June 16, 2025 - An Unexpected Visitor
A friend of mine shared an experience with an unexpected visitor that I love to retell. The neighbor across the street is a big fan of a particular politician and political party and has no problem advertising his beliefs freely with signs and such. [Note: for this lesson in humility, “side” doesn’t matter.] My friend was definitely not of the same mind,and she thought of the neighbor as that blankity blankacross the street. [Note: she is a faithful, self-reflective, active Christian.] Then one day there was a knock at the door and that blankity blank was standing right there with a chainsaw. He explained to my friend that a huge branch from a tree in her front yard had fallen in her driveway and was blocking her car. He was ready to clear it up for her.
Our current climate seems to exacerbate our human tendency to make assumptions and fill in the blanks about the other who we perceive as not like us. I have been so guilty of this, it has prompted me to try a spiritual practice of wonder—I wonder what influences created a view so different from my own? I wonder if I come across as rigid to someone else? I wonder what hurt produced such anger? I wonder what it will take for us to heal? Renee Anaclerio
June 17, 2025 - When God Shows Up and Eats Your Lunch
I read a short reflection recently entitled, When God shows up and eats your lunch by Rita Sommers Flanagan. It portrays an intimate and light-hearted image of God, who shows up uninvited and helps himself to the author’s Pad Thai. Between bites he tells her, “you’re work isn’t finished, you know… you’ve been hiding, playing it safe.” It’s a lovely piece, full of intimacy and honesty. More and more I find unusual and challenging images of God draw me in… I prefer them to the more predictable (and somewhat limited) God of my youth. I have experienced God “showing up” as a doubt about a course of action, a twinge of guilt when I’ve been testy with my husband, and as a nudge when I’ve let my fear keep me from living boldly. I’ve come to learn that some of the most important ways God “shows up” are ways that disturb my ego’s sense of control and my sense of “I’m comfortable right here in my bubble.”
Later in the reflection, the author admits, her defenses are futile because she and God have an arrangement… She says, “it’s not about going to heaven when I die. It’s about peace in my remaining days. If I don’t listen [to God], my soul gets prickly and confused, and I tend to drink too much.” Francis Thompson named it the Hound of Heaven, the God who pursues us relentlessly, even as we resist, determined to love us into fullness. Renee Anaclerio
June 18, 2025 - The World is Full of God’s Presence
“If the soul could have known God without the world, the world would never have been created,” said MeisterEckhart. God expresses Godself in the world, in creation, and in us. There is a single, large grasshopper in my vegetable garden. I’ve named her Tilda. She was here last year too. I don’t really know how long a grasshopper lives,but I want to believe that she is the same one, back again for her yearly visit. When I water the plants, I talk to her and when I leave, I remind her not to eat too much of any one thing. She nods in agreement.
How amazing life is when we can notice and be present to one little thing at a time! Each is a gift and often offers a life lesson. All is interconnected and sacred. In our history as humans, we used to know that…before we thought we were the center of everything and everything else was for our consumption. Back when we used to know that all creation is holy ground. Renee Anaclerio
June 19, 2025 - Our Stories
Our stories matter. They tell about where we come from, not just geographically and culturally. They tell about our experiences of God… There is a lovely poem by George Ella Lyon called, Where I’m From, and the author invites others to write their own versions. Here’s mine: I’m from McDonoughs and Sloyers, Ireland and the Black Forest. I’m from Navy and victory gardens, steel mills and Pennsylvania farms, and a WWII delayed marriage. I’m from adventure and travel, social justice and service; from “si se puede” and “not on my watch.” I’m fromComunidades de Base, el pueblo unido and Minjun theology; liberation theology and the influences of Union Theological Seminary.
