Category: Fr. Abraham’s Weekly Column

Seventh Sunday in Ordinary Time

Posted on by Nathalie Godet

 

Dear Friends,

In another week, we will be at the threshold of the holy season of Lent. Ash Wednesday is on March 5 – a day of fast and abstinence. The Jubilee Year 2025 makes this Lent special as both remind us of the journey of life with the Word of God. During Lent every year, our Small Faith-sharing groups become more active than ever, reflecting on the Scriptures. The participants are greatly enriched with their experience in small gatherings – at church and at homes. Some may wonder why this insistence on small groups? Here are some reasons:

  • Small groups are biblical.
  • Small groups allow us to dialog with people of differing views.
  • Small groups give us a place to talk about personal and spiritual things in a safe environment.
  • Small groups help us to experience the power of love and prayer.
  • A small group provides us with much needed support and encouragement.
  • A small group helps facilitate our faith journey.

This year a special faith-sharing resource based on the jubilee theme: “Pilgrims of Hope” has been prepared by RENEW International. They have aptly titled it as “Jubilee: Join the Journey of Hope.” I found them very helpful. The six sessions include topics such as:

  • Materialism versus gospel values
  • Care for those in poverty, the sick, and the elderly
  • Concern for young people
  • Compassion and encouragement for prisoners; rejection of the death penalty
  • Welcome for strangers
  • Forgiveness and reconciliation

These sessions call us to grow closer to God and one another. The testimonies you hear from our own parishioners speak for themselves as to what these small group meetings can do to you personally and for your family.

As I often mention while inviting us all to join small groups, there is no requirement for a long term commitment, but a desire to attend just six sessions during the six weeks of Lent. Let us listen to the promptings that the Spirit of God is giving us and act upon them without procrastinating.

Many Catholics will take part in the Jubilee by traveling to Rome or to the Holy Land. But for most of us the more practical way to be a part of a Church “on the move” is through personal reflection and sharing in a small group during Lent. For signing up, please contact Debbie Schurko, our Director of Religious Education, at:  dschurko@stmatthias.net

Give yourself a chance, and see the difference it will make in your life, especially this Lent!

Your brother in Christ,

Fr. Abraham Orapankal

 

Sixth Sunday in Ordinary Time

Posted on by Nathalie Godet

 

Dear Friends,

My home visit was very refreshing. My time with my family, especially with my 91-year-old mom, was very uplifting. I thank God she is amazingly healthy for her age as she can move about in the house and attend Mass online regularly. I’m very grateful for the prayerful support of so many of you before, during, and after my trip. In particular, I’m very grateful to Fr. Lancelot McGrath for taking care of the parish with the help of our Office staff.

On my way to India, I had a two-day break in Dubai/Sharjah to be with my sister Dolly and family. The next day of my arrival was a Sunday and so we went to Church for Mass. The Islamic/Arab government has given a church for Catholic Mass. Even though that church has a seating capacity of 800, they have 10 Masses on Sundays as the immigrant Catholic population is so huge. We went early and stood outside with a sizable crowd waiting for the previous Mass to be over so we could get a seat. By the time our Mass began, all seats were taken and over a hundred people were standing on the sides and back of the church. It was a sight to see when the Eucharistic Ministers came in from the Sacristy in their white uniform. I counted 23 of them. As we came out of the Mass, the next crowd was already waiting to get in for a seat! I was so touched to see the sincere devotion, prayerful silence and the total participation of the entire congregation in the liturgy. What an inspiration for me!

As we came out of the Church, there were volunteers distributing a booklet, containing prayers and devotions to help the parishioners celebrate the Jubilee Year 2025 well. It was prepared by the Diocese or Apostolic Vicariate of Southern Arabia. I thought of the Jubilee Year inauguration we had last month – on January 12. At that time, I had mentioned two easily accessible resources that we all could use: Catholic Brain (with lots of informative and fun stuff for growing in our faith) and Rosary Podcasts (for practicing one of the timeless devotional prayers of our church). These can be used at our own convenience. As part of our efforts to deepen our spirituality, we are offering:

1)   A Retreat for the whole parish on Saturday, March 15. Do you know Lent begins in a couple of weeks? Ash Wednesday is on March 5. The theme, “Pilgrims of Hope Renewed …a Lenten Path to New Life” is very appropriate for this Jubilee Year. So I invite all of us to keep that Saturday morning free for this Spiritually enriching time.

