The Look of Love2/28/2022 Monday of the 7th Week in OT “Jesus looking at him, loved him….” These words from today’s Gospel have always been dear to me. There is something about the “look of love” that speaks volumes about the way Jesus sees us. Yes, the young man will be disappointed by his inability to give up all his possessions, but I imagine he will always remember Jesus’ look of love. I wrote extensively about this passage when it appeared last summer and was moved to write the poem, “Dash It All." The accompanying reading from the Book of Wisdom spoke of prudence. "I prayed and prudence was given me. I pleaded and the spirit of Wisdom came to me. You can hear those words woven into the text of Dash -- it all! Mad dash done, Rash race run, Rush to face the one who holds the keys for kingdom’s kind. Flung at his feet, face flushed,. kneeling, not knowing what Word awaits, he prays and prudence is given. “Follow love’s commands.” He pleads for more. Love’s gaze holds him, Eye-catching, Amor’s code, “ Sell and seal the deal and follow me.” A dash of recognition, connecting the dots, face falling, felling hopes dashing dreams. He prefers possessions, More to own than to be won for another who proffers everything and nothing. “Dash it all!” Double-edged Word heard within bone and marrow No narrow path for him. Sad, dashed, done, for now-- A slow and somber turn away Yet Amor’s gaze, Holds him, fast Awaiting his return. I chose the photo of the lighthouse which was given to me by a good friend. The light blinks on and off in a code of dots and dashes and says I Love You
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Shaken and Stirred2/27/2022 7th Sunday in Ordinary Time
Yes, I know the famous line from the James’ Bond films is “shaken, not stirred.” That’s the way he prefers his martinis. I don’t think I’ve ever had a martini so I’m not sure what my preference would be if I did. But something about today’s scriptures left me “shaken” and “stirred.” That’s why the Bond “catch-phrase” came to mind. The shaking began with this image from the Sirach reading: When a sieve is shaken, the husks appear; so do one’s faults when one speaks. A sieve is used to separate the finer particles from the larger ones, that are usually thrown away, although in the case of corn husks they are used as fodder for animals. The scriptures today invite us to ‘sift through” our words and actions and ask if they are bearing good or bad fruit. Some of that sifting experience is asking ourselves whether we focus on others’ faults and are blind to our own. Why do you notice the splinter in your brother or sister’s eye, but do not perceive the wooden beam in your own? How can you say to your brother or sister, ‘Brother, Sister, let me remove that splinter in your eye,’ when you do not even notice the wooden beam in your own eye? These scriptures which call for self-examination are very timely, since the Lenten season begins this Wednesday! What stirred me, however, is the second reading from Corinthians. When this which is corruptible clothes itself with incorruptibility and this which is mortal clothes itself with immortality, then the word that is written shall come about: Death is swallowed up in victory. Where, O death, is your victory? Where, O death, is your sting? Seeing these words stirred a memory of Michelle Abadia’s singing “Resucitó” at the Easter Vigil at St Ignatius. Michelle was an extraordinarily gifted singer who worked as a cantor at St Ignatius. I will never forget the way she “taunted” Death the way she sang the words of St Paul. I only wish I had a recording of her singing that I could share with you. You could almost feel Death shaking in its boots shrinking away to nothing. And when the choir joined her voice when she sang “Resucitó, Resucitó, Alleluia, Resucitó” I was both shaken and stirred! If today’s Gospel is a prelude to Lent, the reading from Corinthians gives us a foretaste of Easter. On a final note, at today’s liturgy, I’ll be playing “Simple Gifts.” As you probably know, this is a “Shaker Hymn.” When I went to do some research of “sieves” I found myself on the website for the Shaker Museum/ Mount Lebanon N.H. The title was “Speaking of Sieves.” (The Shakers are noted for their sieves.) Some days everything comes together! As I was sifting through my photos, wondering what I could use to accompany the theme of “shaken and stirred” I stopped on photos of butterflies taken with a Zoom Lens by Fr. JA Loftus. (I didn’t have any of martinis!) They were so strikingly beautiful that I knew I wanted to use them. But how? What was the connection? Then it came to me! When you have “butterflies” within you, you’re “shaking inside because you’re all “stirred” up…… A World of Difference2/25/2022 Friday of the 7th Week in OT
