Tomb's Day1/31/2022 Monday of the 4th Week in OT
The man had been dwelling among the tombs, and no one could restrain him any longer, even with a chain. In fact, he had frequently been bound with shackles and chains, but the chains had been pulled apart by him and the shackles smashed, and no one was strong enough to subdue him. Night and day among the tombs and on the hillsides he was always crying out and bruising himself with stones. Both of today’s scriptures are very graphic in their description of David’s pain and that of the Gerasene. Both are “stoned” physically, spiritually, emotionally. David’s pain comes from the betrayal by his son, Absalom who has become his enemy. The Gerasene is possessed by “demons” that are the reason for his self-inflicted pain. For those retreatants making the 30-Day Spiritual Exercises, these readings would be better heard in the First (Sin) or Third week. (The Passion) The reality, however, is that most all are in the Fourth week. (Joy of the Risen Christ) For that reason, the detail of the story that has caught my imagination is the “tombs." David is “entombed” by his grief and loss. The Gerasene was living among the tombs. In the 4th week of the Exercises, retreatants spend a good deal of time pondering about the “empty tomb.” Could this be a connecting point for today’s scripture? Reading the news these days, especially the situation in the Ukraine, it feels like a "dooms day" scenario. My hope and prayer is that reason will prevail and conflict will be avoided. No need for more tombs.... After the storm, two Jesuit novices created a tunnel to nowhere from the drift of snow. Someone mentioned that it looked like a tomb. That’s why I chose the photo above. And, of course, I share with you the poem, “Once Upon a Tomb.” once_upon_a_tomb_2.docx
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Blizzard Bliss1/30/2022 4th Sunday in Ordinary Time
Yesterday’s blizzard was truly frightening here on the coast. Between the whiteout and the winds, you just had to be in awe of the power of nature. The gospel for yesterday was Jesus’s calming of the storm, and since we were experiencing a blizzard, this was what came to me. Will I weather this storm? Lizard-like fear creeps into my bones while wind wails and blizzard blinds no sight-seeing but white out cold nature’s erasure of all seen and unseen unsung but for fright and white noise whipping all in a frenzy. Will they weather the storm? Lizard-like fear creeps into their bones while wind wails And Galilee’s gales force fright-seizing All in the same boat But One whose deep sleep cushions fears and calms waves of anxiety within and without. On Waking His voice heard a cross the waters and fear is sloughed off like lizard skins And Awe The new skin they wear. I wonder as I wander In the midst of mind’s blizzard of fears and failings Whether or not, I’d hear the voice across the waters calling me to slough off the old skin calming me with a balm whose genesis brings bliss Weather or Not , I hope you were able to find the allusion to the “bombogenesis” in the last verse. Although today’s reflection is all about yesterday, I’m struck with the “balm whose genesis brings bliss” in the familiar reading of Paul to the Corinthians. It’s worth praying with today. Pretty Seedy1/28/2022 Friday of the 3rd Week in OT/ Memorial of St Thomas Aquinas
I had a challenging time finding a photo to go with the theme of “pretty seedy” until I landed on the photo of two bird feeders. They are “pretty seedy.” Today’s scriptures are pretty “seedy” in both senses of the word. The Gospel is rife with seed references. “The kingdom of God is like a man who scatters seed…. The kingdom of God is like a mustard seed….” And then there is the “seedy” story of David and the extent to which he goes to fulfill his desires for Bathsheba, sending Uriah to the front lines to have him killed. David may not be “going to seed” in a physical sense but he certainly is in the moral sense. Is this an example of “pulp-nonfiction?” David is a biblical persona who reveals the complexity of human nature. He has many good qualities, but he is also responsible for great harm to others. In this story both Bathsheba and Uriah are his victims. He thinks only of the satisfaction of his own desires and not the havoc he is creating in others’ lives. And yet, he is still God’s chosen and anointed King. He has a special place in God’s heart despite the evil he has done. I think that can give us hope when we feel doubtful that God can love us unconditionally. Even though David will suffer and pay the price for his misdeeds, God does not withdraw his love for him. The other “seedy” part of the scripture