Christ.  This is the beginning of our journey as Disciples of Christ; a lifelong process that promises resurrection in Christ after our earthly journey is complete.

The Christmas decorations will be taken down this coming week.  Take advantage of visiting the crèche one last time today.

Behind the scenes of our parish campus are many people who keep the safety and functioning of St. John the Beloved Parish a go.  The week before Christmas, the ageing pipes in the heating system of the gym caused a major leak behind the bleachers and warped a major section of the gym’s wooden floor.  Immediate action had to take place to dry out the boards and estimate damages for the insurance company.  This caused the relocation of the scheduled basketball tournaments and school activities.  The place was adequately and safely assembled for the overcrowding of the 4 p.m. Christmas Eve Mass.

Many people worked together to accomplish this major, timely and costly task.  The principal and staff of our school, our Athletic Association, our Director of Music and Liturgy Committee worked with our Parish Facilities Manager to maneuver everything for the scheduled events.  Our school students helped as needed. 

Not only for the holidays, but throughout the year, people assist in keeping the parish campus clean and safe with snow removal and proper lighting and security.  Our campus has something going on, somewhere throughout the week in the church, school, gym, St. John Bosco Room, Gerres Building and Parish Office.  We need to appreciate the people who keep vigilance for all of us.

Our Principal and our Director of Religious Education along with the parents of our School Children and Religious Education Program are more than generous in helping whenever a need arises and they are cooperative when unforeseen things may alter plans.  And please know that our church is kept clean and in order because of staff and volunteers, who fix broken pews, keep the lavatories clean and stocked, the faithful who change the missalettes, help with the environment (just unfolding the artificial Christmas trees is a long process), and water the flowers.  We hardly realize what the sacristans do daily for every Mass or that the numerous Church linens are washed, starched and ironed by a number of volunteers…weekly.  Our Ushers are needed to keep order at the liturgies, take the collection and secure it for the Money Counters who volunteer weekly to count, record and deposit the money that comes in.  Their scheduled expertise involves several hours each week.  These are just some of the loving services that people render to make us who we are.  We are ever grateful to one and all.  Keep these dedicated people in your prayers and if you are able… ask to join them.  Our “Welcome to Our Church” pamphlet can help you know where you may want to join in.
 

Sunday, January 5, 2020

In the early Church, what we know as Christmas was not celebrated. Easter was, and still is, the pivotal celebration of the Liturgical Year. Before, the traditional date of December 25th was designated by the Pope as the Nativity of the Lord, the Eastern Church had the custom of the Arrival of the Magi and popularized the tradition of Christ’s Incarnation. The Western Church meshed this beautiful tradition into what we now celebrate as the Christmas Season.

Many cultures, to this day, regard the Epiphany as “Little Christmas” by exchanging gifts on January 6th. Matthew’s Gospel states that three gifts were given to Jesus by the Magi...Gold, symbolizing Christ’s Kingly status; Frankincense, symbolic of his Priestly dignity; and Myrrh, foretelling his suffering and death.

Talking about gifts, I want to take this opportunity to extend my appreciation to you, as parish, who are a gift to St. John the Beloved Parish. During the holidays, you met the challenges of our Outreach Programs with contributions, food, supplies, gifts, energy. Many families were gifted this Christmas through your generosity. Thank You. To those who volunteered in this capacity...may you be richly rewarded. The chair people, volunteers and workers of our Christmas Bazaar, that benefits the Emmanuel Dining Room ministry, did a phenomenal job again this year. Thank You.

These past holy days require much more dedication and effort on the part of various ministries. Planning, scheduling and serving required dedication and we had it. Our environmental volunteers did a fantastic job again. Whatever you contributed in time, talent and treasure publicly or quietly...Thank You. Our youth, in all programs, truly extended themselves in singing, transporting, serving, cleaning, etc. They make us very proud of them. Our Knights of Columbus maintained the traffic during the busy season and is always there to lend a helping hand...thank you. God sees everything and knows the goodness you radiate. For the financial contributions our parishioners and friends make to our parish, now and throughout the year, we are appreciative always. God reward you in His limitless benevolence. From all of us to all of you... Thank You for being the gift you are to us.