Jesus told his disciples this parable: “A man going on a journey called in his servants and entrusted his possessions to them. To one he gave five talents; to another, two; to a third, one – to each according to his ability. Then he went away.” (Mt. 25:14-15)
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When I was a child, I remember having a picture book outlining this week’s parable. And in the book, the word “talent” was translated “bag of gold.” And that’s precisely what Jesus is talking about here. In the original Greek, the word used is τάλαντον (talenton), which is a unit of measurement. It was the amount of a precious metal that would fill an amphora, which was approximately one cubic foot.  The weight (and value) would depend upon the type of metal. While certainly a “liberal” translation, the term “bag of gold” accurately describes what the servants were given. In terms of weight, a silver talent would be about 3000 shekels. Since a shekel was approximately 4 days wages for a Jewish worker, one talent was about 12,000 days wages or more than 30 years of salary! That’s a lot of money.

But it’s interesting that we no longer use the word “talent” to mean a unit of measurement. We use it to mean “a special natural ability or aptitude.” Where do we get that meaning? In fact, we get them from this parable. The “talents” in today’s Gospel would have been understood by the people listening to Jesus as money. They received money without having to earn it. But over time, we’ve gotten used to an interpretation of the parable that translates talents as “gifts or blessings received,” which goes more to the “meaning behind the parable.”

So what are our “talents;” what gifts or blessings have we received from God? The funny thing is that many people still look at their “blessings” using a monetary formula. A devout Catholic who has been very successful in his career might look at his properties and investments and say “I have received a lot. I am blessed by the Lord.”

But I think there’s something deeper here. True blessings are permanent, not temporary. Nothing “inanimate” (meaning, nothing without a soul) in this world lasts forever. So how can material things be truly considered blessings if they don’t follow us to Heaven? I believe our greatest talent is our faith. And if that’s so, we need to see what we’re doing with that talent. Are we increasing it, or hiding it?

(Rev. Msgr.) Christopher H. Nalty

“We do not want you to be unaware, brothers and sisters, about those who have fallen asleep, so that you may not grieve like the rest, who have no hope. For if we believe that Jesus died and rose, so too will God, through Jesus, bring with him those who have fallen asleep.” (1 Thess. 4:13-14)
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One of the more obvious jobs of a pastor is presiding over liturgical events, whether it’s Sunday Masses, weddings or funerals. I mentioned a few weeks ago that we were currently in the fall New Orleans wedding season, during which I have at least one wedding every weekend. But I’ve also provided over a few funerals recently. Although most people understand the purpose of a funeral, sometimes some people don’t. They might call it a “celebration of a person’s life.” While I am always happy that someone led a holy, exemplary life, what do you do in the event that the person had a difficult life? Or what happens if the person even took their own lives?

We have to remember that there are three purposes to a funeral: (1) to mourn together; (2) to be consoled by the Gospel message of hope; and (3) to pray for the soul of the deceased person. The biggest problem with a “celebration of a person’s life” is that it tends to focus on past, earthly events. And if the person’s life was so good, why should we worry that they might be in Purgatory?

The Catholic Church dedicates each month of the year to a specific devotion. In November, that decotion is the Poor Souls in Purgatory – those faithful Christians who have died but who still must atone for their sins. The time they spend in Purgatory cleanses them so that they may enter Heaven free from all of the effects of sin.

Praying for the dead, especially for deceased friends and relatives, is a necessary part of Christian charity. Our own prayers and sacrifices can relieve their suffering.

In the past, one of the most commonly recited Catholic prayers was the Requiem aeternam, a prayer that has fallen into disuse in the last few decades. In Englis the prayer goes: “Eternal rest grant unto them, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon them. May the souls of the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace. Amen.”

Look, I hope my Dad went straight to Heaven! And I remember so many great stories about his life, too! But what kind of a son would I be if I arrived in Purgatory to find that he was still there because I didn’t help him out with my own prayers?