2)  Anointing Mass on March 22:  Our Mass with Anointing of the sick will be on Saturday 11 AM, March 22. Kindly note the date so that families can plan to bring to church those in need of prayers for healing and the Sacrament of Anointing.

I wish to conclude by repeating part of the Jubilee Prayer that Pope Francis has penned: “May the grace of the Jubilee reawaken in us, Pilgrims of Hope, a yearning for the  treasures of heaven. May that same grace spread the joy and peace of our Redeemer throughout the earth. To you our God, eternally blessed, be glory and praise for ever, Amen.”

Let us joyfully and prayerfully make this Jubilee Year 2025 a time of grace and an opportunity to grow in holiness.

Your brother in Christ,

Fr. Abraham Orapankal

 

Fifth Sunday in Ordinary Time

Posted on by Nathalie Godet

 

A Message from Deacon Ron

Dear Friends,

Gratitude is a powerful force that can transform our lives and the lives of those around us. It is the reconditioning of the things we have, the people who support us, and the opportunities we are given. When we cultivate a grateful heart, we open ourselves to a deeper sense of joy, peace, and fulfillment. In the bustle of our daily lives, it is easy to take things for granted.

We often focus on what we lack rather than what we have. But when we pause to reflect on our blessings, we begin to see the abundance that surrounds us. Gratitude shifts our perspective from scarcity to abundance, from negativity to positivity. Being grateful does not mean ignoring the challenges and difficulties we face. Instead, it means acknowledging them and finding the silver linings within them. It means recognizing that even in the midst of hardship, there are still things to be thankful for. This mindset helps us build resilience and find strength in adversity. Gratitude also fosters a sense of connection and community. When we express our appreciation to others, we strengthen our relationships and create a ripple effect of kindness. A simple “thank you” can brighten someone’s day and remind them that they are valued. By practicing gratitude, we contribute to a culture of positivity and support. Let us take a moment each day to reflect on the people and the things we are grateful for. It could be as simple as the warmth of the sun, the smile of a loved one, or the opportunity to learn and grow. By making gratitude a daily practice, we can transform our lives and the world around us. May we all strive to cultivate a grateful heart and live each day with an attitude of gratitude.

Amen.

 

Feast of the Presentation of the Lord – Fourth Sunday in Ordinary Time

Posted on by Nathalie Godet

 

A Message from Debbie Schurko

Dear Friends,

Today we celebrate the Feast of the Presentation, also known as Candlemas—one of my favorite Feast Days in the Church. It holds so much: the Holy Family, the prophet Simeon, and Anna. This feast marks a significant moment in the life of the Holy Family, with the public recognition of Jesus as the Messiah and His role as the light that guides us—hence, the title Candlemas. It is during this time that Jesus’ name, “Jesus,” meaning “God saves,” would be recorded. His name reflects both His identity and His mission.

This Feast is a pivotal moment in the life of the Church, as it is also the 4th Joyful Mystery of the Rosary. Simeon and Anna waited in joyful hope for the Messiah, and when the Holy Family entered the Temple, Simeon took Jesus in his arms and blessed God. This was the central moment of Simeon’s life. However, this joyful occasion is tempered with the anticipation of future sorrow, as Simeon prophesied that Mary’s heart would be pierced with grief. Salvation comes at a cost, as Jesus will one day give His life for us.

Simeon and Anna offer us an example—showing us that we, too, can rewire our hearts and minds to be in God’s presence in our daily lives. In the ordinariness of our daily “temples”—our homes, workplaces, schools, and churches—we can listen for God’s Spirit, perceive His presence in the mundane, and live in constant expectation of God coming into our lives. We can experience the power of Christ’s presence daily and share it with others: a candle never loses its light when it lights another. Let’s keep the light shining.

