Columns

Loving through times of suffering

As we read every day about corruption within our religious institutions and brutal acts of violence against those seeking merely to worship God peacefully, we come to realize how difficult it is to love in such a sinful world.
Where every traveler finds a home

In last week’s column, I spoke of “spiritual networking” or friendships that can assist those who are facing difficult challenges or transitions in their lives. Nowhere do we see that more obviously these days than online.
Spiritual Networking

Networking is a word that was coined in the late 1960s.
Courage and concreteness

What happened during, or will come out of, this meeting can hardly measure up to the enormity of the evil we must confront.
Open the doors of life to everyone

Our mission as God’s people is to open the doors of life to everyone on life’s journey, especially the most vulnerable — physically, emotionally and spiritually.
Welcoming everyone to the table of life

Anger and outrage over the recently enacted “Reproductive Health Act” (RHA) is no surprise for those who foresaw its damaging consequences.
The world belongs to everyone

This can’t be right. You feel it in your gut. States touting as “progress” legislation abolishing any protection for infants born alive during a late-term abortion. And now no physician need be present for any abortion. Isn’t that something Roe v. Wade (1973) was supposed to guarantee?
Church and school: stronger and holier together

I am proud to stand in support of our Catholic schools and our students who are growing every day in their faith and a love for learning in the very challenging world they live in.
Giving thanks is way to evangelize

Gratitude is the most personal, powerful and perfect prayer; in fact, the word “prayer” in this sentence is almost superfluous. For there is no way that gratitude cannot be a prayer — if taken to its logical goal: God. In that sense, whenever I give thanks, I give praise to God.
Following the love you long for

One thing you can be sure of. God is after you! Which means you have a calling, a vocation.
Little Christmas offers season of meditation

'To be humanized we must become divinized. What other faith or fancy lifts the
human race up so highly, one person at a time?
It is the humble reality of the child of Bethlehem, born as animals looked on...’
Not tomorrow, now!

If there is any “golden age” of God’s presence in our lives, it is now or never!
Finding truth in a culture of memes

Unlike the written word which, read, chewed and digested, commands the reader’s active, sometimes reactive engagement, graphic images enter our consciousness unfiltered: they leave their imprint in our mind, swallowed whole, before we can even decide whether it is good for them to be there
Advent’s buried treasure not found in the crowd

No one really likes crowds, but they seem hard to avoid this time of year. Yet, to make a good Advent, we have to find some time away from the crowd.
The Catholic thing

If there is one thing that unites us, it is the realization that all of us could fill at least one waking day with acts of thanksgiving.
Christian sexuality: sign of hope

The denigration and, one might even say, desecration of human sexuality that we have become so painfully aware of in our time has roots that go right back to the fall in the garden of Eden.
Alert to God’s answer

We are quickly approaching the end of the liturgical year. Sunday Scripture readings will be reminding us about being alert to God, especially in consideration of our preparedness for God’s coming — not if, but when.
God wants us

It keeps coming back: the prodigal son and the son who is always at home...Martha and Mary...the Apostles fighting among themselves about who is the greatest. Different people, different settings, but the same issue: How can I earn God’s approval?
Praying with passion

“Why isn’t God answering my prayers? Am I not praying right?” These are very serious questions and deserve honest answers.
Mary’s appeal

Mother, model or mentor, there is something about Mary that has always evoked the highest of human aspirations. Her image is probably among the most artistically rendered throughout the course of Christian history, leading some to wonder whether Mary is even more important than Jesus to Christians.
Bringing God’s peace to those who suffer in silence

“Mens sana in corpore sano” — “a sound mind in a sound body” — was the ancient Roman ideal of good health or, from that dualistic viewpoint, a life worth living.Christians have always embraced an even broader and deeper perspective on the value of every human life.
Unite in prayer

Writing as I am on the feast of the Archangels and as the month of October is upon us, I am thinking of the words of Pope Francis on “Ha-Satan” — the Great Accuser — who “prowls about the world seeking the ruin of souls.” You may recognize this reference to the one of the so-called Leonine prayers, once said at the end of Mass.
God desires our happiness

How many times have we heard, "Jesus Christ suffered and died for us." How important it is to look at the cross and thank him for this. It is only right to thank someone who loved us so much that he gave up his very life.
Mass appeal

“Welcome” is an appeal that most church communities seek to display in their signage and gestures to attract faithful and seeker alike. Yet, the brutal reality of the cross looms over our ecclesial life, forcing sobriety over any ephemeral glee.
The oyster effect

