A Hearth Full of Love4/30/2021 A Hearth Full of Love
Friday of the Fourth Week of Easter Jesus said to his disciples: “Do not let your hearts be troubled. You have faith in God; have faith also in me. In my Father’s house there are many dwelling places. If there were not, would I have told you that I am going to prepare a place for you? And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back again and take you to myself, so that where I am you also may be. Where I am going you know the way.” Thomas said to him, “Master, we do not know where you are going; how can we know the way?” Jesus said to him, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” I hear these words of Jesus as an expression of a “heart full of love.” He is encouraging, consoling, getting right to the heart of the disciples’ fears, worries and anxieties. Don’t we all need to hear Jesus speaking these words to us now? They really do come from the heart. They are an invitation to keep our focus clearly on him as the way, the truth and the life. Truth is, it’s difficult these days to keep anything in focus. There are so many crippling anxieties that come from what we know and threatens us and what to expect in the future. How in the midst of this mess do we take his words to heart and trust in his love? To paraphrase Thomas, we might say: Jesus, we do not know where we are going; how can we know the way? He says to us now what he said to those first disciples. “I am the way and the truth and the life.” If we keep our eyes “fixed” on Jesus, if we keep his way, his truth and his life in “focus,” as challenging as that may be these days without the liturgical and community support that we are accustomed to, there may be an even stronger bond that unites us all with Him. So why is the title of this reflection a “hearth”, and not a “heart full of love?” It’s because the word “focus” comes from the Latin word for “hearth” or “fireplace.” And this reflection is all about keeping your heart “focused” on Jesus, the Way, the Truth and the Life. Here's a link to Paul Melley's I AM. Most have seen this before but it's always good to see and hear Jesus as the "Way, the Truth and the Life." vimeo.com/265442500#t=1980s
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Over Time/ Overtime4/29/2021 Thursday of the 4th Week of Easter/ memorial of Catherine of Siena
It’s today’s readings from the Acts of the Apostles that captured my imagination this morning. At first it was the alliteration of the first line: From Paphos, Paul and his companions set sail and arrived at Perga in Pamphylia. I’m sure that’s why I chose a photo of a single sailboat. (not anything like the sailing vessel that Paul would have used for his journeys.) But it could be a good reminder of how Paul and his companions had to travel around the Mediterranean. How much time did they have to spend at sea? It’s easy to forget that a sea voyage took time. We only hear of them setting sail and arriving, not what happens “over time.” When Paul does speak to the assembly in the Synagogue in Antioch, he tries to make his listeners understand what God has been doing “over time” with the people of Israel. He invites them to remember how God has been working with his covenant people throughout their history and how “in good time” God has given them a Savior, Jesus of Nazareth. Paul’s point is that God has been working “overtime” to bring to fulfillment the promises given to his chosen people. As you may know from personal experience, there are times in our lives when we feel that God is absent. We feel alone and abandoned. It’s only when we see the pattern of God’s love and faithfulness in our lives as we look at our lives “over time,” that we can recognize how God is working “overtime.” We have so much to learn from creation! Especially in this springtime, when we see the time it takes for new buds to form, flowers to blossom and leaves to be full grown. Speaking of trees, today is the memorial of St Catherine of Siena. In an article that appeared in America Magazine last year on this day, J.D. Long-García, wrote about the importance of her writings, especially The Dialogue, which is a conversation with God. You cannot understand The Dialogue apart from its imagery. For example, Catherine describes the human soul as a tree. The tree, which is made for love, should be planted in the soil of humility. The marrow of the tree is patience, and the branches are true discernment. Being grounded in humility and self-knowledge, a key aspect of Catherine’s thought, the soul can discern the will of God. Once we know who we truly are, we will live as children of God. “All of you are trees of love,” God says to Catherine. “You cannot live without love because I made you for love. The soul who lives virtuously sets her tree’s root in the valley of true humility. But those who live wickedly have set their root in the mountain of pride, and because it is badly planted, it produced fruit not of life but of death.” Here’s a link to the full article: ttps://www.americamagazine.org/faith/2020/04/29/why-you-should-read-st-catherine-siena-her-own-words-during-coronavirus-pandemic Moonlight So Night- Ah!4/28/2021 Wednesday of the 4th Week of Easter
