Reflection for the 12th Sunday in Ordinary Time and Father’s Day

Jesus Asleep in the Storm

I am here
protecting you.

Jesus was in the stern, asleep on a cushion. They woke him and said to him, “Teacher, do you not care that we are perishing?” He woke up, rebuked the wind, and said to the sea, “Quiet! Be still!” The wind ceased and there was great calm. Then he asked them, “Why are you terrified? Do you not yet have faith?”

What a perfect reading for Father’s Day! In a way we can even draw a funny analogy – picture dad asleep on the couch in the middle of something scary going on. We wake him up, feeling panicked, and ask for help. Of course he gets up to help. Then he says: ‘You know, you could have handled it yourself.’

We know from Jesus’ words that He came to reveal the Father to us. In Matthew 11:27 Jesus says: “All things have been delivered to me by my Father; and no one knows the Son except the Father, and no one knows the Father except the Son and any one to whom the Son chooses to reveal Him.”

The event on the sea tells us two things Jesus wished to reveal to us, His faithful people, about our Heavenly Father.

Jesus shows us that the Father is eternal, transcendent, all-powerful, and Almighty. He has complete command over all that exists. He commands the winds and the waves and they still. As Job learned, only God has all knowledge and understands all things. Jesus shows that when we call upon the Father He is quick to protect and comfort His people. His Almighty Power is a power for love and good, never evil.

Jesus also shows us that the Father expects something from us. This the part where our dad would ask, ‘You know, you could have handled it yourself.’ This is not to imply that we have all power and control, but rather that we live by having faith and trust in God. Jesus wants us to do as He did – to trust and be safe by having faith in our Heavenly Father and trusting all He asks us to do.

When we have faith and trust in God we have strength, a confidence that no matter what may come we have no reason to be terrified. We will always be safe in Him.

Some of us have been blessed to have fathers with faith in God and who patterned their lives after our Heavenly Father. They led us to faith and trust in our Heavenly Father. They knew that if we could grasp this essential aspect of life – faith and trust in God – then we would have true life, eternal life, and perfect safety. No harm or ill, even when they come, will drown us.

The disciples in the boat wanted something to hold onto something, someone because they felt they were going to drown. They looked to Jesus and of course He protected them. Then like our dad would do, He reminded them that they could have handled it themselves, by faith.

Schenectady Juneteenth Events

The Hamilton Hill Arts Center Proudly Invites Your Participation in the 15th Annual Celebration of Juneteenth from June 19th to 20th at the Central Park & Vale Cemetery, Schenectady.

All events are free and open to the public!

  • Friday Evening: Honoring Our Ancestors At Vale Cemetery’s Historic Ancestral Burial Ground
  • Saturday All Day: Food, Vendors, Health Fair, Youth Talent Show Performances By Local Talent, Non-Profit Expo, Kids’ Activities Historic Displays, Hair Braiding Competition & More!

The Hamilton Hill Arts Center is proud to bring our annual Juneteenth celebration to the Capital Region, in commemoration of the end of slavery and the beginning of freedom for ALL Americans. Juneteenth is now celebrated in thirty states, the District of Columbia, and is an officially recognized New York State holiday. Please join us at Schenectady’s historic Vale Cemetery- a recognized stop on the underground railroad- on the evening of June 19, and in beautiful Central Park, on June 20. There will be something for everyone!

Juneteenth is the oldest known celebration commemorating the end of slavery in the United States. On June 19, 1865, Union soldiers led by Major General Gordon Granger landed at Galveston, Texas with news that the war had ended and that the enslaved were now free. This was two and a half years after President Lincoln’s Emancipation Proclamation had become official (January 1, 1863). It had little impact on the Texans due to a lack of Union troops available to enforce the new Executive order. With the surrender of General Lee in April, 1865, and the arrival of General Granger’ s regiment, the forces were strong enough to overcome the resistance.

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Job Opportunities for the Week of June 15, 2015

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Cornell Cooperative Extension, Schenectady County – WIC Receptionist

All applications must be received online by the closing date of June 19, 2015. The position is with Cornell Cooperative Extension, Schenectady County.

