Jesus "came down" from the mountain.  His descent leads to the Beatitudes.

Recording is of the 4:30 pm Mass at 14 Holy Helpers Church in West Seneca, NY on February 16, 2019.

Jesus experiences rejection by much of his audience because he does not flatter them, because he does not say what people like to hear.

Recording is of the 4:30 pm Mass at 14 Holy Helpers Church in West Seneca, NY on February 2, 2019.

After Jesus reads from the scroll in the synagogue, he announces that he is the fulfillment of Isaiah's prophecies

Recording is of the 4:30 pm Mass at 14 Holy Helpers Church in West Seneca, NY on January 26, 2019.

The transformation of water from the stone jars into a wine of superior quality is the quality of life we find in and with Christ.

Recording is of the 9:00 am Mass at 14 Holy Helpers Church in West Seneca, NY on January 20, 2019.

As we recall Jesus' baptism, we remember our own Baptism and renew our confession of faith in the Son of God and commitment to the Gospel.

Recording is of the 4:30 pm Mass at 14 Holy Helpers Church in West Seneca, NY on January 12, 2019.

The question is raised ... How could the Magi see something unnoticed by so many others?

Recording is of the 9:00 am Mass at 14 Holy Helpers Church in West Seneca, NY on January 6, 2019.

The question is raised ... How could the Magi see something unnoticed by so many others?

Recording is of the 4:30 pm Mass at 14 Holy Helpers Church in West Seneca, NY on January 5, 2019.

In the birth of God as a human child, we have received a new heart, new eyes, a new feeling, a new way of thought and action. We are one with God, who is united with us in the incarnation of His Son, our Brother.

Recording is of the 10:00 pm Mass at 14 Holy Helpers Church in West Seneca, NY on December 24, 2018.

Jesus empties the notion of royalty of its customary content which challenges the habitual schemes of power. He infuses it with truth which is the Father's love for every creature.

Recording is of the 9:00 am Mass at 14 Holy Helpers Church in West Seneca, NY on November 25, 2018.

When asked by the scribe about the first or greatest commandment, Jesus formulates the double love command ... love God and love one's neighbor.

Recording is of the 4:30 pm Mass at 14 Holy Helpers Church in West Seneca, NY on November 3, 2018.

The physical sight granted to the blind man symbolizes the insight necessary for any disciple.  As a result of his faith, his condition changes: no longer blind.

Recording is of the 4:30 pm Mass at 14 Holy Helpers Church in West Seneca, NY on October 27, 2018.

God opens our eyes to the absurdity of our ambitions, disagreements, and the torments that unsettle our communities and families.

Recording is of the 4:30 pm Mass at 14 Holy Helpers Church in West Seneca, NY on September 22, 2018.

Jesus challenges believers to true commitment to him through the renunciation of self and acceptance of suffering, even to the sacrifice of life itself

Recording is of the 4:30 pm Mass at 14 Holy Helpers Church in West Seneca, NY on September 15, 2018.

Jesus and his grace enter even the most hostile and rugged regions, open the least sensitive hearts,and loose the tongue of the least probable to proclaim the Gospel.

Recording is of the 4:30 pm Mass at 14 Holy Helpers Church in West Seneca, NY on September 8, 2018.

POLKA STYLE MUSIC used at this MASS.

Of the two kinds of hunger, material food satisfies bodily hunger for a little while, but spiritual hunger is never satisfied; some hungers can only be satisfied by Jesus. Christ alone satisfies the hunger of the human heart and soul.

Recording is of the 12:00 pm Mass at 14 Holy Helpers Church in West Seneca, NY on August 5, 2018.

Of the two kinds of hunger, material food satisfies bodily hunger for a little while, but spiritual hunger is never satisfied; some hungers can only be satisfied by Jesus. Christ alone satisfies the hunger of the human heart and soul.

Recording is of the 4:30 pm Mass at 14 Holy Helpers Church in West Seneca, NY on August 4, 2018.

Jesus offers us the miracle of a full life, a miracle that touches persons open to his presence.  What is lacking is our confidence and faith for the miracle to take effect in our lives.

Recording is of the 4:30 pm Mass at 14 Holy Helpers Church in West Seneca, NY on July 7, 2018.

