St Agatha's Scripture Reflections

5 December 2010 - Second Sunday of Advent

2010-12-04T17:36:00.001-08:00

Our next "stop" on the Advent pilgrimage brings us to another vision of Isaiah the prophet--this one about the future figure that would come to be called "the Messiah." Isaiah lived before there was any talk about a Messiah. He just longed for a king that was good, just, and a peacemaker. The fact that he felt his "vision" would only come true a long time in the future tells us a lot about his experience of politics in his day!! But, it may be that THAT is the "hidden point" that the Holy Spirit was trying to teach when this "inspired vision" was given to the prophet. It may be that politics will ALWAYS be politics and leaders will ALWAYS have feet of clay--whether they are political leaders or religious leaders. Maybe what the Spirit wanted us to realize is that it is only when WE care for the poor, only when WE study the "law of the Lord" so that we know it so well that we live it as a matter of course, only when WE shun gossip, and only when WE stop favoritism in our own dealings, and only when WE make peace that peace will come. That is what John the Baptist meant, I think, when he said, "Produce good fruit!" The age of peace may be bigger than any of us, and no one of us can initiate it, but each one of us needs to live it, so why wait? Such a life is the best preparation for the celebration of the anniversary of the One we believe DID initiate us on the path.

Sunday, March 7, 2010 - Third Sunday of Lent

2010-03-04T10:14:00.001-08:00

In this week's readings, bushes burn and God's name is revealed, we are warned of destroying angels that afflict the grumblers, fig trees are threatened for not producing, but given another chance. This is, truly, an odd collection of texts. I like to look at the verbs God uses at the burning bush to commission Moses: "I have witnessed" and "I have heard," (regarding Israel 's slavery), then: "I have come," "to lead them out." These are the eternal promises we trust God for. We trust that God has seen our trials and in someway understands even our sinfulness. We trust that God hears us when we call, even with half-hearts, and we trust that we will be met in our mess and led out of it to something better. That's why we have the strength to overcome our past. Lent is always about looking toward Easter—toward TOMORROW. Tomorrow doesn't have to be a repeat of the mistakes of yesterday. So, Onward Christian!

Sunday, February 21, 2010 - First Sunday of Lent

2010-02-18T17:45:00.001-08:00

We recite the "Creed" at every Mass, and most of us know it, or at least parts of it by heart. In the first reading of our Lenten Sunday series, we read the creed of the Ancient Israelite, and we see that it connects the ability to give an offering with the past salvation, by God, of the Hebrews from slavery. This is the Tradition (with a capital "T") that gives the believer a rootedness in the earth and hope for tomorrow. In the second reading, St. Paul lets the Gentiles know that they, too, are beneficiaries of this freeing God. And in the Gospel of the Temptations of Jesus, we see the Tradition guides us to be men and women of depth who bring freedom and dignity to the earth—it's NOT just "about us." It isn't just "what I want"—be that more wealth or power or security or fame. The Tradition lays a claim on our lives. What is it asking of you, today?

Scripture Reflection for February 14, 2010: 6th Sunday in O.T., year C

2010-02-12T14:36:00.000-08:00

“Cursed is the one who trusts in human beings!” says Jeremiah on one of his bluer days. But, he wasn’t far from wrong, was he? We all know how often people let us down, and how often we have let others down. Sometimes, it’s not “bad will,” it’s just impossible for us to follow through. My best friend in Kansas City died three days before this past Christmas, and if you remember, we had Christmas on Thursday night and Friday, then Saturday night and Sunday were our regular worship days. I couldn’t get away to do his funeral. It wasn’t “bad will,” I simply couldn’t do it. That’s that nature of humanity. We are bound by time and space, and we are limited. Jeremiah knew this, and pointed out that it is a far more intelligent thing to commit our cares to God and to trust Him to carry us through them. That’s what Christ is getting at in the Lukan rendition of the Beatitudes. The rich often trust their money and their connections…but those can so easily evaporate. So, let’s all commit ourselves and our cares to the One Who is Faithful.

Scripture Reflection for February 7, 2010: 5th Sunday in O.T., year C

2010-02-05T14:36:00.000-08:00

Different memories of Jesus’ call are recorded in different Gospels. Luke remembers Matthew deciding to follow Jesus after the experience of the quais-miraculous catch of fish. In the first reading the call of Isaiah to be a prophet is recorded as having been a vision. Now, each of us is “called” by God—called into being, if nothing else! At least, we are all here! The readings today point out that the “how” of the call isn’t really important—in fact, it’s “forgettable” enough that no two Gospels remember the exact same details. The important thing about a “call” is the awareness that GOD—the Center of the Universe, and the Author of all existence—is addressing YOU. When that awareness comes—however it comes—your life is different. You become a “disciple.” Our Christian life is merely a daily living out of discipleship. What are you doing to live out YOUR discipleship? What are you doing to DEEPEN your discipleship?

