The King's Corner

Homily May 31, 2015 ~ The Solemnity of the Most Holy Trinity Readings for today's Homily To watch Mass in its entirety click The Mass

Marcus Borg has died.   Actually, he died on January 21 about four months ago at the age of 72 and from pulmonary fibrosis.  I’ve long been an admirer of Marcus who was a prominent theologian, biblical scholar, and an Episcopalian.  He wrote more than 20 books, and I’ve read most of them.  Perhaps he had the greatest influence on me to become a Catholic and then a deacon.   He helped me understand the best path to follow Jesus today. I highlight here a quote from his latest book “Convictions: How I learned What Matters Most” (2014):  “Imagine that Christianity is about loving God.  Imagine that it’s not about the self and its concerns, about ‘what’s in it for me,’ whether that be a blessed afterlife or prosperity in this life.  Imagine that loving God is about being attentive to the one in whom we live and move and have our being.  Imagine that it is about becoming more and more deeply centered in God.  Imagine that it is about loving what God loves.  How would that change our live

Mary Lee and Kathryn – two lovely names attached to summer visitors tracked year-round through acoustic tags as part of the Division of Marine Fisheries Shark Research Program.   They are tourist attractions and sought-after by children as stuffed animals and cuddly creatures.  Who would have thought the great white shark would no longer be a Jaws-feared beast roaming the seas and waiting to chomp an unsuspecting swimmer?   The shark’s image has transformed.    Fear has been replaced with awe and respect – not for everyone of course, but the media has shifted emphasis away from horror to intrigue and curiosity for most of us, even us many Cape Cod beachgoers with an eye on the water. In a way, we’re all tagged and tracked by Christ who wants to know our daily whereabouts.  Where are we, and not just on Cape Cod.  Where are we with our personal transformations from lay-on-the-beach do-nothings to jump-in-the-water, save-the-threatened swimmers?

Results of a PEW survey were summarized in the May 16 issue of the Cape Cod Times in an article entitled, “U.S. has become notably less Christian."  Consider the following results from PEW’s surveying 35,071 U.S. adults last summer:  “…The decline, however, has been sharpest among Americans born since the mid-1960.  And in those groups, organized religion does not appear to be gaining adherents as people age.   In 2007, for example, about one-quarter of Americans aged 18-26 said they had no religion. Today, in that same age cohort, now 25-33, just over one-third say they have no religion…The people who are churchgoers are an aging generation, and they’re not being replaced by younger people...” The Granlund cartoon offers a response to these findings: “We need better PR – better public relations.”   Therefore, we need a PR person who knows how to sell a product, in this case – Christianity.   And, we have one.

On May 27, CTK Parishioner  Chris Hughes  was featured on CatholicTV's Inter Nos .  Host Fr. Robert Reed talked with Chris about his involvement in his faith community here at Christ the King, at home, and at Saint Joseph's College of Maine .  To view the full episode, click Inter Nos .  Enjoy!

About, above, across, against, around, at, before, behind, below, beneath, beside, between, by, down, during, for, from, in, inside, et cetera.  Most people my age probably recognize this alphabet sequence that might still be taught in school.  I learned it many years ago.  It was burned into my mind by at least one of my elementary school teachers as the list of invaluable prepositions.  Remember the rule of grammar to never end a sentence with a preposition. We all break that rule when we say things like, “You’ve suspended Tom Brady for four games?  Commissioner Goodell, what are you thinking of?” I mention this list because there is one preposition in today’s 2nd reading (1 John 4:11-16) that has very special significance and meaning.  This one little, two-letter word makes it clear where we can find God.   It’s the proposition “in.”  

