Spellbound1/31/2021 4th Sunday in Ordinary Time
When was the last time you were held spellbound by someone’s words? Was it listening to Amanda Gorman delivering her poem, The Hill We Climb, at President Biden’s Inauguration? She certainly cast a spell with her presence, poise, gestures, and most importantly her words. In an interview with Anderson Cooper, she responded to a question he asked about “images” that inspired her poem, replying that it’s "words" that inspire her and not images. Words have power and are pliable and playable. In a tweeting world, words have become eviscerated of meaning and are more place holders for fury and bigotry and are more meaning-lies than meaningful. Her words spoke truth to powerful people who use words as weapons. As is my custom, I read the homilies I have written in years past. As it turns out, two of them for the 4th Sunday in Ordinary time, had the theme of “spellbound.” One from 2000 and the other from 2009. The latter referenced the Inaugural Speech of President Obama. It was not only his words but his presence that held the world “spellbound.” And, of course, in today’s Gospel, it is Jesus’ word and his presence that holds his listeners “spellbound.” I don’t imagine the words of my homily will hold you spellbound but I hope you will think about the power of God’s Word to “dispel,” whatever fears, anxieties or troubles that may have hold of you. Remember Jesus is God’s Word made flesh who dwells among us. 4th_sunday_2009.doc I chose the photo of the moon I took last night. It cast its spell over me and all those whom I know had the opportunity to see its light glistening on the Ocean. And this morning's seascape which also held me spell bound.
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Up Close and Musical1/29/2021
Friday of the 3rd Week in Ordinary Time
Have you ever seen a pink piano? That may seem like a strange question to you but when I was growing up, I took for granted that there was nothing unusual about a piano painted pink since in my grandparent’s summer home, there was a pink upright piano. Years later, remembering the pink piano and realizing that I had never seen another one of its ilk, it dawned on me that my “crazy aunt Willetta” whose favorite color was pink must have painted it. It may be the first words of today’s reading from the Hebrews that activated this memory of a pink piano. “Remember the days past…..” And yet the pink piano was not the first memory of the morning. A friend and fellow alumnus from Regis ’66, is a distinguished director, producer and theater critic in Canada. During his career he has been very involved in the Stratford Theater which holds many cherished memories for me. During this Covid time, Richard Ouzounian has conceived and produced “Up Close and Musical.” It’s a series of solo musical performances by some of the brilliantly talented performers from the Stratford Festival. Last night was the premier featuring Marcus Nance in Voice of a Preacher’s Son. The musical performances are interwoven with Mr Nance speaking of his upbringing as the son of a preacher. This performance became my prayer this morning when I was able to view it. There was so much about it that captivated me. Marcus sings “Amazing Grace” to the tune of “The House of the Rising Sun.” It was startling to hear these familiar words sung to another melody. It was a very different experience and became an amazing grace for me. What followed was “Soon Ah Will Be Done.” This spiritual soared from his voice and soul and you could feel the pain, grief, longing to be “home” and to leave this troubled world behind. Then he sang “Old Man River,” which was one of my father’s signature pieces. Oh! the memories that flooded my soul as I remembered the countless times that my father’s baritone voice reached the depths and heights of his vocal range. The final piece was “Nature Boy.” I hadn’t thought about or heard this song in decades. And yet I remembered my father singing it and my crazy Aunt Willetta accompanying him, sitting at the pink piano. I can still see the sheet music they used. As you can see today’s reflection is “up close and personal.” And yet, I hope it applies to you as well. The Gospel today speaks of what is happening “behind the seens.” The two parables; the mustard seed and the sprouting seed invite us to recognize there’s a lot going on that is not visible to the eye. God’s grace can be not only amazing but surprising! Would you take some time to “remember your days past” and ask to see how God’s grace is always working but so often “behind the seens.” Speaking of “behind the scenes,” I’m grateful for Richard Ouzounian, and the Stratford staff, and of course, Marcus Nance for the wonderful first in the series, “Up Close and Musical.” The performance begins 37:39 into the video No Doubting Thomas1/28/2021 Memorial of Thomas Aquinas