This morning’s reflection was inspired by the photo above that I took of the moonlight reflecting on the ocean. The beauty of this scene is created by the darkness. Without the darkness, you would not see the shimmering moonlight. It’s the darkness that enables us to see the light. That’s the irony! Light in biblical terms is contrasted with the darkness. Light symbolizes God and goodness. Darkness is opposed to Light. That’s what we hear in today’s Gospel. Darkness is associated with ignorance, whereas light is knowledge and illumination. I came into the world as light, so that everyone who believes in me might not remain in darkness. It’s good to remember that God is the “God of Day and God of Darkness.” Sometimes the darkness can reveal exquisite beauty as a “high light.” Is the invitation today to listen to the Moonlight Sonata and bask in the beauty of music and light and darkness? Once in A Pink Moon!4/27/2021 Tuesday of the 4th Week of Easter
I wanted to use the “pink super moon” from last night in the title of today’s reflection. I was thinking of “Once in a Pink Moon” as an alternative to “Once in a Blue Moon.” The “pink moon” is seen once a year in the springtime and according to the Farmer’s Almanac, it receives its name from the pink “phlox” flowers that appears in the springtime. So how perfect is it that as we are hearing the Good Shepherd Gospel with Jesus speaking about his “flock’s” relationship with him and the Father! My sheep hear my voice; I know them, and they follow me. I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish. No one can take them out of my hand. My Father, who has given them to me, is greater than all, and no one can take them out of the Father’s hand. The Father and I are one.” Or as Psalm 100 says We are God’s people The sheep of his “phlox” I hope the play on “flocks” and “phlox” leaves you feeling “in the pink!” Pen and Inc.4/26/2021 Monday of the 4th Week of Easter
How is it that a single word, “pen” can mean a writing instrument or an enclosure for animals like cattle and sheep? It is also the word for a female swan. It was the word “sheepfold” that led me to the title of this reflection “pen and inc.” “Amen, amen, I say to you, whoever does not enter a sheepfold through the gate but climbs over elsewhere is a thief and a robber. When I searched the definition of “sheepfold,” I found the synonym “pen.” I began to think of the other meaning of the word. “Pen” which is a writing instrument. When you write in pen and ink, you know that you are writing something that is meant to last. Yes, it’s possible to erase what you have written using “white out” but that never looks very good. If you use “indelible” ink, chances are that what you have written will last a very long time. So why “pen and inc.”? What we hear from the lips of Jesus is that we are “incorporated” into his flock, his sheepfold. We belong to him. “I know mine and mine know me.” There is an indelible mark we receive in baptism and confirmation in which Christ claims us for his own. That indelible mark can not be erased. It can’t be “whited out” even if we stray from the fold. The Good Shepherd is always looking for us, lost sheep. In prayer today, you may want to focus on your belonging to Christ. He is there for you, no matter what. His relationship with you is written in “pen and indelible inc.” The photo below is of my journal. I always write in "pen and ink!" Hooray Horatius!4/25/2021 4th Sunday of Easter
Today’s reflection is the homily I’ll be giving this morning and this evening. If I were to give a title to this homily, it would be “Hooray Horatius!” Yes, I know that sounds like the title of a Dr Seuss children’s book. And you may be thinking, “Who is Horatius?” and why “hooray” for him on this Good Shepherd Sunday. If anyone deserves an “hooray or hurrah” it should be Jesus! Know it or not, you heard the “voice” of Horatius Bonar at the beginning of this liturgy. These were the words you heard. I heard the voice of Jesus say, Come unto me and rest. Lay down O weary one lay down Your head upon my breast. I came to Jesus as I was, So weary, worn and sad. I found in him a resting place And he has made me glad. Yes, Horatius Bonar, 19th century Scottish clergyman is the author of the lyrics of that beloved song. It’s almost impossible to come on a retreat here at Eastern Point and not hear “I heard the voice of