My experiences and family roots have influenced what I think and what I value and how I experience God’s call in my life. But I am one part of a wonderful and diverse world of people, the Body of Christ, the human family. Who I am is to be shared humbly with others who share their own stories and gifts. My gift can only be given faithfully when I can also receive the gifts others have to share. Renee Anaclerio
June 20, 2025 - Bridge Building
I am practiced at boundary building. Of course, you would never know that because I am also inclusive—but with limits. I realized at some point that I really like to hang out with people who think like me, who share my values. My friends include ethnic and cultural diversity, even socioeconomic diversity, but not diversity of values. I must admit, I have been rather intolerant of people who don’t think like me… and I’m surprised at how long it took me to find something wrong with that!
So, I have a new practice that I’ve tried a few times. It started at a public event when I met someone who had previously made comments that illustrated a particular and strong point of view, quite opposite my own… Maybe because I was not in the mood to argue, I was determined to find some common ground. We chatted about farmlandand rural life and the impact of growth in our area. We shared our love of animals and nature. We even found a common friend. It was truly a lovely conversation. I even got some insight into what motivates his strong opinions. Unsolicited, he shared, “I came to x meeting a few months back, and I was a bit harsh…. I was able to reply without resentment, “you had strong feelings.” Understanding, reconciliation, a coming together... Renee Anaclerio
June 21, 2025 - What Grows in the Cracks
I talked to my sister last night while she was cleaning her patio. She was hosting a book club the next day and was looking at the patio from a guest’s perspective. All of a sudden, she was noticing the bird poop and all the things that had taken root in the cracks between the stones. She pulled out weeds with long, long roots. How could they manage to grow there? Our lives are like that. Stuff grows when we’re not noticing— patterns, unconscious habits, beliefs about things. We get used to them and don’t notice until something invites us to look with new eyes. I look at my life now and examine the cracks. Some have weeds that need to be pulled because they are not serving me anymore. Some things grew that were planted by misperceptions, prejudices, past hurts.
While I will pull some weeds, I value the cracks. I’ve got a lot of them. Life’s experiences have left their cracks, especially life’s disappointments, hurts, and losses. My cracks are valuable because they are what make me human, and they have helped me learn compassion and wisdom. As the beautiful Leonard Cohen song says, there’s a crack in everything. That’s how the light gets in. Renee Anaclerio
June 22, 2025 - Give Them Some Food Yourselves
These words attributed to Jesus stick with me… “Give them some food yourselves.” We have probably all learned that the story of the feeding of the five thousand is not just a miracle that took place way back then. Our Church celebrates it as a beautiful foreshadowing of the Eucharist, the powerful mystery of God’s true presence with us.
The story is packed with symbols that early Jesus followers would have understood—a flash back to Moses and the manna God provided in the desert; five loaves and two fish equals seven, the sign of completion; twelve baskets of leftovers—the mystical number that symbolizes God’s people, twelve tribes, twelve apostles… Those who gather the scraps are those who will be sent out to feed the world. When we receive Christ’s body, you and I are sent forth to love and serve. I need to remember that when the violence and chaos going on in our world can feel so difficult to understand; when I find myself thinking, “how can God let this happen?”; Jesus says, “you give them something to eat.” Through the Holy Spirit, we are given what we need to participate in God’s work to feed and heal the world. Renee Anaclerio
March10, 2025 – Let Me Decrease
There is a song by Thomas Muglia called “Let Me Decrease”. It is inspired by a passage from John 3:30 that says: “He must increase; I must decrease.” One of the lines in the song is: “No other cause for which I live.” I was affected the first time I heard that line. My family, work, charities, and ministries are all important, but not more important than my love for God. No other cause is greater than building His kingdom on earth. I know that all the things I have are not mine but God’s, and I must surrender it all to Him. I wish I could say I always surrender my will to His, but I fail often. Thank God that he loves me with all my imperfections, which allows me to pick myself up and move forward in building His kingdom; it is what the Christian life is all about. I pray, Lord, that I decrease so that you increase in me.
Kurt Peterson
March 11, 2025 – Purging
As a Realtor I help people prepare i making their next move. So often the sellers can get overwhelmed with the number of things that they have accumulated over the years. And they must decide if the item will work in their new home. Will it be too small or too large for the new area? Will it work with the style of the new home? So, the purging begins. Lent is a lot like moving. It is a time to reflect on my life, to look inside to see all the emotional things that I have gathered in my life. Many times, the things I have won’t fit in the new spiritual direction I am being called to. So, I must purge myself of those things that keep me from feeling God’s full presence in my life. It will be tough sometimes, but I will live a freer life. \Kurt Peterson
March 12, 2025 – Why Do Catholics Have the Crucifix?