WIC Receptionist-28182
Cornell Cooperative Extension (CCE) of Schenectady County
Classification Title: Association Administrative Assistant I

CCE of Schenectady County is seeking a full-time (35 hours/week) receptionist to perform general administrative support for the WIC program.

The Receptionist answers incoming calls, schedule/reschedule appointments, retrieve and return messages, answer basic WIC related questions and other administrative support tasks as decided by immediate supervisor and/or WIC Program Coordinator.

Attention Applicants: Please consider indicating in your application all information you feel would be helpful for selection committee members. When uploading files to your application, please make sure you flag all “Relevant Files” that you want included in your application. The recruiter will pass on flagged documents only. If you experience technical difficulties, please check here for additional assistance.

Questions regarding this position can be directed to Jim McNaughton, Human Resources Lead, by E-mail or telephone (518) 765-3503. Applications must be submitted electronically to be considered. You will receive an E-mail confirmation when your application is submitted. Please look for this to ensure you have been successful in applying. All applications must be received on-line by June 19, 2015.

Required Qualifications

High School diploma or equivalent. Ability to meet background check requirements. Ability to meet travel demands of the position. Ability to work flexible hours, which may include early mornings, evenings, and weekends. Ability to demonstrate positive customer service skills, good communication skills and work well in a busy office setting. Computer Skills: Experience with or ability to perform basic word processing (using Microsoft Word), WICSIS database and internet software. Ability to read and interpret documents such as instructions and procedure manuals. Ability to write routine correspondence. Ability to speak effectively with external customers and employees.

Schenectady Municipal Housing Authority – Part-Time Driver

Duties: Transports elderly and disabled residents to and from appointments and errands. Carries and delivers items, such as packages and groceries. Loads into and unloads wheelchairs from the vehicle. Provides physical assistance in and out of the vehicle. Maintains a pleasant and respectful demeanor with all residents. Prepares basic records and reports. Maintains a clean and well-running vehicle. Lifts up to 40 pounds. Performs other duties as required.

Background, Skills and Experience: Good knowledge of safe driving practices and traffic laws. Ability to operate a multi-passenger vehicle under all kinds of driving and weather conditions. Good knowledge of local driving routes. Excellent interpersonal and communication skills. Impeccable background and clean driving record. Experience with the elderly and/or disabled population is preferred.

Work Week: 17 ½ hours
No health benefits
$9.71 per hour

Apply for the position by submitting a cover letter and up-to-date résumé immediately to: Schenectady Municipal Housing Authority, Attn: Human Resources, 375 Broadway, Schenectady, NY 12305 or by E-mail.

Syrons Market – Employment Opportunities

Veterans or others looking for work, Syrons Market is looking for Part time and Full time help. Meat Cutting experience is helpful, but could be trained. All interested and inquiring, please call and speak with the Owner on the Business line or stop in the store. All are welcome.

Contact: Jeff Syron, Syrons Market, 4919 Western Turnpike, Duanesburg, NY 12056. Telephone: (518) 895-1031.

US Postal Service – PSE Custodian positions in the Albany area.

The US Postal Service is looking to hire Veterans as well as other qualified candidates. Jobs are posted at the US Postal Service website on a daily basis.

All applications are completed online, instructions on how to apply are attached. Postings are for specific timeframes and applications must be completed/submitted within the dates indicated on the posting. No written applications can be accepted.

Hiring Poster VETS

Visiting Nurses Home Care – Director of Programs & Services and Compliance

Visiting Nurses Home Care is a Licensed Home Care Agency servicing 11 counties in the Capital Region and an affiliate of VNA Home Health, a certified Home Health Agency certified in the same 11 counties.

We have a full time position open for a Director of Programs & Services and Compliance. This individual will be responsible for the delivery of quality care for all Agency Programs and Services as well as planning, implementing and monitoring the Agency Corporate Compliance Program. The position would require compliance reports and updates be provided to the CEO and Board of Directors as appropriate.

This position reports directly to the CEO.

