Spiritual Life

St. Joseph models the dignity of work

Catholic Voice In this year of St. Joseph, and during the month of September when we honor the value of labor, Catholics are called to reflect on the life of the saint. As patron of workers, St. Joseph models the dignity of labor and the contribution that honest and honorable work makes in the lives of Jesus’ followers, especially when they dedicate their efforts to God. In his Apostolic Exhortation on St. Joseph, “Guardian of the Redeemer,” St. John Paul II wrote: “Work was the daily expression of love in the life of the Family of Nazareth. The Gospel specifies the kind of work Joseph did in order to support his family: he was a carpenter. This simple word sums up Joseph’s entire life.”

RENATA SEDMAKOVA/SHUTTERSTOCK

A depiction of the Holy Family with St. Joseph at work from Sebechleby, Slovakia, painted by an Italian painter in the early 20th century.

“Human work, and especially manual labor, receives special prominence in the Gospel. Along with the humanity of the Son of God, work too has been taken up in the mystery of the Incarnation, and has also been redeemed in a special way. At the workbench where he plied his trade together with Jesus, Joseph brought human work closer to the mystery of the Redemption.”

PRAYER TO ST. JOSEPH FOR SUCCESS IN WORK

Glorious St. Joseph, model of all those who are devoted to labour, obtain for me the grace to work conscientiously, putting the call of duty above my many sins; to work with thankfulness and joy, considering it an honour to employ and develop, by means of labor, the gifts received from God; to work with order, peace, prudence and patience, never surrendering to weariness or difficulties; to work, above all, with purity of intention, and with detachment from self, having always death before my eyes and the account which I must render of time lost, of talents wasted, of good omitted, of vain complacency in success so fatal to the work of God. All for Jesus, all for Mary, all after thy example, O Patriarch Joseph. Such shall be my motto in life and death. Amen.

J.G. Krawczyk, FICF, ChFC

Omaha, NE Call or text 402-216-9520 j.krawczyk@kofc.org Serving Papillion, Holy Cross, Mary Our Queen, Holy Name and Bellevue/St. Matthew the Evangelist councils.

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Norfolk, NE Call or text 402-860-9166 troy.foecking@kofc.org Serving Norfolk (L-Z), Battle Creek, Elgin, Neligh, Wisner and Stanton councils.

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David City, NE Call or text 402-367-8132 roy.metter@kofc.org Serving Schuyler, Platte Center, Columbus/St. Isidore, St. Bonaventure, St. Anthony; David City, Bellwood, Shelby and Osceloa councils.

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Wisdom of God brings peace to our hearts, world

READINGS FOR THE TWENTY-FIFTH SUNDAY OF ORDINARY TIME

SEPTEMBER 19

Reading I – Wis 2:12, 17-20 Responsorial – Ps 54:3-6, 8 Reading II – Jas 3:16–4:3 Gospel – Mk 9:30-37

President Harry Truman once said: “I do not believe there is a problem in this country or the world today which could not be settled if approached through the teaching of the Sermon on the Mount.”

Though the variety of problems in the world has changed since the late 1940s, the cause of these problems remains the same. St. James tells us in this Sunday’s second reading, “For where jealousy and selfish ambition exist, there is disorder and every foul practice” (3:16). St. James provides us the solution in the next verse: “But the wisdom from above is first of all pure, then peaceable, gentle, compliant, full of mercy and good fruits, without inconstancy or insincerity” (3:17). If we take the Beatitudes, which Jesus delivered in the Sermon on the Mount, and read St. James’ remarks alongside them, we get a consistent message of how a Christian should live. To complete the picture, add the reflection on the characteristics of love that St. Paul gives us in 1 Corinthians 13, which we often hear at weddings. It is the love of God and the wisdom of God that the Spirit gives so that our world can become a more peaceful place. President Truman put his finger on a great truth here. Perhaps drawing close to the source of love and peace does solve our problems. Our world, our country, our cities and sadly even our parishes have become so bitterly divided over such trivial matters in these past couple of years. We should be more attentive

GRETA KEMPTON/PUBLIC DOMAIN

The presidential portrait of Harry S. Truman (1884-1972), who served as the 33rd president of the United States from 1945 to 1953.

