Dec. 20: 4th Sunday of Advent. 2009

The prophet Micah gave an oracle to the nation of his day that said that from Bethlehem would come the one whose origins were of old who would lead Israel–obviously a reference to David’s hometown. BUT, the words Beth Lehem” in Hebrew mean “house of bread”–a double meaning, that told individual Israelites that from a place of nourishment, help was coming–in other words, not, this time, a general with a bigger bomb (or in that time, a larger spear!), but rather the “help” that would come would be inner nourishment for individual hearts and minds. The Gospel tells us how that help comes. It comes when we visit and take care of each other–which is what Mary and Elizabeth are doing. So, let’s prepare to celebrate Christ’s holy birth by caring for those who need it most. Have a wonderful Christmas Holiday!

Dec. 13: 3rd Sunday of Advent. 2009

The last two Sundays dealt with a “public” spirituality–how to live as a nation. This week’s and next week’s readings deal more with an internal, individual spirituality: St. Paul suggests that we each be a person who is joyful at all times, not because we don’t see problems all around us, but because we know God is near to us, and that we can, eventually, work things out with His wisdom. Such was the advice of Zephaniah, too, to the people of his day. He told them that there was no “judgment against them”–in other words, their creativity isn’t “blocked;” they can SOAR, if they choose. And John the Baptist says the same to “individuals” who came for baptism. As each asked what was necessary for him or her to do, he merely responded with gentle encouragement to be decent and fair. What better way to prepare for the One Whose sandal straps we are unworthy to loose?

Dec. 6: 2nd Sunday of Advent. 2009

John the Baptist lived during a reign of terror–a time when individual human beings were not valued at all by the King. In this time, he preached reconciliation–even, if you read the gospel closely, with the King’s and the Emperor’s soldiers who were so cruel in their time. He felt there was nothing so wrong that it couldn’t be fixed: “the crooked shall be made straight,” was his mantra. We are so fortunate to live in a gentler time, and in a nation that, while it has the problems of any sovereign state, actually values us! Yet, in our time, “religious voices” often want to divide us. Isn’t that odd? Nonetheless, the advice of St. Paul is forever helpful: “Discern what is of value;” for when we do that, we open ourselves to the Light that the prophet Baruch assures us is, ultimately, guiding us.

Scripture reflections for Nov. 29: 1st Sunday of Advent. 2009

Who but a prophet would speak of shoots and branches in a time of terror? And who but Israel would listen? Such are the readings that begin our Advent pilgrimage. Jeremiah spoke amid catastrophe, ruin and degradation, and found reason not to give up hope. The “names” in Luke’s gospel are like reading an FBI “most wanted list” in the Post Office! Each was a mass murderer with crimes against humanity under his belt, and Luke’s advice for living in such a time is “live with dignity; hold your head high.” Is our time so different? Is ANY time so different? This year, as always, we are called to prepare for the celebration of the anniversary of the Birth of Christ by living by His teaching. With our dignity, the readings tell us, there is NOTHING we can’t survive! May your Advent be rich.

November 22, 2009: Solemnity of Christ the King

Today is the last Sunday of the Church year, next Sunday is our “new years” celebration: the First Sunday of Advent. So, as we end the year, we spiritually make the action that the year’s discipleship has been building toward: we crown Christ as King of the Universe. The readings, then, are selected to complement this theme. The Gospel is the story of the sign, “King of the Jews” placed over Christ’s head as He hung on the Cross. The first and second reading are “visions” of the cosmic crowning of Christ. What we see, though, when we look behind the curtain of language is a very different definition of power. Kings are powerful. They rule. And when is Christ MOST powerful? I’ll tell you: it’s when He is hanging on a Cross! This re-defines power and weakness. The weak wielded swords, lances and crosses. The powerful bore the suffering they inflicted with the purpose of lifting them and all humanity a little higher. Where is your power, today, and, where your weakness? The Gospel suggests you think very carefully on this.

November 15, 2009: 33rd Sunday in O.T., B

November 8, 2009: 32nd Sunday in O.T., B

November 1, 2009: Feast of All Saints

October 25, 2009: 30th Sunday in O.T., B.

October 18, 2009: 29th Sunday in O.T., B.