Pope Francis’ encyclical on the environment will be issued very soon, and I look forward to it.    Many aren’t, especially Catholics and other Christians wedded to the idea that global warming isn’t real and climate change isn’t happening as described by scientists involved in tracking such matters.  For example, in The Tablet (March 28) an article entitled “Not everyone loves Francis” the author highlights a “small but determined group that is highly critical of him.”  That “group” tending to be conservative in nature, “questions his competency to assess the science of climate change.”  Being a marine fisheries manager/scientist now faced with changed fish distribution and apparent effects of climate change on fish abundance (such as cod) here in New England, I wonder.  All I’ve been told so far by well-respected marine fisheries scientists I’ve known for many years is climate change is real and is evidenced by marked changes in the marine ecosystem off New England including red

As you may recall , this past January, Christ the King Parish's Chris Hughes was recorded for an episode of Inter Nos  on CatholicTV.  The 30 minute episode, in which Chris and host Fr. Robert Reed will discuss his faith life at school, home, and most especially at Christ the King, will be aired this Wednesday, May 27 at 1:30pm on CatholicTV .  It will re-air on Friday at 8pm and Saturday at 7am. For Comcast customers in Mashpee, Cotuit, and Marstons Mills, CatholicTV is channel #268; Sandwich and Falmouth are both #183.  It can also be viewed live online at CatholicTV.com , or by using the CatholicTV App available for Apple and Android products. A few days after it is aired on TV, it'll be posted on our Facebook , Twitter , and blog.  Stay tuned!

Today’s reading from Sirach (17:20-24) tells us we must return to God for mercy and forgiveness.  Oh oh, what if we have wandered away from God, and we don’t want to return because we’re angry at God due to misfortune in our lives, such as sickness, loneliness, or loss of a loved one?  Will there be any mercy and forgiveness?  Sirach suggests no mercy.  Not good.  But wait, God is within us through the Holy Spirit so it’s not a question of returning to God.  God is always with us and in us.  Perhaps the divine within us says when we sin: “Tsk, tsk.  Do better; behave better; remember to recognize God (me) within and act accordingly, you doofus.” This talk about mercy should remind us that Pope Francis back on March 13 announced an “extraordinary holy year, a Jubilee of Mercy” that will extend from December 8, 2015 through November 20, 2016.  Later this year he will open the 30th jubilee in the history of the church on the 50th anniversary of the closing of the Second Vatican Coun

Homily May 24, 2015 Pentecost Sunday Readings for today's Homily To watch Mass in its entirety click The Mass

Homily May 17, 2015 ~ The Seventh Sunday of Easter Readings  for today's Homily To watch Mass in its entirety click The Mass

May 14, 2015 ~ Holy Day Msgr. Daniel Hoye Readings for today's Homily

Years ago there was a piece on NPR all the time called The Rest of the Story.  Paul Harvey would tell you the story, and put a twist on it at the end when your knew the other details.   That might be what we could call the Acts of the Apostles reading today.  We need to know the rest of the story. What we hear is Paul and Silas being beaten and put in jail, then the earthquake and the jailer and his family being converted.  At the beginning of the story, it's Paul and Silas walking through the town and this woman beseeching them.  She was possessed by a spirit and eventually Paul drew the spirit out.    Well the parents of the woman were furious because they made a fortune with this woman who told fortunes.  When the spirit was gone she wasn't able to do it anymore.  They denounced Paul and Silas saying they were unsympathetic to the Romans and that's why they were jailed. At the other end of the story, one might wonder why didn't the jailer get in trouble for hav

Homily May 10, 2015 The Sixth of Easter Readings for today's Homily To watch Mass in its entirety click The Mass

In the words of Jesus, "It is finished."  Today, I can finally say that as I move back home after completing my sophomore year of college.  After I help out with graduation and room closeouts, I will be heading back to Cape Cod.  Wow…time flies! Over the past few days I have been reflecting on the past year.  There have been many challenges, successes, days of laughter, and days of sorrow.  Being an RA—a full-time job—and being a student hasn’t always been a walk in the park.  However, through the grace of God and the guidance of the Holy Spirit, I made it through and feel confident I can do it again next year. Throughout this year, I learned the different ways that the Holy Spirit is at work in my life.  All of us, no matter what age, are faced with stress.  I firmly believe that the Power of the Holy Spirit allows what’s causing that stress to work out.  Zechariah 4:6 says it best, “Not by might, and not by power, but by my spirit, says the Lord of hosts.”  For exam