Jesus drives demons into a herd of swine.

Recording is of the 10:00 am Mass at 14 Holy Helpers Church in West Seneca, NY on July 4, 2018.

Faith gives us access to Jesus and his healing power.   Not only will it be the conduit of our healing, it will raise us from all that is in communion with death.

Recording is of the 4:30 pm Mass at 14 Holy Helpers Church in West Seneca, NY on June 30, 2018.

Jesus uses the occasion of his family's attempt at intervention to redefine the real family of God.  He invites his hearers to become a part of that family, the basis of which is an intimate friendship with God and obedience to his will.

Recording is of the 4:30 pm Mass at 14 Holy Helpers Church in West Seneca, NY on June 9, 2018.

The sacrifice constitutes the new covenant established between God and the new people created by God's initiative. When they drink from the cup, the disciples share in all the benefits of the sacrifice and take their places as members of God's new covenant community

Recording is of the 4:30 pm Mass at 14 Holy Helpers Church in West Seneca, NY on June 2, 2018.

Jesus' love is a model for our own. Love for one another, obedience, and sacrifice are signs of the fruit that will remain.

Recording is of the 10:30 am Mass at 14 Holy Helpers Church in West Seneca, NY on May 6, 2018.

Jesus commissions his followers to proclaim repentance and forgiveness in his name to all nations.

Recording is of the 4:30 pm Mass at 14 Holy Helpers Church in West Seneca, NY on April 14, 2018.

The account is not only about Thomas, but also about those who have not seen, whether in the first generation or in the millennia since then.

Recording is of the 4:30 pm Mass at 14 Holy Helpers Church in West Seneca, NY on April 7, 2018.

Neither the empty tomb nor the burial cloths left behind give us the understanding of the Scriptures. Only the risen Jesus himself will provide the understanding.

Recording is of the 9:00 am Mass at 14 Holy Helpers Church in West Seneca, NY on April 1, 2018.

The Passion of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Recording is of the 4:30 pm Mass at 14 Holy Helpers Church in West Seneca, NY on March 24, 2018.

Only through losing his life in this world will Jesus' glorification be accomplished.  All who want to come to eternal life must likewise be willing to lay down their lives; they must follow Jesus, must lose life in order to save it.

Recording is of the 4:30 pm Mass at 14 Holy Helpers Church in West Seneca, NY on March 17, 2018.

We are reminded that the temple of Jesus' body will be (temporarily) destroyed, only to be raised up.

Recording is of the 4:30 pm Mass at 14 Holy Helpers Church in West Seneca, NY on March 3, 2018.

The Transfiguration account weaves together past, present, and future. In every age, Jesus is God's beloved Son.

Recording is of the 4:30 pm Mass at 14 Holy Helpers Church in West Seneca, NY on February 24, 2018.

The response to the presence of God's kingdom is repentance and belief. Repentance and belief entail lifelong conversion and enduring fidelity to Jesus.

Recording is of the 10:30 am Mass at 14 Holy Helpers Church in West Seneca, NY on February 18, 2018.

After the cure of Simon's mother-in-law, Jesus continues his ministry, preaching and driving out demons in fulfillment of the purpose for which he came.

Recording is of the 4:30 pm Mass at 14 Holy Helpers Church in West Seneca, NY on February 3, 2018.

The authority of Jesus is more than powerful Sabbath teaching.  Jesus' authority extends to his power over evil.

Recording is of the 4:30 pm Mass at 14 Holy Helpers Church in West Seneca, NY on January 27, 2018.

Immediately after announcing the Kingdom of God, Jesus calls his first disciples. 

Recording is of the 4:30 pm Mass at 14 Holy Helpers Church in West Seneca, NY on January 20, 2018.

Today there is a US National holiday to celebrate the life and accomplishments of Dr. Martin Luther King.  The gospel reading recognizes the actions of Jesus' followers in contrast to other Jews who do not realize who Jesus is. 

Recording is of the 8:00 am Mass at 14 Holy Helpers Church in West Seneca, NY on January 15, 2018.

The Magi are Gentiles seeking the newborn Jewish king, signs both of fulfillment of the prophecy and foreshadowing of mission to the Gentiles.