Scripture Reflections

FATHER JOSEPH SUND

to spending time in prayer, both with Scriptures and in the presence of the Blessed Sacrament. I promise that you’ll never find peace listening to talk radio, with its shouting and complaining about politics. All you will find is selfish ambition, which brings disorder to our hearts. Yet, as I draw close to the wisdom of God and his holy presence, their fruits will become clear in inner peace and will shine through the works and actions of my own life. We might restate the words of President Truman even more simply with the words of Christ himself: “But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things shall be yours as well” (Mt 6:33). Set aside time each day to do this. Cast aside selfish ambition and jealousy and seek the wisdom of God!

Father Joseph Sund is associate pastor of St. Patrick Parish in O’Neill, St. Joseph Parish in Amelia, St. Joseph Parish in Atkinson, St. Boniface Parish in Stuart and Sacred Heart Parish in Boyd County. He is also campus minister at St. Mary School in O’Neill.

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SCRIPTURE READINGS OF THE DAY

SEPTEMBER

20 Monday: Ezr 1:1-6; Ps 126:1b-6; Lk 8:16-18 21 Tuesday: Eph 4:1-7, 11-13; Ps 19:2-5; Mt 9:9-13 22 Wednesday: Ezr 9:5-9; (Ps) Tb 13:2-4a, 4befghn, 7-8; Lk 9:1-6 23 Thursday: Hg 1:1-8; Ps 149:1b-6a, 9b; Lk 9:7-9 24 Friday: Hg 2:1-9; Ps 43:1-4; Lk 9:18-22 25 Saturday: Zec 2:5-9, 14-15a; (Ps) Jer 31:10-12ab, 13; Lk 9:43b-45 26 Sunday: Nm 11:25-29; Ps 19:8, 10, 12-14; Jas 5:1-6; Mk 9:38-43, 45, 47-48 27 Monday: Zec 8:1-8; Ps 102:16-21, 29, 22-23; Lk 9:46-50 28 Tuesday: Zec 8:20-23; Ps 87:1b-7; Lk 9:51-56 29 Wednesday: Dn 7:9-10, 13-14 or Rv 12:7-12a; Ps 138:1-5; Jn 1:47-51 30 Thursday: Neh 8:1-4a, 5-6, 7b-12; Ps 19:8-11; Lk 10:1-12

OCTOBER

1 Friday: Bar 1:15-22; Ps 79:1b-5, 8-9; Lk 10:13-16 2 Saturday: Bar 4:5-12, 27-29; Ps 69:33-37; Mt 18:1-5, 10 3 Sunday: Gn 2:18-24; Ps 128:1-6; Heb 2:9-11; Mk 10:2-16 or 10:2-12 4 Monday: Jon 1:1—2:2, 11; (Ps) Jon 2:3-5, 8; Lk 10:25-37 5 Tuesday: Jon 3:1-10; Ps 130:1b-4ab, 7-8; Lk 10:38-42 6 Wednesday: Jon 4:1-11; Ps 86:3-6, 9-10; Lk 11:1-4 7 Thursday: Mal 3:13-20b; Ps 1:1-4, 6; Lk 11:5-13 8 Friday: Jl 1:13-15, 2:1-2; Ps 9:2-3, 6, 16, 8-9; Lk 11:15-26 9 Saturday: Jl 4:12-21; Ps 97:1-2, 5-6, 11-12; Lk 11:27-28 10 Sunday: Wis 7:7-11; Ps 90:12-17; Heb 4:12-13; Mk 10:17-30 or 10:17-27 11 Monday: Rom 1:1-7; Ps 98:1bcde, 2-4; Lk 11:29-32 12 Tuesday: Rom 1:16-25; Ps 19:2-5; Lk 11:37-41 13 Wednesday: Rom 2:1-11; Ps 62:2-3, 6-7, 9; Lk 11:42-46 14 Thursday: Rom 3:21-30; Ps 130:1b-6ab; Lk 11:47-54 15 Friday: Rom 4:1-8; Ps 32:1b-2, 5, 11; Lk 12:1-7 16 Saturday: Rom 4:13, 16-18; Ps 105:6-9, 42-43; Lk 12:8-12