2015 Speakers Series ~ Sponsored by: Our Lady of Victory, Centerville; Our Lady of the Assumption, Osterville; St. Anthony, East Falmouth; and Christ the King, Mashpee Presented at Christ the King Parish Hall, Mashpee, MA Thursday, June 25, 2015 at 7:00 PM  Most Reverend Edgar M. da Cunha, S.D.V., D.D.  Bishop of Fall River “The New Evangelization for the 21st Century” We will take a look at the development of the concept of Evangelization from the Second Vatican Council to the present. Examine the meaning of Evangelization and discuss why it is everybody’s business. Take a look at what Evangelization has to do with each of us personally, with the mission of our parishes and the mission of the whole Church. The Most Reverend Edgar Moreira da Cunha, S.D.V., was born and raised in Brazil. At the invitation of his religious superiors he arrived in the United States in 1978. He was ordained to the priesthood in 1982. On June 27, 2003, he was appointed Titular Bishop of Ucres

View of Islesboro (left), Penobscot Bay, and Camden, ME Now that classes and final exams are over, I had a little bit of free time yesterday (RAs stay on campus until graduation on Saturday).  So, along with my supervisor and two fellow RAs, I took off for the day to Camden Hills State Park in Camden, Maine – about a 2 hour drive from campus.  We enjoyed a great hike, nice conversation, and of course, good food. While hiking in the woods along the Ocean View Trail, I was in awe of the beauty around me – there were thousands and thousands of trees.  The way up was certainly a reminder from God that I hadn’t gone hiking in a while!  Walking on uneven ground, leaping from one rock to another, while going uphill left me winded rather quickly.  At times, I wanted to just stop and rest, but something inside of me kept on telling me to keep pushing myself.  The summit was near.  I kept on going, and once I reached the top, the view was spectacular (as captured in the photo I took at the

On Sunday, I had the privilege of serving as the Master of Ceremonies at our First Communion here at Christ the King.  As I watched the young children receive the Eucharist for the first time, I was moved beyond words.  The smile on their faces, as they approached Monsignor Hoye, hit me.  Two things came to my mind: my own First Communion and the great gift of the Eucharist. Twelve years ago, on a beautiful, fall morning (First Communion was held in September at that time), I received the Eucharist for the first time.  I can still remember how excited I was, both before and during Mass.  All of my life, I had always been fascinated by my own parents receiving Communion, so this was momentous for me.  Being the oldest of three, I felt like it was a privilege that only “big kids and adults” could take part in.  I will never forget Fr. Larry Jerge, (standing much taller than me!) saying, “Christopher, The Body of Christ.”  My response was Amen, and after making the Sign of the Cross,

Click for Video of Mass , Homily , or Receiving First Communion Photo’s of First Communion or Receiving First Communion please note, there are photo’s and video of the children receiving communion

Homily May 3, 2015 The Fifth of Easter Readings for today's Homily To watch Mass in its entirety click The Mass

It’s very crucial to have a good prayer life, but it can be no easy task.  As a college student and an RA, I am constantly on the go.  However, that’s no excuse for prayer, because I have resources for prayer at my fingertips on my iPhone!  For anybody that has a smartphone or a tablet, you too have instant access to great prayer resources! I have many apps on my devices that I use for prayer.  The first, which I use the most, is iBreviary .  iBreviary is an app that essentially has the Breviary in it – the Liturgy of the Hours – which I pray five times a day.  When I have a brief break between classes, I am able to find a quiet place to pray without needing a physical book to pray out of. The app, Rosary Guide , is also a great app.  By simply tapping a button, you can go from bead to bead.  It also includes the Mysteries and the full text in case you forget the prayers.  I have the USCCB (United States Conference of Catholic Bishops) Website bookmarked on my phone’s home scree

When I was in grammar school, parts of May - lots of parts of May - were practicing for the May Procession.  Week after week after week we went over to the church to make sure we knew what we were doing, and we had the Crowning of Mary. Maybe it’s a sexist thing, but I can recall as a young kid, “What about Joseph!  Why do we do all of this for Mary and nothing for poor old Joseph?”  Well today we have the Feast of Joseph the Worker, it was established in 1955 by Pius XII.  Many thought it was to counteract the Soviet from celebration on May 1 as the workers day. When I got to high school, I had the Brothers of Holy Cross, and they had a great devotion to Joseph – so I guess it compensated from grammar school to high school.  There’s a famous prayer that is listed as Ite Ad Joseph  (Go to Joseph).  He’s a saint now, Andre Bessette, who was up in Montreal at the great big St. Joseph’s Oratory, and that was his response to different people who were in distress – “Ite Ad Joseph.”  S