PBJ OUTREACH INC.

PBJ (Peanut Butter and Jelly) Outreach Inc. is an diverse group of people volunteering their time and services to provide food, clothing, and basic social services to homeless people as well as those who are below the poverty level, living in the depressed and impoverished areas of the Metropolitan Detroit area, including the Cass Corridor section of inner city Detroit. The services are provided to all, regardless of race, religion (or lack thereof), gender or national origin.

[The PBJ Outreach Inc. is a 501(c)(3) public charity under the Internal Revenue Code.]

The Inspiring Story of PBJ Outreach, Inc.

In October of 2002, Deacon Tim Sullivan and four other faith-filled people began the PBJ Ministry in the heart of the inner city of Detroit. They set up a card table in a vacant lot at the corner of Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd and 3rd St. within the Cass Corridor. They didn’t know who owned the lot, just that there were people in need there. They began making peanut butter and jelly sandwiches on site keeping the bees from becoming part of the cuisine. They served approximately thirty people that day and vowed to come back. PBJ Outreach now serves up to 350 people every Saturday morning with anywhere from 40 to 60 volunteers helping between food prep and service.

Seven years later the food preparation is done at Our Lady of Good Counsel Catholic Church in Plymouth, Michigan beginning with an early wakeup call to begin preparations by 5:30AM. The menu now features four meat sandwiches, one peanut butter and jelly sandwich, one jelly sandwich, one tuna fish sandwich, one bag with a loaf of bread and a jar of either jelly or peanut butter and a hot item. Also on the menu is an assortment of pre-packaged snacks and candy, bottled water, juice and coffee.

The team has tackled the management of the process by setting up a queue for the guests to walk through, having runners behind the servers to refill any items that are running low, and having certain items strategically placed. For the handicapped and families with small children, there is a smaller version of the setup on the sidewalk for easy access.

What makes this prep-and-serve group so amazing is how they embrace the needs of the guests and bring their ideas to the ‘party’. There are individuals who bring smiles, conversation and cheer to the people as they walk around offering coffee and juice to those standing in a long line. Others give hugs to people who are considered untouchable. Patient conversations take place with those whose stories are filled with childlike fantasy and color. Young adults entertain the children to help the parents find their way through the line. The candy man hands out lollipops to everyone. He’s found that adults never grow up and everyone has their favorite flavor. Deacon Tim stands in his sandals with his partner waiting for the opportunity to pray with anyone whose heart is open for one. Prayers are not required, sermons are not required. Heart to heart conversations with spiritual guidance and prayers are available for anyone who requests it. One woman walks around with minimal first aid supplies to help bring comfort to those who physically need it. With only the experience of being a mom, there are assorted creams and bandages all distributed with great care. A selection of donated books to help pass the time, edify the soul or educate are all on hand for distribution; a hot item to be sure. With the same great management skills, a free clothing ‘shopping’ experience awaits the guests every second and fourth Saturday of the month. These individuals also bring specialty items at important times of the years. When school starts, along with clothing, there are school supplies, at Mother’s Day, out come the best of the jewelry, purses and shoes gathered over the year. Father’s Day brings watches, hand held video games and sports equipment.

The love of the people of Detroit and this city are palpable. There are servers who show up at the lot who come from the city. They were driving by and saw the great gift of hope taking place and felt the call to help their fellow neighbors. They remind the rest of us who are from the suburbs that Detroit is alive with love, fellowship and promise of better days. Other organizations from within the city and other suburban communities have begun to show up to help as well.

The people we provide for come from a large cross section of the city. There are the guests who have lost their jobs and need temporary help. There are the elderly who are on fixed incomes and need supplemental help, there are single parents trying to make their way on the means they have and find they just need a little more support. There are guests who must be lead by their angels to find their way to us due to their physical and mental disabilities. But in it all, the smiles are there, the laughs are there and the hope is there. When asked how they are, so many respond, “I am blessed.” We serve those who society deems as outcasts, such as the prostitutes, drug addicts and ex-convicts. No one is considered beyond hope or unworthy to this group.

It is with great devotion that PBJ Outreach can say it has fed over 110,000 people and has never missed a Saturday in seven years no matter the weather or if it is a holiday. The people know PBJ Outreach will be there at 8:00AM and have whatever they need that day. PBJ Outreach is currently funded solely by private donors and run by volunteers. We have individuals who give of their time and talent organizing lucrative fundraisers. We are most thankful for those who have given financially, in-kind, and/or of their time. These are remarkable people. Unfortunately, we were informed by the owner of the lot that he is looking to develop there soon. A soup kitchen is going to be required by us in the very near future.

PBJ Outreach, Inc. is currently in the process of expanding. There is a group of people who have the ability and ambition to work but are lacking the skills to provide themselves a living wage. They are at risk of succumbing to the vices, behaviors and beliefs that hopelessness brings. These individuals do not fit the profile of the No Worker Left Behind Program and therefore are in a precarious position. They are pivotal in the rebirth and renaissance of Detroit. With an increase in their self-esteem, there is so much they can offer the city both financially and in the promise of their future that will feed the spirit of Detroit. PBJ Outreach, Inc. is planning to open a facility that will give culinary skills and life skills training to the unemployed. We are hopeful that the combination will translate to a successful new lifestyle for the employee. We are looking to include a restaurant and café/bakery as the lab work and classrooms for the life skills and management training. We would like to incorporate urban farming into our program with the goal in mind of helping stock the soup kitchen. Job placement and healthcare are also in the works.

Although it sounds ambitious, we liken this endeavor to Noah’s Ark. Noah saved good people from destruction and he persevered through persecution, hardships and humble beginnings. We have many experts in various fields who are excited to get working on this project. Our team consists of healthcare professionals, life skill teachers, culinary art professors, small business owners, attorneys, fundraisers and event planners, investors, controllers, marketing and strategic planners, job placement coordinators, participating banks in monetary education, architects, web designers and computer specialists, urban farmers, and organizations that have agreed to work with our employees. The only thing we now need is high level financial backing. Unlike most training programs, we do not qualify for the No Worker Left Behind student scholarships nor do we qualify for federal funds as we do not provide degrees or state-and-federal certifications.

