Recent events in Charlotte find me musing about what the future might hold when my own bishop tenders his mandatory letter of resignation on April 10, 2026, when he turns 75. Bishop Boyea has been a good shepherd for the Diocese of Lansing, and I thank God for him, his leadership, and his mission-minded focusContinue reading “Thinking Ahead”
Author Archives: Fr. Steve Mattson
Baffled by a Bishop
It was not my own bishop who baffled me, just to be clear. It was instead the Most Reverend Michael Martin, OFM Conv., Bishop of Charlotte. In fact, his recent pastoral letter woke me from my blogmatic slumber. It had been years since I had posted a blog, but because actions like his might oneContinue reading “Baffled by a Bishop”
The Light Shines in the Darkness . . .
Some parishioners will remember that the Mass prior to Vatican II used to conclude with the reading of John 1:1-14, which, because it was proclaimed after communion, was called the “Last Gospel.” Those of you who are old enough may not remember the Last Gospel because it was proclaimed quietly in Latin, as if itContinue reading “The Light Shines in the Darkness . . .”
Light in the Lord
It’s been a while since I’ve posted, but given recent developments in our culture, I’ve felt the Lord’s promptings to resume doing so. Thanks for reading. Last weekend, the Fourth Sunday of Lent (Year A), we read the poignant account of the man born blind, recounted in John 9. The blind man’s encounter with theContinue reading “Light in the Lord”
Traditionis Custodes
Yesterday, a friend texted me and asked me what I thought of Pope Francis’ motu proprio Traditionis Custodes. At that point, I had yet to read it, but I have done so now. The accompanying letter to bishops helps explain Pope Francis’s motivations for issuing the motu proprio at this time. As many of you already are aware, a motu proprio isContinue reading “Traditionis Custodes”
The Last Gospel
The proper gospel reading for today, the 7th Day in the Octave of Christmas, is John 1:1-18. It’s the same as that for Christmas Mass During the Day. Coming as it does on December 31st, it is the “last gospel” of the year. Masses this evening are actually Vigil Masses of the Solemnity of Mary,Continue reading “The Last Gospel”
God With Us
Despite the fact that we’re still under a bit of a “shut-down” in the state, I’m very grateful that we have been able to have public Masses to celebrate the birth of Jesus. He has come. He is born. Alleluia! (The picture above is from our Midnight Mass. Suffice it to say we had sufficientContinue reading “God With Us”
God is better . . .
. . . than a good dog. That’s how I began a recent homily at a funeral home service for a man who had died at the age of fifty, just over two months after being diagnosed with cancer. Beginning that way wasn’t, as you might suspect, my original plan. But the man’s dog, aContinue reading “God is better . . .”
Am I in Heaven?
That was a question I found myself asking a few days ago. It resulted from my recent decision to get rid of the internet at my rectory. It was a great decision, and I encourage you to think hard about following suit. Prior to Covid, I didn’t have the internet at the rectory. I hadContinue reading “Am I in Heaven?”
Is anything worse than being a hypocrite?
A few days ago, I shared the sobering allegations made against a stalwart of Catholic orthodoxy, Fr. George Rutler. He has, as I mentioned on Thursday, denied allegations of sexual assault and has told his parishioners not to believe stories that were reported about what happened. His case is a helpful reminder that we priestsContinue reading “Is anything worse than being a hypocrite?”
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