Father Michael Ackerman
Facing Fears
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You can say many things about priestly life, but it certainly is never dull. A family from the parish invited me to dinner one evening and our conversation turned to travel. “I am not a fan of airports and flying,” I told my host family. One of their daughters, a woman in her 20s, looked Read More
When Things Disappear
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Not that long ago, a few parishioners invited me to their home for dinner. Following the meal, their two young daughters treated all those present to a fairly impressive magic show in the game room. The half-hour presentation included many disappearing acts featuring money, jewelry and even one of the girls themselves. “You should try Read More
Led to the Truth
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A priest that I was friends with from seminary told me a humorous story about traveling on a plane. He said that he boarded a flight once when he heard a woman scream, “Oh, yes!” as she pointed at him and waved. He looked rather perplexed as to her greeting. She promptly replied, “Now, we Read More
The Importance of Brotherhood
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Friendship is essential for all of us. The Book of Sirach states it well: “Faithful friends are a sturdy shelter; / whoever finds one finds a treasure. / Faithful friends are beyond price, / no amount can balance their worth” (6:14-15). However, there are times that we may regret our friendships. Several years ago, friends Read More
Finding Rest in the Silence
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One day while I was driving, I noticed a billboard that had a particularly humorous phrase on it: “Jesus Is Coming, Look Busy!” I am quite certain that many of us do not have to look busy. I imagine that we are all swamped with events this time of year — decorating, parties, liturgies and Read More
Hearing God’s Voice
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As a child, I used to attend Mass with my paternal grandparents, who worshipped at a beautiful Church that sat high on a hill overlooking the city of Pittsburgh. One particular Sunday, the priest gave a homily talking about hearing the voice of God. I can remember him saying, “If you listen hard, God is Read More
When Reality Gets in the Way of Our Dreams
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When I was a teacher, I often had to interrupt students who were dreaming, either because they were truly asleep (and drooling) or staring off into space. I imagine that lectures on ancient history were not terribly exciting for them, and the classroom did get unusually warm in the afternoons. If we are being honest, Read More
Criticisms and Complaints
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“My child, when you come to serve the Lord, / prepare yourself for trials” (Sir 2:1). This Scripture passage was presented to me once by my spiritual director for meditation, and I have pondered it greatly since becoming a pastor. Trials certainly can take many forms. They may present themselves as a financial crisis, a Read More