See-Saw4/29/2022 Friday of the 2nd Week of Easter/ Memorial of Catherine of Sienna
A large crowd followed him, because they saw the signs he was performing on the sick. This is how the Bread of Life discourse in the Gospel of John begins. It’s another version of the multiplication of the loaves and fishes. The detail in the story that has always caught my attention is the little boy who has a few loaves and fish and is willing to hand them over. It was the inspiration for the story “Rachel and Michaels’ Miracle, which I have shared with you many times before. Today, however, it’s thinking about the people seeing the signs Jesus was performing on the sick that has captured my imagination. It’s Jesus’ power to heal that draws people more than anything else. Yes, his teaching is compelling, but we as human beings need to see his power and compassion in action. I’m sure that the reason my eyes are focusing on this opening line is that I’ve been going to the hospital each day and seeing so many who are sick, including my dear friemd.. I find myself on an emotional “see-saw” as I look for glimmers of hope that may portend healing for him. I want to trust him to Jesus’ care, but I keep returning to the verse in today’s Gospel. “What good are these few, for so many?” As I see so many sick, I wonder if Jesus can heal at all. The Gospel today reminds me to trust in the power of Jesus to do what is unimaginable. I’m sure I’ll be see-sawing all day…. Today is also the feast of St Catherine of Sienna. As is my custom, I share a copy of the fresco, “Good Government” which is in the City Hall of Sienna. The image of the women dancing inspired my choreography for a Medieval Christmas. Here’s a link to the 1988 performance of this dance https://vimeo.com/495314665#t=2806s
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God's Irrational Love4/28/2022 Thursday of the 2nd Week of Easter
What’s the Prayer for Generosity doing in a forsythia bush? It could be the explosion of forsythia flowers at this time of year, which may be a symbol of the generosity of God’s creation. There are so many of these tiny yellow buds bursting forth as a prelude to the fullness of Spring. They won’t last for long but while they are here, they can be a reminder of how generous God is with the gifts of creation. The verse from today’s Gospel that ALWAYS captivates me is “God does not ration the Spirit.” God doesn’t hold back or restrain the impulse to be generous. To be generous is God’s nature and we see this generosity reflected in nature. Do we let ourselves be awed by the countless gifts of creation? To “ration” means to “count” a specific portion or number. A “ration” is a determined amount. Your “ration” is all you’re getting. From a certain perspective it’s not “rational” to be generous the way that God is generous and yet, that’s St Ignatius’ prayer. “To give and not to count the cost.” Yesterday we heard the familiar verse “God so loved the world (the cosmos) that God gave his only-begotten son…..” God does not ration, restrain, or hold back. Is today an invitation to ask ourselves how generous we are with our time, our service, our love? Is there a forsythia within us that will bloom if we let it? As I read what I wrote last year, I’m finding it very challenging. I visited my dear friend, Fr. JA Loftus in the hospital on Cape Cod yesterday. To put it simply, he is not himself. He does not know where he is or what’s going on. His “reason” is not working. If you have experienced a loved one with these symptoms, you know it is not easy to see. My prayer is that he will soon “return to reason.” It's kind of ironic that the first part of my reflection is about God’s “irrational” love for us, imperfect as we are. I would love to have a small portion of that for my friend. Today’s psalm says “The Lord is close to the broken-hearted. Those who are crushed in spirit, God will save.” I certainly hope so! "So" Be It4/27/2022 So! Be It