Miracles happen daily. They do. Sometimes we see them, sometimes we don’t. Often, we do, but we downplay them — because they happen so often. Like Jesus, whose townspeople even dismissed him: “Oh, this is just Jesus. We know him because we know his parents.”
Unbreakable

With God to trust in, each and every one of us is — unbreakable! We are called to live in God forever, and nothing can kill or destroy us if we trust in the one who punched a hole in the tomb that even he himself was wrapped up and thrown into. Death could not contain him; nor will it overpower us who believe.
Living in the truth we believe

The sins of fathers who abuse their families mock the love and holiness to which Christian faith calls us. Such lying lives give testimony not to the honor of God — and the person God loves — but to the idolatry of the sinful self and its own pursuits and pastimes.
The most wonderful time of the year

No, it’s not quite Christmas yet, though it will be soon enough. The beginning of the school year is just around the corner; it won’t be long before the leaves start to turn, pumpkins are set a-grin and turkeys (or the Tofurkey) are getting dressed for the Thanksgiving table. Then you know what’s next....
What would Jesus do?

You have certainly heard the age-old question, “What would Jesus do? (WWJD),” during some retreat you took, at a conference or in a guidebook or meditation you read on how to become a good disciple of Christ.
Finding our humanity in Jesus

In case you haven’t yet noted the date and time of our Diocese-wide “Hearts Aflame” Eucharistic Congress on your busy calendar, it’s on Sat., Sept. 22, 8 a.m.-3 p.m., at the Shrine of Our Lady of Martyrs in Auriesville. The shrine is also known as the “Shrine of the North American Martyrs,” because it is where the first Jesuit martyrs shed their blood, proclaiming the name of Jesus. Now, here’s why you, your whole family and your friends should go.
Pastoral letter from Bishop addresses McCarrick’s abuse

Bishop Edward B. Scharfenberger has issued this letter to diocesan clergy in response to sexual abuse allegations made against now-former Cardinal Theodore McCarrick, retired archbishop of Washington.
The reality of Jesus

Don’t envy the Apostles! Does it ever seem that the Apostles were so much better off than us because they actually saw Jesus, heard him speak and had him in their physical presence?
Change a life

Our faith is really so simple. Sure, there are traditions and rules, regulations and rituals that we follow because they are meant to keep us focused. Every human society and organization that, like the Church, has a history, has them.
The Eucharist: our real ‘soul food’

Ever notice that we don’t live in a perfect world? Ever get disappointed and angry with other people — or even yourself — that we don’t quite live up to expectations? It just seems that nothing is ever quite enough. The more we have, the more we want. When we get what we want, then we want something else.
The Mass: God’s call to be Church

The New Testament Greek name for Church, “ekklesia,” means “those called forth, summoned for an assembly.” What’s in a name? In this one, at least, quite a lot!
The Church exists to evangelize

Recidivism — the temptation to revert to proven-to-fail former ways — is perhaps the most common and dangerous threats to the spiritual life.
Love seeks a real response

In this month of June, in which we honor the Sacred Heart of Jesus, we may naturally want to focus on the heart as the symbol and center of love.
THE NEXT STEP

A song that was quite popular some 50 years ago described how, “Step by step, I fell in love with you.” The first step was “a sweet hello;” the third was, “I took a chance;” and the fourth was “true romance.” It’s graduation time again, and time for the next step.
Holy — but not yet

The Confessions of St. Augustine make for some interesting reading. His plea as a young man — “Lord, make me pure [sexually chaste], only not yet!” — is emblematic of his struggle to find his true path, to live an authentic life. How is God to answer such a prayer?
Our Mass, our future

Happy Birthday! Last Sunday, we observed the solemnity of Pentecost, the day on which the Holy Spirit affirmed the apostolic foundation and the apostolic mission of the Church, which is to go out to world and make disciples of all.
Our daily bread

Some good friends of mine have been struggling with their nine- and 11-year-olds, who do not yet grasp the point of Sunday Mass. “We know that already,” they protest.
Christ’s body, our bodies

Christians take the incarnation very seriously. Not just as something that happened to Jesus Christ — “the Word was made flesh” (Jn 1:14) — but as a reality that affects all of us profoundly even now: who we are and our eternal destiny. It is something that defines and shapes our humanity — every aspect of it, body, mind and soul.
Listening to the Holy Spirit

The Holy Spirit has sometimes been described as the love between God the Father and the Son — a love so real and eternal that it is perpetually generated in that divine relationship as a person. It is this Holy Spirit that dwells in the hearts of the baptized and inspires the many gifts and callings that we receive every day, throughout our lives.
Another way of loving

This week marks the 55th anniversary of the World Day of Prayer for Vocations (April 22). We continue our prayer throughout the week. We also thank and honor the members of our presbyterate who are celebrating jubilees in this season.
‘Friended’ by God