The Gospel for today, Thursday of the 3rd Week in Ordinary Time is certainly appropriate for someone who brought so much to light through his human intelligence and has had an immeasurable influence on Church teachings. Jesus said to his disciples, “Is a lamp brought in to be placed under a bushel basket or under a bed, and not to be placed on a lampstand? For there is nothing hidden except to be made visible; nothing is secret except to come to light. Anyone who has ears to hear ought to hear.” He also told them, “Take care what you hear. The measure with which you measure will be measured out to you, and still more will be given to you. Thomas Aquinas spent his life bringing to light the mysteries hidden in the universe and in the Divine consciousness. As brilliant as he was and as prolific in his philosophical output, he was limited by the science of his era. I’m sure if he had today’s knowledge of the universe, human sexuality, the potential for nuclear destruction and the horrors of war in our times, he would rethink many of his teachings. This morning I was reading some of Thomas’ most quotable quotes. No doubt you will find them as wonder-filled as I did. (Or at least I hope so!) “How can we live in harmony? First we need to know we are all madly in love with the same God.” “Beware of the person of one book.” “Because philosophy arises from awe, a philosopher is bound in his way to be a lover of myths and poetic fables. Poets and philosophers are alike in being big with wonder.” “How is it they live in such harmony the billions of stars—when most men can barely go a minute without declaring war in their minds about someone they know.”!!!! “There is nothing on this earth more to be prized than true friendship.” “The things that we love, tell us what/who we are.” “Love takes up where knowledge leaves off.” “Sorrow can be alleviate by good sleep, a bath and a glass of wine.” And his final quote “All that I have written seems like straw to me.” Snowing's Sowing1/27/2021 Wednesday of the Third Week in Ordinary Time
Waking to a blanket of snow here at Eastern Point always sows something of child-like joy in me. Although it will not amount to much and most likely melt by this afternoon, it’s like a seed of hope and joy sewn. The seed is seeing something beautiful, a reminder that given the “mush” of our world can be so “much” more. The Gospel today is the familiar parable of the Sower. Last July, when Matthew’s version was heard for the 15th Sunday in Ordinary Time, the Pauline reading was from Romans, “all creation groaning.” The “grown of creation in labor pains” and the “full grown” of the parable inspired me to write this: Full Grown Rom 8:18-23, Matt 13:1-10 How goes it? You ask. So-so I say. So, I see, You say. So, You know, I say. What can you expect when creation’s groan is deafening, ear-splitting, crying out for air pods to stifle the sounds of labor’s pains, pandemic’s futility, yet Love’s placenta providing, promises transitioning, birthing a new creation choosing to hear soul soothing, music to the ears, pulse and rhythm reminding of more, so much more so much, much more than mask and misery. How goes it? I ask Sow-Sow you say What’s that? I ask You’re only so-so? No, you say, SOW, Double you, Seen but not heard. Sewn but not grown, My word still lies fallow Waiting for a birth Harrowing your soul, transitioning to more fertile than futile and so, I’m rooting for you. How goes it? You ask Sow-Sow, I say Is my soul rich enough soil for the planting? Will your roots reach Down, holding me fast, Tenacious. We’d better be careful not carefree, you and me, Your harrowing makes for hallowing. What once was groan Is now full grown. All in the Family1/26/2021 Memorial of Sts. Timothy and Titus
Family is the thread that is sewn throughout today’s scriptures. Paul references Timothy’s grandmother, Lois, and mother, Eunice as the family members who nurtured Timothy’s faith. (In my case, it was my mother, Dorothy and grandmother, Augusta whom you see in the photo above on the day after I was ordained and presided at Mass for the first time.) Reading about Timothy’s mother and grandmother, I couldn’t help sharing this photo that is on bureau and which I see every day. Today might be a day to reflect on the family members who shared their faith with you and nurtured you in yours. And yet, the strong “familial” theme that emerges from the letter to Timothy and Titus as well as the Gospel, is how we are closely knit together as a family of faith. Paul considers both Timothy and Titus as friends and spiritual sons. Jesus considers all who “do the will of God” as his brother, sister and mother. The scriptures invite us to reflect on how we belong to one another as Christ’s family. Even the psalm speaks of the “family of nations” reminding us that we are all God’s children, even though nations are more often at odds with each other. Pope Francis’ recent Encyclical, Fratelli