Prayer for the dead is one of the greatest acts of charity we can perform. Use the month of November to pray for your deceased relatives and friends. We want to help them enter more quickly into the fullness of Heaven. And when they get there, they can pray that we will join them!

(Rev. Msgr.) Christopher H. Nalty

Thanks to all who brought their (fairly well behaved) pets for the blessing last Sunday.  It was a fun group, and we had wonderful weather.  Sorry to both of the cats that didn’t seem to appreciate being sprinkled with Holy Water…

Halloween or All Hallows’ Eve is not a liturgical feast on the Catholic calendar, but the celebration has deep ties to the Liturgical Year. These three consecutive days — Halloween, All Saints Day and All Souls Day — bring to mind the Communion of Believers.  On earth we are called the “Church Militant,” because we are striving to get to heaven.  We pray for the “Church Suffering,” the souls in Purgatory, especially on All Souls Day (and even the entire month of November). We also honor and ask the intercession of the “Church Triumphant,” those souls, whether canonized or uncanonized, who are in Heaven.

In England, saints or holy people are called “hallowed,” hence All Saints Day was  “All Hallow's Day.” The evening before the feast became popularly known as “All Hallows’ Eve” or even shorter, "Hallowe’en."

Since Vatican II, some liturgical observances have been altered, one being that the practice of a “fast prior to a feast” is no longer required.  Originally, the days preceding great solemnities, like Christmas and All Saints Day, had a penitential nature, requiring abstinence from meat, fasting and prayer. Although no longer required by the Church, it is still a devout practice to prepare oneself spiritually before great feast days.

Since it occurred the night before All Saints Day, Halloween was a vigil and required fasting.  Many recipes and traditions were attached to this evening, including pancakes, boxty bread, barmbrack (Irish fruit bread with hidden charms), colcannon (a combination of cabbage and boiled potatoes). The night was also known as “Nutcracker Night” in England, where the family gathered around the hearth to enjoy cider and nuts and apples.

Halloween is the preparation for the two upcoming feasts of All Saints Day and All Souls Day. Although neither demons nor witchcraft have a place in a Catholic celebration, some macabre elements can be incorporated into Halloween.  Skulls are often used in Catholic art as a “memento mori” or “reminder of death,” since it is good to remind ourselves of our impending death and the Poor Souls in Purgatory. But, ultimately, everything points to the glory of Heaven and the saints surrounding the throne of God.

“Call no one on earth your father; you have but one Father in heaven. Do not be called 'Master'; you have but one master, the Christ. The greatest among you must be your servant. Whoever exalts himself will be humbled; but whoever humbles himself will be exalted.” (Matt. 23:9-12)
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Occasionally, I’ve jokingly observed that the hierarchy of the Church made sure that Popes, Cardinals, Bishops and Monsignors weren’t on Jesus’ list of prohibited titles! But seriously, this is a Gospel passage that is sometimes used against the Catholic Church in criticism for priests being called “Father.” Such literal fundamentalism is misguided and un-Biblical. If Jesus were prohibiting the use of “father,” then why does Jesus Himself use the term in other contexts? He confirms the commandment to “honor your mother and father,” (Mt. 19:19); He calls Abraham “father” (Mt. 3:9); and as He enters Jerusalem on Palm Sunday He allows the people to proclaim the coming kingdom of “our father David” (Mk. 11:11).

Clearly, Jesus was not giving an absolute prohibition. If He had been, then surely His Apostles would have heeded it, and the word “father” wouldn’t have been used throughout the Acts of the Apostles and the rest of the New Testament letters. No, what Jesus was using was “hyperbole.” It’s a similar linguistic tool that He used when he told people to “cut off their hands” or “pluck out their eyes” if either caused them to sin. (Mt. 5:29-30).

The point of His admonition is not the word being used, but the false attitude of superiority on the part of the religious leaders of that time. He is chastising those who raise themselves up as “holier than thou:” those who are spiritually prideful and boastful. He is also saying that we are not to put any man, including the Pope, above God, Our Father.