Jesus Christ is God’s light to the world.

Fun Fact 

February 2nd is also a day that celebrates a secular news event known as “Groundhog Day”.  Many do not realize Groundhog Day, the folklore of rodents’ shadows and weather predictions has its roots in the tradition of Candlemas Day in Europe and the Feast of the Presentation of the Lord.

Candlelmas Poem

If Candlemas be fair and bright, Come, Winter, have another flight; If Candlemas brings clouds and rain, Go Winter, and come not again.

Our Catholic Christian Takeaway

No matter what the groundhog sees, let your light shine for all to see that we may always reflect the light of Christ to the world around us.

 

Debbie Schurko

Third Sunday in Ordinary Time – Catholic Schools Week 2025

Posted on by Nathalie Godet

 

This year we celebrate Catholic Schools Week from January 26 through February 1, 2025.

 In his recent exhortation Christus Vivit, Pope Francis tells us, ‘Christ is alive! He is our hope, and in a wonderful way he brings youth to our world, and everything he touches becomes young, new, and full of life. The very first words, then, that I would like to say to every young Christian are these: Christ is alive and he wants you to be alive!’

Pope Francis is reminding us that at the heart of each of our Catholic schools is Jesus Christ. Our schools strive to ensure each student reaches their full potential, irrespective of class, creed, or ethnicity. Each person is welcomed and included because we share a common humanity, each made in the likeness and image of God. It is Jesus who reveals to us how much God loves us and it is Jesus who models what it is to be fully human, in our thoughts, words, and actions. When we live as Christ taught us, we too become more fully alive, flourishing into the people we were made to be.

This Catholic Schools Week, we recognize and celebrate the unique contribution our Catholic schools make to the well-being and flourishing of our students. In Christ, we have the ultimate role model, the one who shows us how to live authentically and to our full potential, through faith, hope, and love. In our Catholic schools, we are called to bring about God’s reign by following Christ’s example. For when we are alive in Christ, we flourish, becoming the people we are called to be.

‘I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.’  (Jn 10:10)

Join us today for the Catholic Schools Week opening Mass at 10 am followed by St. Matthias School’s Open House from 11 am – 1pm.

 In honor of Catholic Schools Week, graduates, parents of graduates, or parishioners who are able to, please consider donating to Tuition Angels, a parish managed, confidential fund. Your gift helps a family to continue to provide a strong, Catholic, Christ-centered education to a child.

You may donate through Parish Giving, online, with a check in the donation basket, or a donation mailed to the Parish Office. Simply indicate on the envelope that the donation is for “TUITION ASSISTANCE” and kindly make a note on the check memo line”.  You may make a one-time donation, or an ongoing regular contribution to the fund. Our school continues to be a nurturing, vibrant and essential part of our parish community. Your donations will help to assist this critical component.

Thank you for your prayerful consideration of the Tuition Angels fund.

 

Second Sunday in Ordinary Time

Posted on by Nathalie Godet

 

Dear Friends,

As you read this, I should be home – God willing – to spend some time with my family, especially with my mother. I will be away for three weeks, but you all will certainly be in my prayers and thoughts. I wish to reflect on three important events occurring this week.

First: We are already in the “Week of Prayer for Christian Unity,” which began yesterday. The theme this year is based on a text from the Gospel of John: “Do you believe this?” (John 11:26). The year 2025 marks the 1,700th anniversary of the First Ecumenical Council of Nicaea in 325 AD. (Remember the Nicene Creed?) This commemoration provides a unique opportunity to reflect on and celebrate the common faith of various Christian churches as expressed in the Creed formulated at that Council. The Week of Prayer for Christian Unity 2025 is an invitation to draw on this common heritage and to enter more deeply into the faith that unites all Christians.

We know that Jesus prayed for unity: “Father, may they all be one” (John 17:21). But this unity is not realized as an organizational unity. Instead, I believe that it is possible to have a unity based on loving service, the fundamental mark of Christianity. Such a unity is possible if we accept what St. Paul asked us to do: “Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace.” (Ephesians 4:3).

