DeaconRey.com

Added homily from today...

Sun, 7 Feb 2010 15:25:05 -0500

Think Quint from Jaws...

Holy Hour for Life Homily Part 2

Tue, 2 Feb 2010 22:21:30 -0500

Holy Hour for Life Homily Part 1

Tue, 2 Feb 2010 22:19:23 -0500

January 20th, 2010. Sorry for the awful video and audio quality...

First snow

Sun, 6 Dec 2009 20:37:17 -0500

A nighttime shot in the center of town. A slow shutter speed and a quick tug at the zoom lens during exposure provided this surreal image of the cross in front of the Christmas tree.

NYC, Thanksgiving, Black and White

Sun, 29 Nov 2009 10:52:07 -0500

Just spent a few days walking (and walking) around New York City. Three million others had the same idea and giant balloons, floats, and marching bands through Times Square offered endless photographic possibilities. See the full gallery here: http://reyspadoni.zenfolio.com/p1060362032

Homily from November 22, 2009

Mon, 23 Nov 2009 18:16:44 -0500

Added a youtube video for the Solemnity of Christ the King. Please see John 18: 33b-37. This is the incredible interrogation of Christ by Pilate. For a few moments, it is clear that Christ is not a pawn in this game. He is a willing participant. And for a few minutes, he is allowed to speak and to even question the one who holds power of life and death over him. This is the first of Pilate’s two roles in Sacred Scripture.

Video on the Permanent Diaconate

Wed, 28 Oct 2009 21:12:12 -0400

The Archdiocese of Toronto has produced a two part Youtube video on the Permanent Diaconate. Provides a nice overview on the formation, role and ministry of the deacon... with a nice emphasis on the idea of “presence”. Click here to see the video.

The keys to life... according to Joe

Tue, 27 Oct 2009 22:00:20 -0400

You have to know Joe. He’s been a friend for many years and often I am amazed by his wisdom and perspective. He begins each get together by asking, “what’s your three” and I know that he’s concocting a mental list, an agenda. I name my three, he names his three, and when the list is done, so to is our time together. It’s a pattern that makes sense and works.

Maybe that’s why I was taken aback last week when after we each finished our lists, without prompting and without context, Joe offered that he had found the true keys to life. And he listed them out.... without explanation, without justification. There they were. Four simple rules.

Joe is self described as a spiritual man, but not a religious one. He is acutely aware of a greater presence, but won’t specifically name him... or Him... or it...

Here are Joe’s four keys to life:

1. See the light in others.
2. Let the light shine from within you.
3. Live in the moment.
4. Do the right thing.

Follow these four commandments and you will have lived the right kind of life. And this got me thinking.

About Matthew 5: 14-16. “You are the light of the world. A city set on a mountain cannot be hidden. Nor do they light a lamp and then put it under a bushel basket; it is set on a lampstand, where it gives light to all in the house. Just so, your light must shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your heavenly Father.” (Joe’s rules 1 and 2)

About Mother Teresa’s: "Yesterday is gone. Tomorrow has not yet come. We have only today. Let us begin." (Joe’s rule 3)

About James 4:17. “So for one who knows the right thing to do and does not do it, it is a sin.” (Joe’s rule 4)

And also about:

The fact that Buddhists believe in the Eightfold Path which relates to having the right views, thoughts, speech, actions... and living Joe’s 4th rule.

Hindus hold that it is vital to contain your desires, to focus on the present and to abide by Joe’s 3rd rule.

Muslims prepare for a day of judgment during which each person will stand before God and account for all they have done that is right... and wrong. It’s Joe’s 4th rule.

Taoists live in harmony with all around them and acutely practice Joe’s 3rd rule.

Christians hold that they are the body of Christ and that they are called to follow the actions of Christ and His disciples. They are called to, “make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, until the end of the age." Matthew 28: 19-20

Christians are called to be the light for others and to let the light of Christ shine through them. Joe calls these the 1st and 2nd rules.

Which all leads me to conclude that I think Joe’s right... absolutely right...

What do you think?

October 18, 2009 homily - part 2

Thu, 22 Oct 2009 16:21:15 -0400

Part 2 of 2...

Added the homily from October 18, 2009

Thu, 22 Oct 2009 16:15:42 -0400

You've heard that everything you need to know, you learned in kindergarten (Robert Fulghum)... well, when I was in kindergarten, I learned about Trix and Lucky Charms. Rob preferred Cap'n Crunch and Ed was all about Co Co Puffs and Chocolate Pebbles. You? (((See Mark 10: 35-45)))