Wednesday of the 2nd Week of Easter Whenever I hear the most quoted verse of scripture, John 3:16, it’s the two letter modifier that captures my attention. For a two-letter word, “so” holds so much meaning and possibility. “For God SO loved the world, that God gave his only-begotten Son, so that everyone who believes in him might not perish but might have eternal life. Do you remember the game that you would play with an infant that would bring delight to his/her, perhaps even elicit “giggles?” Its title is “How big is baby?” After asking the question, you would respond, “Soooooooooo big” as you stretched out the infant’s arms as far as they would reach. Can you imagine Mary and Joseph playing this game with the infant Jesus? Can you hear him giggle and see him smile? Can you see them stretching his little arms out as far as they would go? Can you think of how those same arms were stretched out on a cross 33 years later? For God SO loved the world….. How big is God’s love? SOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO BE IT! There are days, however, when I think God’s love is “so-so,” not very expansive at all. With the staggering amount of suffering in our world that we hope and pray God would heal, we are left to wonder if God really loves the world “so” much. Yes, we can affirm that the self-gift of Jesus on the cross is of inestimable value, but what difference does it make in the world’s every day struggle with evil, human cruelty, the ravages of war? It’s easy enough to say that someone who is physically suffering from illness or disease is “sharing in the suffering of Christ.” There is even a prayer that says our human suffering is making up for what is lacking in Christ’s suffering. Huh? This morning’s musing led be to, “Full Grown.” I’m hoping that it might shed some light on the question, “Does God really love the world “so” much? Sparkling Water4/26/2022 Tuesday of the 2nd Week of Easter
Throughout this week, the Gospel relates the encounter of Jesus with Nicodemus. This is a baptismal theme, if ever there was one! “Unless a person be born again of water and the spirit, they cannot enter into the kingdom of God." Baptismal water is “sparkling water." It sparkles with new life in Christ. It may be the reason that when an infant, a young person or adult is baptized there is something “sparkling” about the experience. You see it in the eyes sparkling with delight of the parents of a newly baptized infant. You see it in the eyes of an adult as he or she experiences immersion baptism. I see “sparkling water” almost every day. Today is not one of those days. Two years ago during the Covid lockdown, I spent a few weeks cleaning the windows in the Chapel and in the Fireplace room. I used a product called “Sparkle,” and when I finished, they really did! Recently, these 100-year-old windows were replaced since time and sea spray had taken its toll. I was delighted to see that the new windows “sparkle” as well. Since today is a very gray day with no sparkle at all, I’ve posted a 30 second video of the sparkling waters of the Ocean. It sparkles most when the sun is shining but even a glimmer of light can make the sea sparkle. Isn’t it interesting that a “spark” is usually associated with “fire?” You see sparks fly from a conflagration. An engine is ignited with spark plugs. But in “sparkling water” it’s seems as if water is on fire when it sparkles so! We are not living in “sparkling” times. In fact, the “sparkle” has gone out of so many people’s lives as they have lost loved one, employment and wonder if life will ever be the same. With the war in Ukraine and the threats of another World War, things are very gray and bleak. And yet we are in the Easter season. Is there a challenge these days for us to find the glimmers of hope and a sparkle, here and there? Life many not be effervescing and bubbling over with joy but can we see some “sparkling” around us? Does our life in Christ that begins with the “sparkling water” of Baptism, encourage us to find the light, the peace, the joy, the “sparkle” even in the most difficult times when life has lost its“fizz?” A Look of Love4/25/2022 Feast of St Mark
