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Archive for the ‘Fr. Eddy’ Category

The dignity of man and John Paul II’s answer to Communism

Saturday, February 11th, 2012

Photo of Fr. Joseph Eddy. Go to Fr. Joseph's bio.6th Sunday in Ordinary Time, Feb. 12, 2012
Fr. Joseph Eddy, O. de M.
Gospel: Mark 1:40-45 Moved with pity, he said, “…be clean”

Full sermon text: The response of the crowd to Jesus in the Gospel is amazing. We are told that “people kept coming to Him from everywhere.” Americans are not strangers to crowds of this size. Oftentimes concerts and sporting events draw similar crowds. Yet for one man to draw such a crowd consistently is indeed unusual.

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From the hills of “Andy Griffith” to ordination in Sardinia

It might seem a wayward path, but Scott Brentwood’s journey began in the rolling foothills of the Blue Ridge Parkway near the town about which “Mayberry RFD” was written, and ended at the altar with Scott receiving ordination in the historic city of Cagliari amidst the balmy breezes of the Mediterranean. See the video, “The Humble Roots of the Ordination of Deacon Scott Brentwood.”

Is God calling you to become a Mercedarian friar? Visit Fr. Joseph Eddy’s Facebook page.

Blessed John Paul II was certainly known to draw a crowd wherever he went. Some have said that there is no one in the history of the world who was seen by more people than “the traveling Pope.” This is high praise indeed, but very likely considering the all the pilgrimages he took to different countries and his masterful use of the media. A person with this sort of draw can do a lot of good or a lot of bad. In the case of Blessed John Paul II, he was able to do much to unite people and teach the faith. Continue Reading…

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Between soccer and sleep, grab some time alone with God

Saturday, February 4th, 2012

Photo of Fr. Joseph Eddy. Go to Fr. Joseph's bio.5th Sunday in Ordinary Time, Feb. 5, 2012
Fr. Joseph Eddy, O. de M.
Gospel: Mark 1:29-39 Healing of Simon’s mother-in-law

Full sermon text: As a priest, one of the most blessed and challenging tasks is to be on “hospital duty.” It is certainly one of the most rewarding things to do, because we get a chance to be with people in their weakest hour. Often this is when they really reflect on their lives and mistakes. The priest has the opportunity to help them to turn with confidence to God, who is loving and forgiving. What a blessing!!

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From the hills of “Andy Griffith” to ordination in Sardinia: the story of Deacon Scott

It might seem a wayward path, but Scott Brentwood’s journey began in the rolling foothills of the Blue Ridge Parkway near the town about which “Mayberry RFD” was written, and ended at the altar with Scott receiving ordination in the historic city of Cagliari amidst the balmy breezes of the Mediterranean.

See the video which went viral in its first day: “The Humble Roots of the Ordination of Deacon Scott Brentwood.”

Is God calling you to become a Mercedarian friar? Visit Fr. Joseph Eddy’s Facebook page.

Yet, the times at the hospital can be physically, emotionally, and spiritually draining. So much suffering and so many difficulties are faced by those trying to minister to the sick. Two hours spent visiting patients and distributing the Sacraments can feel like five hours. I certainly have much more respect for chaplains and medical personal who must work in this environment five days a week. They must have to pace themselves or find healthy outlets to cope with the physical, emotional, and spiritual strain. Continue Reading…

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Posted in Fr. Eddy, Modern culture, Texts of talks | Comments Off

We cannot be forced to violate our consciences

Friday, January 27th, 2012

Photo of Fr. Joseph Eddy. Go to Fr. Joseph's bio.Sun., Jan. 29, 2012
Fr. Joseph Eddy, O. de M.
Gospel: Mark 1:21-28 “He taught them with authority.”

Full sermon text: Over the past 20 years it has been popular for young Christians to wear wrist bands or necklaces with the capital letters W.W.J.D. This, of course, stands for “what would Jesus do?” Actually, this trend can be a very effective way to help us think about our commitment to live as a Christian at each moment of our life. But, Christians, particularly Catholics and Protestants, would at times have different views on what Jesus would do in certain circumstances.