October 11, 2009: 28th Sunday in O.T., B.

October 4, 2009: 27th Sunday in O.T., B. (and feast of St. Francis)

September 27, 2009, 26th Sunday in O.T., B.

September 20, 2009, 25th Sunday in O.T., B.

September 13, 2009, 24th Sunday in O.T., B

Today’s Gospel reading finds Jesus insistent on fulfilling His destiny, including the suffering and the sacrifice that will entail. Peter wishes that a “God-centered life” might be in some way protected from suffering, but Jesus calls such wishful thinking “devilish!” Jesus teaches the hard truth that “Nothing worthwhile is easy.” It involves dying to what was once considered SO important in life, and now is seen as shallow–or as Jesus would put it: it’s “taking up a Cross (a means of torture and execution) to follow.” James senses that same truth–even “faith in God,” if it isn’t put into practice is worthless. Jesus once reminded His disciples that even Satan “believes in God!” So, what is “faith in practice?” It is, according to Isaiah: “giving our back to those who would beat us, our face to those who would yank out our beard, and not shielding ourselves from the “spitting” (contempt and wrath) of others.” In a word, we don’t give up on people–no matter how ugly they are to us. Our purpose is to carry them to the Mercy Seat of God. I’m reminded of the old poster for Boys Town: “He ain’t heavy, Father, he’s my brother!” Do you remember it? Who are you carrying, today? Bring their name and their need to Mercy Seat with you, today. Mention them as you receive Holy Communion. Lift them to the Light.

August 30, 2009: 22nd Sunday in OT. B.

The Gift of Torah, of Law, of “Order” to our lives is the subject of the three readings this weekend. We hear Moses telling people that God is giving this Law NOT to condemn them for failing to follow it, but to “safe boundaries,” so that their lives will be happy and fulfilled. The Commandments are not there to “damn us,” but to help us live lives of balance and beauty. This is why Paul says in the second reading that the Law that commands us to care for orphans and widows is a good gift from the Good God, the “Father of Lights”–a truly beautiful description of God. Then, the Gospel points to the fact that different people will place different emphases on what is important. Pharisees had one emphasis, Jesus another, but ALL cared about living in balance and walking in beauty. Let’s all strive for a holy balance in our lives, too, shall we?

August 23, 2009: 21st Sunday in OT. B.

All three readings are about the concept of “covenant.” In the Book of Joshua from which the first reading is taken, we hear of the renewal of the covenant made at Sinai. The people have finished their desert pilgrimage, and are now in possession of the “promised land,” and it seemed fitting to renew their commitment to serve the God Who had given them their freedom and the land. St. Paul speaks of how to live the covenant which is symbolized by marriage, and interestingly enough, just like a marriage cannot be rich without love, so our “covenanted lives” will be meaningless if we can’t find the inner strength to love others and to care about their struggles. Then, in the Gospel reading from John, we hear of the Food–the Banquet that seals the covenant–or “The Covenant Food,” and it is Christ, Himself. This Food is yours, today, available at this service. Receive His Body and Blood Which was broken and shed for you into your hearts with faith and thanksgiving.

August 16, 2009: 20th Sunday in OT. B.

The readings are about Wisdom and about Eucharist. You don’t know Greek, I know, but the verbs for “to eat” and “to drink” change at this point in Christ’s sermon. He now says, “he who “munches” or “chews on” my Body, and “slurps” or “totally absorbs” my Blood will remain in me...and have eternal life.” These two verbs shock the crowds. People leave. But Christ doesn’t back down. This IS His Body and His Blood that we consume. BUT, there is also another underlying theme: we have to “chew on” it, “absorb” it. Those are “wisdom” words. Even today we speak of “chewing on” an idea, or “absorbing” a thought. In other words, there is something that isn’t “instantaneous” about Eucharist. It takes a life time of “chewing on” the Christ, and “absorbing” His way of life to become a Eucharistic people. But, we don’t get there by just twiddling our thumbs! So, let’s start “chewing,” OK?

August 9, 2009: 19th Sunday in OT. B.