Please visit our website at http://www.pbjoutreach.org to learn more about ways we help the community, what we need, how to get involved and our future plans to help with the growing number of needs in Southeast Michigan. To speak with us directly, please contact:
Deacon Tim Sullivan
President
734-502-1818
deacontim@tds.net

Christina Hohman
Program Manager
734-781-5514
chohman08@wowway.com

Repost of July 6 Article - Do Animals Go to Heaven

DO ANIMALS GO TO HEAVEN?
Last week I was asked that question and my answer was yes, I think they do. Now why? Remember God never made “throw-aways.” In Genesis God created man and animals on the same day. “Then God said, ‘Let the earth bring forth all kinds of living creatures: cattle, creeping things, and wild animals of all kinds.’ And so it happened: God made all kinds of wild animals, all kinds of cattle, and all kinds of creeping things of the earth. God saw how good it was. Then God said: ‘Let us make man in our image, after our likeness. Let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, the birds of the air, and the cattle, and over all the wild animals and all the creatures that crawl on the ground.’ God created man in his image; in the divine image he created him; male and female he created them. God blessed them, saying: ‘Be fertile and multiply; fill the earth and subdue it. Have dominion over the fish of the sea, the birds of the air, and all the living things that move on the earth." Theologians are split whether animals go to heaven or not. Do animals have souls? Yes. They have material souls—their life force. Are these souls eternal like ours, well, no but—keep in mind a couple of things.
First, none of us know what heaven is like. We know that we will be in God’s presence and that it’s eternal but that’s about it. God will be our main focus. But, that doesn’t mean that we won’t be able to appreciate each other and the beauty of our heavenly paradise. Try to remain open to the possibility that part of this enjoyment might well include our pets.
Peter Kreeft, a professor of philosophy at Boston College tells us that “pets, like everything else in this world, can mediate God’s love and goodness to us and train us for our union with him, or that can distract us from him. In heaven, everything mediates and nothing distracts.” C.S. Lewis, the great Christian writer pointed out that even in our life our pets sometimes become an important part of our lives, almost an extension of who we are. Their association with us elevates them to a higher kind of life than they would have had on their own. In this way it seems to me possible that certain animals may have immortality, not in them selves, but in the immortality of their masters.”
Just a couple of points on a less intellectual level. God wants us to be totally happy in heaven. If our dog or cat or favorite pet will help this process, knowing that God can resurrect us, I have no doubt that he could resurrect a dog or a cat too.
Imagine the seeing eye dog devoted to its master. Think of the cat who is the only friend and companion of an elderly person. Think of the devoted dog or cat that never leaves the side of their chronically and perhaps terminally ill master. I find it impossible to believe that God, who is all loving and all compassionate will not in some way reward this loyalty. And, theologians notwithstanding, God can do anything! (If you are interested in more articles on this topic, just “Google” “Are there Animals in Heaven.”)

October 4, 2009 – Respect Life Sunday

Deacon Tim’s Column
October 4, 2009 – Respect Life Sunday

Today we observe “Respect Life Sunday.” Often we equate respecting life with only the issues of abortion and the other issues relating to conception and the unborn. To be truly “pro-life” we must respect life in all of its stages. In 2005, 1.21 million abortions were performed in the U.S. In 2007, the infant mortality rate in the U.S. was one of the worst in the world with 6.78 infant deaths (under 1 year of age) per 1,000 live births (over 28,000 infant deaths). Approximately 45,000 people die each year because they have no health insurance. In the United States, 3.5 million people are expected to experience homelessness in a given year. Out of this number, 1.35 million of these are children. Approximately 15 million children (one out of every four) live below the poverty level. 22% of Americans under the age of 18 and 25% under the age of 12 are hungry or at the risk of being hungry. Everyday, 2,660 children are born into poverty; 27 die because of it (almost 10,000 per year).
All of us are worthy of respect. In Genesis 1:27 we read “God created man in his image; in the divine image he created him, male and female he created him.” All of us have human dignity because of this and each life is precious and worthwhile. We can’t be selective when we call ourselves “pro-life.” We have to respect all life at all stages. We have unfortunately accepted a culture of death in this country. Whether it concerns abortion, lack of health insurance, poverty, a disregard for life (even at the end stages) we have become hardened to the dignity of life. Each of us are going to have to answer to God for what we have done to foster an atmosphere of life not death. When we are judged, God will tell us “Amen, I say to you, whatever you did for one of these least brothers (and sisters) of mine, you did for me.” (Matthew 25:40b).
May Christ’s peace always be with you and your families.
DeaconTim 734-502-1818
deacontim@tds.net
http://shamrockdeacon.blogspot.com

PBJ Outreach

All of you have been so supportive of this program in the last seven years and it is greatly appreciated. Yesterday, Saturday, October 3 was the seventh anniversary of the PBJ Outreach. Because of your support we have been able to feed and clothe in excess of 85,000 people. Currently we are in the process of expanding our operations. Our mission downtown on Saturday morning will never change. We are looking into ways to help more people and increase the number of days that we can serve as well as the number of ways that we can serve. There are several programs that we are looking at currently. All of them entail developing an enterprise which can be used as training for the homeless and the unemployed and also to (after it’s initial start-up) be self-sustaining and used as a feeder for addional operations , programs and locations to help the homeless, the marginalized poor and the unemployed. This segment of the PBJ will be completely separate from our current operations. It will be funded through grants from the government, foundations and private contriubtors. The success or failure of this enterprise will in no way effect our operations at Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd. and Third in the Cass Corridor. In conjunction with this we are looking at ways to enhance and help the services we provide to our friends every Saturday. Please keep all of us in your prayers. If you would like any additional information or have any questions, please contact me at 734-502-1818.
Deacon Tim

Deacon Tim’s Column
September 20, 2009
25th Sunday in Ordinary Time
Today’s Gospel passage is all too familiar. Jesus is journeying with his disciples and he starts to prepare them for his upcoming passion, death and resurrection. Instead of listening to him they start to be concerned with who is the greatest among them. The disciples actually weren’t looking for earthly fame and fortune. What they were arguing about was who was going to be the best servant. How could you serve the Lord in the best way possible, to be the best servant? Jesus reminded them that the best servant was the one who serves quietly and who appears to be the most vulnerable and need the most amount of care. This is the one who can teach us what it means to be Christ-like. As an example, he takes a little child and places it in their midst and tells them that the person who receives this child in his name receives not only Jesus, but the one who sent him.
Sometimes we can take this idea of being the servant of all and turn it around into something that it shouldn’t be. We try to become what the disciples were arguing about…who’s the greatest servant, how many committees do we serve on, how many programs do we donate our time to, how much time do we spend in prayer? In thinking of this idea of serving, I was reminded of a fairly famous gangster in Chicago from the 1920’s, Al Capone. By 1929 the Great Depression had hold of the U.S. In major cities all over there were bread lines, soup kitchens and desperate taken people. In Chicago, the most notorious gangster of the Prohibition Era, Al Capone set out on a PR campaign. He provided food and started soup kitchens for people in the City of Chicago. I would hope that Mr. Capone did that out of the goodness of his heart and for the sake of his less fortunate brothers and sisters. I’m sure that God took that into consideration when Mr. Capone died. If he truly wanted to be a servant and be Christ-like, chances are he wouldn’t have led the kind of life that he did and have been responsible for the numerous murders which occurred during Prohibition in Chicago (especially the notorious St. Valentine’s Day Massacre).
This idea of being servant of all then is not just all about the externals. So much of our servanthood depends on our interior disposition as well as our motives in serving. In the second reading today from the Letter of James, he tells us that “. . . the wisdom from above is first of all pure, then peaceable, gentle, compliant, full of mercy and good fruits, without inconstancy or insincerity.” This wisdom he is talking about is an excellent description of of what should be in our hearts when we truly become “servants.”
Come Holy Spirit grant us the Spirit of fear and awe, that we may be filled with a loving reverence toward God and avoid doing anything that may displease him.
Deacon Tim 734-502-1818
deacontim@tds.net
http://shamrockdeacon/blogspot.com
BLESSING OF PETS – Sunday, October 4, 2009 (the feast of St. Francis of Assisi). At 2:00 p.m. we will have the blessing of pets in the small parking lot next to the day chapel. All pets, dogs, cats, gerbils, rabbits, fish, etc., are welcome.