Second: Tomorrow is MLK Day in honor of Martin Luther King Jr– the Baptist minister and civil-rights activist, who had a seismic impact on race relations in the United States, beginning in the mid-1950s. The King holiday is seen as a day to promote equal rights for all Americans, regardless of their background. The King Center has this to say about the theme for this year: “Our strategic theme for 2025 is ‘Mission Possible: Protecting Freedom, Justice, and Democracy in the Spirit of Nonviolence365’” 

Treating all with our God-given dignity and respect is still a challenge for us. That’s why the US Bishops Conference established an Ad Hoc Committee Against Racism. Here’s what the Bishops said: “Racism has rightly been called America’s original sin. It remains a blot on our national life and continues to cause acts and attitudes of hatred, as recent events have made evident. The need to condemn, and combat, the demonic ideologies of white supremacy, neo-Nazism and racism has become especially urgent at this time. Our efforts must be constantly led and accompanied by prayer – but they must also include concrete action.”

Third:  The National March for Life takes place this Friday, January 24 in Washington D.C. about which you have been reading in our recent bulletin issues. Over the past 52 years, the March for Life has collectively united millions of pro-life Americans from every age, background, and faith with a common purpose: to witness the inherent dignity and worth of every single human life, especially those endangered by abortion. As a pro-life Church, we support this largest annual human rights demonstration in the world, especially with our prayers.

We thank God that St. Matthias is a life giving community that welcomes and accepts all. Are we perfect? No. There is always room for improvement. Let us continue our efforts to eradicate any form of discrimination or prejudice in our thoughts and actions and promote life and unity.

Your brother in Christ,

Fr. Abraham Orapankal

 

The Baptism of the Lord

Posted on by Nathalie Godet

 

Dear Friends,

We know that the Jubilee Year 2025 was officially inaugurated by Pope Francis by opening the Holy Door of Saint Peter’s Basilica, on December 24. There are four other Holy Doors in Rome: the Archbasilica of St. John Lateran, the Basilica of St. Mary Major, the Basilica of St. Paul Outside the Walls, and the door located at the Rebibbia Prison in Rome.

Bishop James Checchio designated the following sacred places within our Diocese as places where the faithful may obtain the Jubilee Indulgence:

  1. Cathedral of St. Francis of Assisi, Metuchen, NJ
  2. Shrine Chapel of the Blessed Sacrament, Raritan, NJ
  3. National Blue Army Shrine of Our Lady of Fatima, Washington, NJ
  4. National Shrine of St. Lucy Filippini (inside St. Mary of Mount Virgin Church, New Brunswick, NJ.

The Bishop’s decree states (as you can see it on our website) “These sacred spaces have been carefully chosen to reflect the spiritual significance of pilgrimage and to foster deeper conversion and reconciliation among the people of God. The visit is not merely an outward action but a reflection of the soul’s pilgrimage towards God, with conversion, reconciliation, and renewal at its heart.”

Here in our parish, we inaugurate the Jubilee Year 2025 today, focusing on the meaning of this Jubilee year at all the Masses. The theme of this Jubilee Year, proposed by Pope Francis, is “Pilgrims of Hope.”  As he so beautifully expressed it: “We must fan the flame of hope that has been given us, and help everyone to gain new strength and certainty by looking to the future with an open spirit, a trusting heart and far-sighted vision.”

There will be many resources coming from our Diocese as well as from the USCCB (US Conference of Catholic Bishops) that we can make use of for our spiritual enrichment. I like to mention two easily accessible resources that we can start with immediately:

1)      Catholic Brain:  This is a faith formation program for individuals and families, with lots of informative and fun stuff for growing in our faith. Our Parish has already a subscription and we use it for the GIFT program. But I do encourage all of us to use it for our own spiritual benefit. See page 8 in today’s bulletin for accessing it through Debbie Schurko, our Director of Religious Education.

2)      Rosary In A Year Podcasts:  This is for practicing one of the timeless devotional prayers of our Church – the Holy Rosary. See the blurb on page 7 in today’s bulletin about accessing these daily podcasts. You can use them at your convenience.