There’s a world of difference between the snowstorm we are having this morning with its whipping winds and the gentle snowfall of a week ago. This snow stings and bites your face. Last week's snowfall caressed and kissed your face. What a world of difference! As I saw the snowstorm raging outside this morning, I felt as if it was creation’s fury at those who choose to make war instead of peace. Is it God’s as well? Doesn’t God become furious with us human beings who are called to be brothers and sisters? Or is God just saddened by our human failure to put mercy and compassion first and refuse to accept the ways of violence? The letter from James tells us that we should not judge our brother or sister. Jesus says we should not judge, lest we be judged. And yet, how can we not judge a Vladimir Putin or anyone who justifies violence and aggression against another person or in his case a nation? Judging by the criteria that Jesus sets out for the kingdom of God, it’s clear that we as a human race are worlds apart from where God wants us to be. Last week with Ukraine on the brink of being invaded by Russia, I used the Eucharistic Prayer for Reconciliation II. I used it again yesterday. I am struck by the “hope” that is articulated in the prayer, even if this is not the reality we are living. When I pray this prayer, I change “testing” to “loving.” It’s only Love that changes everything. For though the human race is divided by dissension and discord, yet we know that by (testing/loving) us, you change our hearts to prepare them for reconciliation. Even more, by your Spirit you move human hearts that enemies may speak to each other again, adversaries may join hands, and peoples seek to meet together. By the working of your power it comes about, O Lord, that hatred is overcome by love, revenge gives way to forgiveness, and discord is changed to mutual respect. Let’s continue to pray for peace and for the people of Ukraine and Russia. What a wonderful world?2/24/2022 Thursday of the 7th Week in OT
This reflection will be the homily I’ll give this afternoon… Yesterday afternoon, on arriving at our beautiful retreat house, I hope you noticed how “crystal clear” the sky was. Were you hoping that this might presage a few days of “crystal clear” communication from God, giving you answers to your questions, clearing up any doubts you might have about what God is asking of you? As you can see today is anything but crystal clear, and tomorrow promises to be even less, with snow and wind, concealing rather than revealing the world outside. I have to confess that when I read today’s scriptures with James’ harangue of the rich and Marks’ Jesus telling us to “cut off” any part of ourselves that causes sin, and a responsorial psalm that is pretty bleak as well, it was not at all “crystal clear” to me what I should say on the first day of a retreat that is meant to be uplifting, affirming, a time of grace in this special place. And in addition, the news of war in Ukraine and the chaotic world we live in. From the depths of my soul, the feeling I had was “ugh!” But then I remembered the other day when I was praying and lamenting the world’s problem and the suffering of a dear friend, the words that I heard were, “Love the world as it is.” How is that possible? When you see world leaders who have the power of peace-making choosing war and destruction, how do you love the world as it is? When you hear of the 1 percent of people who are said to have most of the money, property and power in society, how do you love the world as it is? When you feel broken hearted because of the staggering loss of lives to illness, disease, poverty and injustice of all kinds, how do you love the world as it is? And this is where my prayer this morning became very strange. I thought of the song “What a wonderful world.” And I found these lyrics I see trees of green, red roses too I see them bloom for me and you And I think to myself, what a wonderful world! I see skies of blue and clouds of white The bright blessed day, the dark sacred night And I think to myself, what a wonderful world! The colors of the rainbow so pretty in the sky Are also on the faces of people going by I see friends shaking hands saying, "How do you do?" They're really saying, "I love you" I hear babies cry, and I watched them grow They'll learn