SeptemberFest 2021: Parish Fall Festival

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This year, I’ve been spending some time each day with St. Maximilian Kolbe. Before his martyrdom at Auschwitz – he volunteered to take the place of another in the starvation bunker – he was spiritual father to many. He spent his life making his mother, “Mamuzia,” as he would refer to the Blessed Mother (that’s Polish for “Mom”) better known and loved. “To the Sacred Heart through the Immaculata,” he would say. I pray his consecration to the Immaculata every day, which begs that we be made fit instruments to draw others to the Sacred Heart. His letters to his spiritual sons are especially moving and packed with wisdom. One of my favorite Maximilian morsels is this: “Think more about loving than about working.” What does that phrase call to mind? When I was living in Nashville in my late 20s and working as a singer, I attended a very large, very “hip” Nashville church where a number of famous musicians attended. At one point I was awarded a solo in the church choir. I had worked very hard to prove myself to the choirmaster who was, by any measure, world class. The song was especially well-suited to my low voice and centered on loving Jesus with heart, mind and soul (emphasis on soul). So, landing this little solo was a big deal to me. I’ll never forget the first time singing it. It was the 9 a.m. Sunday service. As the song began, the great, languid cadence of a southern Gospel tune, I stepped up to the microphone and out came the first soulful phrase: “Jeeeee-sus! I love you.” In a flash, the choir director gave me this look; something like “uh-oh” spilled over his face. He could tell, even in a few notes, that I had been taken up with “performance.” I wanted to be impressive, and ironically, it was going to ruin the song. He stepped up to me quickly and whispered in my ear, “No, sing it for the Lord.” In an instant I knew exactly what he meant and where I had gone wrong. It would have been the same thing if St. Maximilian had whispered to me, “Don’t think about impressing people, think about loving Jesus.” My entire posture changed in that moment; something ugly and taut and trying too hard fell away. I was completely reoriented, and it showed in my voice. I could tell that the director sensed it too, because he beamed