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What is behind the noble history of the Order of Mercy?

In a vision to a young nobleman named Peter Nolasco, the Blessed Virgin urged the formation of a military fraternity that would rescue prisoners by means of ransom. Go to our website and read, “Our Lady’s Coat of Arms Stands With the Rescue of Captives.”

Is God calling you to become a Mercedarian friar? Visit Fr. Joseph’s Facebook page.

People form their conscience based on what they have been taught or what they know to be right or wrong. Conscience is defined as the judgment of reason which at certain moments enjoins us to do good or to avoid evil. We all have a conscience but not everyone’s conscience is fully formed. Yet, it is a good thing when modern people recognize that they have a conscience and try to form it properly. This is what is being done if a teenage wears the WWJD wrist band and uses it to make proper decisions. Continue Reading…

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Posted in Christian witness, Fr. Eddy, Modern culture, Moral life, Texts of talks | Comments Off

In the pilgrimage of life — keep your eyes on the eternal goal

Saturday, January 21st, 2012

Photo of Fr. Joseph Eddy. Go to Fr. Joseph's bio.Sunday, Jan. 22, 2012
Fr. Joseph Eddy, O. de M.
Gospel: Mark 1:14-20 “Repent, and believe the Good News.”

Full sermon text: We may have heard it said that we are on “a pilgrimage in this life.” Today this phrase may not have as much of an impact because culturally we are not as familiar with the concept of a pilgrimage. The Catholic dictionary defines pilgrimage as a journey to a sacred place undertaken as an act of religious devotion. Pilgrimages have a long rich history in Christian culture. Going back to the beginning of Christianity, the faithful would make these spiritual journeys to such places as the Holy Land and Rome.

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Why is there growth in this Order?

God is blessing us with new men, strong in the faith, eager to serve Him under our charism. Why? Go to our website and read, “Ancient Order of Friars Sees Vitality in U.S.”

Is God calling you to become a Mercedarian friar? Visit Fr. Joseph’s Facebook page.

It was done for a variety of reasons: to venerate the relics of a saint, ask a special favor of God, beg for the cure of an illness, express thanks to God, and/or as an act of penance for sin. For two thousand years of Christian history, pilgrimages have been a part of life. Today, we do still see it done though on a smaller scale. In my hometown of Scranton, PA, a group of faithful will travel for miles on foot through the early hours of the morning to arrive at the Basilica of St. Ann in time for the patronal feast day of the grandmother of Jesus. On a much smaller scale, my own family would also often take Sunday drives when I was a child to nearby churches or to visit the graves of our relatives. Continue Reading…

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Posted in Fr. Eddy, heaven | Comments Off

A great blessing: a child who enters religious life

Friday, January 13th, 2012

Photo of Fr. Joseph Eddy. Go to Fr. Joseph's bio.Sunday, Jan. 15, 2012
Fr. Joseph Eddy, O. de M.
Gospel: John 1:35-42 “Look, there is the Lamb of God.”

Full sermon text: In J. R. Tolkien’s, Lord of the Rings, a young hobbit, Frodo, is thrust into a dangerous mission to save the Middle Earth from evil. He must take the Ring of Power, which is a symbol for sin and the cross, and destroy it. The whole situation is beyond the little humble hobbit, but it becomes clear to all that only he can do it. Frodo’s friends, Gandalf and Aragorn, help him to understand his great calling and carry it out.

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Why is there growth in this Order?

God is blessing us with new men, strong in the faith, eager to serve Him under our charism. Why? Go to our website and read, “Ancient Order of Friars Sees Vitality in U.S.”

Is God calling you to become a Mercedarian friar? Visit Fr. Joseph’s Facebook page.

Each of us as Catholic Christians have a special vocation or “calling” from God. Our vocation comes from God and is uniquely suited for us. Young people need several things to discern and fulfill their vocation in this life: 1) a foundation in virtues, 2) a habit of frequenting the Sacraments and avoiding serious sin, and 3) the example and support of family and friends. Continue Reading…

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Posted in Fr. Eddy, Vocations, family | Comments Off

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