Tutti is a powerful reminder that we all are part of the family of humankind. As you reflect on those who have handed the faith down to you, especially, your “Lois and Eunice,” you might also remember all those who, because of Covid protocols, have not been able to be near their beloved family members in their illness and death. It is certainly one of the most heartbreaking realities of this pandemic year. As we read about the “imposition of hands” that Paul refers to in the ordination of Timothy; this classic gesture of a transfer of power, one cannot help but think of how the power of healing touch has been “on hold” this past year. (Yesterday, I had my annual physical and was startled when my primary imposed his hands on me to check for vitals. It’s the first time in over a year where I have felt the power of human touch.) I have shared the photo of myself giving my parents my first blessing on my ordination day once before. I can’t help but think of them and thank them for the ways in which they blessed me throughout my life with their “imposition of hands.” The Story of Paul1/25/2021 Conversion of St Paul
The story of the conversion of St Paul is one of the most dramatic in the New Testament. As you know it’s a complete reversal of his life. He goes from persecuting the movement of those who believe in Jesus as the Messiah, to becoming the “Apostle to the Gentiles.” What a change! This morning, I share with you another “Story of Paul” that I wrote about 25 years ago. It’s all about finding one’s voice and the journey that one sometimes has to go through for that to happen. You’ll need to read it if you want to understand why there’s a photo of a camel above. And although Paul is always portrayed riding a horse before he falls to the ground, there’s not mention of a horse in the text. Maybe he was riding a camel! the_story_of_paul.pdf Mind Change?1/24/2021 3rd Sunday in Ordinary Time
I wonder if there has ever been a time that has so anxious for change. As you know, change is not always easy for us when we are set in our ways. Some of us mind a mind change more than others. And yet, I can’t imagine anyone who doesn’t want to see change happening in the way we have had to live at a distance from each other. Today’s scriptures are all about “change.” Jonah is resistant to God’s call for a change of mind and heart. He resents the Ninevites who are open to repentance and change. Jesus calls Peter, Andrew, James and John to change their livelihoods and follow him. Paul reminds the Corinthians that everything is changing. “For the world in its present form is passing away.” In 2006, I gave a homily on this Sunday at the family mass at St Ignatius. It was all about “change.” ( deliberately wore the wrong color vestments so I’d have to change!) This homily, as well as the story of Jonah and Welly are not only about change of mind but also change of mood. They are both light-hearted which may be just the change we need these days! 3rd Sunday 2006 (Family) Can everyone see what I’m holding up? Can you hear it? It’s change. I have a friend who had all this change, and he didn’t want to deal with all this change, so he gave it to me. Now I don’t mind dealing with change because I can always use the big change for meters and the little change (pennies, nickels and dimes) I can put in those sleeves and bring them to the bank. Because you know a little change can add up to some big bucks! But as I said, I don’t mind dealing with change. Voices: Father Bob, you need to change! What do you mean I need to change! I’m perfectly fine exactly the way I am. You have some nerve telling me I need to change! Voice: Fr. Bob, you need to change your vestments. You’re wearing the wrong color. (sheepish) Oh I guess I do need to change. We’re in ordinary time so I should be in green. I thought you meant that I needed to change. Voice: Gee, Fr Bob if you get so defensive about change in yourself maybe you need a change. Oh, like a vacation? Well, I am going to Jamaica to visit our sister parish. St Anne’s in a few weeks. That’ll be a change…. Change, Change, Change…(sings) There are many different ways in which we use the word change:
Sometimes change is easy. Like changing your clothes Sometimes change is hard. Has anyone here had to change where they live, or go to school or where they work? Has that change been easy or hard? (Discuss) Sometimes you have to change your mind. Easy or hard? Depends. If you think that you’re always right. If you’re really stubborn it could be hard to change your mind. How about a change of heart? That may be the hardest thing. To have a change of heart. Because then we really have to change the way we think and feel! Why all this talk about change today? It’s what we hear in the scriptures. Jonah tells the people of Nineveh that they have to change their evil ways. God tells Jonah that he has to have a change of heart himself and