As anyone who attends the Church of the Resurrection or joins us by livestream knows, when I preach I preach to myself. Of course, I also “invite” others to listen in. I preach that way because I know that I need to continually remind myself of the truth, and to call myself deeper into the life of discipleship. I also know that my message is relevant at least to one person: myself.
I have been told and I think it’s true that one of my spiritual gifts is prophecy. It feels “natural” to me to declare the truth in clear and (hopefully) charitable ways with parishioners and others who might be open to hearing what I have to say.
Sometimes, though, I have to admit my homilies have been overly focused on strategic responses to concerns that arise in the political and cultural realms. Though I strive always to highlight the Good News that we find in Christ, and how that should guide our responses to the circumstances and challenges of our time, I’m convinced that some of the reflections I have shared during homilies might be more fitting for a blog or perhaps a podcast than a homily.
So I’m going to give this a try. It provides me a chance to address concerns that the Lord has placed on my heart in a context that allows people to engage with my reflections in ways not possible, for obvious reasons, during a homily.
The blog is called “Come what may” because I have often find myself uttering those words in homilies where I’m addressing prophetic concerns about where things are headed in our world and the Church. In my heart of hearts, I desire all Christians to remain faithful to the Gospel and to bear witness to the truth . . . come what may. Come whatever may.
These are challenging times. Uncertain times. But they are also the times that we–each and every one of us–are privileged to live. I suspect that the challenges of living our faith are bound to increase. So, as things develop, I’ll be blogging, addressing current events as well as eternal realities, and muse together with you about how we might respond . . . as faithful Catholic Christians.
Whatever else, our call as believers, as Catholics, is to be faithful disciples, come what may. Come whatever may.
I invite you to tag along, and to chime in, should you wish.
Please keep me in prayer. I’ll pray for you, as well.
COME WHAT MAY 
Many people believe when they see a priest they are holier than though, untouchable, unable to approach, because of their devotion to God, their love for people. I myself believe that! When I attended adoration and we are invited to touch the cloak of God; (I hope I have that right. If not please correct me)I could not! I am dirty I have too many sins that just can’t be washed away! I haven’t forgiven people who have trespasses against me! This blog helps me to remember Jesus was once human as is Father Steve. Thank you Father Steve.
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The evil one definitely wants us to believe that we are “dirty” and unloveable, but the Lord who took our human nature to himself died so that we might share in his divinity, to become “clean” in Him. That’s the mystery of His love. Humbly acknowledging our own need helps us receive it and share that love with others. God bless you.
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I am trying to grasp this concept of evil. I know the devil “exists”, right from wrong. I have seen evil and I know what it is capable of! I strongly believe ” do unto others as you want others do unto you!” When I believe I am not worthy to touch the cloak of God, I am therefore letting evil into my soul. Most of the time I forget that! I am responsible for my own actions. “Rebuke him I humbly pray!” I thank God for my blessings, everything good in my life is because of God! I believe that with every breath I take! I know what Gods love feels like, but I do not know how to cast out the devil! I know prayer! But when I’m caught up in whatever I’m doing to let evil into my life I do not know how to ignore him, turn him off, defeat his evil ways! Forgive me if I seem to be all over the place but this is the way my mind works! This blog is Gods way of helping me cast away satin!! I have learned so far: Dear God I accept evil is all around me. I need to draw from your strength and the strength of your disciples; Like a child give me a gentle reminder satin is at work and redirect my thoughts, my feelings, and my actions…. If anybody at all has a suggestion to help me remember that it is satin working in my life, I would appreciate it!
Lord heal me from the inside out!
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The Lord said, “greater is He who is in you than he who is in the world,” making clear that the Holy Spirit has greater power than the enemy. We are called to resist temptations when they arise, but we do not need to be constantly in fear that the enemy is going to overcome us. I’d recommend making an appointment to talk more about this (by Zoom, for now). You can make an appointment with me (Fr. Steve) on my staff page. God bless you!
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