Bow Shot/ Seeing Double6/30/2021 Wednesday of the 13th Week in OT Yesterday’s storm created the conditions for not just one but two rainbows. When I read in today’s scripture how Hagar, the mother of Ishmael sat herself a “bowshot” away from her child, I knew I had to use a “bow shot.” Of course, the story of Sarah’s jealousy and hatred for Hagar and Ishmael is not pretty like a rainbow in the sky. And yet, the “bow” is a sign of the covenant and if you read on, God makes another covenant with Ishmael, promising to make of him a great nation. In the Gospel, we hear of Matthew’s tendency to “double” the power of Jesus to heal. In Mark, there was one Gerasene man possessed by many demons. Matthew makes it two. As usual, I prefer Mark’s version which is much more dramatic. Maybe Matthew thought that creating a “double vision,” he could edit out much of Mark’s dramatic narrative. Oh well….. And when Hagar opened her eyes and saw a well from which she could draw water, I wonder if at first she had “double vision.”
I’m concluding this brief reflection, with my “double vision;” two boats whom I’m calling Isaac and Ishmael, in the light of the rainbow, the sign of the covenant.
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Crazy, Hazy, Daze of Summer6/29/2021 Solemnity of Saints Peter and Paul Usually, I would write about Pete and Paul’s Passion for the person of Jesus Christ and his Gospel on this feast day and use a photo of the “passion fruit.” For a “change up” pitch, I’m sharing the poem I wrote last summer on one of the “crazy, hazy days of summer.” With a stretch of 90-degree temps, these “sizzling days,” it seems fitting! Days’ Daze Na 2/3/Mt 16-24-28 This day’s dawning deserves a 5-star rating! Razzle-dazzle reds, Pinks and purples with pizzazz, Bedazzling blues, Huzzah for the hues! One wakes from triple z’s to skies and seas of double z’s, puzzle pieces, seen interlocking jig-dancing. All creation’s a -buzz These days do not deserve a single star- crossed, they are. More daze than dazzle, news not new but day’s old, age-old love fizzles as one daze follows another. Frizzled nerves now, muzzled by masks, we not knowing what new puzzle awaits with no solution. A-cross and Down We go. That day, they say, will merit more stars than skies can bear. Nahum knows no hum drum, ho hum, doldrum daze, but days dawning, sizzling hot, a jazz improvisation on age-old, Love’s Interlocking pieces A dizzying paradox or puzzle? How can loss be gain? Caught in the Cross fire, we zig and zag, jig and jag, wanting to wake from Z’s, To why and You. Glory-Us?6/28/2021 Monday of the 13th Week in OT/ Memorial of St Irenaeus
I returned to Eastern Point yesterday in time to welcome fifteen retreatants who are beginning the Thirty-Day Spiritual Exercises. Most have never been here before. Last night, they were treated to a “glorious” sunset and this morning, (If they were awake before 5am) a “glorious” pre-dawn. The word “glorious” is on my mind this morning since it’s the memorial of St Irenaeus. This 2ndcentury bishop is most noted for the “catchy”phrase, “The Glory of God is the human person fully alive.” Out of context this “catchy” phrase seems to suggest that we are a reflection of God’s glory if we are “fully” alive. Or, as some would say, If we are living life to the fullest, we are giving glory to God. But what does that mean? Engaging in extreme sports? Pushing ourselves to the limit? Here is the quote: For the glory of God is a living person; and the life of man/woman consists in beholding God. For if the manifestation of God which is made by means of the creation, affords life to all living in the earth, much more does that revelation of the Father which comes through the Word, give life to those who see God." For Irenaeus, to be “fully alive” is to live “through, with and in” Christ Jesus since He is the one who reveals the hidden God. In God’s embracing our humanity fully in Jesus Christ, God’s glory is ours. Irenaeus echoes the words of St Paul in his letter to the Romans: For from Him and through Him and to Him are all things. To Him be the glory forever. Amen For those retreatants beginning the Spiritual Exercises today, they will be invited by St Ignatius to reflect on what it means to be “fully alive.” For Ignatius, the principle and foundation of being fully human is to realize that the human person is created to “praise, reverence and serve” God and in this way to attain our full potential; the reason for which we were created. For Ignatius, like St Paul and St Irenaeus, “to live is Christ.” Jesus Christ is more than a “model of how to live.” He is the way to live, the truth to live, the life to live. Through him, and with him and in, all glory be to God! Fashion-able6/26/2021 13th Sunday in OT I’m writing this reflection from a very “fashionable” place. The Island of Nantucket is fashioned in such a way that the sea, natural light, buildings, boats of all kinds and sizes in the harbor, the arrivals of ferries filled with passengers anxious to disembark and enjoy all that the Island has to offer, all create an experience of good will and well-being. And, it’s a very fashionable place for a wedding! The reading from the book of Wisdom speaks of God “fashioning all things.” That’s why I chose these photos of hydrangeas (above) and a window box of assorted flora. (below) And the reading goes on to say that we are “fashioned” in the image of God. We are fashioned, created for love and life. Yes, death, decay, illness, suffering is an integral part of our being human but it does not have the last word. What lasts is God’s eternal love for the creation God has fashioned.