is meant to instill hope in us as well. Jesus describes the kingdom of God as unfolding mysteriously and in invisible ways, similarly to the way a seed grows and produces a harvest or a bush that is a source of shelter for many. I wonder if the scripture doesn’t invite us to think about the seeds we have sown throughout our lives. They may be seeds of faith, hope and love that we have planted in our families, our communities, our workplaces. Often, we do not get to see the fruit that comes from those seeds but hopefully we know that in some ways “as small as a mustard seed” our lives do make a difference. Today is also the memorial of St Thomas Aquinas. The “seedy” theme works for him since the “seeds of faith and reason” came to bear much fruit in his “Summa Theologica.” Here’s a quote from him that is worth pondering. “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?” Sitting Pretty1/27/2022 Thursday of the 3rd Week in OT
After Nathan had spoken to King David, the king went in and sat before the LORD and said, “Who am I, Lord GOD, and who are the members of my house, that you have brought me to this point? Yet even this you see as too little, Lord GOD; you have also spoken of the house of your servant for a long time to come: this too you have shown to me, Lord GOD! David is “sitting pretty” as we’ve been hearing. He’s God’s favorite, the anointed king, a great warrior, a good dancer, and has received a promise of eternal faithfulness for his “house.” At the moment, he’s “sittin’ on top of his world.” (Just wait until tomorrow!) The photo above is one of the favorite “sitting pretty” places in the retreat house. It’s where the tabernacle sits on a pedestal with the vista of creation as its background. Throughout the day, so many retreatants come to “sit before the Lord” as David did. It’s then and there that we have the opportunity to speak with God, sitting there, pretty faith-filled or doubtful, joyful or troubled, peaceful or restless etc. What matters is taking the time to “sit before the Lord.” What is so engaging about this place is that you have the “little house” for the reserved Eucharist and the “big house” of Creation, both visible and revealing different aspects of God’s self-communication with us. I hope that each of us has some time to just “sit” in the presence of God, whether it be at home, in a church, or in God’s creation. Heart(h) and Home1/26/2022 Memorial of Saints Timothy and Titus
Every evening for the month of January, there has been a blazing fire in the fireplace, aka the “hearth.” As I listen to retreatants speak of this time, it’s clearly a “heart” place as well as a hearth. What seems to happen as they gaze upon the fire is that memories are stirred up. This certainly fits with Paul’s letter to Timothy: For this reason, I remind you to stir into flame the gift of God that you have through the imposition of my hands. If we can stir into flame the memory of graced moments in our lives, there is the possibility that it will ignite something within us. Paul is reminded of Timothy’s mother, Lois and grandmother, Eunice and how their faith stirred up Timothy’s passion for the Gospel of Jesus Christ. These days, with all the troubles in our world, and the divisions in our Church, there’s a temptation to let this dampen our hope, trust and passion for the Good News. What is it that we need to “stir into flame” our desire to live our faith in our Triune God so that we live as we love and vice versa? (I love that the Rublev icon of the Trinity is above the fireplace/hearth) Is this an invitation for me to join the folks who are sitting before the “hearth” tonight? I posted a photo of my mother and grandmother on the day of my First Mass. I’m doing that again, along with one of my imposing hands on my parents. I’m hoping that it will “stir up a flame” in me. What a Whirl!1/25/2022 Feast of the Conversion of St Paul
I was disappointed to see that the scriptural passage of David dancing before the Ark would not be heard this year. The feast of the Conversion of St Paul which always falls on January 25th takes precedence. I still would like to share “What a Whirl” since it’s one of my favorite poems. And, come to think of it, “what a whirl” Paul’s conversion caused. His world was turned upside down through his encounter with the Risen Lord. And “what a whirl” for all Christians who have listened and taken to heart Paul’s preaching of the life, death, and Resurrection of Jesus. And a "conversion" is a "turning around" So it's all a Divine Dance! What a Whirl! Ark advancing El Shaddai, Shy, yet asking Shall we waltz, King? or two-step or tango or try a tarantella? Shall we dance, King? And I, David