Scripture Reflection for January 31, 2010: 4th Sunday in O.T.: year C

2010-01-29T14:36:00.000-08:00

The first reading reminds us that the Word of the Lord (at least as it came through Jeremiah) wasn’t particularly popular! The authorities tried to kill Jeremiah, but his friends saved him at the last minute, under the cover of darkness. And the Gospel reminds us that Jesus’ message of love of enemies, turning the other cheek, etc., will not be particularly popular, either. They nearly kill Him today at the beginning of His ministry in Luke, an act that will find its fulfillment at the end of the Gospel, with the story of the Passion. The advice of God to Jeremiah, then: “Gird up your loins!” is good advice for us, too. We need to be “prepared” if we want to live these teachings. They are easy to live, and they won’t make us overly popular if we live them! So, we need to be long-suffering, as St. Paul suggests, for in the end, it will be our acts of love that endure, and only those.

Scripture Reflection for Jan. 24, 2010: 3rd Sunday in O.T.: year C

2010-01-22T14:35:00.000-08:00

The first reading records a revolution in religious history—the turning over of all the secret lore of a religion, kept by the priesthood for millennia, to the laity. Everybody can know everything! That was a world-wide first! And from that day, each Jewish individual could read the Torah and know what was required of him or her—and God required the same things from everyone. Paul tells the Corinthians that all are equal, too, in the importance of God’s gifts. God’s requirements and God’s gifts know no hierarchy—they come to all of us. And Jesus, in the Gospel, recognizes His mission as He reads the text of Isaiah: to bring the Good News of God’s love to the “poor”—those who had been deprived of hearing of it—in this case, probably, the Gentiles—none of whom had been taught Torah, and so were truly “spiritually impoverished.” So, Christ saw His mission and message as directly for us—the Gentile folk of the world. His words are our treasure. Let us truly live by them.

Scripture reflection for Jan. 17, 2010: Second Sunday in O.T., year C

2010-01-15T14:35:00.000-08:00

Christ’s first miracle in John’s Gospel, or, as John would call it, “the first ‘sign,’” takes place at a wedding. Marriage is, then, the symbol for whatever it is that God is doing in the world in Jesus of Nazareth, at least as St. John sees it. Now, there is no record of Jesus, Himself, ever having been married, though speculation always abounds, so if it isn’t about Jesus, Himself, what is “Marriage” or “the Wedding Feast” symbolizing for the author of the Gospel? And what does he want us to intuit from his cryptic account? In the first reading, Israel is said to be “wedded” to God when her integrity shines. So…what do you think we are meant to grasp? Water to wine is a major transformation. A mother’s insistence is a minor theme. The theme of “best for last” hints at something under the surface. So what do you see in today’s Gospel? What do you think Jesus is doing that can be symbolized by a wedding, a major transformation, the role of an insistent woman, and the theme, “the last is best?” And what is the role of Israel ’s integrity? Let me hear what you’re thinking!

Scripture reflection for Jan. 10, 2010: The Baptism of the Lord, year C

2010-01-10T14:34:00.000-08:00

Water is the matrix of creation, water is the sustaining element of life, water cleanses us, and according to the story of Passover in the Book of Exodus, it frees us. Here, in today’s Gospel reading, we see water commissioning the Christ to His mission. Interestingly, from a literary point of view, all these “waters” are significant in their positioning. The water of creation stood outside of time...at the edge of nothing and everything (sort of like womb-water to a fetus), the waters of the wells of our ancestors that sustained them stood at the edge of civilization, the Red Sea was placed at the edge of power, separating free land (the untamed Sinai desert) from the land of control (enslaved Egypt.) And the Jordan River in which the Christ stands, in today’s reading, is placed at the edge of the kingdom of Israel...between the land of blessing and the lands of the Gentile pagans...the border between faith and faithlessness. It is there, at the edge of things that newness begins. Are you feeling “at the edge?” Perhaps driven close to despair, or perhaps on the outside looking in? It is there that Divinity creates, sustains, cleanses, frees and commissions. Get ready for greatness. It’s coming YOUR way!!!

Dec. 20: 4th Sunday of Advent. 2009

2009-12-18T14:16:00.000-08:00

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

2009-12-11T14:16:00.000-08:00

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

2009-12-04T14:15:00.000-08:00

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

2009-11-27T14:12:00.000-08:00

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

2009-11-20T02:10:00.000-08:00

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

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

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November 1, 2009: Feast of All Saints

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

2009-10-02T02:03:00.000-07:00

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.

2009-08-30T11:41:00.000-07:00

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.

2009-08-22T11:40:00.000-07:00

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.

2009-08-15T11:40:00.000-07:00

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.

2009-08-08T11:39:00.000-07:00

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.

2009-08-01T11:39:00.000-07:00

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.