Recording is of the 4:30 pm Mass at 14 Holy Helpers Church in West Seneca, NY on January 06, 2018.

Simeon, inspired by the Spirit, proclaims that the child is "salvation ... light for revelation to the Gentiles"

Recording is of the 4:30 pm Mass at 14 Holy Helpers Church in West Seneca, NY on December 30, 2017.

Gabriel's announcement to Mary is an angelic message of impending birth.

Recording is of the 4:30 pm Mass at 14 Holy Helpers Church in West Seneca, NY on December 23, 2017.

John is preparing people for a new path to freedom that will begin with a baptism of repentance and forgiveness of sin.

Recording is of the 12:00 pm Mass at 14 Holy Helpers Church in West Seneca, NY on December 10, 2017.

While all are call by God's widespread invitation, few choose to accept it, or only partially and temporarily accept it.

Recording is of the 4:30 pm Mass at 14 Holy Helpers Church in West Seneca, NY on October 14, 2017.

Without speaking of himself directly, Jesus gives notice to the chief priests and Pharisees what will happen to them and their leadership roles.

Recording is of the 4:30 pm Mass at 14 Holy Helpers Church in West Seneca, NY on October 7, 2017.

Jesus makes the point that "sinners' will enter the kingdom of God when they believe and repent. They are truly righteous.

Recording is of the 4:30 pm Mass at 14 Holy Helpers Church in West Seneca, NY on September 30, 2017.

Jesus clearly sets expectations for his disciples. He teaches then about their own death and resurrection, about losing their lives to find them again eternally. 

Recording is of the 4:30 pm Mass at 14 Holy Helpers Church in West Seneca, NY on September 2, 2017.

*** The music at this Mass is of a Polish Polka format ***

On the mountain, God's voice adds the command to "listen to him". In the Transfiguration story, God calls all disciples to listen to his Son's teaching. in the words he speaks and in the self-giving death he will embrace.

Recording is of the 12:00 pm Mass at 14 Holy Helpers Church in West Seneca, NY on August 6, 2017.

This week again Jesus presents parables presenting inanimate objects as images of the kingdom of heaven.  In the parable we see those who hope to possess these objects.  Similarly, hope for the Kingdom of Heaven directs the actions of all of us who would be Jesus' disciples. 

Recording is of the 4:30 pm Mass at 14 Holy Helpers Church in West Seneca, NY on July 29, 2017.

Jesus invites his audience to consider the meaning of heaven by presenting parables to illustrate dimensions of the kingdom.

Recording is of the 4:30 pm Mass at 14 Holy Helpers Church in West Seneca, NY on July 22, 2017.

The purpose of teaching in parables is not to confuse, but the result of this teaching is confusion to those who do not heed Jesus' advice to listen.

Recording is of the 4:30 pm Mass at 14 Holy Helpers Church in West Seneca, NY on July 15, 2017.

For all, Jesus' comforting words promise rest. The rest he promises is a joyful refreshment in the midst of the burdens of life, and is a secure communion with God, God's people, and creation.

Recording is of the 4:30 pm Mass at 14 Holy Helpers Church in West Seneca, NY on July 8, 2017.

Jesus tells his disciples about the challenging demands of discipleship; then he announces rewards.

Recording is of the 4:30 pm Mass at 14 Holy Helpers Church in West Seneca, NY on July 1, 2017.

Jesus counsels his disciples to not be afraid. They should lay aside their fear for they can surely count on the Father's constant care for them.

Recording is of the 4:30 pm Mass at 14 Holy Helpers Church in West Seneca, NY on June 24, 2017.

God offers everyone in the world the gift of his own Son. Each person in the world has the opportunity to accept God's gift. Some people chose not to accept Jesus, and by their decision bring condemnation on themselves.

Recording is of the 4:30 pm Mass at 14 Holy Helpers Church in West Seneca, NY on June 10, 2017.

Throughout his lifetime, Jesus repeatedly offered the gift of forgiveness. Now his followers, empowered by the Holy Spirit, are to be instruments of Jesus' own forgiveness.  Peace, the Holy Spirit, and forgiveness are the abiding gifts from the risen Jesus to all.