The readings this weekend are, like those of last weekend, “Eucharistic readings.” In this week’s Eucharistic meditation we remember. We remember Elijah who was taken to heaven in a chariot of fire. Before that, he had given up hope and prayed for death. The “bread of angels” not only revived him, giving him a “super human” strength, it preserved him from death (the chariot of fire, instead of “death.”) Christ tells the listening crowd that the Bread that is His flesh will bring eternal life (as did the Bread of Angels to Elijah.) The setting for this sermon is Passover, and so everyone has “unleavened bread” and the miraculous Manna on their mind. Christ says that His Gift of the Bread that is Him is not like the Manna–rather it is Heavenly Bread, bringing them the Grace of God that will preserve them to eternity. This, again, is YOUR GIFT from Christ at this service. Feed on the Bread of Angels, the Body of Christ, and form your life in His footsteps.

August 2, 2009: 18th Sunday in OT. B.

The first reading and the Gospel for this weekend are “Eucharistic readings,” in that they are all about Thanksgiving to an Abundant God Who Provides For Us In Our Hunger. The first reading is sort of humorous–in a wry sort of way–the people actually have enough to eat...God is giving them plenty of the miraculous Manna, for Heaven’s sake, BUT they are “tired of it!” Like kids, they say, “Not again! Don’t You have anything ELSE?” And, sure enough, God does! In the Gospel, we are told that in Eucharist (the entire 6th chapter of John from which this reading comes is a meditation on Eucharist,) it is Christ, Himself, that we will receive–a Gift that will, when properly “digested,” overcome all other desires, and fill us beyond measure. That is the Gift give you at this service. God, the second person of the Trinity, incarnated in Jesus Christ, comes to you and fills you. You shall be “full of God,” in a sense. May our lives reflect that profound Mystery!

July 26, 17th Sunday in OT. B.

Today’s Gospel reading focuses on God’s amazing abundance. Two stories of “Plenty” form the first reading and the Gospel. Both involve bread, both involve hungry people. Have you thought of the connection between Eucharist and hunger? Isn’t it “odd” that we celebrate the abundance of Eucharist–the presence of the One Who gave enough food to fill the hungry and have much left over–in the midst of a society with so many women and children in poverty, and in the midst of a world with so many starving? I don’t know about you, but instead of concentrating, today, on what God’s “abundance” can mean for us, who already have so much, why don’t we concentrate on what we can do to bring abundance to those in need? I think Christ would be pleased with that response. We should call it “Eucharistic Living.” What do you say?

July 19, 2009, 16th Sunday in OT. B.

This week’s readings are centered in the theme of “shepherds” and “shepherding.” The prophet Ezekiel lived about 600 years before Jesus, at the time of the Babylonian Exile. He saw much of the nation carted off into slavery. He was contemptuous of the kings and court counselors whose policies had resulted in this debacle. Those are the “shepherds” about whom he is speaking. Jesus, on the other hand, lived in a time of the occupation of the nation by the Roman army. The figurehead government was composed of the High Priest and his counselors, so it is of this group that Jesus speaks, but both he and Ezekiel are speaking of poor political choices, they are not speaking of improper priestly attention to people. So, what are we to learn? Maybe we should think of the role of politicians as old-fashioned “role models” for us and our children. We should be encouraging the finest standards of citizenship from them, not the worst. It is often, though, that they let us down, simply because no one is perfect. Yet, let’s encourage a moral striving among them, and among all public figures. We need role models. And let’s try to be role models. ourselves! Peace!

July 12, 2009, 15th Sunday in OT. B.

Paul teaches that when God was creating the earth, we, too, were in the Divine Mind, and we were, at that time, “destined” to be members of the Church of God as Christ established it, and that our lives were meant to be a continual “Praise” of Him. Amos, nearly 800 years earlier, had suggested in his book of prophecy that we were destined to serve God by lives of justice, opposing all forms of human degradation. In the Gospel, Christ cautions His disciples about pursuing lives of simplicity as they serve God. What is it that connects simplicity, pursuing human justice and goodness, and praising God? I suggest that the readings are haunting. They seem to say that if we can’t answer that question about “connections,” something is missing in our spiritual life. So, how would you answer the question from your own experience?

