Fr. Mike's Gospel Reflection - July 21, 2024

In the Old Testament, God is often portrayed as the shepherd of his people. In Psalm 23, a ‘sheep’ says, “The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not be in want. He makes me lie down in green pastures. He leads me beside quiet waters.” Mark tells us that Jesus was moved with pity for the crowd because, “they were like sheep without a shepherd.” Just as sheep are defenseless and totally dependent upon their shepherd, the people of Israel needed a shepherd to guide them. Like a shepherd, Jesus protects, guides, and nurtures His flock. In fact, He is willing to lay down His life for His sheep.

The Pharisees were well aware of the condemnation of shepherds found in Jeremiah 23 (and in Ezekiel 34) leaders of Israel who had led the people astray and had sought their own glory. These so-called shepherds were arrogant, selfish, and uncaring. In Jeremiah 23, the Lord says: “Woe to the shepherds who mislead and scatter the flock of my pasture…You have not cared for them, but I will take care to punish your evil deeds.” He then promises another shepherd that was to come later, “a righteous shoot to David.” That shepherd was Jesus, the promised Messiah.

As our shepherd, Jesus loves us and cares for us. He protects us from harm, seeks us when we are lost, goes before us to find the best pasture, and gives us comfort in the best places to lie down and rest. Psalm 23 promises that the Lord will care for us as a shepherd “all the days of [our lives].” We must trust our Good Shepherd – who looks after us and knows what is best for us. Sheep wander away from their shepherd because they don’t know any better. We wander away from God because we make terrible choices that could easily jeopardize our future lives. When we allow Jesus to be our Shepherd and we follow Him, our future is secure and we “fear no evil” for he is at our side.

Fr. Mike's Gospel Reflection - July 14, 2024

When I was young, my mom taught me that once you accepted an invitation to someone’s house or some event, you were bound to follow through on your word. This was true even if you “got a better offer” for that same day and time. Jesus is telling the apostles the same thing as He sends them on their first evangelization mission: “Wherever you enter into a house, stay there until you depart from there.” In other words, don’t keep looking for a better offer. This instruction is not only good manners and social etiquette, but it also allows the apostles to focus on what is most important during their mission. In fact, all of the requirements that Jesus imposes on the apostles are intended to sharpen their focus.

The word “apostle” means “one who is sent.” Until now, the disciples were merely followers. In this passage, Jesus calls them to their true vocation as apostles who are being sent to share the Good News. Their focus on this first journey is on preaching, casting out demons, and healing the sick. He sends them two by two so that they are accountable to each other and, in turn, can support each other. He tells them to give up any “creature comforts” and take only the bare minimum to survive. In fact, Jesus prohibits not only frivolous items, but essential ones as well. His requirements go beyond simplicity to a profound act of faith. He expects them to trust in God and in the good will of those to whom they are being sent.

The apostles go where Christ sends them and do what Christ tells them to do. They are not great men, but Jesus called them to a great purpose. They could accomplish great things in Christ’s name because they were not distracted by trivia. We are all “sent” in one way or another. Jesus sends some of us as priests, religious, missionaries, lay evangelists, etc. But He sends most of us to simply be the best examples of Catholic Christians that we are capable of being. He calls us to model the behaviors that He teaches in the Gospels. He instructs us to live ordered lives so that our Catholic mission is never compromised by our secular priorities. God Bless!

Fr. Mike's Gospel Reflection - July 7, 2024

I could not be more pleased or humbled that Bishop Vann has appointed me Administrator at St. Edward the Confessor. I have heard so many good things about St. Ed’s and am thrilled to be a part of such a vibrant, successful parish. Here is a little information about me.

I was born in New York City in 1959 and attended Catholic elementary school and high school. I received my undergraduate degree from Cornell University and a law degree from The University of Michigan Law School. I’m an avid Michigan football fan – Go Blue! In 1985, I had the great blessing of marrying Rosemary. Our son, John, was born in 1993. He and his wife, Alexie, reside in San Clemente and have been attending St. Ed’s for the past few years.

I began my career as a lawyer in New York City in 1984. I then spent 22 years working at U.S. Bank where I held several of legal and senior management positions. In 2010, I became the General Counsel and Chief Operating Officer of ALEKS Corporation, an educational software company located in Irvine. After Rosemary passed away in 2012, I began the difficult task of considering my future without the love of my life.

I felt God’s call to the priesthood and was blessed when Bishop Vann accepted me to study for the Diocese of Orange. I entered Mt. Angel Seminary in August 2014, was ordained by Bishop Vann in June 2020, and was assigned to Saints Simon & Jude parish in Huntington Beach. I was appointed Temporary Administrator at Corpus Christi parish in Aliso Viejo in September 2023.

I look forward to meeting many of you over the next few weeks and I am excited to serve our parish. May God richly bless each of you as we come together in new relationships and as we deepen our love for Jesus Christ. Thank you for your prayers and support!