24th Sunday in Ordinary Time

Deacon Tim’s Column
September 13, 2009
24th Sunday in Ordinary Time

What an appropriate combination of readings today, the selection from James (Jas 2:14-18) and Mark (Mk 8:27-35). In the Gospel passage, Jesus tells the disciples and the crowds that had followed him “Whoever wishes to come after me must deny himself, take up his cross and follow me.” Sometimes we get are under the misconception that the cross Jesus is talking about is pain or suffering, illness or abuse. The misconception is that we are to bear these stoically because of what Jesus said. The cross he was talking about, the denial he was referring to was the consequences of following him and his teaching. There is nothing Christ-like in a battered woman enduring physical and mental abuse. This is not carrying the cross that Christ referred to. As to pain, suffering and illness, these things can happen to anyone, even non-believers. The “denying of oneself” doesn’t refer to the “giving up of something, for example Lenten fasts. What it does refer to is the spirituality of placing the common good and Christ at the center of our lives and not merely our own desires and wants.
In line with the selection from Mark James very succinctly says “If a brother or sister has nothing to wear and has no food for the day, and one of you says to them, ‘Go in peace, keep warm, and eat well,’ but you do not give them the necessities of the body what good is it?” I would imagine that if Mark was writing today, he also might include if a brother or sister has no medical care and you say to them, go in peace, and keep healthy and do nothing to help them, what good is it. (In the United States approximately 48-50 million people are without any kind of health insurance. Of this number close to 10 million are children. – U.S. Census Bureau)
How can we deny ourselves and take up our cross? Are we willing to place economic and social concerns and our own desires second and look out for the common good of all? Are we ready to do that? Is this denial of self concerning the poor and marginalized what Jesus was talking about? He said if we do it for his sake it is. If we want to be his true followers, we absolutely have to follow what he taught in the Gospels. The litmus test of our degree of following the Gospel and of our Christianity is how we treat and care for the least members of our society.
Come Holy Spirit grant us the spirit of piety that we might find the service of God sweet and enjoy showing your goodness to others.
Deacon Tim 734-502-1818
deacontim@tds.net
http://shamrockdeacon/blogspot.com

BLESSING OF PETS – Sunday, October 4, 2009 (the feast of St. Francis of Assisi). At 2:00 p.m. we will have the blessing of pets in the small parking lot next to the day chapel. All pets, dogs, cats, gerbils, rabbits, fish, etc., are welcome.

23rd Sunday in Ordinary Time

Deacon Tim’s Column
9-6-09 (23rd Sunday in Ordinary Time)

The second reading today is from the Letter of James. This letter among New Testament writings is marked by a deep concern for social justice. By social justice is meant a how we navigate through the various social, ethnic, economic, gender and political realities which shape our lives in light of the Gospel message of Jesus Christ. When you look at the various New Testament writings, it’s evident that they form a commentary on the teachings of Jesus and are and expansion on what was expressed in the Synoptic versions of the Gospel and the Gospel as written by John. Jesus welcomed all who came to him no matter who they were or where they were from. He cared for all of them and exhorted his followers (both then and now) to do likewise. No one was rejected by Jesus. He welcomed the sick, the lame, the blind, the outcasts (tax collectors and prostitutes), the widow, the orphan and the desperately poor. No one who was marginalized was turned away. In the early Christian Community there was a certain disparity between those with wealth and those who were poor. The situation was serious enough to be addressed in several of the New Testament letters including the one quoted today from James.
Things haven’t changed a lot in the ensuing 2,000 years. There is still a huge disparity between rich and poor. Catholic social justice though demands that we take a hard look at the poor, at health care, at unemployment and immigration as well as any other areas which impact life (in other words, all life issues). James ends today’s selection with “Did not God choose those who are poor in the world to be rich in faith and heirs of the kingdom that he promised to those who love him?” A little later James 2: 14-17, “What good is it, my brothers, if someone says he has faith but does not have works? Can that faith save him? If a brother or sister has nothing to wear and has no food for the day, and one of you says to them, ‘Go in peace, keep warm, and eat well,’ but you do not give them the necessities of the body, what good is it? So also faith of itself, if it does not have works, is dead.”
While it is a highly charged topic now, it’s unconscionable that approximately 50 million Americans have no health insurance. They have no private coverage and don’t for whatever reason qualify for Medicaid. There are some hospitals which help (to the extent that they can) but many won’t because of financial concerns. How can any of us in good conscience call ourselves Christian if we fail at even the basic qualifications of looking after those who are most in need of care. With the current atmosphere so volatile regarding the area of universal health care we sometimes are left asking what the Church’s position is. An excellent source is the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops – www.usccb.org/healthcare. Perhaps surprising to some is that the position of the U.S. Catholic Bishops regarding health care reform is there must be a truly universal health policy with respect for human life and dignity; access for all with a special concern for the poor and inclusion of legal immigrants; pursuing the common good and preserving pluralism including freedom of conscience and a variety of options and restraining costs and applying them equitably across the spectrum of payers. (The USCCB is an excellent resource especially in the areas of Catholic Social Justice, immigration, preferential option for the poor, the just war doctrine, capital punishment as well as all other issues which impact human life.)
In the Gospel selection from Mark today Jesus cures a deaf man with a speech impediment. The people were amazed. Many in the crowd were swayed by flashy signs of God’s reign, i.e., the miracles Jesus worked. They missed the deeper meaning; they missed what these signs meant. Jesus had admonished them to stay silent about these deeds (interesting twist, he opens the ears and mouth of the man but tells the crowd to remain silent). Many in the crowd were not unlike the man who was deaf. They were lacking in the openness of mind, body and spirit which would have enabled them to accept the deeper teaching of Jesus. Let’s hope that we aren’t like the crowds in Jesus’ time, wanting the outward show but having hardened hearts and spirits, unable or unwilling to accept the teachings of Jesus.
Come Holy Spirit grant us the Spirit of Knowledge that we may know God and know ourselves and grow perfect in the image of the Saints.
Deacon Tim 734-502-1818
deacontim@tds.net
http://shamrockdeacon/blogspot.com