Scripture Reflections for The Feast of Pentecost: May 31, 2009

The readings for this Holy Feast speak to us of the confused languages of Babel being united in the one language of human understanding. They speak of all the different gifts and “ministries” given to the Church—as many gifts and ministries as there are members—and all these gifts being united in the one work of the Christ. And today’s readings speak of the energy for healing—whether it’s healing the divisions of language, or healing the divisions of practices—and that is the energy of FORGIVENESS. It is at the heart of Who God is, and who, we, created in His image must be. We like to speak of the “gift of tongues” as a Pentecostal gift, but the greatest Pentecostal gift is the gift of the ability to forgive. Let us pray for the Spirit to come to us with this power of forgiveness. We need it; our world needs it, desperately.

Scripture Reflections for The Ascension of the Lord: May 24, 2009

The first reading tells of Christ’s “ascension to the Father.” It tells us that He moved beyond our sight, into the dimension of the Spirit. The wry humor at the end of the reading is the point of the feast: “Men of Galilee, why are you looking at the sky? Get busy!” This was the point of the Transfiguration, as well. When we “see” Who Christ really is, we know it’s time to get busy about our call, not lollygagging around, as my mother would say! The Gospel reminds us that the world is filled with “demons” as poisonous as serpents, and that there are sick people everywhere who need our powerful attention. So, let’s get busy! Through our faithful attention may healing come.

Scripture Reflections for The Sixth Sunday of Easter: May 17, 2009

The word “remain” (in Greek) is repeated eight times in today’s Gospel. It gets translated slightly differently in some of the English renderings, but in Greek, it’s “in your face” a total of eight times. “Remaining” is today’s message. Remain (meno,in Greek) has a wide range of meaning, as does this Gospel. It means “stay put”! Don’t leave! Often there’s a temptation to leave the Church, especially when we see it’s shadow side. Then, it can mean, “to stay with” or “stick with.” When we begin to pray, and nothing happens, we want to quit and do something productive, but this Gospel tells us to “stay the course”, the results will be worth it. Remain can mean “hold onto.” Often life is bumpy, and we need to “hold on.” Christ presents Himself as the One to hold onto for the ultimate security. The word “remain” in Greek can mean “wait for.” Much of life is waiting for something—farmers for crops, scientists for successful results. We, too, wait for opportunities to act that will bring healing to our world. The word can mean “dwell in,” as the Father in the Son, we are to “dwell in,” find our home in Christ—each in our own way. And, it can mean “without cease,” “abiding” (as the fixed, eternal stars) for it is in Christ’s promise that we will find our eternal endurance. So promises today’s Gospel.

Scripture Reflections for The Fifth Sunday of Easter: May 10, 2009

When Paul’s fiery speech nearly got him killed, the Church in Jerusalem found a way to get him out of town, and sent him home, to Tarsus . He needed to learn the ways of peace, something Paul always struggled with. The second reading asks the congregation to love each other—to be at peace, something that congregation struggled with. Christ stressed the same theme in the metaphor of the vine—the vine only lives when the sap is running through all of it, otherwise it dies. We need to be in harmony, supporting each other. That is true of our Church, it is true of our families, it is true of our nation and our world. We simply have to find ways to be at peace with each other. Let’s pray for the wisdom of peace.

Scripture Reflections for The Fourth Sunday of Easter: May 3, 2009

One of the most comforting of the images of Christ is given in today’s Gospel—that of the Good Shepherd. The hired hand runs when the wolf comes, and what does the wolf do? He doesn’t “eat” the sheep, he scatters the flock. What an interesting image of evil! Evil as forces that “scatter” us! Do you ever feel “pulled in 90 directions?” Have you felt “ripped apart, the pieces strewn about,” and you can’t pull yourself together? The Good Shepherd gathers all the “pieces”—each of the lost bits of the flock, and puts them back together. Let us each pray that the Healing Power of the Abiding Presence of the Good Shepherd will be with us all this week, healing us, and pulling us together in bonds of personal integrity, and in ties of love and friendship.