The uses of the word “father” in Sacred Scripture tend to fall into three categories: natural fathers, forefathers and spiritual fathers. Priests fall into the last category. But any man can be a “spiritual father” to someone. That’s why we have “godfathers.” We might even refer to an older friend as being “like a father to me.”

We need “father figures” in our lives. They point to spiritual and moral guidance, they protect us, and they aid us in need. And they remind us of our Heavenly Father, of Whom we are all children.

(Rev. Msgr.) Christopher H. Nalty

I love you, LORD, my strength, LORD, my rock, my fortress, my deliverer, My God, my rock of refuge, my shield, my saving horn, my stronghold! Praised be the LORD, I exclaim! I have been delivered from my enemies.” (Ps. 18:2-4)
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“Love” is a very difficult thing to define. We use the words in a lot of ways. We might use it to describe our favorite restaurant, “I love La Petite Grocery.” We might use it to describe our favorite tech device, “I love my iPhone.” Or we might use it to describe bigger things, like our city: “I love New Orleans.” And in all of these usages, it’s used primarily as a superlative of the word “like.”

When it comes to people, the usage of the word “love” can also vary. We might love our grandparents, our parents, our spouses and our children, but the way we express our love reveals a slight difference in the use of the word. Love of parents and grandparents is characterized by respect and honor. Love of children is characterized by guardianship and nurturing.  Love for spouses is different; it’s a love that can be romantic, but it’s more properly characterized as a love relationship of respect and mutual self-giving.

But what about love for God? Clearly, love for God is unique among all of the other loves. It’s a love that exists despite the ability to interact in a completely physical way because of the nature of God as pure spirit. Among the Jewish people the way that love for God was developed was by contemplating divine deeds or witnessing the marvels of nature. The history of the children of Abraham noted and recorded God’s intervention into the lives of their forefathers, and recognized a love relationship based upon God’s saving help.

But what about us, as Catholic Christians? Our understanding of love comes to us in the person of Jesus. Instead of appearing as a spirit, Jesus appeared in the flesh. The simple fact of God making Himself subject to His creation revealed the love of God in a different way. Although, as humans, we have no ability to be equal to the omnipotent Creator, God entered into our world to show us love at our level. And the early Christians used a Greek word for love called “agape.” It’s defined as a love that is charitable, selfless, altruistic, and unconditional. It’s the love a parent has for a child. It’s the love God has for us. And it’s the same love Jesus calls us to have for each other.

(Rev. Msgr.) Christopher H. Nalty

Through the generosity of the Stella Roman Foundation, Good Shepherd Parish is now the proud owner of a new electronic carillon bell system. The bells automatically turn on at 8:00am and run until 8:00pm at night.  On the hour and the half hour they play a brief peal and then mark the hour. At noon and 6:00pm, they also play the Angelus and then a brief song according to the season of the year. We are so grateful to the Stella Roman Foundation for this generous gift!

In 1571 Pope Pius V instituted “Our Lady of Victory” as an annual feast to commemorate the victory of Lepanto, where Christian forces successfully thwarted an attempted invasion of Western Europe by the Muslim forces of the Ottaman Empire. The victory was attributed to the Blessed Virgin Mary, as a Rosary procession had been offered on that day in St. Peter's Square in Rome for the success of the mission of the Holy League. In 1573, Pope Gregory XIII changed the title of this feast-day to “Feast of the Holy Rosary". This feast was extended by Pope Clement XII to the whole of the Latin Rite, inserting it into the Roman Catholic calendar of saints in 1716, and assigning it to the first Sunday in October. Pope Pius X changed the date to 7 October in 1913, as part of his effort to restore celebration of the liturgy of the Sundays.

