Corpus Christi Blog

Last month I wrote that John Asaro, a member of the Parish Staff, was retiring to spend more time with his family, especially his grandkids. John began working for Corpus Christi as an evening front office receptionist ten years ago and eventually worked the day shift as well. When John announced his retirement, we announced that we were hiring someone to work Monday-Thursday evenings (the office is now closed Friday evenings) and Sundays. I am happy to announce that we have hired someone; you will be introduced to her shortly.

Last week’s Gospel presented the all-important question that every must person must answer: “Who do you say Jesus is?”.  And remember also Jesus’ response to Peter’s declaration of faith- If anyone wishes to come after me, he must deny himself, pick up his cross daily and follow me”.

My brothers and sisters, at the heart of the gospel, at the heart of our faith, is the claim that Jesus is the Son of God.  And if Jesus is God become man, then Jesus is everything, the be all and end all.  Jesus is the one to whom a totalizing decision has to be made.  After all, Jesus himself polarizingly declares- “you are either with me or against me”.  We cannot be indifferent to Jesus, either you give your whole life to Him or you should reject him.  There is no middle ground, there is no halfway when it comes to following Jesus.

Today’s Gospel is Luke’s version of the famous conversation Jesus has with his Disciples about his identity, and the 1st prediction of His Passion.

While Jesus was praying, though with his disciples, Jesus asked, Who do the crowds say that I am?  They answered, some say John the Baptist, Elijah, or one of the ancient prophets.

Let’s look more in depth at that answer by recalling who a prophet was.

On Saturday, June 11, four young men became priests for the Diocese of Phoenix. After at least eight years of studying and formation and after being ordained temporary Deacons this past year, Shea Bowora, Dan Connealy, Ryan Lee, and David Loeffler, were ordained to the Ministerial Priesthood for the Diocese of Phoenix by Bishop Olmsted amongst about 2000 family members, friends, and fellow Catholics from around the diocese. What a blessing for our diocese!

My journey began in December 2014 when I tore my Achilles tendon in my right foot. When I began experiencing pain in my left leg, I attributed it to my favoring my left side. After an appointment with my primary care physician, a referral to an orthopedic doctor and several unsuccessful cortisone injections, it was decided that I needed an MRI. On March 15, 2015 I received a phone call from my doctor informing me that I had tumors in and around my pelvis indicating cancer. He ordered a biopsy of the pelvis and referred me to an oncologist.

On Tuesday, May 31st the Church celebrated the Visitation of Mary (and Jesus) to Elizabeth (and John). Along with members of the parish staff, pastoral council, and Morning Glory prayer group, I consecrated our parish to Jesus through Mary. We used Fr. Gaitley's 33 Days to Morning Glory, a do-it-yourself retreat in preparation for Marian Consecration. If you have never personally consecrated yourselves to Jesus through Mary, then I strongly encourage you to do so, especially in solidarity as a member of the parish. 33 Days to Morning Glory is a great means to do so. In it, Fr. Gaitley calls upon the Marian insights in the hea r ts of Saints Louis de Montfort (through whom consecration became popular), Maximillian Kolbe, Mother Theresa, and Pope John Paul II. Each one of these people had a special devotion to Mary. Is it any wonder they are all Saints?! After all, as Fr. Gaitley quotes St. Louis de Montfort, "Total Consecration to Jesus through Mary is the surest, easiest, shortest, and most perfect means to becoming a Saint."