We will also be praying the Jubilee Prayer, penned by Pope Francis, at all our Masses. It concludes with these words: “May the grace of the Jubilee reawaken in us, Pilgrims of Hope, a yearning for the  treasures of heaven. May that same grace spread the joy and peace of our Redeemer throughout the earth. To you our God, eternally blessed, be glory and praise for ever, Amen.”

Let us joyfully and prayerfully participate in this Jubilee Year 2025!

Your brother in Christ,

Fr. Abraham Orapankal

 

 

The Epiphany of the Lord

Posted on by Nathalie Godet

 

Dear Friends,

Merry Christmas, as we keep the feast of the Epiphany today. It is good to know that our Orthodox brethren in the USA and the rest of the world keep Christmas on January 7 as their churches follow the Julian calendar.

The story of the three kings (though the Bible speaks of them not as kings but as the wise men from the east or the Magi) has fascinated us all. Liturgically, Epiphany is when the birth of the Messiah is manifested to the world in and through the three kings (number three is concluded from the number of gifts offered to Baby Jesus). Equally fascinating is the story of a fourth king immortalized by Henry van Dyke in his story “The Other Wise Man” written in 1895.

The fourth wise man is not mentioned in the Gospels but his name is Artaban. In the story version, our hero was late and missed the caravan as the other three left without him. He got to Bethlehem too late to see the Baby Jesus. But Artaban did make it in time to save one of the Holy Innocents by bribing a soldier. For the next 33 years Artaban searched for Jesus. He did not find Jesus, but all the while the Fourth wise man fed the hungry and helped the poor. Then one day in Jerusalem Artaban saw the “King of the Jews” being crucified. He started to offer a pearl as ransom. But then he saw a girl being sold into slavery to pay family debts. Artaban gave his pearl to buy freedom for the girl. Suddenly the earth quaked as Jesus died on the cross and a stone struck Artaban. Dying, he heard a Voice saying: “When you helped the least of my children, you helped me. Meet me in Heaven!” Artaban, the fourth Wise Man, had been making God present in his community for years by helping others. God asks each of us on the feast of Epiphany to be a fourth Wise Man by becoming God’s epiphanies, making His love present in the world around us by our acts of love and kindness.

This story can teach us something about making New Year resolution. Do you believe in making a New Year resolution? I believe everyone should have a New Year resolution because we all need personal growth. If so, why do some studies show that only about 20% persevere in practicing their resolutions while the vast majority’s resolutions crash by February? There are many reasons like lack of specificity, overdue expectations, poor will power, etc. Still, making a resolution gives us an impetus to become better and improve areas where we need growth.

This is especially true for us Christians in living the values of our faith. Whether our resolution is of a secular nature (better money management, stop a bad habit like drinking, eating more healthily, etc.) or of a spiritual nature, (to pray more, to read the Bible daily, attend church more regularly, etc.), we need to practice perseverance in implementing these – as did Artaban, the fourth wise man. In order to have the discipline of perseverance, we need to be very conscious of the Word of God that tells us: “I can do everything through Him who strengthens me” (Philippians 4:13).In other words, if we rely on God as the center of our New Year resolution, then we have a far better chance of success. It is a great help to have an accountability partner who will gently remind us or lovingly challenge us to stay the course.

As Proverbs 16:3 asks us, “Commit your work to the Lord, and your plans will be established.” Happy New Year Blessings!

Your brother in Christ,

Fr. Abraham Orapankal

 

The Most Holy Family of Jesus, Mary & Joseph

Posted on by Nathalie Godet

 

Dear Friends,

Merry Christmas! In this Christmas week, are you having a breather after the hectic time leading to the Christmas Day? How do you feel after December 25th? A cartoon in the New Yorker magazine says it all. In the middle of the floor is a dried up, withered, Christmas tree. The calendar on the wall reads December 26. Dad is sitting in his chair with an ice pack on his head. Mom is in a bathrobe and her hair in rollers. The floor is a virtual mountain of torn wrappings, boxes, and bows. Junior is reaching in his stocking to be sure that there is no more candy. In the background we see a table with a thoroughly picked turkey still sitting there. The caption on the cartoon reads simply: The morning after. This is normal family life. It is precisely to highlight this normalcy that we celebrate the feast of the Holy Family today!