“May the Force be with you!”
No doubt, many of us remember that greeting from the “Star Wars” movies. It is one of many theological themes that run through that series.
Belief in a supreme authority or some higher powers is almost universal, even if such forces are regarded as nothing more than an impersonal reality, which is still above our comprehension — or perhaps forever beyond it.
Beyond fear

“Fear is useless; what is needed is trust” (Lk 8:50).
With these words, Jesus dispelled the din of the mourners who assumed “the obvious:” that the life of a dead 12-year-old girl — the daughter of Jairus — was over and done with. Nothing more could be done.
The problem with Christianity

The extended eight-day celebration of Resurrection Sunday -- the octave of Easter -- illuminates not only how important this solemnity is, but also its true meaning. Important because, without the resurrection, our faith is without content, for "if Christ has not been raised, your faith is worthless; you are still in your sins" (1 Cor 15:17).
The glory of the cross

As we are about to enter Holy Week, we may begin with a prayer that the Holy Spirit will give us a deeper understanding and appreciation of the meaning of the cross of Jesus Christ. It would be good to pause for a moment to ask for this grace.
Jesus is the real deal. Are we?

Things are not always as they seem. We can be led by lures -- sometimes, deliberately, from without; sometimes, compulsively, from within -- that dazzle our senses even as, wolf-like, they stalk us, endangering our souls. We are always searching for "the real deal" that satisfies what we long for, but do not find it.
Preparedness arms us against fear

In the wake of the Parkland, Fla., school shootings and other violent incidents, there is, understandably, no absence of passion and rage. Nor should a community, even a nation, in the face of such brutality, withhold its compassion for innocent victims or its outrage against those responsible.
But none of this is likely to stop the next incident.
In the shadow of Vesuvius

Has this ever happened to you? Just when everything seemed to be going so well, suddenly calamity strikes.
Love is our path to eternity

"Remember that you are dust and unto dust you shall return:" words you may have heard last Ash Wednesday. You may also have noticed the ashes are ritually imposed in the sign of a cross.
A near occasion of grace

Most Catholics are familiar with admonitions "to avoid the near occasions of sin." This is one of the resolutions every penitent makes prior to receiving absolution in the sacrament of penance.
Catholic Charities' Emergency Assistance Fund

Last Friday, I was driving home south along Western Avenue after a particularly grace-filled day. I almost passed the intersection where I make a left turn, because the traffic light was out.
Of devils and demons

The Scriptures in recent days have been narrating a number of instances in which Jesus confronts the presence of devils and demons.
Catholic education formed my life: part II

This is the second of two columns by Bishop Scharfenberger on Catholic education in celebration of national Catholic Schools Week, which is being celebrated Jan. 28-Feb. 3. Part I appeared in the Jan. 18 issue.
Catholic education formed my life: part I

This is the first of two columns by Bishop Scharfenberger on Catholic education in celebration of national Catholic Schools Week, which will be celebrated Jan. 28-Feb. 3. Part II will appear in next week's issue.
Back to basics

We have all had the experience of getting stuck in a rut somewhere. Our car sinks into a ditch full of mud or (perhaps more recently) backs into a bank of snow. We know right away we are trapped.
God-reset: All it takes is a 'yes'

What will 2018 be like? A lot of unpredictables, to be sure: the weather, the economy, health, politics, family fortunes -- you name them.
A Savior who meets us where we are

The "12 Days of Christmas" are still upon us. Actually, there are 13, but counting in the Epiphany (traditionally Jan. 6) might ruin the song.
Where is Christmas?

The birth of our Lord Jesus was certainly no Christmas -- not, at least, as we know it, or as we dream Christmas might be each year.
No way up but virtue

We live in the time that St. Bernard calls the "intermediate coming" between the first and the second coming of Christ.
Coming to our senses

"I haven't taken leave of my senses, Bob; I've come to them." So Ebenezer Scrooge said to Bob Cratchit in the final moments of "A Christmas Carol" by Charles Dickens.
Thanking God for our greatest gifts

As I write this article, I am filled with joy, pride and gratitude, surrounded by 274 young, vibrant and evangelizing people from throughout our beautiful Diocese. We are in Indianapolis at NCYC 2017: the biennial National Catholic Youth Conference.
Reflections on a providential pilgrimage

Bishop Edward B. Scharfenberger participated in an Oct. 28-Nov. 8 trip to Eastern Europe with a group from Congregation Beth Emeth in Albany. He visited Vienna, Austria; Budapest, Hungary; Krakow, Poland; and Prague in the Czech Republic.
The pilgrimage of a lifetime