Scripture Reflections for the Third Sunday of Easter: April 26, 2009

When Christ appears unexpectedly, the disciples are afraid—of course, that is their “usual pose” in the Gospels—forever afraid about something. But it is to that fear that Christ speaks words of assurance and peace, not words of exasperation. We, the 21st century disciples, are sort of like those first disciples. We, too, “frighten easily.” We are like nervous horses—ready to bolt at any disturbance. But, when we “bolt,” we are returning to familiar behaviors—all of the things we had hoped Christ would change in us. Yet, His words are not words of judgment. They are words of peace. Take a breath. Be at peace. He is here. All will be well. He gives us the space to return, and to grow. So let’s ask His Grace to continue to walk in His footsteps—the footsteps of the Prince of Peace.

Scripture Reflections for Low Sunday: April 19, 2009 (Sunday of The Divine Mercy)

“Forgiveness” is the message of the Gospel, from its opening lines to its conclusion. We usually think of the Holy Spirit coming to the Church at Pentecost, but today we read, that “He breathed on them and said, ‘Receive the Holy Spirit!’” And when the Spirit of God comes, forgiveness comes, for God is love, and “His mercy is everlasting,” as the Psalmist puts it. And it is forgiveness we see at the Gospel’s conclusion, as Thomas’ lack of faith is forgiven. What held Thomas back from confessing faith was his fear of being a fool. What had held them all prisoner in that upper room was fear of the consequences of their having put faith in Jesus. Forgiveness overcomes fear. I think we are being asked to try it! If you would like to overcome fear in your life, you will find that you gain power through forgiving those who’ve wronged you. Let Divine Mercy Sunday be a day of pardoning.

Scripture Reflections for Easter Sunday: April 12, 2009

The Easter Gospel is far removed from Easter bunnies and chocolate eggs. There is nothing “soft” in the Easter account. Rather, it begins in a cemetery—a place of death. That is where the God of Life meets us—when all is in ruins, and there is no hope. It is in life’s raw, uncontrolled, and hopeless points, when there is nothing left that WE can do to save ourselves, it is there that the Power is born from the dust of death. In an age that has “tamed” the Easter message and made it a sales pitch for new wardrobes, it’s important for us to remember that its real message is for when the wardrobe fails, and all seems lost. God will be found there…and life will come. It is in EVERY area of importance in our lives that death shall have no dominion!

Palm Sunday: April 5, 2009

This Sunday is a meditation in how to stand to our own truth. As Christ did not back down, neither do we. In the second reading we sense what it is we are, in the end, standing for: we are living the only path that leads to fulfillment in this life and the next. And that path is one of sacrifice—Christ “empties Himself,” and so must we. It is in emptying ourselves that we find fulfillment. And we can help each other stand to this truth by “speaking to the weary a word that will encourage them,” as the first reading puts it. Lots of ink has been spilt over why Christ died—but in the end, whatever the technical reason behind the death sentence, He died because he reached out, and crossed boundaries that were uncomfortable. He filled others, moreover he nourished people it wasn’t safe to nourish! In this he taught the universality of God’s love and our brotherhood and sisterhood. Let us all live to that Truth.

Fifth Sunday of Lent: March 29, 2009

The readings this weekend are wonderful meditations on “drawing near” to God. The sacrifices in the temple were known as “qorbanim,” “the near-draw-ers” meant to draw the worshiper near to God and God near to the worshiper. The Mass in the Eastern Rites is called the “Qurbana” the “drawing near,” as Christ draws so near to us He enters us, and we so near to Him that we take Him into us. Jeremiah reminds folk that the path to God is VERY near—not at all far away—it’s in the human heart! And in the Gospel Gentile Greeks “draw near” to see Jesus, and Jesus speaks of the ultimate “drawing near” to God—death, itself. All life is a “passage” as we draw nearer and nearer to God, a labyrinthine journey, twisted and turning, but always bringing us nearer. Lent is our rehearsal for our homecoming…….it is for this we came.

Fourth Sunday of Lent: March 22, 2009

Sometimes the aches and pains of life look like God’s punishment being visited upon a person, a group, or even all of us. That was the way the defeat of Israel to the Babylonians was being interpreted…then…all of a sudden, freedom was restored by the Persians. So, maybe it wasn’t punishment! In fact, of all the “peoples” and “religions” of the time in Levant, only Judaism continues to today. So, maybe what looked like punishment was really a “life-line.” That’s why St. Paul tells us that God’s #1 quality is MERCY. John’s Gospel illustrates God’s mercy by predicting the “lifting up” of Christ on the Cross. So, our Lenten Passage is NOT about avoiding God’s wrath—rather, it is about being comprehended and embraced by God’s love. This is a message we never hear often enough. So, let’s rejoice in it on this Laetare Sunday.