answer with abandon, Ah! Yes! Today shall be our dancing day! David dancing, whirling, dervish-like bowing, bending, arc-like arms akimbo, swinging, swirling swaying in ecstasy, entranced. Suffice it to say, shamelessly. David dancing A warrior waltzing A leader leaping A Kingpin spinning, twisting, turning, casting care to the wind, carried away. clad only in ephod baring his body and soul to the whirl, for all to see. Suffice it to say, seamlessly. Watching from a window Michal sees and scorns the dancer and the dance. She cries and crows, How humiliating! How undignified! Your kingly bearing betrayed, barely clad, cavorting, leaping like a gazelle, A dancing King disgraced! Suffice it to say shamefully! David divining son Solomon’s song, “My lover leaps gazelle-like.” David rejoining “Praise God in the festive dance!” David rejoicing “with timbrel and dance” Suffice it to say, What a Whirl All Four-One/One For All1/24/2022 Monday of the Third Week in OT One of our 8 day directors is co-author of a book on Prayer and the Enneagram. So, it’s not surprising that the Enneagram was a topic of conversation in our evening social times together. When each person was giving their “number” I had to admit that I didn’t know what I was. Those in the room who knew me and were familiar with the Enneagram, had no reservation telling me I was a Four. A little research this morning confirmed that I had most of the healthy and unhealthy characteristics of a Four. I also learned that I need a “One” to find the balance of personality that I need to flourish. And so the title: All Four- One. And yes, this reflection is related to the readings. David is a leader who is “one for all.” He is successful in bringing about unity for Israel, despite his human shortcomings. God seems to be able to accept David for who he is. In the Gospel, Jesus challenges his critics who accuse him of being at the “mercy” of Satan. “He casts out demons by the power of the prince of demons.” But as Jesus says, a house divided against itself cannot stand. Jesus wants to bring about unity and not division. He desires to be the “One for All.” As I prayed with today’s scriptures and thoughts about being a “Four” I was thinking about the passage that I suggested to the 30 day retreatants yesterday. It’s Jesus asking the question, “Who do you say that I am?” In my prayer, I asked Jesus, “Who do you say that I am? Or Who am I for you?” This led to a moment of insight that I may be a “Four” but I am not defined by what I have done, what I am doing or what I have failed to do. Jesus cares for me “as I am” and not because of “what I do.” (Or what number I am on the Enneagram) I was reminded of a poem I wrote: A Fine Line cleary is written by a “Four” So here’s One Four All…. A Fine Line I know I’m nobody special thanks to Emily. What the dickens! How can I be somebody and nobody at the same time? Her rhymes remind me there is a fine line between the “Me” and the “me.” I walk that fine line every day, hearing “whoooo are you?” wandering Alice’s way, wondering if “me” is more than “smoke and mirrors.” Was this morning’s sunrise mirror on the sea, a line meant for me? What the dickens! From my window in my rocker I see/saw sun’s fine line, light line, life-line, direct line divine line coming towards me. Must be off my rocker! To think a line meant for me! I know I’m nobody special thanks to Emily or is it Alice I have to ask? I know this nobody who felt like a somebody. seeing the Son’s fine line from his perfect perch. Today, this nobody is somebody’s songbird! Just for Today1/23/2022 3rd Sunday of Ordinary Time
Sometimes when I read the homilies I’ve given over the years, I start second guessing myself. Does what I said then, still hold for us? What was I thinking, feeling in 2004, when I wrote about “Today” as the theme of my preaching? Does it bear worth repeating? “Today,” I think it does serve as a reminder to find the “Good News” that is here for us today. Today this scripture has been fulfilled in your hearing! Shortest homily that I’ve ever heard. Leave it to Jesus to have the best one-line homily. What you see is what you get. This Jesus we see today reading from the scriptures and claiming that he is God’ liberation is very different from the Jesus we heard last week. "What does your concern have to do with me," he says to his mother. "My hour is not yet come." Last week in the story of Cana, Jesus seemed aloof, disinterested. Today he comes to the forefront and makes the most extraordinary claim. God’s good news is here and now! God’s good news! What did you expect to hear this morning? Bad news? A litany of everything that’s wrong with you and with our world? I