Bishop Edward B. Scharfenberger is on an Oct. 28-Nov. 8 trip to Eastern Europe with a group from Congregation Beth Emeth in Albany. He is visiting Vienna, Austria; Budapest, Hungary; Krakow, Poland; and Prague in the Czech Republic.
Our young people want to know Jesus now

"Jesus must have been a very happy man to be around. He was always attracting children. And children don't follow a cranky person."
Mary lights our way

Of the many titles of Mary, "Morning Star" best seems to capture her guiding role in our personal and ecclesial lives as the one who lights the way to the Way. She is our sure and steadfast beacon of hope, because she leads us to the only way to happiness, which is Jesus Christ.
Those who suffer in silence

By its very nature, illness is a destabilizing, isolating experience. Even without a diagnosis, feeling sick interrupts the ordinary flow of events, including sleep, meals, traveling and the work routine.
Our faith that moves mountains

We are embarking on a campaign to secure the foundation for our future, which will fuel our larger vision of growing and enhancing our Catholic community of faith for current and future generations.
Marriage in the Lord

Speaking from experience, the one thing I can say for sure about marriage is that it is not easy, but it can be beautiful.
Mary, the quickest path to Jesus

Did you know that the Rosary is a Christ-centered, Scripture-rich prayer? Of course you did, but here are some good reasons why.
The mission next door

Imagining everyday life in "the missions" probably evokes heart-wrenching scenes like malnourished children with soulful eyes posed at entries to humble shacks, barefoot women bearing heavy loads along muddy roads -- and clerics in white cassocks and sandals.
Back in school -- with parents as catechists

School is back in session, no doubt to the relief of many parents who are happy to share their duties of educating their children with the professionals.
The number-one killer

"The tongue is mightier than the sword!" No one knows for sure who first came to this conclusion. Maybe he or she was inspired by Scripture, which tells us, "Reckless words pierce like a sword, but the tongue of the wise brings healing" (Proverbs 12:19).
The loneliness of 'cool'

At some point in the American psyche -- and not so long ago at that -- looking and acting "cool" seems to have overtaken character and virtue as a prized personal identifier.
Have the courage to listen

"Let whoever has ears to hear, hear!" (Mark 4:9).
Even Jesus had a communication problem! Why else would He have to say this so forcefully, so many times?
You're not too young to become a saint

As summer turns to fall, our hearts go out to our young people, many of whom will soon be leaving home. We hope your summer has been fun and relaxing, but also one of spiritual growth and renewal.
Church: a place to go or an encounter with Christ?

It's easy to disagree on theological fine points, but it's hard to argue with experience. In attempting to evangelize both active and inactive Catholics, no one set a better example than Christ the Good Shepherd, who would look for the one sheep when He had 99.
A disciple, not just a church-goer

Perhaps you remember, many years ago, when someone from your family -- a parent or grandparent, or maybe an aunt or an older sibling -- first took you to church.
Conversion of the heart

Did you know that God is calling you?
I am not talking about a specific state-in-life vocation like priesthood, religious life or marriage, but something even deeper and much more vital to your life right now.
Spreading the Gospel through stories and parables

In recent and upcoming Sundays and in the weekday readings, we are hearing many parables about the two kingdoms: the kingdom of God and the kingdom of Man. Jesus is contrasting how God is with how the world operates.
Spreading the joy of the Gospel is exhilarating

Though the "Convocation of Catholic Leaders: The Joy of the Gospel in America" we attended was only four days, July 1-4, the insights, faith witness and experiences that we and thousands of Catholic leaders shared is sure to bear abundant fruit in all of our dioceses and parishes throughout the country.
Evangelizing is teamwork

Jesus sent His disciples out "two by two," never alone. Two men on the road to Emmaus encountered Jesus, and they recognized Him "in the breaking of the bread" (Lk 24:3-35). As promised, "where two or three are gathered in my name, there I am among them" (Mt 18:20).
Corpus Christi: an invitation to true love

Corpus Christi, or the Solemnity of the Most Holy Body and Blood of Christ, which we just celebrated last weekend, was the fulfillment of one woman's dream.
A message to graduates

You stand at a crossroads. You have to make a choice. You are about to become history or to make history.
Good news for sinners

Follow my logic: Christ is always good news for sinners. That, we know from the Scriptures.
People in any kind of trouble were always better off for meeting Christ. Those who were the most down and out, the most marginalized people in society -- lepers, prostitutes, tax collectors and so on, all presumed sinners -- not only found acceptance in the presence of Christ, but welcome and deep healing.
'Do this in memory of me'