“We give thanks to God always for all of you, remembering you in our prayers, unceasingly calling to mind your work of faith and labor of love and endurance in hope of our Lord Jesus Christ, before our God and Father, knowing, brothers and sisters loved by God, how you were chosen. For our gospel did not come to you in word alone, but also in power and in the Holy Spirit and with much conviction.” (1 Thess. 1:2-5)
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A number of years ago, I remember Archbishop Hughes calling all priests to a Holy Hour of Adoration before the Blessed Sacrament at St. Louis Cathedral. And the way he did it was so succinctly Trinitarian. He asked us to “come let us pray with Our Lord Jesus to the Father that He will send the Holy Spirit down upon us.” I remember hearing it and having a new and different understanding of prayer before the Blessed Sacrament. Instead of just directing my prayers, petitions, troubles, glory, honor and praise to Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament, the Archbishop made me realize that I was praying with Jesus, who constantly intercedes for us to the Father. And since the graces of God come through the Holy Spirit, together with Jesus, I was asking the Father to send the Holy Spirit.

We only know about God the Father because He has revealed Himself to us. And He did so definitively through Jesus Christ and the Holy Spirit. And what He has revealed to us is called the “Deposit of Faith.” It’s a deposit that’s richer and deeper than the deepest gold mine. And the deeper we dig, the more we grow in our knowledge of God. But we don’t dig solely by reading and studying. We also do so through prayer.

Each Tuesday evening from 4:45 – 5:45pm, we have exposition and Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament in the church. And each Thursday morning from 7:00-8:00am, we have exposition and Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament in the rectory chapel. It’s a time when a few of us regularly pray together with Jesus to ask God the Father to send the Holy Spirit down upon our parish and ourselves. I just wish there were more of us there! It’s wonderful that we have so many parishioners who are active in so many ways in the parish. But I do know that the greatest gifts are the ones that don’t require our human efforts. They are the gifts that come to those who seek God with a sincere heart and a devout prayer life. Nowhere is prayer my efficacious than before the Blessed Sacrament. “Can you not stay awake with me one hour?” (Mt. 26:40)

(Rev. Msgr.) Christopher H. Nalty

“On this mountain the LORD of hosts will provide for all peoples a feast of rich food and choice wines, juicy, rich food and pure, choice wines.” (Is. 25:6)
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It’s fairly astounding how many times that Sacred Scriptures describe Heaven in terms of food and drink. The “promised land” was a place flowing with “milk and honey.” Alternatively, Isaiah describes a “mountain” with “rich food and pure, choice wines.” For people living in an arid place, the idea of abundant food and drink was very appealing, especially in times of famine.

But Jesus takes the analogy even further by describing a wedding banquet, something that was by far the most joyous occasions in the life of a Jew. If you think today’s wedding receptions are “over-the-top,” think again. Jewish weddings were marked by an eight day party with three meals a day! There was plenty of wine, dancing and fun. The bride and groom were treated like queen and king throughout the octave. In comparing the kingdom of heaven to a wedding banquet, Jesus was describing its unforgettable and unmistakable joy.

But there’s another thing that should be obvious. While the Old Testament spoke about the food and drink, Jesus spoke specifically about the reason for the feast – a wedding. It wasn’t just food and wine and joy; it was a family gathering to celebrate a union.

There’s always something deeper when Jesus gives a parable. And this weekend’s Gospel is certainly no exception. In the Gospel Jesus speaks about a king giving a wedding banquet for his son. The metaphor is not too hard to figure out. The king is the Father, and Jesus is the Son. But if there’s to be a wedding, then who is the bride? That’s not mentioned in any of the parables. Fortunately, St. Paul gives us a specific answer in Ephesians 5. The bride is the Church. So Christ entered into a mystical marriage union with the Church. And we’re invited. But we’re not just invited as spectators. We’re invited as members of the Church – to enter into a mystical union with Christ. But we need a garment to wear. Once again, St. Paul helps us: “clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience .. above all, clothe yourselves with love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony.