Jesus” at least once. It’s one of our favorites and it is the hope that we have for each and every one of you; that you will hear the voice of Jesus while you’re here. When you came to this retreat 6 days ago, were you “weary, worn and sad?” Who isn’t exhausted by the pandemic, the sheer volume of suffering in our world? Aren’t you saddened by reports of what’s happening in India, where there so many are deprived of oxygen or Brazil where hunger is rampant? Who hasn’t come here wearied and worried by what’s going on in the life of a loved one? And have you heard the voice of Jesus inviting you to “come and rest!” I think the scripture passage that I have suggested more than any in this past year is Matthew 11. “Come to me all you are burdened… Take my yoke upon you.” And while you have been here, have you found a “resting place” with Jesus by your side? Where’s your niche? Almost everyone who comes here finds their “niche.” It might be the chaise lounge outside the fireplace room. It might be a chair in the chapel. (Sorry no cushions!) Or a niche outside in one of the rocks. It’s your special resting place and you may very well imagine Jesus sitting by your side, looking out at those “restful waters.” Soaking in the spring sun and air. And have you let Jesus speak to you of his love for you? After all, the voice of Jesus we hear in today’s gospel says I am the good shepherd, and I know mine and mine know me, just as the Father knows me and I know the Father; and I will lay down my life for the sheep. Can you hear the voice of Jesus speaking those words to you? Can you trust the voice of Jesus in his love for you? I heard the voice of Jesus say, Behold I freely give The living water thirsty one, Stoop down and drink and live. I came to Jesus and I drank of that life giving stream, My thirst was quenched, my soul revived And now I live in him. If you google the name, Horatius Bonar, you’ll not only find out what a prolific writer of inspirational, theological books, poems and hymnody he was, but you’ll also see some pictures of him. To be honest, he looks like a classic “curmudgeon.” You know what a “curmudgeon” is? Yes, a cranky old man or someone who acts like that, even at a young age. As I look at his portrait, I think, “How did these beautiful words come from someone so severe and curmudgeonly looking? But, listening to these words, it’s clear that here was a human heart very much in love with Jesus. You can’t hear the words of this song and not think that this curmudgeonly looking guy with big grey whiskers with no smile on his face must have been enraptured by the person of Jesus. I’m sure none of you are in the least bit, “curmudgeonly.” Speaking for myself, I know I can be at times. I can be short, judgmental, exasperated etc. I can be “scroogey.” And to think that Jesus invites even the complainers to receive the gifts freely given, to drink from the living water. Hooray for Horatius! who gives us words from the lips of Jesus so our spirits can be revived. I heard the voice of Jesus say, “I am this dark world’s light Look unto me, thy morn shall rise And all thy days be bright” I looked to Jesus and I found in him my star, my sun, And in that light of life I’ll walk Till traveling days are done. We are very fortunate here at EP that we have water, water, everywhere and visible sunrises. (Even today, although the prediction was for rain, one could see the sun rise. So often the light takes the form of cross. The sun is the head, the light on the horizon, the arms and the light glistening on the ocean, the body. One can’t help me moved and drawn to hear the voice of Jesus say: This is why the Father loves me, because I lay down my life in order to take it up again. No one takes it from me, but I lay it down on my own. I have power to lay it down, and power to take it up again. This command I have received from my Father.” We also have wonderful rocks here as you know; Big Brace Rock which is a symbol of God’s strength, protection and care. And all the other rocks with their niches, resting places for you to be with Jesus. (And who hasn’t felt displaced when you arrive at “your” Jesus niche and someone else is there! Always good to remember that Jesus is the Good Shepherd for each of us. Somehow he is able to hold each of us in his heart in a unique and personal way. Just to finish with a “niche” story. Yesterday I walked the path of the stations of the cross and at the end clambered up the big rock at the end. (I actually can’t clamber anymore.) I climbed very slowly and carefully. On my descent, I decided to be cautious, and I sat down in a niche in the rock. (That rock symbolizes the tomb of Jesus for me, coming at the end of the stations.) I began to imagine myself sitting on top of the tomb, in my little niche, conversing with