2009-07-25T11:39:00.000-07:00

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.

2009-07-18T11:37:00.000-07:00

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.

2009-07-11T11:36:00.000-07:00

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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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)

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“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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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.

December 28, 2008: The Feast of the Holy Family

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As they held the Child, Mary and Joseph heard words from Anna and Simeon. Anna’s words have been lost to us, but Simeon’s are haunting: “this Child is destined to be downfall and the rise of many…a sign that will be opposed.” As I think on His message, a message about not judging others, a message about turning the other cheek and not resorting to power and violence, I think how often I, myself, have “opposed” those words and that message. I think of how I’ve “risen” by humility, and “fallen flat” when I forgot His message, and let pride puff me up, only then, to fall. I’ve seen Simeon’s prophecy come to life in me! The author of the letter to the Colossians knew that same struggle, and urges everyone to “forgive their grievances…as God has forgiven them.” For in doing so, we become the humble, peaceful “family of God,” setting His authority over us, and honoring Him, as the Book of Sirach begs us do.

December 25, 2008: Christmas

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Light in life’s darkness, joy in the midst of tears, freedom born in slavery: these are the works of God in the world; of this Isaiah is certain. St. Paul calls this Light “Grace,” and describes it as a “Trainer.” How many of us have (or wish we had) personal trainers, helping us to keep physically fit? Here, God’s Grace (personified in Christ) is seen as “a spiritual trainer” coaching us to avoid life’s pitfalls, and to do good. Luke’s Gospel announces that although Augustus Caesar may have called himself “son of God, and prince of peace,” that the Light was really elsewhere…in a tiny manger, in little Bethlehem, attended by shepherds (a job considered one of the lowest occupations a human being could have at that time.) Yet they, in their smallness saw the Light. We can, too; and that Light can be the Grace that trains us to become men and women of depth, doing all the good we are capable of doing. Let us rejoice in our smallness, and welcome the Light this night.

December 21, 2008: Fourth Sunday in Advent. Scripture Reflection:

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David’s one great wish was to build God a “house,” in other words, he wanted to be the one to build the Temple in Jerusalem. In this reading from Samuel, we see God gently remind David that it is God Who builds “houses,” and that He has, indeed, built the “house of David,” and that David’s heir, in this case Solomon will build the Temple. Solomon (Shlomo, in Hebrew) comes from the word “Shalom,” the word for peace. David had been a man of war, securing the boundaries of Israel, but God wanted His Temple built by a man of peace. And, true to his name, Solomon made treaties of peace with all the nations around him, and in so doing was worthy of building God’s “house.” In the Gospel it is to a “maiden of Nazareth,” not to a warrior, a revolutionary, or to a grand orator that God comes to “extend his spiritual House and Kingdom.” The powerless maiden will bear in her womb the Lamb of God Who will die for the world. It is to this powerlessness, St. Paul tells us, that we Gentiles are invited. May gentleness and humility carry us to the manger this year.

december 14, 2008

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In the Gospel, John the Baptist found it hard to say exactly who he was, and found it easier to say who he was NOT. There is wisdom in that. Were he to have said, “I am the Voice of Deliverance!” he would have probably got a big head, and pride would have overtaken him. As it was, he said, “I’m NOT the Christ; I’m not even the light! I’m not Elijah nor am I a prophet…I guess I’m just a voice in the desert…” St. Paul encourages each of us to say, “I am NOT perfect! I am NOT particularly holy, and I am NOT irreproachable.” That way, we can be open to the Power of the One Who CAN make us holy, and lead us in goodness. It is so important to humility to know what we are not. It is when we are truly humble, accepting our insignificance that God can work through us, placing the Spirit upon us to help others heal and find freedom. As we approach the manger, low as it is, we have to learn to kneel, let us pray for humility and tenderness.

December 7, 2008

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Can the desert road ever be a “traveler friendly place?” The biblical poet thinks it can. It’s in the deserts of our lives that God finds us, and makes “highways” to lead us out. If you’ve ever had a “desert experience,” you know it’s nothing to sing about. It was probably one of the lowest points in your life. And it probably felt like it would never end. St. Peter tells us that God doesn’t “delay,” in keeping this promise to rescue us from disaster, though it can feel like that. Rather, there are subtle shades of sadness with which we must become familiar to have the proper “repentance,” or “attitude of soul.” Otherwise, we won’t recognize the Voice of Deliverance when it comes—and this is what is hinted at in the Gospel: John the Baptist, the Voice of Deliverance was so unexpected that he was largely ignored. This week’s “preparation” for the celebration of the “Light” of Christmas involves learning from our darkness, or better said, learning why we are in the dark, so that when the way to the Light appears we’ll know to follow it. Interesting ideas, no? Maybe we should be preparing for our penance service on December 15th.