Third Sunday of Lent: March 15, 2009

The readings are diverse, but if I could detect an overall message it would be to trust the God who loves us and shows us we are loved. The reading of the 10 Commandments reminds us that commandments are not here to damn us, but to protect us from our worst nature and the worst of others—in that sense, they are an instruction in “careful loving.” Then, Paul speaks of the Cross as a “foolish sign” of God’s careful love of us. And, finally, the Gospel tells us that God will see to it that there is “room” for us in His presence—the “cleansing of the Temple” was the removal of “temple stuff” that had spilled over and taken over the “Court of the Gentiles;” in this gentle reading we are told that God will make room for ALL creation in his house…..even for you and me!

Second Sunday of Lent: March 8, 2009

The readings this weekend go to the heart of our human insecurities; they touch on FEAR. The first reading is Abraham’s binding and “near-sacrifice” of his son, Isaac. Imagine Isaac’s fear! We are all afraid our “dads” or our “moms” won’t love us, are disappointed in us, wish they’d had someone else! Religiously speaking, we worry that God doesn’t like us, is disappointed with us, and wishes He’d made someone else! Paul tells us “God is FOR us, so who can be against us?” And the light of the Transfiguration dispels any fear…in fact he is so “comfortable,” that Peter jabbers away at God, making no sense! What fear assails you? Know you have a friend in the God we worship. A wise person knows the friend from the enemy! Your Friend is here!

First Sunday of Lent: March 1, 2009

The readings set the stage for our thinking about our Lenten Passage—for that is what it is: the Lenten Season is a season of passage. All life is a passage from birth to death, from matter to spirit, from darkness and density to lightness and light. Lent is our annual “dress rehearsal.” We prepare ourselves to breathe into eternity unafraid. And this weekend the readings are of sacred covenants: the first, with Noah, one that binds all that is in being together, the next, in Baptism that binds the Church in purpose, and then the Gospel tells us the time of fulfillment has come—the time to take those relationships seriously, and grow into them. So let’s take them seriously; let us strive this Lent to live with less, to be kinder to the planet, and to be more drawn to God and each other.

February 22, 2009: 7th Sunday in Ordinary Time

The readings this weekend focus in on the topic of forgiveness. Isaiah sees the release of the hostages taken to Babylon to be God’s “forgiveness” of Israel’s failure to live up to its potential earlier in its history. In the Gospel, when Christ’s forgiveness comes, a paralyzed man is able to walk. What is the connection between “not living up to one’s potential” and “spiritual paralysis?” Perhaps we are ALL that paralytic in the Gospel; each of us “frozen” in some way—sort of carried by our friends, as we are unable to “carry ourselves.” Sometimes what we need to “thaw” and “move” is to begin the inner examination of what “unforgiven business” we are carrying around with us. Let’s think of that this weekend as we prepare ourselves for Ash Wednesday and the coming penitential season of Lent.

February 15, 2009: 6th Sunday in Ordinary Time

This weekend’s readings continue the general theme of last weekend: God’s path of blessing brings health and strength in the midst of a terribly sick world, but this weekend has a slightly different twist on that theme. “Leprosy” is the malady—a malady that, for reasons lost to us, rendered the sufferers unqualified for entrance into the Temple worship in Jerusalem. What isn’t told us is that this disease was generally believed to have had a specific “cause”: the evil tongue! Those who were cursed with this disease were believed to have brought it on themselves by what they said to or about others. In the time of Moses, the leper had to remain “outside the camp,” in other words he had to have a “time out” to figure out how important to him were the people he had been slandering with his tongue. In the Gospel, we see that the evil tongue is, indeed, hard to silence. The sufferer leaves Jesus healed, but still can’t keep his mouth shut! (This would have caused the audience in Jesus’ day to smile.) So, this weekend, we ask for the Grace to control our tongues! This ability is often considered to be the very “first step” of spiritual growth.