be more forgiving. Even God has a change of mind and heart! Then there is Jesus. Jesus comes and says, “Change your lives and believe the good news! God’s really near to you! God wants you to love one another!” And then Jesus asks some fishermen to change. They are asked to change their jobs, change their minds about the way that God is working in their lives and have a change of heart about the way they see the world now through Jesus’ eyes. And let’s not forget one of them has a change of name. (Simon, Peter, Cephas/Rock) The new name says he is called to be a new person in Jesus. So, what do you think? Is there anything about you that you would like to change? Is there anything about you that others (your family) would like you to change? Is there anything that you think that Jesus would like to help you to change? jonah_and_welly.pdf Bowled Over1/22/2021 Friday of the 2nd Week in Ordinary Time
Last year on the Friday of the 2nd Week in Ordinary time, the first reading was the story of David deciding whether to strike at King Saul or spare his life. The two words are used in bowling and that became the theme of the reflection. I dedicated the poem to my dear friend, Jack LaBonte who not was not only my Greek teacher but who also inspired me to join the Jesuits. Today happens to be Jack’s Birthday so I’m posting this again. This morning was a pretty bland skyscape but then the sun broke through the clouds and although not exactly “bowled over,” I found it “striking,” not “sparing” its beauty. And the photo has an "alley" feel to it! Bowled Over For Jack LaBonte I had hoped To be bowled over By this morning’s sunrise A striking setting Not sparing its beauty Just for me I had hoped To be knocked down like ten pins allaying my fears that I am only spare change, pocket-money amounting to little Who does not hope to count for more? I had hoped To be bowled over By streaks of color Alley ways crossing Always more and more Striking but I was spared the vision Nothing notable Everything ordinary Nothing dawning Do I count for so little? I had hoped To remember this moment Engrave it my memory Time and tide stopping Waiting for me to see And then it dawned on me My memory banks Saving me from forgetting, Striking a chord Not sparing a moment In time and life’s tide Knocking me down Waves of what was crashing over me. “rhododactulos “ remembered! rosy-fingered dawn’s epithet, Seeing now What Homer saw Centuries ago. I remember a young boy Learning life’s lessons (It was Greek to me) An old man Lending an ear To hear the dawn Singing. A New Day Dawns...What a Relief!1/21/2021 \
Thursday of the 2nd Week in Ordinary Time/ Memorial of St Agnes Relief as you know is respite, reassurance, consolation, comfort, solace, calmness!!!! Something in “relief” is also something that stands out in dramatic contrast with something else. Yesterday’s inauguration put into stark relief a nation’s need for calm and for reassurance in contrast to the chaos of the last year. 1-21-21 brings with it a promise of a new dawn. So I share with you the images of day’s dawning. Love's Augury1/20/2021 Wednesday of the 2nd Week in Ordinary Time/ Inauguration Day
Last year’s entry on this day was titled “Grief’s Engravings.” It was inspired by the line in today’s Gospel: Jesus, grieved at their hardness of heart, said to the man, “Stretch out your hand.” He stretched it out and his hand was restored. ( I used the outside Stations of the Cross to capture "Grief's Engraving." Last year's reflection began my prayer today but it found another expression as you will see. Here’s my reflection today that weaves the Gospel, the Inauguration and hopes for the future. Love’s Augury We should rejoice This day that augurs Well, but will it be Enough to heal A nations’ soul Withered with Soulless cruelty And contagion? Will abiding in Compassion and Comity tear down Walls and will A ban on hate and violence Soften hearts hardened By daily doses of lies And death’s penalties And power plays? Will this day that augurs Well, offer omens Of peace and promises Of outstretched hands and hearts? We should rejoice This day that augurs Well, but grief’s Engravings hold us Fast, images of ERs, Viral violence, Kindness caged Block the arteries of hope And wither one’s spirit. Is all hope in vain? Or will Today augur in a new vein, Life blood, coursing through a body politic in need of healing remedy? Once a withered hand Outstretched and held In his felt something Stirring within, An outward sign of Love’s power Playing a five-finger exercise In a new key. AuthorAs an ordained Catholic priest for 45 years and a member of the Jesuits for 57 years, I've had a great deal of "spiritual" experience! This is a place where I can continue to share my thoughts about God, Jesus, the Holy Spirit and what it means to live the "mystery of God." Categories |
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