Requirements include a B.S.N. in Nursing or Registered Nurse with a Bachelor’s Degree in a related field. Master’s Degree in Nursing or related field preferred. Minimum of five years Supervisory/Management experience two of which should be in Home Care or Community Services. Must possess a current NYS Driver’s License and Current License & Registration to practice as a Registered Professional Nurse.

Please submit your resume via E-mail.

Veteran’s Resource Fair at the Albany Stratton VA Medical Center

The Albany Stratton VA Medical Center will be providing information on Federal, State and local resources for Veterans including: Health, Wellness, Education, Benefits, Community Supports, Financial Planning, Vocational Leads, and much, much more.

Please join us on Tuesday, June 23rd from 9am to 12pm at the Stratton VA, 113 Holland Ave, Albany, NY in the 3rd Floor Auditorium.

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Reflection for the 11th Sunday in Ordinary Time 2015

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All things green
and new.

And all the trees of the field shall know that I, the LORD, bring low the high tree, lift high the lowly tree, wither up the green tree, and make the withered tree bloom. As I, the LORD, have spoken, so will I do.

Ezekiel the Prophet was called at a difficult time in Israel’s history. Nebuchadnezzar, the Babylonian ruler, had besieged Jerusalem, carried off its king as well as the members of the upper class, including Ezekiel the priest. He appointed a puppet king, Zedekiah, for Israel. Jerusalem ends up destroyed. In reflecting back on all this, and all the bad news he had to deliver, Ezekiel writes about hope and restoration.

There were many strong nations and powers, likened to high, strong, green trees. Israel was withered, barely living. Yet the Lord had (and has) the power to lift up the lowly tree, to make it green and alive again, to make it the most powerful and beautiful tree and to make those formerly powerful wither away.

Jesus is the fulfillment of Ezekiel’s prophecy. He is the restoration that came to be by God’s grace – to make all things green and new. Jesus’ coming is the culminating moment of reassurance for us. Our God is the God of new life, of the green time – the keeper of promises. He is our hope and the bringer of renewal.

How appropriate then to read of God’s strengthening, renewing, and greening of the withered tree as we enter into a new Church season this Sunday. This season of green will last through the end of November. It has been variously referred to as the ‘Time After Pentecost,’ the ‘Green Time,’ or ‘Ordinary Time.’

These green days are so important for us. Like Ezekiel, we have been born into a time of difficulty and challenge. Sometimes it is hard for us to see any possibility for renewal. Let us take this season – June through November – to recommit to our God Who is the God of renewal and new life. Let us recognize that we, like Ezekiel, are called to offer God’s way to the world.

By uniting ourselves to Jesus, first through baptism, then in each moment of our lives, we partake and share in God’s life. God, who can bring greenness out of the withered tree will take whatever is broken and hurtful, whatever is withered in us, will make it new, green, and alive. Hear God’s promise recounted in the 92nd Psalm: The just man shall flourish like the palm tree, like a cedar of Lebanon shall he grow. They that are planted in the house of the Lord, shall flourish in the courts of our God. They shall bear fruit even in old age; vigorous and sturdy shall they be. We who follow the Lord will flourish and be green once again.

Needed: Strong, Determined, Brave, and Faithful Men

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Our Holy Church sets the month of June aside and encourages the faithful to pray for the clergy of our Holy Church and for an increase of vocations. We also remember those who spent their lives serving God and His people, being now retired and in need of our financial support.

The life of service within the Church is not without its occasional difficulties, but instead of focusing on temporary and occasional drawbacks, men who respond to Jesus’ call are strong, determined, brave, and faithful.

Are you ready to respond to God’s call, do you feel the support of family, friends, and a community praying for you? Now is the time to explore the possibilities of a life in the ministry of the Church. Whether you are married or single, a recent graduate, or on your second or third career, the Church encourages you to “Come and See”.

To find out more about vocations to the diaconate and the priesthood, please contact the Savonarola Theological Seminary of the Polish National Catholic Church, 1031 Cedar Ave, Scranton, PA 18505. School, (570) 961-9288, Office, (570) 343-0100.