The Holy Family too was very normal with the ups and downs like in any ordinary family. How consoling it is to realize that the Holy Family was not exempted from difficulties, trials and suffering. Mary was pregnant out of wedlock. Jesus was born in the manger because there was no room in the inn. Joseph led his family to flee to Egypt because of the murderous plan of King Herod to kill the baby Jesus. Mary saw her Son crucified on the Cross. How did they survive? The Holy Family was God centered. That made all the difference.

Recent researches have reaffirmed the importance of family making a significant difference in nurturing the faith of children and adolescents with faith practices at home. John Roberto, a prominent youth minister who founded what is now known as Center for Ministry Development, has an article on the USCCB website titled “Partnering with Parents to Nurture Family Faith – Insights from Research.” Here are some of the most important practices he lists:

  • Reading the Bible as a family and encouraging young people to read the Bible regularly
  • Praying together as a family and encouraging young people to pray personally
  • Serving people in need as a family and supporting service activities by young people
  • Eating together as a family
  • Having family conversations about faith
  • Talking about faith, religious issues, and questions and doubts
  • Ritualizing important family moments and milestone experiences
  • Celebrating holidays and church year seasons at home
  • Providing moral instruction
  • Being involved in a faith community and participating regularly in Sunday worship as a family

This is why the Church consistently reminds us that the family is the “domestic church.” I wish to thank as well as support our parish families who make valiant efforts to live the gospel values despite huge challenges. This New Year gives us an opportunity to introduce some of these practices – if we are not already doing these – in our families. As a first step, why not begin this New Year, the Jubilee Year, by attending our 10 am Mass with family?

May the Christmas blessings stay with you and your family for the whole of 2025!

Your brother in Christ,

Fr. Abraham Orapankal

 

4th Sunday of Advent

Posted on by Nathalie Godet

 

Dear Friends,

Merry Christmas!

Yes, even though today is the Fourth Sunday of Advent, Christmas is getting close…and it is here in just two days… Although we can’t control its suddenness, and how our culture celebrates it, we can keep the spirit of Christmas in our own home by teaching our children the value of delayed gratification. Wait for the party, wait to open a present. Read the Christmas story as a family. Matthew and Luke are the Evangelists we can depend on for the birth and infancy narratives of Jesus. The first two chapters from each of these gospels are ideal for this purpose. Read at least one chapter each day starting today.

This Christmas is very special because the Jubilee Year (celebrated every 25 years) will begin on December 24, 2024 (Christmas Eve) and conclude on January 6, 2026 (Feast of the Epiphany). This was officially proclaimed by Pope Francis in his papal bull titled Spes Non Confundit  which means “Hope Does Not Disappoint”.

It is customary that holy doors will be designated to enter through during this Jubilee Year, first in Rome and then in each diocese throughout the world. Holy Doors of the 2025 Jubilee of Hope in Rome will be located at the four papal basilicas as well as at a prison. The first Holy Door will be opened by Pope Francis at St. Peter’s Basilica on this Christmas Eve to usher in the beginning of the Jubilee Year worldwide.

What is the significance? The Holy Doors are sacred portals. These doors are ceremonially opened during Jubilee Years, symbolizing the spiritual journey from sin to grace. For pilgrims, crossing these doors is a profound act of faith, offering an opportunity for renewal, forgiveness, and a deeper connection with the divine. The act of physically crossing the threshold signifies a renewal of faith and a desire for spiritual transformation. As Pope St. John Paul II stated, “To pass through that door means to confess that Jesus Christ is Lord; it is to strengthen faith in him in order to live the new life which he has given us.”

Let us all enter the Jubilee Year of Hope. The Christmas story is truly a story of hope. May our Christmas be filled with the wonder of “Emmanuel” (Matthew.1:23: God-with-us). May His peace and joy illumine our hearts and our homes.

Christmas Blessings!

Your brother in Christ,

Fr. Abraham Orapankal