November 16, 33rd Sunday in OT, Cycle A

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Next Sunday is the Last of the Church Year. So, this weekend's readings bring us very near to the "end of time," so our readings speak of the “end” of things as we know them. St. Paul discusses death and the world’s end with the Thessalonians, and in the Gospel, Christ gives a parable about “making an accounting” for all that has been given us. Obviously, these readings are preparations for the “end,” and ask us to always keep “the Higher Purpose” to Which our lives are dedicated, and for Which we will have to answer in the forefront of our minds. But it’s the first reading, from Proverbs, that tells us HOW to prepare. This reading is the “Eshet Chayil”–the celebration of the “Valiant Woman,” as the Text is known in Judaism, as it is read every Sabbath. How does she (the valiant woman, the "mother of Israel") teach us how to “prepare ourselves for the End?” She merely does what needs to be done, each day. For it’s in the daily tasks of life that we “work out our salvation,” as St. Paul put it. We bring light to the darkness, lift the fallen, help the hungry, care for the fragile. It’s in our daily living that our lives conform themselves to the Christ. Let’s get busy, then. As we’d say in Kansas, where I was raised: “Time’s a wasting!’”

November 23, 2008, Feast of Our Lord Jesus Christ the King

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Today’s readings focus on the future–with the prophet Ezekiel, in the first reading, poetically describing the final and ultimate “pasturing” by God of His weary, worn sheep, having grown frustrated with the poor pasturing they’ve had to endure for centuries, nay millenia. Then, St. Paul’s letter to the Corinthian Church is a meditation on the cosmic "end time" work of the Christ in “collecting” all that is and has ever been into His hands, and then, at the end, presenting it ALL to the Father, redeemed and whole. The Gospel assures the reader of eternal rewards at the final judgement, the “Last Accounting–though it’s a “mixed bag.” Why? Well, anyone with a mind who reads this Gospel passage, reads it with some discomfort. Look closely: those who, apparently, thought they had “salvation” sewn up by “knowing” the Lord, don’t. And those who never had a clue, never knew Who the Lord was, “get it!” As I say, it’s disconcerting. It’s probably best to read it as the story of all of us–none of us perfect–all of us having fed some people, and ignored some people, cared for some people, not bothered about others. Such is life. Perhaps the point is to encourage us to “keep at it” when the going seems especially rough. Right now, our economy is so unstable that “taking care of ourselves,” alone, is a Herculean task, so perhaps we can read the lessons, today, as a “cosmic plea” from Christ’s own lips to try a little harder to care for the frail. If the world is tough for us–with all the resources we have at our disposal–how much worse for those with less! So...let’s let that old “Catholic Guilt” (which is really simply a Higher Consciousness) grab us, yet again, and may our lives become benedictions of Goodness in our world. God bless.

November 9, 2008, Dedication of the Lateran Basilica in Rome

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This is an odd feast–celebrating the first church we ever built as a Christian religion. Before this, anything we used as a church was, in reality, a hiding place, for our religion was illegal. The emperor Constantine with the Edict of Milan made us a “legal religion,” and thus we were able to “build” in the open a place of worship for ourselves. We got this property in Rome from the Laterini family, and dedicated the church to the memory of St. John. So the readings are about the holiness of space–with the Prophet Ezekiel, in the first reading, speaking of the Jerusalem Temple as being the epitome of sacredness in the world–not a place “walled off from human traffic,” but rather a place from which “Life Energy” symbolized by “water in a desert,” flows forth to water all the earth. St. Paul reminds us that while there are sacred places, the Church is more than brick and mortar–it subsists in the hearts and souls of the believers, ourselves, as we make up a “spiritual Temple” of wonderful holiness. And the Gospel is all about Jesus’ “cleansing” of the Temple wherein He simply “symbolically” restored the “court of the Gentiles” as a place free of clutter and commerce, so that the Gentiles might, also, worship God in their assigned place. This latter act of Christ reveals His openness to the vague and the different of the earth–calling them to the “center of the world” (which the Temple was mystically thought to be) and recognizing them as worthy of God’s service--no matter how "far off" others thought them. So, what do we learn? We learn that “holiness” is always “life giving,” not sanctimonious, and that it resides throughout the earth, for God is everywhere, but especially in us, His people, and that with all our goofiness, we are, indeed, invited to experience the Grace and Goodness of God. Such is our celebration of our first building–celebrating “ourselves and our mission” as much as that ancient construction.

