First Sunday In Lent

How does a worm get inside an apple? Dig’s it’s way in? No, the insect lays an egg on the apple blossom. Sometime later, the worm hatches in the heart of the apple, then eats its way out. It begins on the inside.

Shakespeare wrote in “Julius Caesar” “the fault, dear Brutus, is not in our stars but in ourselves.” Left unattended it can destroy us – break homes – shatter hearts – ruin bodies – all because we have failed to recognize sin.

The First Sunday of Lent, we always hear about the temptations of Jesus in the desert. In some way, we also face the same temptations:

1)   Temptation Not to Fast

We have all been there. I looked in the cupboard on Thursday and there they were potato chips. Didn’t we clean all the junk food out? Where did that come from? We may have given up alcohol, social media, our favorite food.  But Lent is long, and maybe we are having a stressful day. Well, what’s the point, giving up such a small thing? It really doesn’t matter. Have just one – just an hour – just a day – just a week.

Why should we fight it?

It is important to fast – so we will not be slaves to our appetites – we must be able to control ourselves.

We also fast to remind ourselves who our real master is – and where real happiness lies!  Jesus said – “One does not live on bread alone.”  Like happiness my brothers dog Yogi got when he discovered a big bag of food and no one around.  Best happiness is uniting ourselves with God!

2)   Temptation Not to Pray

The devil shows Jesus all the kingdoms of the world – they are yours, just do not worship God. The devil does not have to go so far with us. Just show us our smartphone. Or maybe this project must be done, or this game must be played on Sunday morning.  Or, there is a new series on Netflix that I must binge watch.

Jesus said: “You shall worship the Lord your God, and Him alone shall you serve.” – not our curiosity, busyness or our laziness.     Only way to serve – Life up our hearts and minds to God – pray!

3)   Temptation Not to Give Alms - presume God will take care of everything

Devil takes Jesus up to the top of the Temple – throw yourself down – God will save you.  “Do not put the Lord your God to the test!”

He refuses to fall into presumption. It’s like I sin and tell myself – I can go to confession. Of course, we can – but we take advantage of His mercy and use God.

We are also asked to do our part. God will do it, the government will do it, my parents will do it – what about me?  Love in action means being of service to others, not being served. Remember Jesus at Last Supper – knelt and washed their feet. As I have done you also must do!

The real Temptation this Lent is to go through the motions.  The word is near to us, waiting for us to reach out so that he can transform us!  This is the time – do not wait!!!

Rich Scampoli - Rest In Peace

Thank you Laura for including Father Connolly and I in Rich’s last days.

We always loved seeing Rich – Just a month ago he was sitting next to me at Parish Council – not knowing it was his last Council meeting.

Interesting phenomena on Ash Wednesday – local church was doing drive through ashes – imagine – not even time to get out of your car and say a prayer.   Take and go, it costs you nothing.

Rich was the opposite – how can I give?  Helping us figure out how to grow the parish at Parish Council.  With us at Mass. Picture him at the Parish Picnics – at our God Squad Picnics – at the Knights of Columbus –

Despite all his challenges he could usually be found at St. Joseph’s Men’s group at 7am Saturday mornings. It was a comfort to see him.  He had a powerful presence – a deep, faith filled man.

So, Laura let Father Connolly know Rich was back in the hospital – little did we know it was the last time. Father Connolly heard his last Confession, last Anointing.

On Sunday, he received his Last Communion – Viaticum – Food for the Journey.

I sat down with him – how are you doing Rich – he said how are you doing?  How’s that foot? Wasn’t he something?

Told him I loved him – that he was a good, good man – and I thanked him for all he was and all he did.

He was surrounded by his family – his beautiful family – mom & dad and all the rest. Still joking with you – hey – guess what I’m giving up for Lent?  Cancer!   You should have done that last year!  If only he could.

Pancreatic cancer in the news – Alex Trebek – my mother’s favorite show – recited statistics – 9% survival after 5 years.  Pray end to cancer – maybe a young person here will find a cure?

Rich had long Lent – fought for 2 ½ years – he loved Laura and his girls, and he wanted to live with all his heart.

Monday came and the fight was over – now we stood at the foot of the cross – the cross he carried without ever a complaint - standing by his side until the end.

At the moment of Jesus death – centurion cried out – surely this was the son of God.

Rich’s mom took on the role of the centurion and reminded us – I am not saying this because I am his mother, but my son is a saint.

Isn’t that the purpose of life – not to have the most money, power or influence – but to become a saint?

Those who knew Rich could say – he had 1 foot here on earth – and the other foot in heaven. And what poured out from him always was love.

So that is my prayer today – that we might love as God has loved us – who gave his only Son for us.

That we might love as Rich taught us to love.

That God’s love might be poured into the hearts of Laura, Kyra, Kate, Julia and Jena and all the Scampoli’s – and fill your empty spaces with the deepest and most powerful love.

Thank you, Lord, for the gift of Rich - and Rich, until we meet again, have peace!

Memorial Mass - Henry Vinner

A Memorial Mass will be offered for the repose of the soul of Henry Vinner on Saturday, March 9 at 10:00 a.m. Please pray for him and for his family. 

Funeral Mass - Rich Scampoli

A Mass of Christian Burial will be offered for the repose of the soul of Rich Scampoli on Friday, March 8 at 10:00 a.m. Rich is the President of our Parish Council. Please pray for Rich and his family, especially his 4 young children.

Friday, March 1

School is on two hour delay.
The Office will open at 10:00 a.m.
The Adoration Chapel will open at 10:00 a.m.
The First Friday School Mass will be at 10:15 a.m.
The Funeral will be at 11:30 a.m.

Laura Brady's Brother

Laura Brady is our wonderful Parish Office Manager. On Thursday morning she received news that her brother, Mick Wynne, was critically ill. He died later that morning. Please lift up this family in your prayers.

Funeral Mass - Michael DePaolo

A Mass of Christian Burial will be offered for the repose of the soul of Michael DePaolo on Friday, March 1 at 11:30 a.m. Please pray for him and for his family.