WORKINGS OF THE SPIRIT

During the last few months I have undergone a spiritual conversion, from being mediocre and lukewarm in my spiritual life to being what I can only describe as being "on fire" with the Spirit. During these last three months I have developed and continue to develop and deepen a very close relationship with the Spirit. In part this is through the excellent questions of my spiritual adviser and in a small novena to the Holy Spirit (published by the Apostles of the Holy Spirit - see the links). One prayer that I've found extremely helpful is the following:


Prayer for the Seven Gifts of the Holy Spirit
Jesus, before ascending into Heaven, You promised to send the Holy Spirit to finish Your work in the souls of Your Apostles and Disciples. Grant the same Holy Spirit to me that He may perfect in my soul the work of His grace and His love. Come Holy Spirit Grant me the Spirit of Wisdom - that I may not be attached to the perishable things of this world - but aspire only after the things - that are eternal. Grant me the Spirit of Understanding to enlighten my mind - with the light of Your divine truth - the Spirit of Counsel - that I may ever choose the surest way of pleasing God - and gaining Heaven - the Spirit of Fortitude - that I may bear my cross and that I may overcome with courage, all the obstacles that oppose my sanctification - the Spirit of Knowledge that I may know God and know myself and grow perfect in the image of the Saints. Grant me the Spirit of Piety - that I may find the service of God sweet and enjoy showing Your goodness to others, the Spirit of Fear - that I may be filled with a loving reverence towards God and may avoid anything that may displease Him. Mark me, dear Holy Spirit - with the sign of a true apostle and make me alive with Your Spirit in all things.
Amen.
From the web site of "Apostles of the Holy Spirit" http://www.aoths.org

22nd Sunday in Ordinary Time

Deacon Tim’s Column
8-30-09

In the Letter of James in today’s Gospel passage by Mark we have the true definition of religion. James tells us “Be doers of the word not hearers only, deluding yourselves. Religion that is pure and undefiled before God and the Father is this: to care for orphans and widows in their affliction and to keep oneself unstained by the world.”
In Mark, Jesus quotes from the Prophet Isaiah “This people honors me with their lips, but their hearts are far from me, teaching as doctrine human precepts.” Jesus warns that it is not external observance or the lace of it that determines our relationship with God, but rather a heart that is being continuously transformed by Christ’s love which manifests itself in our external acts.
We can give lip service to Christ’s teachings, spouting “love your neighbor” but unless we actually do love our neighbor, it’s a sham. We can follow all the pious external trappings but unless our heats have been transformed by the workings of the Spirit, it’s all hollow. When we pray, we must mean what we pray and pray what our transformed hearts really mean.
Come Holy Spirit, grant us the Spirit of Fortitude that we may bear our crosses and overcome with courage all the obstacles that oppose our sanctification.
Deacon Tim 734-502-1818
deacontim@tds.net
http://shamrockdeacon/blogspot.com

21st Sunday in Ordinary Time

Deacon Tim’s Column
August 23, 2009

All of us have options. In the first reading, Joshua asked the people to decide who they would serve, the false gods of their fathers or the one true God. In a similar manner, in the Gospel selection from John, Jesus’ disciples said that his teaching was hard, both about eating his body and drinking his blood but also his teaching in general. Because of this, many of his disciples turned away from him, they just couldn’t make that leap of faith. Peter though, when given the choice said “you have the words of eternal life. We have come to believe and are convinced that you are the holy one of God.
Today we have the same options. We can accept Christ and his teachings or we can reject him. Occasionally we get caught up in the things of this world had lose sight of what path we should be on. In our hearts we know better, but sometimes we get bogged down and while not completely rejecting what Christ taught we kind of put it on hold. I guess that is part of our imperfect human nature.
In thinking about these things, I started to reminisce. Perhaps it’s because we’re getting to the end of the summer and school for many will be starting. I did a fast rewind to about 14 years ago. My oldest daughter left about mid-August to go to college. In my mind, I knew that she couldn’t be going to a better place. The academics were great, the location was incredible (Chicago) and the campus (right on Lake Michigan) couldn’t have been more beautiful. I knew she was doing what she wanted to do and was going to do it at a place that she really wanted to be at. I did fine until it came time to leave her at her dorm at Loyola. Despite the fact that I was thrilled that she was going there, that she was going to receive a great education and that it was truly the start of her adulthood, I had an extremely heavy heart. (Obviously a case of heart over mind.) In fact, after we dropped her off, I think I cried until we got back to Detroit…and then cried some more. After a while though, it started to sink in, talking to her and hearing how she was adapting was also helpful. Despite the fact that I knew I shouldn’t be sad, that I was extremely happy for her, it was hard to overcome those feelings of the first one leaving home.
I think it’s the same sometimes. There are so many times that I know what I should be doing, what I should be thinking but get side-tracked. It seems like the Spirit knows just when to give some not so subtle reminders of what I should be doing. All of us have choices. It’s up to us, though, to make the correct choices. We can’t do that in a vacuum. We need all the help that we can get through prayerful contemplation and by constantly reminding ourselves of what we should be doing, putting aside those personal feelings which conflict with the workings of the Spirit in our lives.
Grace and peace to you and your families.
Come Holy Spirit, grant us the Spirit of Counsel, that we may ever choose the surest way of pleasing God and gaining Heaven.
Deacon Tim 734-502-1818
deacontim@tds.net
http://shamrockdeacon/blogspot.com

20th Sunday in Ordinary Time

Deacon Tim’s Column
8-16-09

In last week’s selection from the Gospel according to John, he uses the term “bread of life” but in this early reference this “bread of life” was instruction asking for a response of belief. That was hard enough for the crowed to accept but now he tells them he is the “bread of life” and those who eat this bread will live forever something even harder for them to accept. You have to sympathize with the people who ask “how can this man give us his flesh to eat.” Eating flesh was an act of evildoers and drinking blood was completely forbidden.
In the first reading, Wisdom is personified as a woman, asking that foolishness is forsaken in order for one to live and can advance in the way of understanding. Some of the medieval mystics found a comparison between Jesus and the image of motherhood (where the mother feeds and nourishes her unborn child through her body and blood and continues to nourish and nurture the child after birth). Jesus then nourishes us with his body and blood to those who are born to a new life in him.
Throughout the centuries, theologians have tried to explain the presence of Jesus in the Eucharist, to reduce the mystery to mere words, an attempt to explain the inexplicable. Belief in the Eucharist takes faith. We cannot intellectually explain it. This faith calls us to accept the presence of Jesus in the Eucharist, his bread for us which nurtures us and makes possible eternal life.
Come Holy Spirit, grant us the Spirit of Understanding to enlighten our minds with the light of your divine truth.
Deacon Tim 734-502-1818
deacontim@tds.net
http://shamrockdeacon/blogspot.com