November 2, 2008, Commemoration of All the Faithful Departed (All Souls’ Day)

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Fittingly, the readings this Sunday are “funeral readings.” We are commemorating our dead. The first reading assures us that those who were tragically slain, young, before their lives could be lived (especially those who were struck down for the sake of goodness,) are in God’s eternal care, a “future” that may, indeed, involve them in the Greater Responsibilities of “judging nations.” Why? Because they’ve learned the hard way all about the pointlessness of violence and revenge, and, because His Grace and Mercy abide with them, they are tutored in a deeper, more profound charity. In the first option for a second reading, St. Paul reminds us that “the love of God has been poured out into our hearts,” the very same Love that the Song of Songs assures us is “stronger than death.” The second option for a second reading presents a “cosmic view” of baptism, wherein it may start in a small baptismal pool, but in reality it is an initiation onto the eternal path that will bring us “to the Glory of the Father”--the beginning, then, of an eternal journey to the Heart of God. And, in the Gospel reading, Jesus assures us by all that’s Holy and Good that the will of the One Who sent Him is that He should not lose anything given Him...and in I Corinthians 15, which will be read in a few weeks for the Feast of Christ the King, we are told that by the end of time, ALL will have been given Him, and all creation will be placed beneath His feet so that He can present it to the Father. These are indeed optimistic and hopeful readings in the face of death’s dominion, and they call us to trust the God Who gave us life–a God Who has proven trustworthy in every generation.

October 26, 2008, 30th Sunday in OT, Cycle A

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We are beginning the climax of the Church year. At the end of November, the Church year ends. And, so the readings we’ll hear over the next few weeks orient us toward “The End”... of life, of time, of the world...and ask us to be prepared so that we may transcend the limitations of physical life, and time and the material world to know eternity. Just as the beginning of the Bible--Genesis Chapter 1–builds toward Sabbath, the crown of all creation–the day when God and humans “meet” and get to know each other, the readings of the next several weeks “build” toward the New Creation or Re-creation of all that has ever been, as all of existence and its history is bound up into the promise of eternal life. This week’s readings bring us to the basics of religion–just in case we were losing our way. The duties we owe to God are truly life-giving things, for He IS the Lord of Life! And, so, LOVE is at the center. Exodus reminds us, though, that “love, Love, LUV!” is merely poetry UNTIL we begin to do definite actions: stop oppressing aliens and the poor, being decent in lending to those in need, etc. It is in doing the daily “little things” that we embody religion and “imitate the Lord,” and fulfill the poetry of love. Let us “love” in the small things, so that our lives may paint the Greater Picture. God bless.

October 19, 2008, 29th Sunday in OT, Cycle A

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There are dozens of different opinions about what today’s Gospel means. Without getting too deeply into that debate, we can safely say that when Jesus mentions Caesar and God in the same sentence, He seems to be addressing “power.” Isaiah is also addressing “power” in his oracle that comprises the first reading. Isaiah sees that this “foreign, pagan, Gentile dictator” is actually merely a “pawn” of God. He has “power” (he was the first “world emperor” in the ancient near east), but GOD put him where God wanted him so that he could do God’s bidding–in this case: rebuild the state of Judah and the city of Jerusalem. Christ recognizes a power in Caesar, but He, too, seems to see it as inferior to the Real Power: that of God. St. Paul speaks of the “power of the Holy Spirit” which touched the Thessalonian Church. So, the question for us is: when we are feeling weak and powerless, inferior and vaguely debased, how do we find strength? Where do we go for power? Do we shop? Do we manipulate our kids, our parents, our teachers, our leaders, our people? What do we do? The readings suggest something deeper, more interior, and more connected to God, the Source of All Power. May you be powerful this week in this sense of deep connection to Goodness. God bless.

October 12, 2008, 28th Sunday in OT, Cycle A

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We’ve entered the “difficult readings” of Matthew’s parables–last week’s, this week’s–they seem to present a “raging, moody, cantankerous God” who outdoes us, if that’s possible, in vengeance. Not only does he not forgive those who killed His servants (something Christ will do from the Cross,) He trashes those not fully prepared for the feast–those not clothed in the wedding garment after they’ve been dragged in from Heaven knows where, to eat! Christians have enjoyed seeing this parable as “the replacement of the Jews by Christians, and the wedding garment symbolizing baptism!” but that seems to me a spiritually lazy approach. We need to read this parable as a response to Isaiah’s vision for the future, which is one of God’s bounty being acknowledged by all the earth, as all make their way to God, and join the banquet, and tears of angers ancient and rages new all melt away as we learn to care for each other, and then, even death–the last human enemy–will be overcome. The question then that this parable raises is: “How do we live with the words of Isaiah’s positive hopefulness, in a world that is so very ugly and vicious? Is it even possible?” This Gospel parable is all about realism! It second guesses the entire Christian/Isaiahan project. Is it possible to overcome hate, and love the enemy deeply when the enemy doesn’t quit? St. Paul reminds us that in God there is always ABUNDANCE—whatever we need, He will supply. So, take heart. The possibility for overcoming the violence within us is there. Let’s try. Shall we?