Header The Foundational Intimacy at me once that shift had Love more, work less PACK-SHOT/SHUTTERSTOCK A choir sings at the Notre Dame Cathedral in Reims, France. Liz Kelly reminds us that singing at Mass is doing something for the Lord, not performing for an audience and bolstering one’s reputation. It’s one of the many ways we can “love more and work less,” she says, thereby building up the Kingdom of God. Your Heart, St. Benedict Center www.stbenedictcenter.com Retreats@stbenedictcenter.com 402.352.8819 Schuyler, NE Dates <Area for event/retreat description> <Area for event/retreat description> <Area for event/retreat description> <Area for event/retreat description> <Area for event/retreat description> <Area for event/retreat description> <Area for event/retreat description> St. Benedict Center www.stbenedictcenter.com Retreats@stbenedictcenter.com 402.352.8819 Schuyler, NE Header Dates <Area for event/retreat description> <Area for event/retreat description> <Area for event/retreat description> <Area for event/retreat description> <Area for event/retreat description> <Area for event/retreat description> <Area for event/retreat description> From Here to Hope: Our Mission of Mercy Come and discover new connections between the Eucharist and marriage. In this energetic presentation, married couples are renewed in their love for the Eucharist and their sacrament of marriage. Includes talks, personal and couple reflection time, Mass and Reconciliation. Jim and Maureen Otremba have been guest speakers on EWTN and on Spirit Catholic Radio. Register now at www.StBenedictCenter.com. Pope Francis encourages us as people of faith to be ministers of mercy in the world—to go out into the streets to share the mercy of God with those on the margins of life. Today we will explore in both practical and prophetic ways how to live God’s tender mercy in our daily lives. Fr. Joseph Nassal, CPPS, is the author of 8 books, including The Conspiracy of Compassion. Register now at www.StBenedictCenter.com. Sept. 30, 9 a.m. – Oct. 1, 1 p.m. Oct. 14, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. Schuyler, NE Schuyler, NE St. Benedict Center www.stbenedictcenter.com Retreats@stbenedictcenter.com 402.352.8819 Schuyler, NE Header Dates <Area for event/retreat description> <Area for event/retreat description> <Area for event/retreat description> <Area for event/retreat description> <Area for event/retreat description> <Area for event/retreat description> <Area for event/retreat description> Schuyler, NE Header Dates <Area for event/retreat description> <Area for event/retreat description> <Area for event/retreat description> <Area for event/retreat description> <Area for event/retreat description> <Area for event/retreat description> <Area for event/retreat description> The Foundational Intimacy From Here to Hope: Our Mission of Mercy Come and discover new connections between the Eucharist and marriage. In this energetic presentation, married couples are renewed in their love for the Eucharist and their sacrament of marriage. Includes talks, personal and couple reflection time, Mass and Reconciliation. Jim and Maureen Otremba have been guest speakers on EWTN and on Spirit Catholic Radio. Register now at www.StBenedictCenter.com. Pope Francis encourages us as people of faith to be ministers of mercy in the world—to go out into the streets to share the mercy of God with those on the margins of life. Today we will explore in both practical and prophetic ways how to live God’s tender mercy in our daily lives. Fr. Joseph Nassal, CPPS, is the author of 8 books, including The Conspiracy of Sept. 30, 9 a.m. – Oct. 1, 1 p.m. Oct. 14, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. Schuyler, NE Schuyler, NE God’s Last Word: Love to the End. The Prophet Hosea’s Embodied Faithfulness September 25, 10:00am – 4:00pm Schuyler, NE St. Benedict Center www.stbenedictcenter.com Retreats@stbenedictcenter.com 402.352.8819 St. Benedict Center Header Dates God’s Last Word: Love to the End. The Prophet Hosea’s Embodied Faithfulness September 25, 10:00am – 4:00pm Schuyler, NE This day with the Prophet Hosea will leave us with a profound sense of being loved by God beyond measure. It invites us to take a look where we might mirror this faithful love of God. Father Joel Macul, OSB, STL, taught Scripture at Tangaza College in Kenya and is the prior of Christ the King Priory in Schuyler. Register now at www.StBenedictCenter.com. Learn How to Live a Wonderful Life October 23, 9:30am – October 24, 1:00pm Schuyler, NE Positive psychology helps us to reduce stress, to increase happiness, trust and resilience, and to find purpose and meaning in life. Join us to learn, to practice and to grow! Lee Elliott, MS, is the Executive Director of the Wonderful Life Project, LLC. Father Todd Philipsen, is the pastor of St. Patrick's Parish in Chadron, NE. Register