After this week of remembering Archbishop Hannan, I can’t help but think about him entering the wedding feast. I would love to have seen the expression on his face when he got there, and I don’t think it would have been about the food. But I do imagine Phil’s eyes grew very wide when he come to face-to-face with Jesus – surrounded by all the angels and saints! That’s a family gathering to beat all.

(Rev. Msgr.) Christopher H. Nalty

A number of parishioners commented to me about an article from last week’s “Religion” section of the Times Picayune that purported to be a balanced look at the recent upsurge in Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament outside of Mass. The article covered Eucharistic processions and “Perpetual Adoration” chapels where the Eucharist is exposed in a Monstrance for Adoration. Unfortunately, the article contained a number of errors and biases as a result of some questionable theological opinions. I wrote the letter which follows to the Editor of the Times Picayune. I just wanted you to know that the article bothered me, too. My letter is available on nola.com

On September 1, 2011 the Archdiocese of New Orleans through the Family Life Apostolate is pleased to announce the opening of a Catholic Counseling Service in the areas of marital, couple, and family counseling. This service is intended to reach out to families, not only through prayer, but in quality counseling. It is hoped this counseling service will be a resource to families at times of stress as well as a sign that the Church is available to provide guidance and support. For more information or to schedule an appointment, please call Catholic Counseling Service (504) 861-6245.

“Brothers and sisters: Have no anxiety at all, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, make your requests known to God. Then the peace of God that surpasses all understanding will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus?” (Phil. 4:6-7)
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I’m not planning on using this passage from Sunday’s second reading in my homily, but I have to admit that it spoke to me as I was going through the readings this week. It’s a passage that reveals the fruits of a deep faith. Blessed Teresa of Calcutta used to have a little card that she gave people she met. She called it her “business card.” I’ve reproduced one she gave to me after I worked in Calcutta one summer:

It’s nice having her autograph, but that’s not the point. The point is how she connects silence to prayer to faith to love to service to peace. We all want peace. Mother Teresa provided me the recipe.

This little card also characterized the life of Archbishop Philip M. Hannan. I am a little young to remember the “administrator” Hannan, but I spent a lot of time with him through my Dad, through representing him as a lawyer, and through his creating the Willwoods Community and founding WLAE. He was a major influence on my decision to become a diocesan priest. When I was representing him as a lawyer, I was asked by a friend how my law practice was going. I told him: “Well, I’ve got Archbishop Hannan as a client. Unless God calls me up, I don’t think I can go any higher.”

Then God called me up. But He did it through the example of many good priests and religious. Foremost among them was Archbishop Hannan. He didn’t “push” me toward the priesthood, he simply provided an example of a prayerful, faithful, service-oriented, loving and, above all, peaceful priest. And if there was one thing that I knew I wanted in my life, it was peace. Archbishop Hannan lived the recipe that Mother Teresa gave me on her business card. And whenever I sense any anxiety, I know it’s time to break out the recipe. Requiescat in pace, Philip M. Hannan. Pray for us!

(Rev. Msgr.) Christopher H. Nalty

“Thus says the LORD: You say, ‘The LORD's way is not fair!’ Hear now, house of Israel: Is it my way that is unfair, or rather, are not your ways unfair?” (Ez. 18:25)
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“That’s not fair!” I can’t even imagine how many times I heard that growing up. I grew up in a house with three sisters and a brother. And one thing about us, we grew up with a strong understanding of justice. Well, justice as we defined it. When it came time to cut the pecan pie for dessert, we would scrutinize the pieces down to the last crumb. And if someone got a bigger piece, one of us would exclaim: “That’s not fair!”

And if one of us was invited to spend the night at our grandparents, then a scorecard was kept. If there was not a perfect rotation so that each of us went in order, it would happen again: “That’s not fair!”
One of the biggest injustices happened as my parents got older and more tolerant about allowing the younger kids to stay out late. “How come Ariane gets to stay out until midnight? When I was 15, I had to be home at 11:00pm!” And then again: “That’s not fair!