Following up on last week's reflection on the Mass and how revolutionary it really is, we might say that the Mass represents an invitation to live on Earth as if we are already in heaven -- and it gives us the power to do this.
Revolution in your town: the Mass

A point needs to be made about the Mass.
I'm not talking about any "kind" of Mass in particular, like the "traditional Mass" or the Novus Ordo; nor the language of periodic revisions or translations; nor even the culturally-adaptable modes through which the Mass engages the five senses.
The other half of the Gospel

A maxim attributed to St. Francis of Assisi -- "Preach the Gospel always; use words if necessary" -- remains relevant today. It is another way of saying that actions speak louder than words. Nowhere are the consequences of ignoring such wisdom more visible than when Christians, who preach the love of God for all, refrain from showing it themselves to the least of their brothers or sisters.
Parents are still prime catechists: They 'practice what we teach'

Nothing can replace the influence of the example of parents on the spiritual lives of their children. In fact, research has shown that the consistent presence and guidance of the father is key to whether children will continue to practice their faith throughout their lives.
Honoring the gift of motherhood

All too few resources are devoted to supporting women in vulnerable socioeconomic circumstances or unstable relationships who do not want to deprive themselves or their children of life and the gift of motherhood.
For our priest jubilarians: 'Ad multos annos!' To many more years!

A jubilee is a milestone, a time to pause and to take time, looking back and looking forward.
The seamless cloak of God's grace

God's mercy is a lot like light.
This should not surprise us. Jesus reveals Himself to us as light: "I am the light of the world." In His light, all things are revealed in the splendor of original grace -- how things were meant to be.
HAPPY EASTER!

The sorrowful events of Holy Week lead to an unexpected and explosive outburst of joy on Easter Sunday.
The sacrament of peace of mind

Penance is one of the two great healing sacraments. Along with the sacrament of the anointing of the sick, it is an invitation to a personal encounter with none other than Jesus Christ Himself -- in the flesh, one might even say -- to experience His healing touch as the divine physician.
Real love goes deep

The story of the woman at the well (Jn 4:5-42), the subject of the Gospel last Sunday (the third Sunday of Lent), might be called a primer on evangelization.
Building up the family

This column is the last in a three-part series on marriage and on support for those in marital stress or collapse.
The vocation of marriage

This column is the second in a three-part series on marriage and support for those in marital stress or collapse. Read last week's column at www.evangelist.org. Next week, Bishop Scharfenberger will address ecclesiastical annulments and other remedies for people struggling with family-life issues.
A papal pep talk

"Amoris Laetitia" ("The Joy of Love"), a so-called "apostolic exhortation" Pope Francis issued last spring, celebrates the many ways in which divine and human love engage and intermesh.
Almsgiving: more than an option

Ash Wednesday is March 1, less than a week away. During the Lenten season, it's customary and spiritually beneficial for Christians to "give up" something good in which we take material pleasure: typically, something we like to eat or drink, such as alcoholic beverages, chocolates or even sweets altogether. It might also be some wholesome but time-consuming form of entertainment, like movies or video games.
A vacation for winter?

Ads in these northern climes are filled with fantasies of trim, tanned, bathing-suited twosomes, sauntering blithely along edens of coconut palm-fringed beaches. Cruise ships sporting banners like "Carnival Sunshine" and "Regal Princess" beckon us to paradise, offering celestial banquets of rum punch and exotic fruits, magic carpets of crystal-blue waters and sun-drenched sands, and all at painless prices.
Super Bowl Sunday and being who we are

Watching the halftime show at the Super Bowl telecast last Sunday, I was wondering, like many Americans, whether Lady Gaga was going to hijack her performance by careening off her strong points into a political diatribe.
March for Life with love

Last Friday, I joined the March For Life, the 44th since its inception following Roe v. Wade (Jan. 22, 1973), the landmark decision of the Supreme Court legalizing abortion on demand.
Feeding our neighbors

Catholic Charities in the Diocese of Albany is celebrating its 100th anniversary this year. Throughout its entire existence, providing food for the hungry has been one of the pillars of its Gospel-inspired mission.
Seeds of faith, hope for future

Were it not for the Catholic schools I attended in my formative years, in all likelihood I would not be writing this column.
Trust in the Holy Spirit

Last weekend, I had the joy and pleasure to confirm 13 young disciples from the Catholic community of St. Patrick's parishes in Athens and Catskill.
Focusing our prayers during National Migration Week

In his message for the World Day of Peace (Jan. 1), Pope Francis calls attention to the effects of war and violence on those human beings who are most vulnerable. Among them are migrants, the infirm, the unemployed, those imprisoned and the unborn.
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