Do you ever wonder why we Catholics have the Crucifix? The Crucifix is different from a cross. The cross alone represents the idea that Jesus is no longer there. He did not stay on the cross. The Crucifix symbolizes His sacrifice for us all. In our church, we have the Crucifix placed by the altar and the Risen Christ in the back of the Tabernacle. For me, each is in the right place. At the altar, the priest celebrates the sacrifice of Jesus, and we become part of it by receiving the Body and blood of Christ in the Eucharist. Then, through our faith, Jesus calls us to everlasting life.
One definition of resurrection is to bring back into use or existence something that had disappeared or ended. That is what God did for me. He brought me back from sin to be used for His glory.
Kurt Peterson
March 13, 2025 – Silence
I have always liked listening to music or a podcast while I work. I used to feel silence was distracting for me. Now that I am older, I am beginning to embrace silence, mainly when I write my reflections. Silence helps my thoughts about what to write. I realize that the background noise I liked before now distracts me from feeling God’s presence. I find I receive greater inspiration when there is only me, my thoughts, and the presence of the Holy Spirit guiding me in my writing. Being silent allows me to hear what the Spirit wants me to hear, not what I want to hear.
Kurt Peterson
March 14, 2025 – Daylight Savings
I am tired of Daylight Savings Time. It is “Spring Forward” where we turn the clock ahead one hour. So, when I say I am tired of it, I mean emotionally and physically. In our household we get up early and when that comes an hour earlier, I am like a zombie for a few days. Now to be fully transparent we turn in our reflections a week ahead of when they are published, so the change has not occurred yet as I am writing this; however, this time I have decided to use the change to daylight savings as a Lenten sacrifice. I plan not to be in a sleep fog but to accept it with joy and see how I can use it to His glory. Hopefully as you read this, I ammm ZZZZZ. Ugh sorry, I nodded off.
Kurt Peterson
March 15, 2025 – Legacy
Last weekend, our oldest granddaughter went to her confirmation retreat. She is a beautiful young lady with great poise and a loving heart. We love watching her grow up, but more importantly, we love her faith in God and her love for the lord. The most important thing I have is my faith; being able to pass that down to my children and grandchildren is my legacy. There is nothing that I can do that will be more meaningful than sharing my love and faith in this life. Whether it is my family, community, or strangers, having them come to Jesus is my legacy.
Kurt Peterson
March 16, 2027 – Sun
We have had a very cold February. There were over 11 days of below-average temperatures. A couple of weeks ago, we had a couple of sunny days in the high 60s. The sun just warmed everything up, giving us a glimpse of Spring. Then we were back to cloudy, cold days again. The thing about an overcast day is the Sun is still there, just hidden from us. It makes me think about the Son, Jesus: when He is shining in me, it warms me, but then the storms of life can come and stand between me and Jesus. I can feel cold inside when I forget that God is still there. But then I realize He never left; He is just behind the clouds, and when I can break through the clouds, His warmth will shine again through His love. Lord, help remind me that amid the storm, you are there.
Kurt Peterson
March 3, 2025 - Everybody Has a Place, Everybody Belongs
I’m fortunate to be able to sit in the Sanctuary once a month and get a very different perspective on the congregation from when I sit with the congregation with a limited view of those around me. When I look out upon the entire church, I recognize people I know and I see them mainly sitting in the same general area, and sometimes the exact same pew. Actually, that goes for people I don’t know but recognize because they sit in their same place too. Then there are the “visitors” who wonder where to sit and the ushers are quick to guide them. In the past I, along with other homilists, have encouraged us to try switching places once in a while but, of course, we all, myself included, tend to follow old habits and do what makes us comfortable. Saints Peter and Paul is known throughout the Diocese as a welcoming congregation because we not only make room for someone looking for a place to sit but we also have the weekly opportunity to greet one another and newcomers. All of this makes me proud and happy to be a part of SSPP because I have found my place and I belong to this worshipping community with Jesus as our center and our shepherd who welcomes everyone. Deacon David
March 4, 202 - What’ll You Give Up?