much more than I'll ever know And I think to myself, what a wonderful world! Yes, I think to myself, what a wonderful world! How often these days have I thought, “What an awful world we live in!” But the words, “Love the world as it is” kept reminding me to look for the small things that make a difference. And as I reread the scripture, I looked for something seemingly insignificant that in Jesus’ eyes meant so much. Jesus said to his disciples: “Anyone who gives you a cup of water to drink because you belong to Christ, amen, I say to you, will surely not lose his reward. It’s the small gestures that we must not forget. Love the world as it is? Today I heard, “That’s what I have done for you on the Cross.” For God so loved the world….. I looked out my window this morning, and I saw a bright red cardinal perched on a branch. It must have known I wanted to take a photo of it. It rested till I was done. And then flew away. I will also be sharing the poem Cristal-Eyes with the folks at Mass. christs_crystal.docx YES, TWOS DAY2/23/2022 Wednesday of the 7th Week in OT/ memorial of St. Polycarp
Yes, yesterday was “Twos” Day and I can’t believe I didn’t have a photo of a dancer in a “tutu.” The dancer you see is Kristina Wright in our production of Christmas Reflections. Since yesterday was also the feast of the Chair of St Peter, we missed out on hearing James’ “carping” on the faults of his community many times over. So submit yourselves to God. Resist the Devil, and he will flee from you. Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you of two minds. Begin to lament, to mourn, to weep. Let your laughter be turned into mourning and your joy into dejection. Humble yourselves before the Lord and he will exalt you. There is a world of difference between James’ words which excoriate and Jesus’ words which ask us to have the mind and heart of one who serves and the attitude of a little child open to the wonder and mystery of life. Then he sat down, called the Twelve, and said to them, “If anyone wishes to be first, he shall be the last of all and the servant of all.” Taking a child, he placed it in their midst, and putting his arms around it, he said to them, “Whoever receives one child such as this in my name, receives me; and whoever receives me, receives not me but the One who sent me.” Two years ago, when I wrote about these readings, it was the day before Ash Wednesday and the James reading sounded like a prelude to Lent. Ash Wednesday is a week from today, so we still have time to take relax and enjoy ourselves….. If I were to rewrite James’ letter it might be something like this. So, surrender yourselves to God who is Love Resist what is not of God and you will find yourself. Let God’s love be a magnet, drawing you close. Reach out your hands, you loved sinners, Share your hearts and be of one mind. Begin each morning with Amen and always keep Christ in mind. Let your mourning be turned into dancing and your dejection into jubilation. Love the Lord with your whole heart, soul, mind and strength and God will exalt you in return. TWOS DAY2/22/2022 Tuesday of the 7th Week in OT
Early this morning it dawned on me (photo above) that this Tuesday fell on 2-22-22. All those twos! I was reminded of the palindrome we had two years ago on the feast of the Presentation 02-02-2020. There is a certain sense of “synchronicity” that surprises up when we encounter a date like today. It can make us stop and smile, or wonder if there’s something special about the day. As it turns out, today is a special day in the Church Calendar. It’s the Feast of the Chair of Saint Peter. The Gospel is the familiar confession of Peter and Jesus’ saying “You are Peter, and upon this “petros”(Rock) I will build my Church. Peter must have felt a certain “synchronicity” as all the pieces of the puzzle fit together. He guessed correctly and he was rewarded, but then as we know, it all unraveled for him. Immediately following, as Jesus speaks of his imminent suffering and death, Peter rebukes him and Jesus rebukes him back. So much for synchronicity! (We heard Mark’s version of this Gospel last week.) I’m writing about “synchronicity” even though my “Twos Day” has been so disjointed, and none of the pieces of life’s puzzle have come together. I somehow expected a date like 2-22-22 to be one of those days when everything happened like “clock-work” Not today….. So my apologies that this posting is late in the day and not my best. But I couldn't let a date like 02-22-2022 pass without notice. On this feast of the Chair of St Peter, however, I’m thinking of the person who sits in the chair, Pope Francis. He continues to find ways to challenge and to uplift and affirm who we are called to be as brothers and sisters in the human community. Today's responsorial psalm is "The Lord is My Shepherd." Francis may not be comfortable sitting on a "throne," but he's certainly comfortable being a good shepherd, with a great heart, mercy and compassion for the sheep of his flock. Command/Control Keys2/21/2022 Monday of the 7th Week in OT