19th Sunday in Ordinary Time

Deacon Tim’s Column
8-9-09

Last week I wrote about being “on fire” with the Spirit. Two weeks ago I made a plea for additional funds for the PBJ Outreach. Talk about being “on fire.” I’d like to say that your response was amazing but I can’t. Nothing this parish family does amazes me any more. In the ten plus years that I’ve had the privilege of serving here, your generosity continues to humble me. Your response to that plea for funds was both humbling and heartwarming—it wasn’t amazing. To be amazed means to experience something out of the ordinary. While this parish family is anything but ordinary, I’ve come to realize on an almost daily basis how much the Spirit words through all of you. When it comes to serving God’s poorest and most marginalized, you are definitely “on fire.”
This past week I was thinking about how “economical” God is. Looking back over the last ten years I have to marvel at what the Spirit has accomplished. I’ve been blessed to be able to minister to the poorest of the poor in Detroit (something a little over seven years ago was the farthest thing from my mind). I’ve been constantly humbled by the volunteers and those who contribute to the success of this ministry, without whom this outreach would not be possible. In a very economical way (obviously very adept at multi-tasking) the Spirit has been able to touch the lives of so many, both those who serve and those who are served and at the same time accomplish wondrous changes in all of our lives.
Some of you know how desperate the people we serve are. There is a warming center on East Jefferson run by the Jesuits (at Sts. Peter and Paul Parish). I know from talking to a friend who volunteers there that the homeless and marginalized poor who use those services look down on the people we serve each Saturday. In the social pecking order, there is no group of people who are poorer or more desperate than the people at Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd. and Third in the Cass Corridor. Without this help in time, talent and treasure (financial contributions as well as food and clothing) so many of Christ’s special ones would be ignored. Thank you!
Come Holy Spirit, grant us the Spirit of Wisdom, that we may not be attached to the perishable things of the world, but aspire only after the things that are eternal.
Deacon Tim 734-502-1818
deacontim@tds.net
http://shamrockdeacon.blogsport.com

18th Sunday in Ordinary Time

Deacon Tim’s Column
8-2-09

In the selection from the Letter to the Ephesians, our second reading today, Paul tells us to “put away the old self of your former way of life . . . and be renewed in the spirit of your minds, and put on the new self . . . .” The first reading from Exodus and the Gospel selection by John mirror this need for and a call to conversion. In Exodus, the Israelites grumbled because they were hungry and they were unfamiliar with the food that God provided, manna. In John, Jesus exhorts the crowds by telling them not to work for the food that perishes, but rather the food “that endures for eternal life.”
Both the Israelites and the crowds that followed Jesus had a hard time with change. Obviously the audience that St. Paul was writing for had a similar difficulty.
Just as the Israelites would have preferred to stay in Egypt – enslaved – but in familiar surrounds and the crowds Jesus attracted wanted food they could see not the nourishment that Jesus was to give, we, like Paul’s audiences sometimes find it hard to move out of our comfort zones. It’s so easy to become complacent. It’s hard to break out of the rut that we find ourselves in. We can go for years in a spiritual rut, complacent in our relationship with God. We pray, we give thanks, we obverse the externals, we receive the sacraments but there is still something missing. When we truly open ourselves up, when we start to move beyond the comfort level we have built up, this is the point that we start to go on a journey. Just like any journey, we don’t know everything that we’re going to encounter. When we do encounter new things, when we stretch ourselves, that’s when the trip gets interesting. This spiritual journey that we are all invited on is ours for the asking. The more we travel, the more adept we become with change. The more that we follow the guidance of the Spirit working within us, the more we can accept the accompanying challenges.
Despite being with Jesus, traveling with him and listening to him, the Apostles stayed in a safe place—very complacent (and also very confused). That completely and totally changed on Pentecost. The Spirit came down and set them “on fire” for the Lord. Jesus before the Ascension promised to send the Spirit to be with his Church and to finish his work in the souls of the Apostles and disciples. We’re offered that same Spirit. We’re offered all those same gifts—wisdom—understanding—counsel—fortitude (courage)—knowledge—piety and an incredible awe of God and a new appreciation of his workings in our lives. When we open our minds and hearts to the Spirit, absolutely incredible things happen. We fall deeper and deeper in love with God and more open to God’s love for us. As we deepen this relationship, the Spirit penetrates our weakness with strength. We become protected more and more from the distractions of the “world.” As we deepen our life in the Spirit, many of our doubts dissolve and we experience an incredible, wonderful ongoing healing in our heart, soul and mind. In other words, we become “on fire” with the Spirit just as the Apostles did.
I was talking to a very spiritual friend this week about this feeling of being “on fire.” My friend had a difficult time understanding this because she has always had a very unique and deep relationship with the Spirit for as long as she can remember. When you haven’t had this deep relationship though, when you’ve grown complacent, when the Spirit finally penetrates your outer shell, it is the most incredible, awesome feeling imaginable. Once you start this journey in the Spirit, I can promise you that you won’t want to be complacent. You’re going to want to be more and more Spirit filled and deeper in love with God.
Grace and peace to you and your families.
Deacon Tim 734-502-1818
deacontim@tds.net
http://shamrockdeacon.blogspot.com
Availability: M-F 9a-10a, W 4p-6:30p, (M-F 10a-6p by appointment).

17th Sunday in Ordinary Time

Deacon Tim’s Column
July 26, 2009

The first reading today (from 1Kings) and the Gospel selection (John) both deal with hungry crowds and divine intervention. The feeding of the hungry crowd was a pre-figuring of the Eucharist. Jesus came to nourish the body and the soul.
We live in a skeptical age. Miracles are so much “fluff” and if they did happen at all it was a very long time ago. Whenever I read the Gospel accounts of the miracle of the loaves and fishes my mind shifts from Palestine 2000 years ago to the 20th and 21st centuries. Some theologians and writers try to explain away the loaves and fishes in ways that are not miraculous. They have a range of theories and explanations. I can tell you that, with all due respect, these theologians and writers are wrong—completely, totally and unequivocally wrong.
If the Spirit can work these kind of miracles today, Christ most certainly wouldn’t have had any problem multiplying the loaves and fishes.
During the Great Depression in Detroit (the first one, not the one now) the Capuchins opened a soup kitchen (still operating today). On at least a couple occasions Solanus Casey acted as a conduit for God. The monastery on one occasion ran out of bread. Fr. Solanus in his mild way wasn’t worried. “God will provide.” Those waiting to be fed joined in prayer with Solanus and when they finished a baker came to the front door with a big basket of food. On another occasion with the ranks of the homeless and desperately poor swelling as the Depression deepened, a bread truck made a delivery at the monastery. There was obviously not enough to feed everyone. Fr. Solanus again prayed and they started to unload the truck. Enough bread was unloaded to feed everyone. The thing is though, that the quantity of bread unloaded far exceeded the capacity of the truck.
In 1972, a Jesuit by the name of Rick Thomas ran a bible study class in El Paso. El Paso, Texas is directly across from Juarez, Mexico and the home to the “Dump People” – people who live in the garbage dump and scrounge for food and usable items that can be sold so they can eke out some kind of a living (as meager as it is). Fr. Rick’s Bible study decided to follow the gospel and prepared Christmas dinner for the men, women and children living in the dump. It was pot-luck. Some brought bologna sandwiches, others some fruit, tamales and burritos, candy and one ham. They had food for about 125 people. When the Bible study group started serving, more and more people appeared. In all, somewhere around 350 people wer3e fed. Everyone got full portions, everyone was able to take bags of food back to their homes and there was more than enough left over to take to two orphanages. The one ham—well, those serving it kept slicing and slicing and everyone of the 350 got ham slices with enough left over to take home and to take to the orphanages.
Christmas 2002 in the Cass Corridor. A complete Christmas dinner was fixed, turkey, dressing, potatoes, gravy, dessert—the works. Enough was prepared for 225 (maybe 250 people if it was stretched). Everyone who came was fed. The last person came, got a full meal and that was the end of the food. Later it was learned that it wasn’t 250 people who were served but around 430 people.
What do these four events have in common with today’s Gospel. Obviously it’s Christ’s love of the poor and the power of prayer and faith.
Peace to you and your families.
Deacon Tim 734-502-1818
deacontim@tds.net
http://shamrockdeacon.blogspot.com