Reflection for Sunday in the Octave of Corpus Christi 2015

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I believe in
—— ——

While they were eating, he took bread, said the blessing, broke it, gave it to them, and said, “Take it; this is my body.” Then he took a cup, gave thanks, and gave it to them, and they all drank from it. He said to them, “This is my blood of the covenant, which will be shed for many. Amen, I say to you, I shall not drink again the fruit of the vine until the day when I drink it new in the kingdom of God.”

The words at the very top of this reflection “I believe in —— ——” are the same as last Sunday.

These two weeks are about core-required beliefs for the Christian man, woman, and child. Last week it was about the identity of God, We believe in One God, the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. This week it is about the bread and wine we offer as a community. What is that bread and wine when we consume it while kneeling at the altar rail?

Jesus assured us on many occasions that we would eat His flesh and drink His blood. This wasn’t something He came up with on the night of the Last Supper. This is His purposeful gift.

In His discourse with His disciples He said: This is the bread that comes down from heaven, so that one may eat of it and not die. I am the living bread that came down from heaven. If anyone eats of this bread, he will live forever. And the bread that I will give for the life of the world is my flesh.” The Jews then disputed among themselves, saying, “How can this man give us his flesh to eat?” So Jesus said to them, “Truly, truly, I say to you, unless you eat the flesh of the Son of Man and drink his blood, you have no life in you. Whoever feeds on my flesh and drinks my blood has eternal life, and I will raise him up on the last day.

Jesus knew very well that many would not accept this. For Jews consuming blood is not Kosher at all nor is eating human flesh. We have confirmation of this because shortly thereafter many of his disciples turned back and no longer walked with Him.

This dialog happened shortly after Jesus fed the multitude. They wanted to make Him their king because of His miracles. A day or so later He was almost alone.

So Jesus said to the Twelve, “Do you want to go away as well?” Simon Peter answered him, “Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life, and we have believed, and have come to know, that you are the Holy One of God.”

This is our test. Do we stay or go? Jesus’ way, His teachings, everything about Him including the faith we must have to proclaim these core beliefs about His identity and the gift He has given us are not easy. When we kneel, what are we kneeling to? What is this bread and wine? If we believe in Him and the reality of His gift, let us kneel and proclaim I believe! I receive You!

Reflection for the Solemnity of the Holy Trinity 2015

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I believe in
— —.

Then Jesus approached and said to them, “All power in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go, therefore, and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, until the end of the age.”

Jesus’s words found at the very end of Matthew’s Gospel account give us great comfort. He is ascending, but will remain with us always.

But, why should His words give us comfort? Even those we consider close friends can sometimes offer words, but fail to follow-through. Why are Jesus’ words supposed to give us any more comfort than any other person’s words?

This is where we get down to brass tacks as Christians. What is at the center of our faith? From where do we derive our confidence? How can we prepare ourselves to do what St. Peter asks of us when he says: “Always be ready to make your defense to anyone who demands from you an accounting for the hope that is in you”?

Standing where we are today, and having recited the creeds of the faith as our parents, grandparents, and ancestors have through the centuries it is easy enough to say – God. God is the reason for our hope. We are confident in Jesus’ words because Jesus is God and God cannot speak falsehood. If He said He would be with us always it is obviously and categorically true.

It wasn’t always that way. The Church had to work and fight long and hard, for centuries, to proclaim the truth about God, to settle it all based on what Jesus taught and the Apostles witnessed firsthand. Others came along with theories and opinions – Jesus was not really a man, He was not really God, the Holy Spirit wasn’t a person. These were called heresies – untruths – falsehoods.

The various creeds were written to clearly covey the truth of Who and What God is in opposition to those heresies. What we believe, as is stated in the Athanasian Creed, is the baseline necessary belief for every Christian. God is Three Co-eternal, Uncreated, and Almighty Persons of One Substance.

We have to be very careful to proclaim this truth. If we do not, our baptism in the name of the Trinity is worthless, our prayer is useless, and our hope is baseless. Jesus words are just the words of another faulty human. The Holy Spirit is just a breeze or a warm fuzzy feeling, He has no personhood. The Father – who knows?

Our task this Trinity Sunday is to reconnect ourselves to the truth of God and in doing so recognize the great promise and power that is ours.