I’m not sure how times have changed with parents and children, but I would imagine they’re quite similar. It’s goes all the way back to the Cain and Able. And this Sunday, the prophet Ezekiel reminds us of our complaint: “The Lord’s way is unfair!”

The way it works for God’s family is similar to how it works in our own families. God is our Heavenly Father, he knows what’s best for His children. And He is the one who doles out the gifts and establishes the rules. But His children (us) have a tendency to be envious of the gifts others receive. And sometimes we don’t like to follow the rules in the Ten Commandments.

Another difficulty is that we live in a culture that creates divisions between those envious of each other’s gifts. And we live in a culture that rejects many of the rules. And that culture rubs off on us.

Jesus came to show us that giving (charity) is the highest form of love. And He came to show us that obedience to the Father is the path to Heaven. And just as Ezekiel prophesied that “Israel’s ways were unfair,” Jesus would say that our culture’s ways are unfair. Money, sexuality and unlimited “freedom” stand in contrast to the poverty, chastity and obedience of Jesus. And it wasn’t fair that the Son of God should die on a cross as an innocent man.

“It’s not fair,” we think. And it’s not, if we’re thinking in an earthly way. But if we express our gratitude to God for even the smallest gifts, and if we seek to understand His ways, we’re getting closer to Heaven.

(Rev. Msgr.) Christopher H. Nalty

The Holy Name of Jesus Adoration Chapel located in the Parish center at 6220 LaSalle Place, between Palmer Ave. and Calhoun St. Is looking for some committed Adorers, to spend some time with Jesus. Adoration is a wonderful way to develop a closer relationship with the Lord. Wouldn't you like an even closer relationship with Jesus? Please call Ernestine Springer at 895-5292 for any information that you may need.

“Did you not agree with me for the usual daily wage? Take what is yours and go. What if I wish to give this last one the same as you? Or am I not free to do as I wish with my own money? Are you envious because I am generous? ‘Thus, the last will be first, and the first will be last.’” (Mt. 20:13-16a)
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A number of years ago, when I was in law school, one of my closest friends (who’s still one of my closest friends) was with me on a retreat at Manresa. Although it was a silent retreat, several of my buddies and I used to sneak out to the levee late on the last evening of the retreat as kind of “debriefing.” And I remember my friend saying: “Wouldn’t it be great to have a ‘simple faith,’ like a farmer.  You just got up in the morning, did the farm work, went back into the house in the evening and prayed for good weather.” It was just a little question, but I reflect on it every now and then.

Our lives are terribly complicated. With all of the “new media,” we are inundated with information that causes reactions in us. We worry about the news of the economy and the loss of jobs. We are scared of terrorism. We are shocked by violent acts and natural disasters. And sometimes we are amused by funny messages we receive. But all of those are really distractions from the “right here” and “right now.”

In today’s Gospel, Jesus is faced with some workers who are worried about their lives. They’ve worked all day for the daily wage, but they think they should be paid more because they’ve worked longer than the others who received the daily wage. They think more money will give them a little more security and allow them to live better lives. The truth is, they are trying to complicate their lives. Instead of being grateful for the gifts of God, they are anxious about their situation and they want more!

It sounds like us sometimes. Instead of being grateful for what we have, we want more. We want a better house, a nicer car, a newer phone. And even if we have all we want, we want more money so we can have security for ourselves. I’m not immune from that! I get it.

Maybe we all need to yearn a little more (and work a little more) for a “simple faith.” Maybe we need to realize how much we actually have. We live in the greatest city in the greatest country in the world. We have a beautiful house of worship filled with people who are always willing to help us in our need. Getting more and more involved in our parish helps us to see how God works in all of our lives. And helping in parish ministry allows us to be around more people from whom we can learn more and more about having a “simple faith.”

(Rev. Msgr.) Christopher H. Nalty