Today the Church celebrates St Mark, the first evangelist. For a variety of reasons, his is my preferred Gospel when it comes to understanding the humanity of Jesus. As I tried to find what I had written for this day in the past three years, I was surprised to find that I had no entry. In 2019, the feast was superseded by a weekday of the Easter Octave. In 2020, it fell on a Saturday when I don't write reflections. Last year it was superseded by the Sunday readings. So today is the first time I've written on Mark's feast day, although I've written a great deal about Mark. I had the opportunity to immerse myself in Mark’s Gospel when Dr. Michael (Mickey) Corso, was an undergraduate at Boston College. He asked me to direct him in a theatrical presentation of the Gospel. He memorized the complete King James Version of the text, which was quite a task. A decade later, Mickey was working as a religious educator and decided on a revival of the performance. The second time was an inter-active performance in which the audience were drawn into the action as characters in the Gospel. Working with Mickey over the years gave me the opportunity to come to know the text inside and out. That is probably the reason that I was surprised and disappointed to see that the editors of the lectionary chose a Gospel that is not authentically Markan. A later editor decided that Mark’s ending with the women running from the tomb, terrified and amazed, was not sufficient and added additional verses. Had it been up to me, I would have chosen a passage from Mark’s Gospel that is uniquely Mark. I might choose the one where the man who had great wealth comes to Jesus. (Mark 10:17-21) 21 Jesus looked at him and loved him. “One thing you lack,” he said. “Go, sell everything you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me.” I found the image of Jesus above, painted by Titian, in a book entitled, "The Face of Jesus." There is something about the eyes of Jesus in this painting that caught my attention. In my opinion,Titian portrays a very human Jesus. It’s the “look of love” that is uniquely Marcan. Matthew edits out this verse in his version. Can you imagine Jesus looking at you and loving you? How does that make you feel? Is there an invitation to prayer today to think about Jesus’ “look of love?” The photo below is of a piece of driftwood that one of the retreatants found on the beach and shared with me. She sees the figure of Jesus as a mother holding her. I see a very human Jesus whose side is pierced. It speaks to me of the vulnerability of Jesus in his humanity. Whom do you see? Or is a better question, “Whom are you looking for?” We are in the Easter season, after all! Easter Octave4/24/2022 2nd Sunday of Easter From the day we arrive on the planet And, blinking, step into the sun There's more to see than can ever be seen More to do than can ever be done There's far too much to take in here More to find than can ever be found But the sun rolling high Through the sapphire sky Keeps great and small on the endless round It's the circle of life And it moves us all Through despair and hope Through faith and love 'Til we find our place On the path unwinding In the circle The circle of life Since hearing Sara Milone’s description of a family outing to the Broadway production of The Lion King, the opening song has been on my mind. And with this morning’s dramatic sunrise, I decided to begin this Octave of Easter Sunday homily with the lyrics of this song. ( I can’t help associating an “octave” with music.) Did you see the sunrise this morning, or like Thomas in the Gospel did you miss it? And if you did, I don’t want you to feel bad about missing such a stunning show of creation, but I have to tell you, it was marvelous! It wasn’t so much the palette of colors but the contrast. The sea and the clouds were a deep navy blue. And along the horizon there was a large band of yellow. As the clouds began to disperse, and the sun began to rise, the colors became more vibrant. Oh wow! Sorry you missed it! I felt like singing, “Oh what a beautiful morning!” from the musical Oklahoma. I imagine that’s how Thomas must have felt as he heard the other disciples describing what he had missed when Jesus showed himself in their midst. And then another Broadway tune, came into my head. “Show me” from the musical “My Fair Lady.” Sing me no song, read my no rhyme, don’t waste my time, show me. But wait! This whole Gospel scene could be a musical…. The Disciples sing “All I want is an upper room somewhere” Jesus appears and sings “I’m no ordinary man” Mary Magdalene sings “I could have tangoed all night.” (Tango means touch and she wants to touch the Risen Jesus) Peter sings, “On the beach where you give.” The Beloved disciple sings “I’ve grown accustomed to my place.” James sings “The Reign in Spain” since he is supposed to end up in Spai and proclaim God’s reign. When Thomas appears, the disciples sing “Just you wait, doubting Thomas, just you wait. Thomas