I once received a guest park pass for Walt Disney World. It carried a strange expiration date that seemed very far into the future – 10 September 2026. That would be this Thursday. The future closed more quickly than I ever imagined. The twenty-five-year park pass was issued on Tuesday 11 September 2001 as I, along with the other suddenly solemn guests, exited the happiest place on earth into a world that did not seem to have much happiness within it.
This Friday is the 25th anniversary of the terrorist attacks in New York, Washington, and Shanksville, PA. Our prayers are with those who perished on that day as well as for the continued safety, protection, and respect for our military, police officers, firefighters, hospital, and EMT personnel. Also, we pray for the current victims of violence and terror and for those who tragically witness these acts of violence.
“God of love we place in your loving arms the thousands of innocent lives that were lost on that unforgettable morning of September 11, 2001. We also remember the courage of countless men and women who put their lives at risk in order to rescue, alleviate and bring solace to the afflicted. Help us to continue to work for a world free from every form of hatred, violence, and ignorance. May terrorism in all its forms disappear from the face of the earth.” – Fr. Alberto Cutie / Creighton University.
The New York Times, in August 2025, presented an article about significant trees in New York. They are significant because of their age, species, or historical role. One such tree is the Survivor Tree.
The Survivor Tree is a Callery Pear tree that was on site at the World Trade Center Plaza on 11 September 2001. The tree was significantly damaged during the attack. The tree was uprooted and taken to a nursery for healing. It was returned to the 9/11 Memorial Plaza in 2010. Seedlings from this tree are given to communities – nationally, and internationally – that have experienced loss through natural disasters, violence, or other tragedies as a sign of hope, perseverance, and resurrection.
The Pear Tree is significant to New York. Peter Stuyvesant, one of the early governors of the then New Amsterdam, planted a pear grove in the Bowery section of Lower Manhattan. The last tree from that grove survived for two centuries after Stuyvesant planted it. Wood from that tree, removed in 1867, can be seen at the New York Historical Society.
So, the pear carries significance in the Big Apple. The pear is a symbol of hope, recovery, and healing. Stuyvesant’s respect for the pear tree led to its significance as part of the cityscape and its central feature of the arboreal display at the World Trade Center site.
Enjoy a pear, share a pear.
Monday 7 September is Labor Day. Through the intercession of St. Joseph the Worker, we give thanks to God for the talents, skills, and abilities that we uniquely possess which enable us to “fill the earth and subdue it.” (Genesis 1:28).
“In his own life Christ Jesus clearly showed us the dignity of labor. When he became incarnate, the Word of the Father was known as the carpenter’s son and willingly worked with the tools of the trade. By working with his own hands, he transformed toil from being an inherited curse for sin into a source of blessings. If we do our work well, whatever it may be, and offer it to God, we purify ourselves and through the labor of our hands and minds we build up God’s creation. Our work enables us to practice charity and help the less fortunate, so that, joined to Christ the Redeemer, we grow in his love.”
“Let us bless the Lord, then, and pray that he will shower his blessings on all who work or seek employment. “God our all-provident Father, you have placed the earth and its fruits under our care, so that by our labor we will endeavor to ensure that all share in the benefits of your creation. Bless us as we celebrate the gift and achievement of human labor, so that by respecting justice and charity we may see ourselves as working for the common good and find joy in contributing to the progress of your earthly kingdom. We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen.” – The Book of Blessings, Chapter 18
Mass Readings and reflection questions for the 23rd Ordinary Sunday (Cycle A) – 6 September 2026
Ezekiel 33:7-9 – How well are you fulfilling your responsibilities as an appointed watchman? For whom do you need to serve as a watchman? In what areas of your life do you need a watchman? / Our parish boundaries stretch along MacDade from Route 420 to the western edge of the city of Chester, from the freight tracks behind the Wawa to Baltimore Pike. With this text from Ezekiel as its source, I, as pastor, am responsible for the salvation of every soul within this geographical area regardless of their religious denomination, belief, or lack of belief. Compare and contrast this with the Hippocratic Oath of the medical profession. How would failing in this responsibility be a violation of the Fifth Commandment?
Psalm 95:1-2, 6-7, 8-9 – R. If today you hear his voice, harden not your hearts. – Last week we looked at the role of the 63rd Psalm as a beginning to Sunday prayer. The 95th psalm, that we pray today, is the daily invitatory prayer which opens our minds and hearts to the presence of God at the beginning of the day. Why are the words of this psalm important to pray at the start of each day? / Have you ever hardened your heart, tested, or doubted God? What was the reason? What was the result?
Romans 13:8-10 – How well do you understand the depths of the Ten Commandments? How well are you fulfilling the Commandments? / How is love a fulfillment of the law?
Matthew 18:15-20 – Compare and contrast the Gospel with the First Reading from Ezekiel. / How does the line “treat him as you would a Gentile or tax collector” square with St. Paul’s request to love your neighbor as yourself? / What are the things that you are binding? What things are you loosening? / Do you prefer to pray by yourself or with a group? Who are the two or three with whom you would be comfortable praying?