Interfaith Seder Meal

Rabbi Nudell, a Rabbi at the Conservative Synagogue, Congregation Beth Israel, has invited Union Catholic students to the Interfaith Seder for the 13th year in a row. It wasn't until I met Rabbi Nudell that I had ever entered a synagogue or participated in a Seder Meal. What a good friend and a great man of God. I had been to Israel three times before I had contacted the synagogue, which I pass everyday on my way teach, and what a nice relationship we have had. Jewish Catholic relations has certainly come along way since Vatican 2, and allowing interaction between Jewish and Catholic students will hopefully go a long way in creating an atmosphere of respect between our faiths. In other countries people are killing each other over there religious beliefs so at least this small act of two religious communities existing side by side as friends will be a good witness. I can honestly say that I feel more 'akin' to Rabbi Nudell for his reverence for the Torah and religious tradition than some people from my own religious tradition. While we have obvious disagreements on the person of Jesus, St. James and Jesus himself said that faith without deeds is dead and for that I have a great deal of respect and admiration for Rabbi Nudell. Some of my students are looking on as he uses a 'yad', a pointer, to chant from an ancient Torah scroll. As we ended our visit I asked him to give us a blessing in Hebrew which he did beautifully. It's one thing to hear the Passover and Jewish worship explained by Christians but another thing to experience through Jews eyes.

USCCB Interview

I recently had the opportunity to be interviewed by the USCCB Radio Program called 'Catholic Bookmarks' about Jesus in the House:Gospel Reflections on Christ's Presence in the Home which you can listen to if you follow the link below. Amber Dolle, my sister in law and publicist is doing a FANTASTIC job of sending out media kits and lining up Radio and newspaper interviews for which I am very appreciative.
http://www.usccb.org/ccc/cb.shtml
It is one thing to write a book but quite another thing to promote it and get it 'out there' so that people will know about it. It causes me to be very thankful for the support of family and friends who help in this endeavor. But it remains true that what touches one person touches a family-so-thatnks to those who have helped me which in turn helps my family. I am constantly impressed by Michael St. Pierre, http://www.mondayqb.com/ and his ability to bring the professional corporate passion into the field of Ministry. His experience in ministry is broad and deep and he has the ability to see the big picture. Check out his web page for his Life Coaching expertise and active blog.

I had the chance to reconnect with Most Reverend Arthur J. Serratelli, S.T.D., S.S.L., D.D, Bishop of Paterson, NJ the other month at the Gala Fundraiser for Assumption College for Sisters in Mendham, NJ where about 35 Religious Sisters from around the globe are educated. Father Serratelli was my scripture professor at Immaculate Conception Seminary before being elevated to Bishop. I remember driving home very excited after most classes because of the way he could draw out the details of various parables and apply them to everyday life. In the acknowledgements in my latest book; Jesus in the House, I thank him for drawing me closer to Christ through knowledge and love of Jesus through the scriptures. 'Let the word of Christ, rich as it is, dwell in your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus" In addition to Bishop Serratelli I would be remiss if I failed to mention Msgr. Turro who, through simplicity and insight was also an inspiring professor. It's funny that he and I both instruct the Missionary of Charity Sisters (Contemplative Branch) in Plainfield, NJ.

Union Catholic Senior Retreat

There is nothing quite like the Senior Retreat at UC. It's voluntary and about 65 seniors took advantage to be with there friends and committed faculty to and look back at their 4 years at UC and to look ahead at what lies before them. The fears that gripped them as incoming freshman were looked at and laughed at but some of those fears resurface as they leave UC to hopefully greener pastures.

One of the favorite activities was to look at favorite TV show freshman year and their favorite show senior year. Biggest fear as freshman and biggest fear now. Relationship with God as a freshman and where that relationship is now. As the students reflect on their lives and 4 years of High School it's good to see how much they've grown and to be a small part of their journey. Their enthusiasm, care for friends and faith is still inspiring after all these years.

Excellent CD from Bob Filoramo

Bob Filoramo has an excellent CD out called My Beacon of Hope. Bob can be reached at http://www.bobfiloramo.com/ and you can even sample his music-all written and performed by him at his website. Mr. Filoramo has been leading worship at Our Lady of Peace for a number of years and I recently had the chance to see him in action at the Catholic Men's Rally at St. Veronica's in Howell Township. It's one thing to be able to play and sing but another to 'sense the Spirit' and lead the crowd in prayerful song. Bob does both well. Visit his site and 'hear' for yourself.

Catholic Men's Rally

Trenton Bishop John Smith was gracious enough to pose with me after accepting a copy of Jesus in the House which just came out. It was an amazing day with some wonderful speakers and witnesses and great music by Bob Filorama which was really uplifting and added greatly to the day. One of the highlights was hearing Rep. Christopher Smith of NJ. He spoke powerfully and from the heart about his faith and commitment to life issues. Chris from the Coffee Shop / Bookstore / live entertainment venue in South Jersey shared his witness and was selling some items from his store. It was awesome to see about 500 men from all over NJ there to grow in faith and to be encouraged to live out their baptismal call. Fr. John Rhea from Austrailia spoke before the Bishop celebrated Mass. For myself, I then had to drive about 2 1/2 hours North to Warwick NY to join my Union Catholic students at their Senior retreat.

Attuned to His Voice

I had the opportunity to speak at a local Parish at the beginning of the new year and it was a wonderful experience and I think I delivered what they were looking for. The people who gathered seemed very pleased and one man in particular, I'll call him Robert, was very complimentary. He mentioned to me repeatedly how much he liked my presentation. Now, I'm not just tooting my horn here for my own glory because something happened when I was asked to come back 3 months later. As I entered the Church I saw Robert with the Pastor and after saying Hello to the Pastor I immediately gave a big smile and handshake to Robert. I said, 'Hello, nice seeing you again!' He looked perplexed and said, 'Excuse me, I don't think we've met?' I said, 'It's me, Allan, don't you remember me?' He looked me square in the face and said...'No' I was a bit humbled to say the least. Well, we had Mass and then I gave the first of three presentations. Well, after the first presentation, Robert came up to me apologetically and said, 'Allan, of course I remember you. You see my eyes are not that good without my glasses but I was attuned to your voice.' 'When you spoke I remembered who you were.'

'Attuned to your voice'

I don't remember what I said the rest of the day but I'll remember for a long time Robert's words and the importance of being attuned to God's voice in my daily life.

Jesus in the House-Gospel Reflections on Christ Presence in the Home
by Allan F. Wright
Excellent for Families, Small Groups-Complete with Prayers, Quotes, Reflection Questions and Chapter Challenges at the end of each chapter to put these lessons into practice today!
Available this January 2007 from St. Anthony Messenger Press

At Home with Jesus

So much of Jesus' ministry took place in the homes and houses of his first disciples and the inhabitants of the Holy Land. 99 times the word house is used by the Gospel writers and home is mentioned about 30 times. How different would our homes be if Jesus was present through word and deed. Our homes still need his teaching, forgiving, healing and meals shared around the table. Faith, after all, is often more caught than taught. From Mary's magnificat proclaimed in the home of Zechariah and Elizabeth to the disciples eyes being opened around a table in Emmaus the home plays a significant role throughout the Gospels stories. How is Christ present in your home? Is he a welcome guest? It may be a good idea to listen to the Gospels stories with an ear for the events that take place in the home and as a family consider how that may impact your family. When Jesus touched a person he touched a family. Let us not forget that even those little things we do for others not only impact them but also their family.