Quick, let’s have all the stuff we can’t enjoy during Lent when we must fast and abstain! Dad won’t have his beer, Mom won’t have her ice cream, Junior won’t have his Snickers bar and Princess won’t have her candy stash from last Halloween. But, wait a minute, what are you telling me…that’s the old way of thinking about Lent? Actually, “giving up” something to remind ourselves just how much we consume is ok but not necessary; it is also important to remember that the spirit of Lent is to live as Jesus lived: serving the poor, the sick and the forgotten. I am called upon to emulate Jesus by using the time, talent and treasure given me by God’s grace. During Lent I’m asked to recognize that there are “poor” in our community, poor economically and spiritually and think about what I can do to alleviate or improve that condition…and then do it. God has gifted me with faith, and through baptism, instructs me to share it in whatever way I can. But I can’t forget that one thing Jesus did all the time was to pray. He gained strength and direction through his conversations with God the Father just as I am able to do IF I follow Jesus’ example. These 40 days will pass quickly, even quicker if I fill them with the direction to pray, give alms and serve the poor and remember that after Lent that Jesus didn’t stop living what he preached until the day he died. Deacon David
March 5, 2025 - Ashes
Ash Wednesday this year reminds me not only of my own mortality but also brings to mind the destruction of multiple swathes of burned out areas in California which claimed the lives of many people and animals to say nothing of homes, businesses and irreplaceable contents of those structures. So the reception of a smudge of ashes on my forehead resounds through my entire being thinking of not only fire victims but also of many people whose lives have been virtually consumed by the unchristian acts of being removed and deprived of their homes, their livelihoods, their hopes and dreams. Today, throughout Lent and through the glory and promise of Easter I plan to remember the gift of ashes so that I will not forget how Christ lived and worked, a person of poverty in exile from his home, fleeing political persecution and threat of death and relying on the goodness of others to live. In his life Jesus spoke out against injustice despite the known threat of punishment and death. Jesus lived and ministered to all of them, the powerful and the poor and persecuted. Can I do less, a professed and baptized Christian? Pray for those who live in the ashes of ruined lives and pray for one another that we do what Christ modelled for us. Deacon David
March 6, 2025 - What’s Your Favorite?
Jane and I have our favorite Mass time, but we also try to keep tabs on what goes on in the other three masses by going to them occasionally. I think, from what I’ve observed, that most of our congregation also prefer one mass over the others for various reasons such as the type of music, the “vibe” of the gathering, comfort with others who attend the same mass regularly or the time of day. I am happy to see who; older, younger, ethnicity, etc. tend to gather in one area or another (latecomers at any mass tend towards the side exits). Most masses, except when it’s raining hard, are fairly well attended, Super Bowl Sunday 5pm mass excepted/cancelled. It makes me happy, and has made me happy through four Pastors, to see that the SSPP congregation has taken to heart that SSPP belongs to the people of the parish and the parish depends on each of us to do our part in maintaining the vibrant, welcoming, co-operative maintenance of the ministries and programs offered. So no matter which mass we attend we are all here to worship Jesus, aided and encouraged by one another offering our time, talent and treasure to build up the Body of Christ. Deacon David
March 7, 2025 - Yet Another Reminder
Meatless Fridays during Lent remind me of the three years we spent as Lay Missionaries in rural Kenya where we had a very limited income, but managed to have meat on the table most days of the week. The native people with whom we lived and worked didn’t have the economic ability to have meat with any regularity, perhaps once a month, if that often. They subsisted on vegetables which were grown locally and a ground maize porridge called “ugali”. It would have been no problem for them to “give up” meat on Fridays and, as well, to “fast” because they existed on very little to begin with. In the 50+ years since we returned to the U.S.A. that memory has faded but fasting and abstinence during Lent still remind me of the great poverty which exists not only in parts of Africa and the wider world, but also here, in the most economically gifted nation on earth. Jesus advocated serving the poor and needy without respect to race or creed, as does the Church and many other organizations. Our taxes are paid, in part, to do what these organizations are unable or unwilling to do. How would Jesus respond to this situation? I think he would confront those who do not think that helping fellow humans is important and in fact think that it is unnecessary. During Lent and beyond, I must do what I am can to alleviate this injustice. Pray for them and pray for me that I will do what I am able. Deacon David