now at www.StBenedictCenter.com. St. Benedict Center www.stbenedictcenter.com Retreats@stbenedictcenter.com 402.352.8819 Header Dates God’s Last Word: Love to the End. The Prophet Hosea’s Embodied Faithfulness September 25, 10:00am – 4:00pm Schuyler, NE This day with the Prophet Hosea will leave us with a profound sense of being loved by God beyond measure. It invites us to take a look where we might mirror this faithful love of God. Father Joel Macul, OSB, STL, taught Scripture at Tangaza College in Kenya and is the prior of Christ the King Priory in Schuyler. Register now at www.StBenedictCenter.com. Learn How to Live a Wonderful Life October 23, 9:30am – October 24, 1:00pm Schuyler, NE Positive psychology helps us to reduce stress, to increase happiness, trust and resilience, and to find purpose and meaning in life. Join us to learn, Learn How to Live a Wonderful Life October 23, 9:30am – October 24, 1:00pm Schuyler, NE Positive psychology helps us to reduce stress, to increase happiness, trust and resilience, and to find purpose and meaning in life. Join us to learn, to practice and to grow! Lee Elliott, MS, is the Executive Director of the Wonderful Life Project, LLC. Father Todd Philipsen, is the pastor of St. Patrick’s Parish in Chadron, NE. Register now at www.StBenedictCenter.com. This day with the Prophet Hosea will leave us with a profound sense of being loved by God beyond measure. It invites us to take a look where we might mirror this faithful love of God. Father Joel Macul, OSB, STL, taught Scripture at Tangaza College in Kenya and is the prior of Christ the King Priory in Schuyler. Register now at www.StBenedictCenter.com. His Home taken place. Compassion. Register now at www.StBenedictCenter.com. www.stbenedictcenter.com to practice and to grow! Lee Elliott, MS, is the LIZ KELLY When I pray with this phrase now – “Think more about loving than about working” – and recall this St. Benedict Center www.stbenedictcenter.com Retreats@stbenedictcenter.com 402.352.8819 Executive Director of the Wonderful Life Project, LLC. Father Todd Philipsen, is the pastor of St. Patrick's Parish in Chadron, NE. Register now at www.StBenedictCenter.com. moment on stage in church (and maybe there shouldn’t be Retreats@stbenedictcenter.com 402.352.8819 St. Benedict Center stages in churches, only altars!), I beg for the grace to be more R ww etre w.stbenedictcenter.co ats@stbenedictcenter. 402.352.8819 m com present and more loving in my work, more mindful of loving the Lord through the work he has given me in building up the Kingdom. What’s the first thing you would change if you concentrated not on working, THIS IS YOUR PROOF FOR AN UPCOMING ISSUE – PLEASE REPLY ASAP but on loving? And not loving Please proofread very carefully. Once you okay this proof, your job goes into production, and we are not responsible for any errors in typesetting prestige or money or adulation or success, but Jesus and those or layout. Please advise us of any errors, corrections or changes in the copy or layout. It is your responsibility to do the final proofing. CatholiC VoiCe The Archdiocese of om A h A he places in your path? – Advertising Mamuzia, you inspired St. Please e-mail your approval or corrections to: tcvads@archomaha.org. Maximilian from the time If you are unable to e-mail, please check one of the boxes below and fax to: 402-558-6614. NO CHANGES MAY BE TAKEN OVER THE PHONE he was a child to love and serve the Lord in joy, even Date: / / From: To: O.K. to print (Signature) NOT O.K. to print a a a unto martyrdom. Pray for us, as indicated. that we might learn what it means to love Jesus and others through our work, that we would concentrate on, not success or failure, but the sacredness of the souls around us. St. Maximilian, intercede for us, that we might know your selfless courage and great THIS IS YOUR PROOF FOR AN UPCOMING ISSUE – PLEASE REPLY ASAP love of the Blessed Mother and the Sacred Heart of her Son, and live lives that make them better known and loved. Please proofread very carefully. Once you okay this proof, your job goes into production, and we are not responsible for any errors in typesetting or layout. Please advise us of any errors, corrections or changes in the copy or CatholiC VoiCe The Archdiocese of om A h A layout. It is your responsibility to do the final proofing. Liz Kelly is the award-win- – Advertising ning author of nine books in- Please e-mail your approval or corrections to: tcvads@archomaha.org.cluding “Love Like a Saint” and “Jesus Approaches.” She speaks and leads retreats If you are unable to e-mail, please check one of the boxes below and fax to: 402-558-6614. NO CHANGES MAY BE TAKEN OVER THE PHONE throughout the country. Visit her website at LizK.org. Date: / / From: To: O.K. to print (Signature) NOT O.K. to print a a a as indicated.

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