Recording is of the 4:30 pm Mass at 14 Holy Helpers Church in West Seneca, NY on June 3, 2017.

Jesus knows that his disciples will not have an easy time spreading his message. He acknowledges that for them.

Recording is of the 10:00 am Mass at 14 Holy Helpers Church in West Seneca, NY on May 29, 2017.

Now, as Jesus is gathered with his disciples at a final meal, he prays aloud ... "Father, the hour has come".

Recording is of the 4:30 pm Mass at 14 Holy Helpers Church in West Seneca, NY on May 27, 2017.

Then and now, Jesus promises divine presence beside and within believers, empowering disciples to imitate his total self-gift: the Spirit who remains forever.

Recording is of the 4:30 pm Mass at 14 Holy Helpers Church in West Seneca, NY on May 20, 2017.

Jesus returned to the Father who sent him, raised to the fullness of divine union, so that believers who are one with Jesus can, through him, also share his oneness with God.

Recording is of the 4:30 pm Mass at 14 Holy Helpers Church in West Seneca, NY on May 13, 2017.

Those who believe in Jesus belong to him, hear and respond to his voice, and so have life. Those who do not recognize the voice of the Lord, true Shepherd, speaking in Jesus, may lose life itself.

Recording is of the 4:30 pm Mass at 14 Holy Helpers Church in West Seneca, NY on May 5, 2017.

The angel's words explicitly state that the presence and power of God has changed bot only Jesus but all human existence forever.

Recording is of the 8:00 pm Easter Vigil Mass at 14 Holy Helpers Church in West Seneca, NY on April 15, 2017.

Today we hear the contrasting approaches to Jesus developed in three stages, interweaving the blind man's expanding insight and deepening faith. Consider using the "seeing" as a near equivalent of "believing". 

Recording is of the 4:30 pm Mass at 14 Holy Helpers Church in West Seneca, NY on March 25, 2017.

God calls all to listen to his Son's teaching, in the words he speaks and in the self-giving death he will embrace. 

Recording is of the 4:30 pm Mass at 14 Holy Helpers Church in West Seneca, NY on March 11, 2017.

Jesus, steadfastly recognizes that there is no other god, nothing and no one to equal the God of Israel, the One who sent him and One he serves.

Recording is of the 4:30 pm Mass at 14 Holy Helpers Church in West Seneca, NY on March 4, 2017.

This Memorial Mass was celebrated in honor of Mark Litz, 14 Holy Helpers sacristan and parishioner, who died on February 28, 2017.

Recording is of the 9:30 am Mass at 14 Holy Helpers Church in West Seneca, NY on March 4, 2017.

Jesus insists that the dawning Kingdom calls for something greater than righteous external behavior.  It desires hearts purified by the God whom one freely chooses to love before all else.

Recording is of the 4:30 pm Mass at 14 Holy Helpers Church in West Seneca, NY on February 25, 2017.

The pattern for righteous behavior among God's people is God's own way of acting.

Recording is of the 4:30 pm Mass at 14 Holy Helpers Church in West Seneca, NY on February 18, 2017.

Emphasizing that Jesus does not come to obliterate the Law, He brings it to its fullest development. Disciples who participate in God's final rule, inaugurated in Jesus, must live by Jesus' teaching.

Recording is of the 12:00 pm Mass at 14 Holy Helpers Church in West Seneca, NY on February 12, 2017.

Jesus' behavior completely reversed the Jewish tradition in which would be disciples pursued a rabbi. Jesus himself is already "fishing" for all people, making no distinctions.

Recording is of the 4:30 pm Mass at 14 Holy Helpers Church in West Seneca, NY on January 21, 2017.

Jesus is the Lamb of God, the new Passover bringing new deliverance to God's people. He acts in God's Spirit, like the Servant of the Lord he not only bears the Spirit, but will "baptize" believers in that same Spirit.

Recording is of the 4:30 pm Mass at 14 Holy Helpers Church in West Seneca, NY on January 14, 2017.

God has come in Jesus to save, turning first of all to the lowly, the poor, the outcast, and the despised, including women and sinners. 

Recording is of the 4:30 pm Mass at 14 Holy Helpers Church in West Seneca, NY on December 31, 2016.