sings “Show me” Jesus shows up and sings to Thomas “With a little bit of pluck.” Thomas sings “ A Hymn to Him.” Everyone sings “Without You” And the final chorus is “Get Us to the Temple on Time.” You may be wondering why such a “light-hearted” homily, when our hearts are heavy with grief and anger about what is happening in our world, especially the horrific destruction of people’s lives and lands in the Ukraine. Or you may be heavy-hearted because of a loved one’s suffering, or personal loss. The disciples who were hiding behind locked doors in the upper room were certainly heavy-hearted with grief at the death of Jesus, and fear and even anger at how badly everything had turned out for them. And suddenly, the Risen Jesus is in their midst. And everything changes. Their pain, grief, loss is transformed. Healing, peace, light, hope, and love flood their minds, hearts, and souls. But wait! There are the wounds of Jesus, reminders of all that he has suffered for love of them and this world. It's the circle of life And it moves us all Through despair and hope Through faith and love 'Til we find our place On the path unwinding In the circle The circle of life Our human woundedness is so much a part of the circle of life, moving through despair and hope, through faith and love. Which one of us hasn’t been wounded physically, emotionally, spiritually at different times in our lives? The wounds we carry speak of our human vulnerability. That is where the word “wound” comes from. “Vulnus” And as Thomas encounters the Risen one, he doesn’t have to touch those wounds, perhaps, because he recognizes his own woundedness, his own vulnerability and how much in need of healing he is. How this for moving in the circle of life from lightness and joy, to heavy and serious. So let’s continue the movement to end on a lighter note. Two years ago, on this Second Sunday of Easter I wrote the poem, “Twinning” It happened to be the weekend of the Boston Marathon which was cancelled because of Covid. The image of “running a race and winning, crossing the finish line first is woven throughout the poem. And then, Thomas is the Twin. That’s where the title comes from. I would like to share with you the final stanza. I Am, here, He says And you can’t fool me. Your wounds are mine, wound together as we are bound as one body, we are My tender is love for you and this wounded world. Unless I touch your wounds, you will not believe. Show me your hands. They fit like a glove in mine. Show me your feet and walk with me. (No need to keep your distance.) Show me your side pierced with pain’s cutting edge Don’t turn aside, let me tender you belief and we’ll finish the cross aligned, together. Filet of Fish/ Earth Day4/22/2022
Friday of the Octave of Easter
With the post-Resurrection Gospel of the great catch of fish where the Risen Jesus cooks breakfast for the disciples, you are most likely thinking that the title “Filet of Fish” refers to Jesus’ filleting the catch before cooking. Actually, it’s more probable that the fish were cooked in their entirety, from head to tail. So, like Peter in the Gospel, “I’m going fishing.” I’m fishing for a fresh take on a wonderful Gospel that I have prayed with and preached on more than 153 times! What I discovered this morning was that “filet” is the French word for “net,” as well as the process of cutting the flesh of the fish away from the bone. It’s the “net” in the story that has captured my imagination this morning. In the Gospel, it’s the net, that holds the great catch. And the net is not broken. The net’s worth is its ability to hold the haul of fish. Without the net, a catch of this size would not have been possible. A person’s “net worth” in material terms refers to the value of all assets, minus all the liabilities. Or to think of it another way; “what is owned and what is owed.” What about one’s spiritual “net worth?” Could it be that we can count the assets, i.e., the graces, gifts and talents we have, and dis-count the liabilities? Is that the way in which God sees the “net worth” of each person? This morning’s “fishing” expedition reminded me of “Mind Meld” which I wrote about the call of the disciples, James, and John, as they were mending their nets.
On this "Earth Day" I also share with you "Laudatory Si!" The lyrics are mine. The music is Paul Melley's. The creation is God's.....