March 8, 2025 - Words of Wisdom
I began my career in the California Department of Corrections in 1974 as a Correctional Counselor in a drug treatment facility. Although it was a job, I took it also as ministry of visiting the imprisoned because I was given the opportunity to set up and run “programs” to help those who would be released gain basic social and life skills. I was aided by career correctional personnel who had far greater insights and knowledge than I had. I also found that the residents themselves were eager to guide me, some for their own benefit inside but also some who wanted to learn and change. Some of the helpful residents imparted bits of wisdom about how to deal with life both inside. One of those bits was useful for anyone: “…walk slow and drink a lot of water.” What??? Time is different for everyone, and prisoners have no reason to rush. Instead, they have to deal with boredom and a lack of free movement; thus, walk slow, think/meditate, stay hydrated and help the time pass. There are many types of imprisonment other than incarceration which we are called upon to “visit” such as home bound people with illnesses or who have limited means of leaving their homes to shop or get medical care. They have little choice but to walk slowly and may have no other beverage choice than water. A lesson learned from felons points me to continuing the continuing need to visit the confined. They are the other faces of our Lord Jesus. Deacon David
March 9, 2025 - Temptation
When I first came to the Church, having never even heard the words “fasting” and “abstinence”, it was quite a shock to learn from observant Catholics (Jane’s family} that pre-Vatican II norms for all weekdays, Monday through Saturday, required fasting and that meant Saturday night until midnight. When Sunday came: no fasting. Saturday was date night and we were “good” but at 12:01am Sunday the chocolate malts from Bob’s Big Boy broke our fasting. Looking back, I’d conformed to the letter of the law but I lacked the understanding and spirit of the law. Over the years Jane and I have grown in our efforts to understand fasting more broadly than consumption of food and now attempt to moderate activities such as watching TV, eating meat daily or complaining about other people. Practicing those small efforts of abstinence during Lent will, I hope, be an incentive to continue with the spirit of the season through the year. Jesus lived simply, praying often, fasting. In doing so, he showed his disciples how those disciplines prepared him for his life of service. We are his disciples and are called to follow him. Practice makes perfect.
Deacon David
February 24, 2025- How You Do Anything
Perhaps you've heard the phrase, "How you do anything is how you do everything". It's often used in business to evaluate employee performance. I heard a great story about an employer who takes his prospective employees out to lunch to see how he or she treats the waiters and others in the restaurant. If that potential employee is dismissive or rude, then it gives the employer a good idea of how that person will treat co-workers or clients in the workplace. This caused me to wonder. How consistent am I? Do I treat strangers with the same kindness as I show to my family and friends? Am I as generous to others as I am to those closest to me? It could also relate to prayer. If I'm a bit lazy or take shortcuts in some parts of my life, am I also shortchanging my prayer life?
Lord, help us to consistently demonstrate the best version of ourselves.
Darcy Wharton
February 25, 2025- An Eggless Omelet
In a recent conversation with Fr. Renier, I discussed how difficult it must be to preach the gospel and how important it is to make it relevant to the issues of today. He very quickly said, "If it's not pertaining to what is going on around us, it's like serving an omelet with no eggs!" Sometimes it's tempting to want to hear a homily that is peaceful or soothing, but just like an eggless omelet, it won't get me very far. Someone once told me that if the gospel doesn't make me uncomfortable, then I'm not listening! It's so much easier to ignore or even resist being challenged by the words of Jesus, especially if they might take me out of my comfort zone.
