Gospel Reflections for July 10 2016
Excuse me, how do I get to…
I say this frequently now after arriving at St. Bruno’s parish in Whittier as their new pastor. I know it takes a while to learn new streets so I am certainly happy when I arrive at the right place!
I am actually returning to St. Bruno’s. I was stationed here for two months as a Deacon just prior to my ordination in 1978. However, 38 years have dimmed my memory of how to get around. Fortunately, I prepared. I looked at Google Maps to get to know the place better.
The man in today’s Gospel seeks that kind of information about eternal life. He asks the most important question of all, “…How do I get to Heaven?”
Jesus answers just as directly, and declares that the road to heaven is simply paved with the love we share, for God, our neighbor, and our self. There is a lot to unpack in that simple message, and uniquely meaningful to me personally now.
On the very day that I moved into my new parish home, my 90 year old father, John Heney, peacefully and calmly moved into his eternal home with Our Father in heaven. I am glad it was a serene move, with full confidence in the love and mercy of God. My twin brother, Dennis, and I were there.
As I have returned to St. Bruno’s, the place where my ministry began as a calling from God, my father has also returned to the place where he was first called into being by the love of God.
This Gospel is just what anyone needs to hear who is looking for directions to eternal life, and even a peaceful and calm end. Knowing how to find Heaven actually serves to make our life here on earth so much more fulfilling and satisfying.
Our “Google Map” is simply the scriptures and traditions of our Catholic faith. It is a good idea to prepare now before the move! I will be able to offer help in a unique way very soon.
In addition to my website here at DaveHeney.com, I will also have the honor of helping “map” those directions to a larger radio audience. I will be co-hosting a radio “call-in” show on Immaculate Heart Radio beginning next week. In the Los Angeles area, it will be on Station KHJ, 930 on the AM dial, from 5pm to 6pm, Monday through Thursday. You can check out ihradio.com for your local channel.
Anyone looking for directions to heaven is welcome to tune in and ask!
God Bless!
Fr. Dave
Dear Father Dave,
Our prayers continue daily for you in your ministry. We pray for your dad as well. Your father must have been proud of his son and his accomplishments. God bless.
Della and Gino
Yes, both my parents were very proud of my life as a priest.
Dear Father Dave, Your precious father is in our loving prayers and in our hearts!! Our God, our Jesus, our Mary are embracing him in love in raisisng such precious sons and a loving, faith filled family!!!and your beautiful mother is showering him with so much love!!!Your lovely mother sent you blessings from Heaven!! Can you imagine the blessings you will receive now also from your father for sharing Jesus’ love with everyone!!!!You are so blessed and so loved!!!!Our Faith is soooooooooooooooo precious and your analogy is so real!! Follow Jesus in love, follow his Gospels and Traditions of love and live His love and that is our Goggle map to Heaven!!! Loveeeeeeeeeeeee it!!! A most beautiful life to you at St. Brunos and love to hear you on Immaculate Heart Radio!! Love to you from Westlake Village, the Conejo, Simi Yalley!! You will always be a beautiful part of all our lives!!!
Loveeeeeeeeeeeeee, Franca and Dick
Thank you!
Father Dave,
Our condolences in the loss of your father. He must have been so very proud of you. We also wish you the very best at St. Brunos.
God Bless,
John and Karen Baxter
Both my parents were very proud of my life as a priest.
Dear Fatjer Dave,
I’m sorry to hear of your Dad’s passing. I’m sure he had a wonderful life and shared his joys with the family.
It’s very difficult to lose a parent but they are still always with us. My prayers are for the entire Heney family.
I’ll try to catch the Radio Show. What a wonderful opportunity to spread God’s word.
May God Bless,
Yana Packard
.
.
Stay tuned!
Dear Fr. Dave, we are so sorry for your loss. Your words, actions and faith at this difficult time inspire all .
May God grant you, your brother and family His peace.
Your great loss is Gods great gain!
Love, Jane and Joe Lynch
Thank you for your heartfelt message. My brother and I had great role models in our parents.
Fr. Dave,
Shalom… Heard about your fathers passing on Immaculate Heart Radio; our heartfelt condolences to you and yours – Undoubtedly, he is a very special and God loving man.
Notwithstanding, welcome back to the San Pedro Pastoral Region – I’m hopeful that you’ll bring and adapt your University Series to our Region. And I’m absolutely thrilled about your radio appointment – it’s my driving home hour and your presence will compliment the already excellent radio programming.
Finally, we’ll have to arrange your visit to a Legatus Southbay Chapter meeting.
Wishing you all the best, I remain
Dio vi Benedica
Looking forward to a Legatus meeting in the South Bay!
Wow, Fr. Dave! God is certainly working through your life to help so many others. My condolences to you on the loss of your dad. I look forward to catching some of your shows on Immaculate Heart Radio.
Stay tuned!
Fr Dave,
Sorry to hear about your Dad’s passing. It is hard to lose a parent no matter how old we are. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your brother.
I look forward to your radio show and your weekly messages.
God bless you.
Linda Burge
Thank you. My parents were great role models for my brother and I.
Father Dave, thank you for letting us know that your father went to his final home. He and you and brother will be in our prayers. We have many good memories of your parents from the beginning of St. Paschal’s parish and the school. God bless you and your new parish. Love, Ed and Barbara
Yes, they always remembered you both well. Thank you for your message
You certainly have had some challenges upon your arrival at St. Bruno’s, adjusting to a new
parish, and the death of your father all on the same day!
In your wisdom you have shown us that following the Lord will lead us all to our eternal
home.
Congratulations on co-hosting the radio show, something else to help us on our way, Fr. Dave.
Stay tuned!
My condolences about your father.
Listening to the scripture for this week he fact that one thing we know. Jesus come out with facts. Are we following Christ or just sitting there The Samaritan and the man injured we under normal conditions not friends and they would have just passed by.. We can’t like everybod but we can pour out Christ’s love and mercy toward us all.
Yes, the Good Samaritan is a powerful example for us all.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Doors open and others close..we look forward to your new adventure on radio…
Thank you!
Dear Father Dave,
Sorry to hear about your Dad’s passing, may he rest in peace and may God bless his soul. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Looking forward to hear you on the radio. Take care.
Thank you!
Father Dave,
I extend my condolences on the loss of your father. I love the way you relate this gospel to Google maps. Our Catholic faith provides all the materials and tools we need as we continue on this sojourn into the after life of Heaven. Our faith instills in us a framework of understanding death as a transition instead of a finality. What a great comfort indeed!
Well said!
Welcome!! Was sorry to miss your fist weekend and homily, but very happy you’re here!
Loved the radio show! Looking forward to future listening.
Thank you.
Stay tuned!