My computer keyboard inspired the title for today's reflection. The other photos above accompany the poem that I wrote two years ago. If you are familiar with Ignatian prayer, you know that the imagination plays an important role. Praying with a scripture text like today’s Gospel, when the desperate father appeals to Jesus to heal his son, you would ask yourself, “Who am I in this passage? Am I the father, the son, a disciple? Is the mother present but silent with her grief?” As I prayed with this passage this morning, I found myself identifying with the desperation of the father, praying for healing for friends who have been suffering for a long time, asking over and over for Jesus to heal them. I could easily echo the father’s prayer, “I believe, help my unbelief.” I wish I could just strike Jesus’s “command key” and the people I’m praying for would be healed and restored to themselves. I also found myself identifying with the son who is convulsed with pain and who has no control over his suffering. Oh, that were a “control key” that we could press and calm would win over chaos! I wanted to share with you what I wrote two years ago on this day. It was a very special day that set me “all aquiver.” As you know, I chose “On the Quiver of Mystery” as the title for my collection of poetry. The poem I wrote this day two years ago is the first of the collection. And I’m in the process of publishing the second volume which I hope will be available by Easter. I owe the title of this morning’s reflection to Paul Mariani, poet, teacher, author and so much more. I’m reading his book The Mystery Of It All: The Vocation of Poetry in the Twilight of Modernity. Paul Mariani is an expert in the poetry of Gerard Manley Hopkins and his first chapter in the book which speaks of the poetry of Hopkins and his influence is entitled “On the Quiver of Mystery.” If it weren’t for Mariani’s choice of the word “quiver” quoted from Hopkins himself speaking of the mystery of the Trinity, I doubt that I would have described myself as “all aquiver” this morning as I went for a walk on a path that I have often walked before. All A Quiver Was it the bird songs heard this Hopkins morning that set my ears aquiver? Their quavering voices lasting longer than a quaver and me all aquiver. Or was is the deciduous trees seen this Hopkins morning that set my mind’s eye aquiver? Their branches bare, they bare themselves, half-naked now stripped of spring and summer revealing patches of blue with arms outstretched. Or was it the sheep, the Scottish cow, Or the miniature mules felt this Hopkins morning that set my hands aquiver? Wanting to touch and feel their Coats, coarse and wooly, of course. Were these creatures of our God and King, key to my quivering? Or was it the balsam wreaths with their Christmas scent on this Hopkins morning that set my soul aquiver? Still green but not forever The nose knows. Noel swells anew And I am all aquiver. Or was it this day’s Gospel read this Hopkins morning that set my heart aquiver? He draws from his quiver of stories, not missing the mark No harmatia here except the sin of unbelief. But who could blame a father, seeing his son quivering and quaking? But Jesus calms the storm within and without, instressed and outstretched his heart and the father’s all aquiver. Could it be that the divine marksman was drawing from the quiver of creation, shooting arrows of awe as Hopkins himself heard and felt and saw? A poet’s Eros and A gape? And my, oh, my! All A Quiver CODA2/20/2022 7th Sunday in Ordinary Time