PBJ-In almost seven years this is the first time that I have ever come to you to ask for financial help. I don’t have to be reminded on how bad things are economically. Because of this downturn in the economy our outlay of assistance has been stretched. Of course our primary mission is to feed and clothe the homeless and marginalized poor in the Cass Corridor and in SE Michigan. That will never change. What has changed though is where the requests for help are coming from. At least 95% of those in desperate need of help are in Western Wayne County (Plymouth-Canton-Westland-Northville). The PBJ has turned into a last chance resource. Obviously we are not equipped to handle everyone who needs help. I firmly believe that the people who come to us are inspired by the Spirit. I could give example after example of talking to people, meeting with them, interacting with them only to find out at the very end that they have no place to turn. Up to this point we have been able to help those who most need help. We are now barely meeting our monthly expenses for food and other items that we give out on Saturday morning at Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd. and Third in Detroit. In other words, we are cut down to no “frills.” That means that those individuals who need help the most will not be able to receive it.
This article is the hardest one I’ve ever had to write. I hate asking you to burden yourselves with even more financial outlay than you have now. If there was any other way, I would do it. There isn’t. Please help. If it is impossible to help financially, please pray to the Holy Spirit for help and guidance for this ministry. (Even if you can help financially, please pray too.) In know that through prayers, trust and faith, all things can be accomplished.
In Christ’s Peace
Deacon Tim 734-502-1818

CLOTHES CLOSET: At some point we hope to be moving our operation from the “Gathering Space” to the garage at the old rectory. Until that time, we WILL BE OPERATING FROM THE GATHERING SPACE. I know this isn’t the ideal situation but please bear with us. The clothes we have received are absolutely incredible. ANYONE who needs business clothes (whether you are entering the job market for the first time or re-entering the job market) please give me a call. I’m available most of the time. There is no cost to this service and it is completely confidential. Deacon Tim

16th Sunday in Ordinary Time

Deacon Tim’s Column
7-19-09

On this 16th Sunday in Ordinary Time, the Gospel (according to Mark) sets out two very important aspects of ministry. The first is rest. The second is availability. Please keep in mind that this is ministry, not just ordained ministry but the ministry that all of us are called to by the very fact of our baptism. None of us are exempt from this call to ministry.
The Apostles had been teaching and healing and they reported the same to Jesus. His response was that they should go away by themselves and rest.
Probably one of the hardest aspects of any kind of ministry is to take your own advice. Jesus saw the need to rest. So many in ministry can’t appreciate that. Rest! There is so much to do, so many to help, so much to teach. For so many, it’s give me a phone booth and I’ll change into “Super Minister.” Able to leap tall buildings and to do extra-human tasks no matter what the cost. It is a liability of ministry. One example you might want to consider is the comparison between ministry and flying. Before you take off the flight attendant gives some instructions. First is how to use the seat belt. Most of us don’t need that particular instruction, we’re faced with it day in and day out. Then they say, “if the cabin loses pressure, oxygen masks drop down. If you are traveling with someone who needs help, put the mask on yourself first!” If you pass out, you are no good to anyone else. The same is true of all ministry—if you aren’t healthy then you can’t help anyone else.
In the Gospel though, Jesus goes on to tell us that it is so important to attend to the needs of others. Despite his desire to rest and his desire that the Apostles rest, they respond to the needs of those who needed ministering to. Each of us has to recognize that in order to be successful ministers we have to be well balanced. We have to realize that while the Spirit gives us strength and guidance, we have to cooperate.
How can something so simple be so difficult? Spirit gives us the strength, desire and ability to minister. Spirit also gives us the wisdom, the understanding, the fortitude and knowledge of how much we can do and when we can do it.
For all of you who minister to our brothers and sisters by your gifts, talents and generosity, “THANK YOU!” Without you, no outreach, no ministry would be successful.
Grace and peace to you and your families.
Deacon Tim 734-502-1818
deacontim@tds.net
http://shamrockdeacon.blogspot.com

DEACON TIM –AVAILABILITY
Wednesday - OPEN – (4p until 6:30p) After the 8a Mass M- F (9a – 10a)
Before Tuesday devotions (5p - 7:15p) By appointment anytime M - F (9a- 6p) Deacon Tim (734-502-1818)

PBJ: In this extremely difficult time, we are, just like every other charity. We are being stretched to our limits. Probably 90% of the requests that we have for help now are coming not from downtown (Cass Corridor) but from Western Wayne County. Please pray for our brothers and sisters who are going through horribly extreme economic times. Families and seniors are being evicted from their homes, health considerations are driving people to bankruptcy and despair. In the following weeks I’m going to be covering this new aspect of our ministry in greater detail.

CLOTHES CLOSET: At some point we hope to be moving our operation from the “Gathering Space” to the garage at the old rectory. Until that time, we WILL BE OPERATING FROM THE GATHERING SPACE. I know this isn’t the ideal situation but please bear with us. The clothes we have received are absolutely incredible. ANYONE who needs business clothes (whether you are entering the job market for the first time or re-entering the job market) please give me a call. I’m available most of the time. There is no cost to this service and it is completely confidential.

DO ANIMALS GO TO HEAVEN?