Lest the point be missed, the evangelist repeats that Mary's child has his true origin in God and God's plan for salvation.  Further, the child is to bear the name "Jesus" which means "God saves."

Recording is of the 4:30 pm Mass at 14 Holy Helpers Church in West Seneca, NY on December 17, 2016.

Describing herself as a "handmaid of the Lord", she chooses to be "owned" by God, expecting no recompense. She chooses to belong totally to the one whose Word she trusts utterly.

Recording is of the 4:30 pm Mass at 14 Holy Helpers Church in West Seneca, NY on December 3, 2016.

The time of God's coming is unknown; therefore believers must always be prepared.

Recording is of the 4:30 pm Mass at 14 Holy Helpers Church in West Seneca, NY on November 26, 2016.

The "good thief" recognizes and confesses his sins.  He repented and asks for forgiveness while hanging on a cross next to Jesus.  For this he was canonized by the Lord himself.

Recording is of the 4:30 pm Mass at 14 Holy Helpers Church in West Seneca, NY on November 19, 2016.

The Pharisees pose a preposterous scenario to Jesus in an attempt to undermine belief in resurrection.  Jesus uses their own Law to rebut them.

Recording is of the 4:30 pm Mass at 14 Holy Helpers Church in West Seneca, NY on November 5, 2016.

This is a story of salvation.  As a tax collector Zacchaeus was considered a sinner by the crowds. Yet he is the one who makes a great effort to see Jesus. He is the one who, without prodding, offers half of his possessions to the poor.  He repents ... and Jesus offers salvation. 

Recording is of the 4:30 pm Mass at 14 Holy Helpers Church in West Seneca, NY on October 29, 2016.

In the parable of the Pharisee and the tax collector, the tax collector recognizes God's true role ... to welcome and love every honest and contrite heart, to generously dispense mercy, and to justify us in a way we could never merit on our own.

Recording is of the 4:30 pm Mass at 14 Holy Helpers Church in West Seneca, NY on October 22, 2016.

Jesus' parable in today's Gospel tries to give hope to the people.  But his question at the end is full of challenge, as much today, if not more so as when Jesus spoke it. If not here and in our hearts, where will the Risen Christ find faith on earth?

Recording is of the 4:30 pm Mass at 14 Holy Helpers Church in West Seneca, NY on October 15, 2016.

Ten received the gift of healing from Jesus. Only one ... a Samaritan ... returned to thank Jesus. He also received the far greater gift of salvation.  

Recording is of the 4:30 pm Mass at 14 Holy Helpers Church in West Seneca, NY on October 9, 2016.

The story of the prodigal reminds us that we can always return home. If we choose sadly and tragically, however, we can remain in the far country.

Recording is of the 4:30 pm Mass at 14 Holy Helpers Church in West Seneca, NY on September 10, 2016.

Jesus teaches what we will face when we try to reach eternal salvation. I takes a great effort to make choices that lead to the Kingdom.

Recording is of the 4:30 pm Mass at 14 Holy Helpers Church in West Seneca, NY on August 20, 2016.

*** The music at this Mass is of a Polish Polka format ***

Even those given less in this life are not entirely exempt from responsibility.  While more is demanded of the privileged, readiness is expected of all.

Recording is of the 12 noon Mass at 14 Holy Helpers Church in West Seneca, NY on August 7, 2016.

While this line may seem most appropriate for those who seldom darken the church doors, even those in church can lapse into righteous conviction that their attendance and their "envelope" ensure God's rewards.

Recording is of the 4:30 pm Mass at 14 Holy Helpers Church in West Seneca, NY on July 30, 2016.

Jesus encourages the believer to pray and to pray insistently.

Recording is of the 10:30 am Mass at 14 Holy Helpers Church in West Seneca, NY on July 24, 2016.

Mary has assumed the posture of a disciple while Martha continues with the chores of the house. Ecclesiastes says there is time for everything ... to prepare a meal and, when Jesus speaks, a time to listen.

Recording is of the 10:30 am Mass at 14 Holy Helpers Church in West Seneca, NY on July 17, 2016.