the Risen Jesus. Of course, I was looking back at the way of the cross, thinking of the words of today’s Gospel, “I lay down my life.” Wanting to talk to Jesus about that. When I opened my eyes, I saw one of the other directors, fleeing the tomb. (She didn’t want to disturb me.) But I thought, Wow, that’s like the Easter story. Could I be the angel, announcing the good news of the Resurrection and Niki be one of the women running from the tomb in fear and amazement or off to tell the others what she had heard and seen? The time will come in a few days when you’ll have to leave your “niche” or nest and fly back home. Will you be like one of the women running from the tomb to say “I have seen the Lord! I have heard his voice!” Hooray for Horatius! Hurrah for Jesus! By George! A Drag-on Slayer!4/23/2021 Friday of the 3rd Week of Easter/ Memorial of St George
I liked last year’s reflection on St George so much that I’m posting it again. And as it turns out, the image of the “light saber” is one I’m working with on a new poem about the empty tomb. I’m hoping it will be finished soon. Today happens to be St George’s feast day. And where there’s a George, there’s usually a dragon ready to be slayed! My prayer for this morning was “Oh, for a George to slay this dragon of a virus that is wreaking such havoc on the world!” When I thought about George’s dragon, I also thought of the days “dragging on” and what a “drag” on people’s spirits this crisis is. The truth, however, is that they are many George’s on the front lines who are “slaying” this dragon with their care and dedication. They are the health care workers and the staff in hospitals who are going to work every day to help heal as well as those who are risking their lives to clean rooms and change beds and do all that critical tasks. Then, there are the “Curious Georges” who are the researchers seeking to find vaccines, and antidotes and cures. The dragon slayers these days are governors and other municipal leaders who have to make difficult decisions for the common good. And, teachers and parents and…… There are too many “Georges” to name. When I asked in prayer for God to send a “dragon slayer” for our time, the response I heard was, “By George, I’ve already sent you the one and only one, my beloved, only begotten Son? Haven’t you been paying attention all week to the Gospel of John. “I loved the world so much that I sent my only begotten son. Look to him, on the Cross, Risen now. With you.” By (God and St.) George! This dragon/ drag on/ will be defeated by the power of the Risen One. The photos I have chosen for today are quite remarkable. Can you see the cross of light, emanating from the sun in the first? And is that a “light saber” I see in the photo above? Saber is the Spanish word for “to know” Hmmm…. The Ripple Effect4/22/2021 Thursday of the 3rd Week in Easter/ Mary, the Mother of the Society of Jesus
It was the ripples in the ocean that caught my eye this morning. It’s a windy day and that’s causing the ripple effect in the water. There’s a “ripple effect” in the reading from the Acts of the Apostles today. Philip is charged with running after the Ethiopian eunuch’s chariot and in this encounter in which Philip interprets the scriptures in the light of the death and rising of Jesus, he brings about belief and conversion. When they plunge into the water for baptism, it causes a ripple effect, both physically and symbolically. When they came out of the water, the Spirit of the Lord snatched Philip away, and the eunuch saw him no more, but continued on his way rejoicing. Philip came to Azotus, and went about proclaiming the good news to all the towns until he reached Caesarea. There is a ripple effect in the joy that the man experiences that he will share with others as well as the effect that Philip has on others who hear him preaching the good news. Each of us has within us the makings of a kind of ripple effect on others. Our positive, hopeful, faith-filled perspective can effect someone else who may be able to pass it on. (Pay it forward) In the same way, one’s negativity and gloominess can have a ripple effect on others with whom we come into contact. I imagine there have been days when you’ve been quite “chipper” and someone comes and chips away at your positive perspective. It’s good to think about the “ripple effect” that our words and actions have on others…. Speaking of the “ripple effect,” since I’ve been writing poetry, others have been sharing their poems with me. Today is the Feast of Mary, the Mother of the Society of Jesus and I’d like to share a beautiful poetic reflection from Sr. Anne Frances Ai Le, OP who made her thirty day retreat here this past summer. It’s entitled, She Said, Yes! 71-_she_said_yes.docx Close to the Vast....4/21/2021 Close to the Vast….