October 5, 2008: 27th Sunday in OT, Cycle A

2008-10-03T00:00:00.000-07:00

Today’s Gospel is comprised of one of the very strangest parables in the entire corpus of the parables of Jesus: the “owner” of a vineyard abandons his property, leasing it to tenants, but not sticking around to pay attention to what they do; then after many murders of those he had sent to claim some of the harvest, he sends his son, who was also killed by those voracious thugs. Then the question: NOW, what do you think the “owner will do?” And the only intelligent answer would be “NOTHING!” He hasn’t done anything, yet! He’s shown no concern for daily management, or any number of deaths; why do we think his reaction to this one would be any different, just because it was his son? He must not have cared too much about his son to begin with! And this is the interpretative clue–there was only one ruler of Judea who didn’t love his children, and had a number of them murdered, for fear they were plotting to replace him, and who spent as much time "outside" the country as in it, as he "buttered up" the Caesar. That was King Herod, the Herod reigning when Jesus was born. Here, Christ is simply looking at history, and asking us to learn from it. And what do we learn? Violence begets violence–there is no end to it. Herod was followed by procurators like Pilate! The pain has only increased through rebellion. St. Paul urges us to be peaceful so that the God of peace may be with us, and only thus can we avoid being “overrun with thorns,” and ruined, as Isaiah’s vision instructs. Can we make our peace, today? God bless.

September 28, 2008, 26th Sunday in OT, Cycle A

2008-09-26T00:00:00.000-07:00

Today’s Gospel presents two sons, both of them portray most succinctly each one of us at different times in our lives, as we relate to God. There are times when we turn away, ignore the Voice–often at a distance from church, Mass and holy things. Other times, we are attending Mass, prayer groups, and Bible study groups, or maybe we’ve found spirituality in something else, but we’re practicing it....but, with all the “hoopla” of our practice, we know deep inside that we’ve closed ourselves off to what The Voice is asking of us. This is SO human and SO normal. So, how do we move? Change? Oh, it’s all a mystery–the Grace of God. We find ways to justify ourselves for a while–like what Ezekiel knew people in his day were saying: “The Lord’s way isn’t fair!” Or any number of other self-justifications for remaining pretty dense and ugly! Then, what happens? Somehow, we sense what God has done for us, in Christ, or in blessings more diverse, and we find ourselves on our knees! But, the readings call us NOT to stay on those knees; that’s not where we’re wanted! We are wanted “in the field” to which we were called by “our Father” in the first place, doing what we were asked to do. So, let’s get busy, shall we?

September 21, 2008, 25th Sunday in OT, Cycle A

2008-09-19T00:00:00.000-07:00

The Gospel, today, is strange and delightful because it’s strange! We’ve all heard it dozens of times, and each time, we’re vaguely uncomfortable, for we know we, too, would want more pay for a whole day’s work than what would be given someone for an hour’s lax effort. But, that really isn’t what the Gospel is about at all. If you look closely, you’ll see that land owner went to the town square 5 times throughout the day, and each time he takes everyone who is there. So, when he goes at the end--almost quitting time, and these ne’er-do-wells tell him, “Sir, we’ve been here all day, and no one would hire us,” he knows they’re lying! He's been there 5 times, and they were nowhere to be seen! He knows they’re lazy. He knows they don’t deserve “boo!” Yet, such is not the nature of our landowner. And at the end of the day, each gets what the landowner has to give, for that’s all he has to give. It’s a metaphor for “heaven,” if you will, or God’s love and care. In the end we all get to be with God. And that HAS to be enough! Some “turn” (a verb for repentance in the Bible) early, some of late, and most of us turn little by little, a bit now, a bit more tomorrow. But God’s love is constant and eternal for all His creation, which is why Isaiah realizes that His ways “are not our ways.” We’d have favorites! Or we would penalize! God sees it differently. It’s little by little, turning as we can, that we learn to “magnify Christ” in our lives, as Paul puts it, and this is its own reward, the one that keeps us into eternity. I don’t know about yours, but much of my life is spent avoiding getting hired! I’m “turning as I can,” a little at a time, and hope to be there by the 5 PM visit! May we with the maid of Nazareth say, “My soul does magnify the Lord!” God bless.

September 14, 2008, 24th Exaltation of the Holy Cross

2008-09-12T00:00:00.000-07:00

Can I ask you to look at something familiar through different lenses, just to see what it might reveal when seen in a different light? First the background: The first reading is a strange one: the Israelites are exhausted and grumpy, and they “complain against God and Moses.” This tells us that they are, truly, at the end of their tether. They’ve exhausted all others to blame, and now they are going for God! And, so, the Text says: “The Lord sent among the people ‘seraph serpents.’” Now, in Hebrew that means “a serpent of fire!” Like the “tongues of flame,” these serpents of light, attack, and people start to get sick and die. Then Moses makes the bronze serpent and lifts it up for all to see. WHY? Polished bronze in the ancient world was used as a MIRROR! This “shows” them what they’re doing! They’re striking out, like serpents, at each other and killing each other with their words. This “MIRROR” allows them to see what they’re doing and stop it. Thus will healing come, and the depth of Shalom. Now we come to a Gospel reading where Christ says, “Just as Moses lifted up the serpent...so must the Son of Man be lifted up, that whoever sees him might not perish but have eternal life.” Have you ever thought of Christ’s cross as a MIRROR? Showing us what we are doing to each other every day? Do you see the challenge this "lens" for viewing the Cross places on each of us? This Gospel is a plea to stop hurting each other for whatever reasons...just stop! And let the healing begin and the Shalom come. May we all know that healing and that peace. God bless.