Jesus asks for the crowd's opinion, or more likely he wants the opinion of his disciples, as to who he is. With their response he can tell the disciples about the trials to come with confidence that their knowledge won't compromise their understanding of who he is.

Recording is of the 4:30 pm Mass at 14 Holy Helpers Church in West Seneca, NY on June 18, 2016.

The raising of the young man announces to the village of Nain and to all who hear of his miracle that a new day has dawned.

Jesus' self-confidence and the assurance that he offers his dsiciples remain efficacious for each of us today who hears these words.

This passage is linked to the reference of Jesus as living water.

Oneness is the theme of Jesus' prayer.  The oneness he shares with the Father he wishes for his disciples and for all who embrace the faith because of them.

Recording is of the 4:30 pm Mass at 14 Holy Helpers Church in West Seneca, NY on May 7, 2016.

Our love for each other must be without limits.  We must die to ourselves for the love of others.  In that way we will follow the pattern Christ gave us and enable the world to recognize Christ within us.

Recording is of the 9:00 am Mass at 14 Holy Helpers Church in West Seneca, NY on April 24, 2016.

Jesus' sheep are those that "hear" and "follow" him. Those who "hear" him hear the voice of the Father who speaks through him.

Recording is of the 10:30 am Mass at 14 Holy Helpers Church in West Seneca, NY on April 17, 2016.

That the disciples still are uncertain about Jesus' identity points to their lack of faith ... and perhaps to the long process involved for many of us in coming to faith.

Recording is of the 4:30 pm Mass at 14 Holy Helpers Church in West Seneca, NY on June 20, 2015.

In teaching about the kingdom of God Jesus often drew upon images and experiences that the Jews living in the rural areas of Galilee could relate to. Planted seeds and harvested fields were tangible images that would help them better understand Jesus and his world view.

Recording is of the 4:30 pm Mass at 14 Holy Helpers Church in West Seneca, NY on June 13, 2015.

Jesus' body and blood about to be sacrificed would spare the life of all who come to faith in Christ.

Recording is of the 4:30 pm Mass at 14 Holy Helpers Church in West Seneca, NY on June 6, 2015.

Even though Jesus commands his disciples to "make disciples" themselves, to baptize, and to teach, they have doubt.  Perhaps because Jesus understands their human weakness, he promises to be with them in this work.

Recording is of the 4:30 pm Mass at 14 Holy Helpers Church in West Seneca, NY on May 30, 2015.

Jesus understands the difficulty that men have in giving up their focus on material wealth. Instead he wants us to share that wealth with those in need demonstrating our love for one another.

Recording is of the 10:00 am Mass at 14 Holy Helpers Church in West Seneca, NY on May 25, 2015.

Jesus spoke of the Spirit itself as "living water" which believers receive. Empowered by the Holy Spirit, the disciples were to carry out their mission of evangelization to the world.

Recording is of the 4:30 pm Mass at 14 Holy Helpers Church in West Seneca, NY on May 23, 2015.

Sending the disciples "into the world", Jesus blesses them with the truth so that they can begin their mission of evangelization.

Recording is of the 4:30 pm Mass at 14 Holy Helpers Church in West Seneca, NY on May 16, 2015.

The avenue for remaining in the love of Christ is clearly defined: "Keep my commandments" and "Love one another as I love you".

Recording is of the 4:30 pm Mass at 14 Holy Helpers Church in West Seneca, NY on May 9, 2015.

Jesus as the "vine" and believers as the "branches" was an effective image for communicating the idea that believers must "remain" in Christ. The branch must "bear fruit" which means professing faith in Jesus as the Christ and the Son of God to other, as well as loving one another.

Recording is of the 4:30 pm Mass at 14 Holy Helpers Church in West Seneca, NY on May 2, 2015.

I referring to himself as the "good shepherd" Jesus defines his relationship with his "sheep" which is as intimate as his relationship with the Father.  His commitment is "I will lay down my life for the sheep".

Recording is of the 4:30 pm Mass at 14 Holy Helpers Church in West Seneca, NY on April 25, 2015.

The importance of believing in Jesus  is contrasted to understanding. At this point, they did not yet understand the Scripture.

Recording is of the 9:00 am Mass at 14 Holy Helpers Church in West Seneca, NY on April 5, 2015.