hope you didn’t come to church expecting to hear “bad news” I hope you came expecting to hear ‘Good News”. Were you so filled with enthusiasm, filled with the spirit of God that you couldn’t wait to get to church to hear the good news and celebrate the Eucharist with brothers and sisters in Christ? As Paul says in the letter to the Corinthians. Each of us is connected to the other. We are all parts of the body of Christ. I don’t know whether I’m a little toe or a big mouth but each of us belongs to this body of Christ. Each of us has an important role to play in announcing God’s Good News. Do you remember the Good News you heard last week? God delights in you! God rejoices in you! Will you leave this assembly on fire with love for God, touched again by the extraordinary Gift of Jesus in your life? Today this scripture has been fulfilled in your hearing. The operative word today is Today! Today Jesus is our freedom. Today he is our good news. Today he is proclaiming release from captivity. Today he gives us sight. Today. Not yesterday or tomorrow but Today. In this moment in Jesus we know we have nothing to fear, nothing to regret, nothing to imprison us. There is nothing that anyone can say about you that should have more power than Jesus’ love for you. That’s the good news. Today and every day. That’s why you came today and even if you leave with the cares and concerns of life still burdening your minds and hearts, perhaps you will know a little better that your concerns have everything to do with Jesus. For his hour is come. Now is the hour. Now is the time. Now is today. My hibiscus plant blossomed just in time for today's post. I know the flower is with me "Just for today" but can I be grateful for the beauty of the time it is here? Or today's sunrise which will never be repeated in the same way. Can I give thanks "just for today?" Strike or Spare?1/21/2022 Friday of the 2nd Week in OT When I heard these readings two years ago, David’s choosing not to strike but to spare the life of Saul, led me to think about bowling. I dedicated it to my Greek teacher when I was a student at Regis. I was anything but bowled over by this morning's dawning. Just a thin coat of snow. (Then again, David takes a small piece of cloth from Saul's cloak to prove to him that he had the choice of striking or sparing him.) And as it turns out Jack LaBonte's birthday is tomorrow. Lots of good connections! 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. S(a)ul King1/20/2022 S(a)ul King
Thursday of the 2nd Week in OT My reflection from two years ago on a sulking Saul spoke to me this morning, since there’s a lot to “sulk” about these days. King Saul has been center stage in the scriptures for the past week. His has been the leading role. For while he was God’s favorite, the newly anointed King but then he falls out of favor. He is rejected by God, shunted aside and now plays a “supporting” role that is anything but! Saul is consumed my jealousy as he sees God’s favor turn towards David. (God does seem to be very fickle!) You can imagine King Saul, sulking after he hears the refrain of the women who sing David’s praises in today’s scriptures. “Saul has slain his thousands, and David his tens thousands.” The rejection that Saul experienced is only worsened as he sees David’s successes as well as his winning the affection of Saul’s son, Jonathan. One thing after another rubs salt in Saul’s wounds. Sulking is a fitting description of Saul, King of Israel. What does the story of Saul say to you? As I have been praying with it this week, it helps me to recognize by own woundedness stemming from feelings of rejection and failure. This can easily lead to “sulking,” and not recognizing the grace that so often stems from one’s vulnerability. It’s interesting how “wounded” an “vulnerable” have different emphases; wounded is negative, vulnerable is in some sense positive. Vulnerable comes from the Latin word for “wound” which is “vulnus.” Is it fair to say that when you’re wounded, it’s the pain that draws your attention and creates an inward focus? When you’re vulnerable, there may be an outward focus that comes from your willingness to let others see your pain in a way that shows that it does not absorb or define you. May I finish this reflection with a Mary Oliver poem? I GO DOWN TO THE SHORE I go down to the shore in the morning and depending on the hour the waves are rolling in or moving out, and I say, oh, I am miserable, what shall-- what should I do? And the sea says in its lovely voice: Excuse me, I have work to do. So much for sulking! 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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