Lord, help me be more willing to hear uncomfortable or challenging words in the Sunday gospel and allow those words to change the world around us.
Darcy Wharton
February 26, 2025- Purgatory
Many Catholics have shared with me that they struggle with the idea of purgatory- or just simply don't understand it. I thought that Fr. Brendan did a great job of explaining purgatory as a "purification process" in which we prepare to enter heaven fully. He admitted that we don't know how long this process takes because God has a different way of viewing time than we do. He also mentioned that no one can enter heaven with unforgiveness on their heart. We need to be able to forgive fully before entering heaven. He posed a challenging question to us which was "Why not forgive now and save time in purgatory?" We are likely not going to be able to forget the hurts that others have caused, but forgiveness allows us to live more freely and happily on earth.
Loving God, help me forgive anyone who has hurt me, so that now and at the hour of my death I can more quickly feel your loving presence.
Darcy Wharton
February 27, 2025- Welcome the Stranger
When we hear the phrase "welcome the stranger" we might think of the recent emphasis on immigration. However, in my life, it has an additional meaning. You may remember that I am adopted and 25 years ago I met my birthmother and my siblings on her side, and about 8 years ago I met my birthfather and my siblings on his side. In both cases, I was initially a "stranger" to these families. I am still amazed at how generously both families welcomed me. Of course, there have been occasional moments of awkwardness as I learned the histories and names (SO many names) of family members, but we laugh and move on. Recently, my birthfather died and once again I found myself spending time with a family in which I was once a stranger. In moments like these, I realize that being part of a family, whether it's a family formed by blood or simply by love, is a treasured gift from God. How might we treat one another if we truly saw each other as part of our family?
Fr. Greg Boyle, SJ has taught that we need to work on expanding our circle, so that eventually the margins of "who is in and who is out" disappear and no one is outside the circle of our love.
Darcy Wharton
February 28, 2025- The Important Things
With two recent deaths in my family, and with the recent parish retreat with Fr. Brendan McGuire, I've had some time to reflect more on the meaning of life and how important it is to focus on the important things. Both my sister and my birthfather were diagnosed with different forms of cancer. When they were diagnosed, they went through the various stages of grief, but they also became more laser-focused on what was most important to them. For each, it was spending as much time as they could with those they loved. Having a cancer diagnosis allowed them time to communicate their last wishes to the family and to face death with a sense of peace. Each moment spent with them was filled with deep honesty and tenderness. As Fr. Brendan suggested, perhaps we can focus on learning to live well, so that we can also die well.
Darcy Wharton
March 1, 2025- A Clean Home
Have you ever thought about the fact that when we come to church every weekend it's always clean? Most of us haven't been a part of making it happen, but rotating teams of volunteers arrive early on a Saturday morning to dust, vacuum, and wash every interior part of our church. To me this is a great example of some wonderful behind-the-scenes angels that contribute to the life of our parish. When asked about it, those involved express joy at being able to help the church in their own way. They are always looking for more people to volunteer, so if cleaning gives you deep satisfaction, reach out! There are so many ways to support our parish community and I am grateful for all the ways our parish's volunteer spirit shines brightly.
Darcy Wharton
March 2, 2025- The Log and the Splinter
When my girls were teens, they would catch me in moments of hypocrisy. (Don't you love teenagers?) I remember feeling a bit of a gut-punch when I realized they were correct. I suppose we are all hypocrites at times but having someone point it out to us is hard to hear. Jesus was as honest as a teenager when he said, "You hypocrite! Remove the wooden beam from your eye first; then you will see clearly to remove the splinter in your brother's eye." These words always catch me. It is SO much easier to see how others are doing it all wrong or not living up to their potential. Apparently, this can be even more common when we see ourselves as faithful to the Gospel. How is it I can be so blind (not noticing the log in my own eye) and so disparaging of others when all they have is a splinter in their eye? Loving God, help me take an honest yet compassionate look at myself, especially when I am becoming judgmental.
Darcy Wharton