This morning’s reflection is a homily I gave yesterday, as well as a poem I wrote entitled CODA. Although it’s not a direct reflection on the Sunday scriptures, it does connect with the themes of Jesus’ Sermon on the Plain. Have any of you seen the movie, CODA? If you haven’t seen it, perhaps you’ve heard about it, since it’s been nominated for a number of Academy Awards. When I first heard the title, I assumed it had to do with music since “coda” is a word that often describes the ending of a piece of music. The coda is a short summary of the musical themes that have preceded it. What I didn’t know is that CODA is an anagram for “Child of Deaf Adults” If truth be told, I probably would not have watched the film if I hadn’t been told that it was filmed right here in Gloucester. Location, Location! Location! A brief summary of the film for those of you who haven’t seen it. (I won’t call it a coda of CODA since it’s at the beginning of my homily. The coda will come at the end. ) The movie narrates the story of a Gloucester fishing family whose father, mother, and son are deaf and mute. Ruby, the daughter/sister is able to hear and speak and she becomes the connection with the hearing/speaking world for her family. What Ruby discovers about herself is that her voice is not only useful for helping her family to negotiate the hearing world but is also an instrument of beauty. She discovers she has a wonderful talent as a singer. She is torn between following her dream of studying voice or staying with her family as their “ears and tongue” I wonder if you know why I’m speaking about CODA? As I read James’ letter today about the tongue and the power of speech to bless and curse, CODA came to mind. Seeing this family communicating in their own “tongue” which is American Sign Language, and the power of gesture and facial expressions to communicate made me think of our first reading. Hearing the sometimes cruel “put downs” on the tongues of some of those who have the power of verbal speech, the film could be a “coda” to James’ words. For example, when Ruby wants to audition for the school choir, she is unable to sing. She remembers the “sting” of the children’s tongues who bullied her and ridiculed her for “sounding different” than them. For every species of beast and bird, of reptile and sea creature, can be tamed and has been tamed by the human species, but no one can tame the tongue—a restless evil, full of deadly poison. Which one of us has not been the recipient of another’s venomous speech? Or which one of us has not used our tongue, our speech to demean another. Or which one of us has not spoken harsh and critical words that we wish we could take back because of the harm they have done to another? Today’s scripture can be a prompt for self-examination. Do we use our voices, our tongues for blessing or curse? (I wonder if James could ever imagine the “hate speech” that is so rampant on radio, television and internet these days. I also wonder if there is such a thing as “hate speech” in the deaf community? What would that look like? At least it would not sound as painful… Location! Location! Location! Now that you’ve spent a few days on the Gloucester shore, you may want to view CODA. But the other reason I thought about CODA, is the Gospel we just heard. It’s the familiar story of the Transfiguration. CODA, is all about transfiguration: that is, seeing someone, something in a different light. You can’t help but see the inner light in Ruby as she finds her voice, or the inner light in her family as they support her by letting her go to follow her dream. And is there a kind of transfiguration for those of us who see the struggles of a Gloucester fishing family, making a living on the sea, especially with the challenges that come with being hearing-impaired? And, of course, there is something in the “light” here at Eastern Point that is transfiguring. I saw that light this morning as I put out breakfast and saw a few of you transfigured by the sunrise, the morning light shining on your faces. Or later as the light danced on the water’s surface. I would imagine that being here at Eastern Point surrounded by the breathtaking beauty of sky and sea, you could echo the words of Peter in the Gospel. “It is good that we are here!” Can we pitch a tent here so we can stay longer?” Well, at least you have two more days! And yes, as promised, there is a “coda” a wrap-up to my homily. I wrote this poem after an experience at the Y this afternoon. I went to the Y Not to while away the hours But to whittle away the weight I carry Stepping on the treadmill I tire in no time But try to keep going until I reach my goal. And the treadmill of life? I tire all the time, with all my “whys?” Why is the world wanting In so many ways? Why words that cut with cruelty and spew hate? Why so much suffering? Why are You deaf to the cries of a wounded world? Why, Why, Why? Or is it that you are not deaf or mute but use a sign language that shows who You are And how You are? Is this how Jesus spoke to you? In sign language? I went to the Y And