DO ANIMALS GO TO HEAVEN?
Last week I was asked that question and my answer was yes, I think they do. Now why? Remember God never made “throw-aways.” In Genesis God created man and animals on the same day. “Then God said, ‘Let the earth bring forth all kinds of living creatures: cattle, creeping things, and wild animals of all kinds.’ And so it happened: God made all kinds of wild animals, all kinds of cattle, and all kinds of creeping things of the earth. God saw how good it was. Then God said: ‘Let us make man in our image, after our likeness. Let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, the birds of the air, and the cattle, and over all the wild animals and all the creatures that crawl on the ground.’ God created man in his image; in the divine image he created him; male and female he created them. God blessed them, saying: ‘Be fertile and multiply; fill the earth and subdue it. Have dominion over the fish of the sea, the birds of the air, and all the living things that move on the earth." Theologians are split whether animals go to heaven or not. Do animals have souls? Yes. They have material souls—their life force. Are these souls eternal like ours, well, no but—keep in mind a couple of things.
First, none of us know what heaven is like. We know that we will be in God’s presence and that it’s eternal but that’s about it. God will be our main focus. But, that doesn’t mean that we won’t be able to appreciate each other and the beauty of our heavenly paradise. Try to remain open to the possibility that part of this enjoyment might well include our pets.
Peter Kreeft, a professor of philosophy at Boston College tells us that “pets, like everything else in this world, can mediate God’s love and goodness to us and train us for our union with him, or that can distract us from him. In heaven, everything mediates and nothing distracts.” C.S. Lewis, the great Christian writer pointed out that even in our life our pets sometimes become an important part of our lives, almost an extension of who we are. Their association with us elevates them to a higher kind of life than they would have had on their own. In this way it seems to me possible that certain animals may have immortality, not in them selves, but in the immortality of their masters.”
Just a couple of points on a less intellectual level. God wants us to be totally happy in heaven. If our dog or cat or favorite pet will help this process, knowing that God can resurrect us, I have no doubt that he could resurrect a dog or a cat too.
Imagine the seeing eye dog devoted to its master. Think of the cat who is the only friend and companion of an elderly person. Think of the devoted dog or cat that never leaves the side of their chronically and perhaps terminally ill master. I find it impossible to believe that God, who is all loving and all compassionate will not in some way reward this loyalty. And, theologians notwithstanding, God can do anything! (If you are interested in more articles on this topic, just “Google” “Are there Animals in Heaven.”)

15th Sunday in Ordinary Time

Deacon Tim’s Column
7-12-09

On this 15th Sunday in Ordinary Time the readings deal with discipleship and faith. In the first reading from the Prophet Amos we have Amos being selected by the Lord as a prophet. The Land of Israel was split into two sections, the Kingdom of Israel in the north and the Kingdom of Judah in the south. It was from this southern kingdom that Amos was selected by the Lord to be his prophet and to preach in the Kingdom of Israel. The Kingdom of Israel at that time was ruled by Jeroboam and his chief priest was Amazaih. Amos had been called by God as a prophet (he had been a simple shepherd). In his wildest dreams Amos probably wouldn’t have guessed that he was going to be chosen as a prophet, especially to the Kingdom of Israel. Sometimes God selects the most unlikely and if anyone fit this description for an unlikely prophet it would have been Amos. The problem was that the Chief Priest Amaziah and the prophets of Israel were “yes men.” They told King Jeroboam what he wanted to hear and not the truth. Obviously that wasn’t what God wanted so he selected Amos to be his prophet (and that probably wasn’t what Amos would have wanted to hear either). Despite his reluctance God knew he could and would speak the truth even if it wasn’t what the King wanted to hear.
We’re faced with a not too different situation in the Gospel. Jesus sent the twelve out two by two to be missionaries. The only thing they could take was a walking stick and the clothes on their back – no food, no money, no pack on their back. Imagine what they must have thought. Today, the Jesuits do the same thing. Part of the formation of a Jesuit novice is to be given the task of leaving the Province and to go across country with no money and no plans. From conversations I’ve had with some of them, this is one of the harder parts of their formation (at least when they first start their journey, but also one of the most rewarding).
Jesus also gives words of caution. When you enter a house stay there until you leave, if you are not welcome, leave. Remember at this time and growing increasingly stronger there was a deep prejudice against this new religious sect. Both the Jews and Romans viewed them very suspiciously. The Jews thought they were blasphemers as well as a group that could upset status quo, and the Romans viewed them as a threat to the peace. This was the milieu that the Apostles found themselves thrust into.
Amos had great faith and dedication and so did the Apostles. When I look at the faith they displayed I feel very inadequate. I’m often reminded of the prayer “Oh God help me in my unbelief and strengthen my faith.”
Amos bucked the prevailing thought of telling the King just what he wanted to hear. The Apostles preached and their preaching was contrary to the attitudes of the time, both Jew and Gentile alike.
We’re in a position not too unlike Amos and the Apostles. What we preach—or at least what we should preach is for many in our society a ridiculous position. As Paul said, “For Jews demand signs and Greeks look for wisdom, but we proclaim Christ crucified, a stumbling block to Jews and foolishness to Gentiles, but to those who are called, Jews and Greeks alike, Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God. For the foolishness of God is wiser than human wisdom, and the weakness of God is stronger than human strength.”(1Cor.1:22-25)
We often find it easy not to follow the words of Jesus. For whatever reason we find ourselves in the person of the priest Amaziah and the false prophets, except, instead of telling the king what he wants to hear we tell ourselves what we want to hear. When you consider the Gospel message it is really quite simple. Jesus was very clear and concise (and definite) in his message. He never gave options nor did he ever make suggestions, he gave commands.
When Jesus sent the Apostles out he gave them a very specific mission to preach repentance, drive out demons and cure the sick. We’re just like the Apostles, sent by Christ for a task. Here are some questions to think about. When did Jesus send you out as an apostle? What mission is he giving you? What does it mean for you to be an apostle? How are you fulfilling your mission as his apostle? These are questions directed at all of us.
Peace and blessings to you and your families.
Deacon Tim 734-502-1818
deacontim@tds.net
http://shamrockdeacon.blogspot.com

DEACON TIM – ADDITIONAL AVAILABILITY
I’ll continue to be available on Wednesdays from 4p until 6:30p for anyone who wants to drop in and am also generally available after the 8a Mass Monday through Friday (9a – 10a) and before Tuesday evening devotions from 5p - 7:15p. I’m also available by appointment Monday through Friday from 9a until 6p (734-502-1818)

14th Sunday in Ordinary Time

Deacon Tim’s Column
July 5, 2009

Just some odds and ends this week.

Low Gluten Hosts
Just a reminder. For the past several years we have had low gluten hosts available here at Our Lady of Good Counsel for those who suffer from both Celiac Disease as well as Dermatitis Herpetiformis. Celiac Disease is an autoimmune disease which is characterized by a complete intolerance to gluten (wheat, oats, rye and barley). Celiacs and those who suffer from Dermatitis Herpetiformis are unable to received the Eucharist under the form of bread (which is 100% wheat). Celiac disease can be life threatening. Left untreated by a gluten-free diet, it can lead to osteoporosis, malnutrition, central and peripheral nervous system disease, pancreatic disease, internal bleeding, damage to internal organs, gynecological and fertility problems, and even some forms of cancer. It may impact mental functions, and can aggravate autism (including a common autism spectrum disorder called Asperger's syndrome), attention deficit disorder, and even schizophrenia.
The Benedictine Sisters of Clyde, MO after much experimentation have delveloped a low gluten (less than .01%) all wheat hosts which most Celiacs and those who suffer from Dermatitis Herpetiformis can tolerate easily. These hosts have been approved by the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops as well as by the Vatican’s Congregation for Divine Worship and the Discipline of the Sacraments and the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith. These hosts are available upon request. If you have any questions, please contact me at 734-502-1818.
Deacon Tim
PBJ Outreach
Thank you for your generosity and caring concern for those that we serve. It was about seven years ago this coming week that the idea of starting the PBJ was formed. During the last 6 ¾ years we’ve served approximately 80,000 people. Thank you! During the winter months we always have plenty of volunteers but in the summer the numbers decrease. Your participation would be greatly appreciated if you’d like to give a hand. We are also in need of small jars of peanut butter and jelly. Each week we give a loaf of bread out and a jar of peanut butter or jelly. May God continue to bless all of you and your families.