Wednesday of the 3rd Week of Easter The “bread of life” discourse continues today. It is not only a “discourse” but a “dispute.” As I prayed with today’s Gospel, I thought about all the arguments and disputes throughout the centuries about the Eucharist and Jesus’s claims to be the “bread of life.” I found myself praying with these words from Mary Oliver. Sometimes one needs to stop looking for answers and explanations and just "hear the whispers" within..... The Vast Ocean Begins Just Outside Our Church: The Eucharist Something has happened to the bread and the wine. They have been blessed. What now? The body leans forward to receive the gift from the priest’s hand, then the chalice. They are something else now from what they were before this began. I want to see Jesus, maybe in the clouds or on the shore, just walking, beautiful man and clearly someone else besides. On the hard days I ask myself if I ever will. Also there are times my body whispers to me that I have. –Mary Oliver +++ Commenting on her poem Oliver wrote words of wisdom for theologians. “Centuries ago, theologians claimed they had parsed with precision how God acted on the bread and wine during the celebration of the Eucharist. This wasn’t helpful. Their lust for certitude bruised a mystery which was best left alone. It eventually birthed theological wars about the nature of a meal that was ironically intended to mend, not tear apart. I don’t need to know what happens to the bread and wine to experience the oceanic love of God that I feel when I receive it, anymore than a newborn needs to know the mother’s name and address to see and feel the adoration in her gaze.” Stuff and Nonsense?4/20/2021 Tuesday of the 3rd Week of Easter
What is that “stuff?” Stuff is a word that covers a multitude of possibilities. We have plenty of “stuff” in our lives that we cannot name with precision and so we just relegate it to “stuff.” I, for one, use the word “stuff” far too often. I know I should be more precise but so often what trips off my tongue is the word “stuff.” When the Israelites who were hungry discovered an unrecognizable substance on the ground that proved to be edible, they asked, “What is this stuff?” which translates into the Hebrew word “Manna.” Manna is at its root, a question. The “bread from heaven” is so much more than ordinary food. It satisfies the hunger of the Israelites but at the same time makes them hungry for the One who provides it for them. Manna is both “stuff” and “staff” of life as Bread from heaven. “I am the bread of life, whoever comes to me will not hunger, whoever believes in me will not thirst.” Those words in John’s Gospel must have sounded like “nonsense” to many who heard them. The claims that John’s Jesus was making were outlandish, stretching the limits of credulity. Simply “nonsense.” But really aren’t all the claims that we make about God’s incarnation in Jesus, his resurrection from the dead, bread and wine as his body and blood, “nonsense?” There’s a lot of “bad stuff” that is happening right now in our world. The question I’m asking myself this morning is, “How does Jesus, the “bread of life” help us to make sense of a world that is plagued with illness of all kinds?” Can the Eucharist be for us a source of so much meaning that it helps us to “look beyond” the stuff and nonsense of our world to the One who desires to be the source of peace and reconciliation for us all? This reflection led me to listen again to Bernadette Farrell’s “Bread for the World.” www.youtube.com/watch?v=30bJI7M09fw I'd invite you to listen to the lyrics of this song as you contemplate the mystery of the "bread for the world" in the photo above or below. 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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