Laudato Si from Robert VerEecke on Vimeo. Half-baked?4/21/2022 Thursday of the Octave of Easter
If today’s reflection strikes you as “half-baked,” you can attribute it to the line in today’s Gospel, While they were still incredulous for joy and were amazed, he asked them, “Have you anything here to eat?” They gave him a piece of baked fish; he took it and ate it in front of them. I’ve never paid much attention to what was on the menu for dinner in the upper room, but having prepared “baked” cod two nights ago, the Jesus meal stood out for me. Where the “baked fish” led me was the expression, “half-baked” which means “not well thought out” or “daffy.” I couldn’t help thinking that those disciples who heard about the Resurrection of Jesus must have thought this was some “half-baked,” crazy idea that someone concocted. How could it possibly be that Jesus of Nazareth whom they witnessed as crucified and buried, could now be making an appearance, not as some “ghostly apparition” but as one who could be touched and eats in their presence? Sound “half-baked?” Have we become so accustomed to the “idea” of the Resurrection, that we miss the “incredulity” of those first disciples who experience him first hand…or better, first “hands and feet?” Throughout this week, we have the opportunity to meet the Risen Jesus in a way that is personal and so much more than an “idea.” He wants to show himself to each of us, to meet us where we are. He may even ask you to whip up your favorite dish and share it with him! I’m sure you can figure out why I chose a field of “daffydils” for this reflection! I wrote the reflection above last year on this date. I think it bears repeating. I had some other movements in prayer that I will share tomorrow. Long story….. Dusty Roads/ Dusty Rose4/20/2022 Wednesday of the Octave of Easter
Sometimes I wonder how I make up the “crazy” titles for these reflections. You may already be thinking that the road to Emmaus was dusty, but what does the color ‘dusty rose’ have to do with the Emmaus Gospel? More than 20 years ago, I wrote a story for our family Mass community that was inspired by the Emmaus Gospel. It’s one of my favorites. If you take the time to read it, you’ll see that even the dust cries out “Alleluia.” That’s the refrain that I keep hearing this morning. So much in our world has been reduced to dust and ashes, and yet, the dust declaims “Alleluia! He is Risen!” We have just heard a story about two people who met the Risen Jesus on the road to Emmaus. One’s name was Cleopas and the other was? Let’s give her a name. Here’s a clue. What happens in spring? Yes, that’s right. Flowers bloom. So, let’s call her Chloe which in Greek means “blooming.” She is Cleopas’s wife. But Cleopas and Chloe were not the only people on the road to Emmaus that day. Another family, a mother, father and child had also left Jerusalem sometime after and were also on the road. But I have jumped ahead in the story. As that Sunday dawned, two days after Jesus had been crucified, David, Miriam and their child, Solomon were asleep in the house of David’s father and mother, Solomon’s grandparents. Suddenly a sharp knocking and a voice woke them from their sleep. It was the voice of Cleopas, their neighbor from Emmaus. His voice was urgent: Clopas: David, wake up. Come quickly. We must go to Jesus’ tomb. His body is not there! And some crazy women are saying they have been “touched by an angel or two”. Come and see for yourself! David quickly dressed and went with Cleopas. David was very tired because of the events of the last days. With his family he had come up to Jerusalem for the celebration of the Passover. They had been there waving palm branches when their friend Jesus had entered Jerusalem riding on a donkey. He could remember their shouting, Hosanna to the son of David. David’s own son, Solomon, named after the great King as he himself was, was always asking questions and as the youngest had asked the question at the Passover Seder. Solomon: Why is this night different from any other night? David thought to himself that this night was different. Jesus was arrested and the next day put to death. They had hoped that Jesus would be the Messiah. But their hopes were dashed. He was dead. But now what was going on? Had someone stolen the body? Why was Jesus no longer in the tomb? David: Miriam, We must leave! We must return home! We can’t stay here anymore! There’s going to be trouble, as if we haven’t had enough! Cleopas was right. The tomb is empty, and those crazy women are saying that they heard angel voices. We’ve got to go now! It wasn’t supposed to be this way! Solomon: But father, why are we in such a hurry? I haven’t had much time with grandmother and father. Miriam: Solomon, get ready. Do what your