September 7, 2008: 23rd Sunday in OT, Cycle A

2008-09-05T00:00:00.000-07:00

Today’s readings are all about living “blamelessly” on the earth, and we see from the outset that it’s next to hopeless! The prophet Ezekiel sees the problem: “I” may be avoiding some dangerous situation or behavior, but what if a friend is engaging in it, and I ignore it? How can I live with myself? The prophet senses he HAS to speak–for not to do so would be to consign a friend to awful pain that, with some help, he might have avoided. Jesus seems to touch on the same issues in the Gospel reading. The Church is not to be a “museum for saints,” but a hospital for sinners, and lots of folk are really floundering, when what they need is some direction. Christ says, “If he doesn’t heed you, treat him as you would a Gentile or a tax collector.” Of course, that raises the question, “How should a Gentile or a tax collector be treated?” And Christ loved them! Dined with them. Made at least one a disciple. So...it’s not as “simple” a read as it first looked. For at the end of the day, we are called to “expand” our love, our circle of care. It’s in doing so that we “lift” ourselves and all humanity a little higher, which is why St Paul reminds the Romans that all duty to God and neighbor is summed up in loving care. This is the legacy we are asked to leave in our wake as we walk the earth--not a naive "blamelessness"--for who can live on the earth and not be somewhat sullied by it? But rather, the legacy we are to leave is a "care" for others that endures--through life's "thick and thin," through people's battles with their weaknesses. May we walk gently and love deeply and as broadly as Grace allows us!

August 31, 22nd Sunday in OT, Cycle A

2008-08-29T00:00:00.000-07:00

Ah, poor Jeremiah! A man torn apart in his lifetime. Here, we see him cry out to God, wishing his fate might be other than it is, yet knowing he has to live out his destiny. And in the Gospel, Jesus, too, senses the pain involved in living out His Destiny. And, like us, Peter cries out, “NO!” He doesn’t like pain–for himself, or for Christ! (I don’t either; I hate pain! And, I’ll bet YOU don’t like it much, either.) But, Christ is adamant. There is a pain in living that can not be avoided. And, if one wants to live a kind and gentle life, the pain may be brutal. No wonder St. Paul asks us to make our lives a “sacrifice” to God. What we are to see is that Jeremiah, St. Paul and Jesus–all men who chose to live gently and kindly on the earth–doing good, and not returning evil for evil, but absorbing it, and transforming it into something gentler and peaceful–these men were NOT masochists, loving pain and sacrifice and agony. They merely point out that every life has it price. The price of a kind and gentle life looks high, from the outside looking in, but, in the end, it is probably the far, far better option. The price of shallowness and dissipation is truly tragic. So, this weekend we are asked to look at OUR lives, and make decisions. God bless.

August 24, 21st Sunday in OT, Cycle A

2008-08-21T00:00:00.000-07:00

We had this Gospel where Jesus asks, “Who do people say I am?” not long ago. And we saw how it was a statement of Who the Christ is as compared with what other religions thought of as divinity. But, this weekend we are asked to look at it from a different perspective: that of what it says about the Church and the believers in the Christ. Just as the “Master of the Palace,” Eliakim, carried ceremonial keys in procession, symbols of the keys he held to “every part” of the palace of the King of Israel–all its secret cubby holes and nooks and passageways, so, too, the Church is entrusted with the “keys” to the mysteries of God, Whose ways are deep, inscrutable, and unsearchable. One other time this year, I believe (if I’m not mistaken,) we’ll have this reading again–closer to the end of October which Protestants celebrate as “Reformation Sunday,” and we’ll read this Gospel and meditate on the role of “Peter,” and order in the Church. Today, though, it’s all about wandering through the rooms of the palace of the King of Kings. Do you feel you have lots of keys to those passageways and cubbyholes of Grace? You do, you know; you truly do. That’s what it means to be Graced. God bless.

