Anc Priest Retreat 2 Aging Sept 2007

This Conference (40 minutes) by Fr. Tom Ryan, CSP, explores Siddhartha's fist visitor Aging. We are all subject to the law of impermanence. We all start losing abilities as we age. There is a pause half way to discuss the statement, "I am subject to aging: aging is unavoidable." How do I practice those little letting go opportunities in preparation for the big letting go of my death?

ANC Priest Retreat 1 Introduction Sept 2007

This Conference (42 minutes) by Fr. Tom Ryan a Paulist from Washington DC introduces the Anchorage Priest Retreat held at the Holy Spirit Center on the theme "Savor Life by Embracing our Mortality." Fr. Tom tells the story of how the Buddha first learned about suffering. As a young man Siddhartha is visited by Old Age, Sickness, Death, and Separation. This retreat was really great experince for me to look at how precious and often short life is. As Gahndi sumed up his life "Renounce and Enjoy."

Fr. Thomas Ryan, CSP, a catholic priest and certified Kripalu yoga teacher, coordinates ecumenical and inter-religious relations for the Paulist community in the U.S. and Canada. His nine books include Reclaiming the Body in Christian Spirituality; The Sacred Art of Fasting; Four Steps to Spiritual Freedom; Prayer of Heart and Body; Meditation and Yoga as Christian Spiritual Practice; and Disciplines for Christian Living: Interfaith Perspectives.

21th Sunday in Ordinary Time 26 August 2007

This Homily (17 minutes) by Fr. Thomas Weise examines the question "Who will be saved?" Jesus said "Strive to enter through the narrow gate, for many, I tell you, will attempt to enter but will not be strong enough." (Luke 13:24) Let us each get a spiritual "work out" partner and help each other rely on Jesus to get us through that narrow gate.

Readings: Isaiah 66:18-21; Psalm 117:1-2; Hebrews 12:5-7, 11-13; Luke 13:22-30.

Nativity of the BVM 9 Sept 2007

This Homily (15 Minutes) by Bishop Michael Warfel explores the Cost of Dicipleship in today's world. Today we also celebrate the Cathedral Parishes Feast Day--The Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary.

Readings: Wisdom 9:13-18b; Psalm 90:3-6, 12-17; Philemon 9-10, 12-17; Luke 14:25-33.

20th Sunday of Ordianry Time 19 August 2007

This Homily (12 minutes) was given Fr. Thomas Weise at the Sunday 5:30 pm Mass. In the first reading we find the prophet Jeremiah suck in the mud, and God saves him. Is my prayer life stuck in the mud? Jesus proclaims that he came to light the world on fire with the love of God and neighbor. Has the flame of my faith gone out? Am I willing to let Jesus be a catalyst for change in my life, my family, my workplace, my community? How has believing in Jesus separated me from others? How has it brought me together with others outside my normal circle?

Readings: Jeremiah 38:4-6, 8-10, Psalm 40:2-4, 18, Hebrews 12:1-4, Luke 12:49-53.

17th Sunday in Ordinary Time 29 July 2007

This Homily (14 minutes) was given by Fr. Thomas at the 5:30 Sunday Evening Mass. The importance of Prayer in our lives as Christians is explored. In the First Reading Abraham pleads with the Lord that the innocent not be destroyed with the wicked. In the Gospel Jesus teaches his disciples how to pray the Our Father. Paul reminds the Colossians that all of our transgressions have been nailed to the cross of Christ and covered over in his blood. How well and how often do I pray? Do I spend the time daily to maintain my relationship with God? Who changes when I pray, God or me?

Readings: Genesis 18:20-32, Psalm 138:1-3, 6-8, Colossians 2:12-14, Luke 11:1-13

16th Sunday in Ordinary Time 22 July 2007

This Homily (13.5 Minutes) was given by Fr. Thomas Weise at the 11am Mass. The First Reading and the Gospel speak to the importance of providing hospitality to Christ at our door. To "Christ in you" as Paul says in today Second Reading. Abraham provides over the top hospitality to the Lord represented by the three angels, and his wife Sarah in her advanced age will conceive a child. Martha is busy providing hospitality to Jesus and his disciples while Mary listens to the Word of God. Martha is chastised by Jesus not because she is busy getting the meal together, but because she is "anxious and worried about many things," and she wants her sister Mary to join her. How is anxiety and worry keeping me from welcoming the Lord into my life at the greatest possible depth?

Readings: Genesis 18:1-10a, Psalm 15:2-5, Colossians 1:24-28, Luke 10:38-42