father says! Solomon: But why? David: Because I said so. So the trio, put on their sandals, took their traveling staff and left as those in flight. On the road to Emmaus, Solomon’s parents were silent. He could see they were troubled, and he thought a question or two might help them deal with their feelings. (Solomon was very wise for a young boy) Solomon: Father, where is Jesus now? If he’s not in the tomb, where is he? David: (Very upset) Solomon, How many times do I have to tell you? I don’t know where Jesus is? He was my friend and I miss him. I can’t believe God would let him die that way...on a cross. I don’t know what to believe any more. David could see his father was upset, so he was silent. But in the silence, David thought he heard the wind whispering, the rocks rollicking, the dust declaiming. Wind: Jesus, Jesus, Jesus Rocks: Remember, Remember Dust: Alleluia, Alleluia Solomon: Father, Mother, don’t you remember when we were at the Passover with Jesus. He took the bread and blessed it and broke it. Do you remember his words? TAKE AND EAT. THIS IS My BODY. And at the end of the meal. THE CUP OF WINE. THIS IS MY LIFE FOR YOU. Don’t you understand? Jesus has given his life for us. Miriam: (Gently) Solomon. You are too young to understand what death is. When you are grown-ups like us..... Solomon, your father is very upset. Don’t ask him any more questions? And Solomon heard again all creation crying out, the wind whispering, the rocks rollicking, the dust declaiming. Wind: Jesus, Jesus Rocks: Remember Dust: Alleluia And Solomon remembered what Jesus had told him: Solomon, I will be with you always. Don’t be afraid! And Solomon whispered: Solomon: Jesus, I believe. You are here with my family. You are walking the road with us. You are here. David: (Just to Miriam) Miriam, it sounds like Solomon thinks Jesus is not dead? How can we make him understand? Finally, the family arrived at their home in the village of Emmaus. While they were at supper, they heard a sharp rapping on the door and an urgent voice. It was the voice of Cleopas. Cleopas: David, Miriam, you’ll never believe this! Jesus is Risen from the dead. We saw him for ourselves. On the road. He walked with us, He told us that he had to suffer and die but now God had raised him, He ate and drank with us, like in the good old days. We recognized him in the breaking of the bread. And David and Miriam didn’t know what to believe but Solomon simply smiled. And the wind whispered, and the rocks rollicked and the dust declaimed: Wind: Jesus Rocks: Remember Dust: Alleluia, He is Risen! From Tomb to Whom4/19/2022 Tuesday of the Octave of Easter
If you think you are “seeing” things each morning this week when you see the photo above, and you think to yourself, “I’ve seen this before,” you are correct. I’m using the Easter Sunday sun to remind us that each day of the Octave is Easter day. Each day this week is an “appearance” story in which someone wonders, “Am I seeing things” or is it just my imagination. In every case, these disciples are seeing the Risen Jesus and hearing his voice. Today’s appearance is to Mary of Magdala who is weeping at the tomb. This is what I wrote last year. We know that “whom” is the correct grammar in the sentence, “Whom are you looking for?” How often do you hear “whom” these days? Most of us use “who,” even though it’s not grammatically correct. (unless your Judy Schiavo or Tony Compagnone.) In fact, when you hear someone use the correct case, you may think it a bit pretentious. I, for one, am grateful that the English translation of “Whom are you looking for?” is correct today, since “whom” rhymes with “tomb.” (And tomorrow’s Zoom!) Mary Magdalene in today’s Gospel, is standing outside the tomb, weeping. She is overwhelmed by grief and loss. The tomb, an inanimate object, held the “whom” of her seeking. But the tomb is no longer in a holding pattern. The tomb, womb-like has given new birth to the one “whom” Mary was seeking. In some strange way, the tomb has a life of its own. It is no longer “inanimate” but animates faith in the Risen One. When Mary hears her name spoken, she is no longer blinded by her tears, but now able to “see” the “whom,” the object of her desire and longing. And Jesus, the Risen One is not in a “holding pattern.” The tomb no longer holds him, and Mary is told not to hold on to him. This Jesus, the Risen One must be “on the move,” creating a new pattern of Life’s victory over death. After I wrote that last year, I wondered if there were a poem about the “tomb” and “whom,” It took a few weeks before I wrote “Once Upon a Tomb.” I think it’s worth sharing today. once_upon_a_tomb_2.docx 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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