February 8, 2009: 5th Sunday in Ordinary Time

The first reading from the Book of Job speaks of life’s pain and suffering; the Gospel illustrates with the near-death of Peter’s mother-in-law. Life is often hard and seemingly cruel. It was suffering that led Job to question God’s existence. Suffering has often led people to question their faith. The Gospel tells us not to look at the world through “rose colored glasses.” The Gospel tells us that suffering and sickness will strike even the holiest. The promise of Christ isn’t that we will have no trouble, but rather that One Who is Larger than our strife and stronger than our weakness will be with us in the midst of it, bringing us health and balance as we live in an unhealthy and unbalanced world. Let us pray for a double-dose of His Spirit of serenity this weekend!

February 1, 2009: 4th Sunday in Ordinary Time

The readings at first seem oddly unrelated, but I think that maybe what ties them together is the idea of “Promise and Fulfillment.” God’s ancient promise of “a prophet like Moses” to accompany the people in difficult times (given in the first reading) is “fulfilled” in the Gospel reading, where even the unclean spirits can recognize “The Holy One of God.” It’s important to remember that Moses had received his commission because the people were “afraid” to go up onto Mt. Sinai, themselves. And it is often “fear” that keeps us finding our peace in God—fear that we won’t be good enough, or smart enough, or pious enough. The point of the Gospel is that the Power of God working through His Christ can cast out that fear that would alienate us from God and each other. So, what is it that keeps “you” from feeling fulfilled in God? What are you afraid you don’t have? Let’s pray for trust in the One Who supplies all needs and casts out all fear.

January 25, 2009: 3rd Sunday in Ordinary Time

Do you feel God has given you a “call” to either draw closer to Him, or to go forth to do something in His Name? In the readings this weekend we “overhear” two “calls” of God: one given to the prophet Jonah, the other by Jesus to the first disciples. We know from the part of the Book of Jonah NOT read in today’s reading that he didn’t particularly like the call he got, and, in fact, tried to escape it—to no avail. Probably the disciples found Jesus’ call just as distasteful. Why? Well, the Sea of Galilee area was a hot bed of revolution, and had been for decades. Several major revolutionary movements could be traced to that rambunctious area. The disciples Jesus called were probably preparing themselves to be revolutionaries of some sort. What they became, through the call, was indeed revolutionary, but probably not what they would have envisioned. This is a weekend to simply ask God what he wants of each one of us—that to which He is calling us—and we should never make that prayer without accompanying it with a prayer asking for the strength to follow through in fulfilling it.

January 11, 2009, The Feast of the Lord’s Baptism

The waters of the River Jordan marked the “very edge” of the nation. Beyond them was pagan territory. Some at the time of Jesus believed that “blessing” ended at the Jordan, and beyond it was chaos and curse. Such a belief did not arise from prejudice so much as a conflict of values. When we think of the values of “the world,” we think of profit and power; when we think of the values of the “people of God,” we think of charity and selflessness. Do you see the conflict? The Jordan represented more than a “time zone change” does to us, today. It represented a change in loyalty, in identity, and in life’s goal and purpose. Jesus moved to the “very edge” of chaos to begin the inner healing of the nation, for it had, without realizing it, begun to absorb those very foreign values as its own. We meet Him waist-deep in the water, Divine Dove descending, as we watch the work of God commence, a work which will win back the sinners to make of them saints. Let us pray that that same Power which touched the lives of characters in the Gospel will touch us too, transforming our tendency to sloth and sinfulness into an impulse to sanctity.

January 4, 2009, Feast of the Epiphany

The wise men “departed for their country by another way;” so ends the Gospel of the Epiphany. That tells us something of the character of the wise, doesn’t it? They aren’t bound by the past when it no longer serves. There is a place for honoring Tradition, for, think about it: without “Tradition” there would be no celebration of the Feast of the Epiphany! Yet, the feast itself celebrates the creativity of these three wise travelers to choose a different route to home, for only if they choose a different route will they reach home in peace. Are you finding yourself in some way “stuck,” right now? Do you feel the need for change? If so, you are in the right place as you pray at the Epiphany Altar. Let us ask the God of Wayfarers to guide each of us, by routes old and new, through our present difficulties to true freedom and joy.