Fr. Rick Spicer

What draws us to live the Catholic faith is the deep awareness that God loves us unconditionally. Like parents who care deeply for their children, God wants what is best for us, thus God sets before us blueprints for best living life. Those who follow them discover the kingdom of God in this lifetime. Our Church takes the teachings of Jesus so seriously that she will take the risk of offending even some of her own members in order to speak the truth and do so with respect and love.

The teachings of Jesus and of scriptures touch every part of our lives, our entire human condition and yes, even our sexuality. These rich and challenging teachings always point to the dignity of the human person, a point Jesus reiterates in this gospel scenario between him and the Pharisees who are seeking his approval of divorce since Moses allowed it.

…

27th Sunday of Ordinary TimeRead More »

One evening, a family went out to dine at a local restaurant. Everyone was given a menu, even Molly who was 8 years old. Since the conversation was an “adult” one, Molly sat there feeling ignored. When the waiter took their orders, he came to her last. “And, what would you like to eat, young lady?” he asked. Molly answered, “I will have a hamburger, French fries, and a large root beer.”

Her mother spoke up, “No. She will have a small salad with low fat dressing, baked chicken, carrots and rice.” Her father added, “And milk to drink.” The waiter looked at Molly and asked, “Would you like catsup or mustard on your hamburger?” She said, “Catsup with some fried onions on top, please. Oh, and put a very small piece of lettuce on top to please my parents. Thank you very much!” As the waiter walked away, Molly turned to her family and said, “You know what? He thinks I am real.”

…

25th Sunday of Ordinary TimeRead More »

According to numerous surveys done since I was ordained, on any given Sunday, only 25 percent of American Catholics attend Mass. Some go every week, some go from time to time when it suits them, and others go only on select occasions such as Christmas and Easter. That means few Catholics celebrate the Eucharist regularly.

I am mindful of former parishioners who no longer attend Mass here. Why is that? I don’t know. Undoubtedly, their reasons are varied, but I suspect that more and more American Catholics seem to believe that they can have faith without religion. They believe in a God who leaves them alone and lets them live their individual lives without all kinds of institutional demands and restrictions. They believe God is in his heaven but has little influence on human affairs. The Ten Commandments is enough for ethical living. Their faith is internal and sufficient for salvation. They see no need for the Church or for common worship yet they believe that a loving God will someday save them.

…

21st Sunday of Ordinary TimeRead More »

Shepherds dominate the readings today. I doubt many of us care to be thought of as sheep but God has good reason for comparing us to them. You really don’t have to go far to see sheep in action since they graze in the field across the street.

Sheep move about with their eyes to the ground, focusing on the patch of grass in front of them. The image of a sheep may be more fitting than we care to admit since we don’t always consider the consequences of our choices and actions before committing them. As we “eat” our way through life, all of us at one time or another stumble at times because we don’t see where we are going. God knows we need good shepherds to keep an eye on us and lead us safely through life.

…

16th Sunday of Ordinary TimeRead More »

There is a line in today’s gospel that catches my attention, “they anointed with oil many who were sick and cured them.” What we find here is the scriptural basis for the last sacrament many of us will someday receive: the sacrament of the sick.

Many Catholics grew up knowing this sacrament by a different name: Last Rites. As the old name suggest, this sacrament was given to someone who was dying. But as the gospel line points out, the disciples didn’t anoint the dying, they anointed the sick.

…

15th Sunday of Ordinary TimeRead More »