Clothes Closet
Despite some delays, we will soon (hopefully) be in our permanent location. Until then please contact me if you have any questions or would like to utilize this service. It is intended for those trying to reenter the work force, and those who are entering it for the first time. All are welcome, college students are invited to also utilize this service if you have need of it.
Deacon Tim 734-502-1818
Blog
If you’re interested, I’ve started a blog (see below) for any questions you might have or for some discussion. As the weeks progress it will be taking more of its intended form.

Blessings to you and your families.
Deacon Tim 734-502-1818
deacontim@tds.net
http://shamrockdeacon.blogspot.com

13th Sunday in Ordinary Time

Deacon Tim’s Column - June 28, 2009

In today’s Gospel selection by Mark, Jesus had just returned from the other side of the Sea of Galilee where he received a less than cordial reception. Last week the Gospel was about faith or the lack there of. The disciples were afraid because of the storm and Jesus calmed things—both the disciples and the storm. Now he’s back on the other side (where her originally started from). Mark presents us with two examples of extraordinary faith. First, a synagogue official (a group who probably weren’t the most Jesus-friendly) cam to him and asked for a healing for his daughter. The second was a woman afflicted with hemorrhages for twelve years. She believed that if she could just touch his cloak she would be healed. Meanwhile, the synagogue official’s daughter had died. Jesus told him to have faith and not to be afraid. The end result was that he raised the little girl from the dead. These were accomplished through the miraculous action of Jesus based on the faith of both the woman plagued by hemorrhages and the synagogue official.
So often we mouth certain things like “faith can move mountains.” Do we really in our hearts believe that? Faith can move mountains (as well as a lot of other things) but most of all it is a testament of our believe and trust in God. One word I’ve stricken from my vocabulary is “coincidence.” I truly believe that there is no such thing. God intervenes in our lives all the time and often we attribute it to chance or “coincidence.” God doesn’t move us like puppets, after all, we have an intellect and free will, but what he does do is to make us more aware of our surroundings as well as the people around us, those known to us as well as strangers.
Time and time again God interacts with us. Most times (baring mystical experiences) God manifests himself to us through others. God sends people to us and makes us open to their interactions with us. These interactions can come at very critical times in our lives. We might feel down or depressed in one way or the other and out of the blue, someone enters our life. They can give us insights which we should have had but for whatever reason didn’t.
This interaction by a seeming stranger can have a huge impact on our lives. Sometimes these people have only this one function. They come into our lives for a moment and then they disappear after they have fulfilled their mission. Others come into our lives and have a lasting, continuing impact on us, initially fulfilling the needs we started with and then by their presence and God and the Spirit working, impact our lives irrevocably. Both of these instances are examples of God’s love and concern for us and his benign intervention in our lives. He never wants to see us adrift. It’s up to us to accept this intervention and recognize it for what it is, God’s grace.
We can be healed, just like the woman with the hemorrhages and the daughter of the synagogue official. If we place our complete trust and faith in God everything is possible. In some situations it’s amazing. Often this intervention can be two-fold. The person sent into our lives has a lasting impact on us but we also have the possibility (being open to the workings of the Spirit) of having a lasting impact on their lives.
Grace and peace to you and your families.
Deacon Tim 734-502-1818

12th Sunday in Ordinary Time

Deacon Tim's Column 6-21-09
On this 12th Sunday in ordinary time our Gospel selection (from Mark) is a familiar one. Towards evening Jesus tells his disciples that they should all cross to the other side of the Sea of Galilee. Because of the winds coming down the mountains surrounding the Sea of Galilee the effect on the waters would produce large waves. If you have ever been on a lake or near a lake when a storm blew up you know how fearsome that can be. Couple this with the darkness starting to fall and you have the scenario described in the Gospel. The waves were breaking over the boat (the boat used by the fishermen on the lake were sturdy enough but not built to resist more than the normal waves) to the point that it was taking on water. Through it all though, Jesus was sleeping. Immediately before this calming of the sea in Mark's version of the Gospel, Jesus had been preaching, teaching and curing those with afflictions. The scribes and Pharisees had been very vocal in opposing him to the pint that Jesus refuted their arguments. No wonder he was tired and could sleep through a storm. Jesus had faith though. After the disciples awakened him in terror (and who can blame them) Jesus asks "Do you not yet have faith?" This wasn't really a rebuke but a way for Jesus to try to help them cross over from fear to faith. I wonder how many times Christ asks us "Do you not yet have faith?" Life becomes so much easier if we just trust in the Lord. It takes a while to get to the pint where we have complete trust in Christ. You don't have to be a saint to achieve this. This building up of trust takes time, sometimes it takes an entire lifetime. Dr. Max Wisha, the head of the U of M Cancer Center said that people who have faith in God in General have a better response to the treatment, handle it better (the chemotherapy and radiation) and have a longer survival rate. The more we place our trust in the Lord, the more peaceful we become. I know that it's become a trite prase but it is very true, "when one door closes, God opens another for us." We have to keep reminding ourselves that God is the ultimate parent, all loving, all caring and all compassionate. When we place our full faith and trust in God we can accomplish anything and we can attain a tremendous amount of serenity. This faith entails not just trusting, but also listening. Whatever we need (the emphasis is on need, not want) God will give it to us. God directs us if we are cooperative. I don't mean that God plays us like puppets but he does let us know what direction we should proceed in, sometimes very subtly. As I think back over my life I can see God's hand in things. Almost seven years ago when the PBJ Outreach was started, one of my concerns was money. Would we have enough for the week. Would we have enough for next week. These were legitimate concerns I thought. I also wondered if this (the PBJ) was the right thing to do. Since we started off small, operating on a shoestring budget, God made me aware of what he wanted. We had a single jar in church. The first week we needed $ 95.00 to provide the food etc. to feed the small amount of people we were serving. We received exactly $ 95.00 in the jar that week. The next week we needed $ 112.00. We received exactly $ 112.00. After that I figured it was up to God to take care of the financing. On this Fathers' Day I would like to extend blessings and praise to all the fathers out there, the biological fathers, the adoptive fathers, those acting in a "father" role, all grandfathers and all men who take an interesting in children. Grace and blessings to you and your families. Deacon Tim 734-502-1818

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