while I was donning my Y attire, I heard a small voice Ask Why? Why, Why, Why, A lad of two Asked his dad Why? There was a “why?” for all his dad was doing. There were so many “whys,” I lost count And I laughed. This was no Ordinary “Day at the Y” And I felt myself transfigured by a boy of two, a tow head, as was I so long ago. I asked his name, this boy wanting to be wise with his “whys” And his dad said Jude! Aha! The patron saint of Hopeless cases! Was this God’s sign language for me? And I said, Hey Jude! And went to walk the treadmill weightless The word "coda" is an Italian word that means "tail" I chose the photos of EP skies since it looks as if the clouds are forming "tails" or as Shakespeare says "Thereby hangs a tale!" (As You Like it) . Cross Words2/18/2022 Friday of the 6th Week in OT
Do you want proof, you ignoramus, that faith without works is useless? It was the insult “ignoramus” that ignited my reflection this morning. Not that I should be surprised by James’ cross words. There are many throughout his letter. But calling one of his “beloved brothers and sisters” an “ignoramus” strikes me as crossing the line….. The more I thought about the word, however, I began to see what an ignoramus I am. Not in the slur sense of the word, but in its original Latin meaning, “We do not know.” I learned this morning that the word “ignoramus” was written on bills of indictment when the evidence presented seemed insufficient to justify prosecution. In these cases, ignoramus indicated "we take no notice of (i.e., we do not recognize) this indictment." In the 17th century it began to be used as an insult. The more we age, the more we can say “Ignoramus.” We don’t know all the answers. Life’s meaning is elusive. Most days we need to stand awestruck before the mystery of it all and say that we are not “in the know” And yet, we trust that we are known and loved as we are by the ultimate mystery whom we call God. As we stand before the Cross of Christ we must humbly say “Ignoramus,” we don’t know or understand his sacrificial love for us. And like those first disciples we have to say “Ignoramus” when it comes to our knowing when and where we will encounter the Risen Christ, on a beach, on the road, in a garden or in an upper room. The cross in the photo today was carved from the wood of our favorite pine tree which was felled in the Nor’easter last October. For me it’s a cross between love and suffering, a reminder that our lives crisscross with Christ’s cross. Stubborn as a Mule2/17/2022 Thursday of the 6th Week in OT
In today’s Gospel, Jesus poses the central question of his identity to the disciples. “Who do you say that I am?” It is this question that usually draws our attention. I have often written about an alternative translation of this question in the French or Spanish language. “Who am I for you?” Sometimes I imagine myself asking Jesus that question. “Who am I for you?” On my better days, I hear Jesus saying something affirming. Some days I hear nothing at all. Today, however, I am drawn to Peter’s rebuke of Jesus and vice-versa. Peter will not accept Jesus’ claim that he will have to suffer. Peter’s vision is clouded like the blind man in the passage that precedes this. He needs to have his vision checked! Jesus rebukes him for his inability to see who he really is. Peter proves himself as “stubborn as a mule.” I must admit that I feel for Peter in this passage. He is impulsive, as usual. He blurts out the first thing that comes to mind, and Jesus rebukes, admonishes, scolds him. Is there anyone of us who likes to be scolded? Scolding elicits hurt feelings and resentment. What did Peter feel? I imagine this big hulk sulking by himself. I hope Jesus came to him put his hand on his shoulder and said some encouraging words. If you’ve been "stubborn as a mule" and someone has rebuked, scolded, admonished you, what helps you have a change of heart? What are the encouraging words you need to hear to be less "mulish" and more gentle with yourself and with others? I took the photo of the mules and the sheep 3 years ago when I had just started by daily reflections. I find it hard to believe that I have been writing and posting every day but one (Saturday) since February 13, 2019. I am more than grateful for those of you who have supported my online ministry. I hope that it has helped you on your spiritual journey. It certainly has helped me as I encounter the mystery of God in my life daily. 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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