August 17, 20th Sunday in OT, Cycle A

2008-08-15T00:00:00.000-07:00

God’s aggravating universalism is the subject of all three readings, this weekend. On the one hand, we like a God who loves everybody. On the other hand, we like a God who “gets even” with those who don’t follow His teachings, and frankly, we would like Him to “draw some clear lines in the sand,” so that the “good” (we) are clearly distinguished from the “bad” (them.) Isaiah subverts that desire, and lets us know that God is the Lord of all, and finds a way to welcome all. Paul, says, something to the effect: you “Gentiles” are not better than the Jews you aren’t getting along with, nor are they “better” than you; so, be nice! And the Gospel is a remarkable account of Jesus, Himself, wrestling with the universalism demanded of Him–whether to heighten the suspense and thus teach His disciples more profoundly, as the early saints thought, or whether He, Himself, had to “grow,” too, as some modern commentators feel. One way or the other, God is bigger than we want Him to be, and His love more broad than we are comfortable with. (These readings should be “the” readings for all priestly and episcopal ordinations and all solemn religious professions! If those who lead don’t remember this truth, and try to own it, how shall the rest of us do so?)

August 10, 19th Sunday in OT, Cycle A

2008-08-08T00:00:00.000-07:00

In the first reading, we encounter a prophet trying to re-find God, and we are given the contrast of “Shock and Awe” vs. Silence as a “clue” to how he found Him. And in the second reading, Paul addresses the community of Christians in Rome, who, too wish to find God, and he urges them to pay attention to the silent heritage of Israel, a heritage not expressed in bombast, but in the silent page, open to be studied and learned from. And, then, poor Peter, in the Gospel who can’t overcome the seduction of the “bombast” to find a calm, holy center, and nearly drowns–a metaphor for all of us, most of whom will never walk on water, but who may nearly drown, nonetheless. True “religion,” the encounter with God, the Lord of our lives, isn’t complex, and needs no pyrotechnics. Nor does it need our personal shame to turn us around. It’s enough to be touch the source of Healing, and let the healing power flow. Then, we, too, like Christ, can become the “hand that lifts” the drowning.

August 3, 18th Sunday in OT, Cycle A

2008-08-01T00:00:00.000-07:00

For the English speaking crowd, one of our favorite hymns is a musical setting for Isaiah’s elegant words, “Come to the water.” The prophet reminds his hearers and readers that the “Water” is always free, given at no cost whatsoever. What does he mean? What was “costly religion” in his day? It was the competing religions. There was Baalism, the traditional religion of the area, a religion centered in how to get and keep wealth, or there was Dagonism, the religion of the Philistine neighbors to the west, which was the religion of power and how to get it and keep it; the religion of Egypt, with its mysteries that sought out the meaning of the heavens as it tried to secure an afterlife, was always tempting, and the religion of the Ammonite neighbors to the east, Molechism, was a religion of rage, vengeance and disrupting all order to one’s gain. We have those religions with us, today, too; now they bear different names, and some of them have co-opted the name of the Prince of Peace as their champion. But they always were, and they still are, terribly costly, not only to the practitioner, but to the whole society. Then, there was Torah, the “Water of Life,” teaching simple justice in the "here and now," there for all to read and to study–free of charge. And when one delves into the Scripture and finds one’s Life there, there is nothing that holds us back on our path to each other and to God, as Paul would say. Matthew’s Gospel wants to say to us that the teaching of Jesus is nourishing to the Nth degree...water of life and bread of life, and, it, too, is there, for free–at no cost, other than the time one must invest in studying it and learning to enter into it so as to embody it. So, what’s stopping us? Hmmmm.

July 27, 17th Sunday in OT, Cycle A

2008-07-27T08:24:00.000-07:00

We meet King Solomon in this weekend’s first reading. Legends about him abound in Jewish lore. It was once popular to say that he was the wisest man who ever lived. The reading wants to tell us that he got that wisdom because he went to God, the source of all wisdom and asked for it. He didn’t ask for material things, but for wisdom. If we could ask God for anything (and we can) what would we ask for? (I might like a red sports car; it might push the darkness back a bit! Or, the winning Mega-Millions ticket!) Solomon asked only for wisdom. In the Gospel reading, Jesus suggests that God’s wisdom is shown in the “treasure” He finds buried in the field—and that is you and me! Imagine that! And the rest of scripture is spent telling us that God considers us precious enough to DIE rather than give us up. Awesome, no? Mull on that mystery as you wander the beach or hike in the mountains or sit by the pool this summer. I’ll bet it will make you feel as good as it makes me feel.

January 18, 2009: 2nd Sunday in Ordinary Time

2008-01-16T00:00:00.000-08:00

Our readings speak of “listening.” Samuel must learn to “hear” the Voice of God, and as the disciples “hear” the words of John, they are drawn to Jesus the Word of God Whose Voice will form them and transform them from fisherfolk into faithful disciples of the Prince of Peace. Twenty centuries separate us from the disciples and Jesus, 40 centuries separate us from Samuel and Eli, yet the task they faced is the same task we face: training our ear to hear the Eternal Voice. Let us pray for ears that can hear the Voice of God over the myriad other voices that compete for our loyalty.