Today’s Gospel was the inspiration for one of the favorite stories I wrote this past year. It came to from the verse “If I but touch the hem of his garment.” In this passage, the woman with the hemorrhage speaks of Jesus’s “clothes, cloak, garment” but in other passages the “hem” of the garment is used. Even if you have read “Tal-Or’s Tassel Tale” you may enjoy reading it again. tal-ors_tassel_tale.docx I’m also including a link to a homily for this Sunday written by Fr. JA Loftus. Well worth reading! 13th_sunday_in_ordinary_time.docx Ferry True!6/25/2021 Friday of the 12th Week in OT
I couldn’t resist another play on the word “very” after Wednesday’s reflection, “Berry True!” I took the ferry from Hyannis to Nantucket yesterday to preside tomorrow at the wedding of Callie McLaughlin and Brian Belichick. I have known Callie’s family for many years and have had the privilege of presiding at multiple weddings and baptisms. I only just met Brian who will be a wonderful partner in life for Callie. Yes, Brian is the son of Bill Belichick. If I were a NE Patriots fan, this would be much more significant for me! The theme of their wedding communications has been” briangotcalliedaway” As a lover of puns and word play, I was quite taken by this. A ferry carries you away from one place to another, usually over a body of water. That’s why I chose the title “Ferry True.” I'm sure you will not be "carried away" by today's reflections since my mind is more on the homily that I'm preparing for Callie and Brian's nuptial Mass tomorrow than it is on today's scriptures. Today’s reading from the book of Genesis speaks of Abraham and Sarah and their descendants. God makes a covenant with them and the generations that will be their issue. “Generations” is on my mind this morning after spending an evening with three generations of the Callahan family. (Callie’s mom is Maura Callahan.) Seeing children whom I baptized “all grown up” and recognizing the bonds of family that have held them together is a reminder of how precious these moments of passage are. As I said, I will be passing the day preparing my homily for the wedding tomorrow. Will share it with you on Sunday. Meanwhile, I hope you have a "ferry good day!" Fire-Water6/24/2021 Solemnity of the Nativity of John the Baptist
The title “FireWater” for this reflection on the birth of John the Baptist may have a tinge of irony in that it is assumed that John the Baptist, with his strange diet and ascetic practices never drank anything stronger than water. And to quote the Gospel of Luke: 15 for he will be great in the sight of [the] Lord. He will drink neither wine nor strong drink.[a] He will be filled with the holy Spirit even from his mother’s womb, The inspiration for “Fire/Water” for John the Baptist’s nativity came from a photograph of sunset this past Sunday that I took on the last retreat. The sky is ablaze with fiery reds, yellows and oranges. Does the word “passionate” do it justice? But, it’s not just the sky. It seems as if the waters of Niles Pond in the foreground are on fire as they reflect the sky above. And the waters are tinged with purple, another passionate color. These two elements of fire and water, opposites by their nature are held in tension. Does that describe John the Baptist? His life, from his mother’s womb is described as being filled with the Holy Spirit. His passion for the “things of God” begins even before his birth. In Luke’s Gospel, “he leaps in Elizabeth’s womb” when she receives the visit of Mary, pregnant with Jesus. Leaping ahead to his adult life, John is always consumed by a passion that compels him to call people to repentance and challenge political and religious authorities. For John, the only authority is God and “the one who comes after him.” And yet, with all this fiery passion, it is “water” that he uses as the way to symbolize conversion of heart. The waters of John’s baptism work in a way that cleanse and renew. In the case of Jesus’s baptism by John in the Jordan, they are the catalyst for his hearing the voice of God say, “You are my beloved Son in whom I am well pleased.” On this feast of the birth of John the Baptist, we may want to pray for some of his passion. We may also want to ask for a renewal of the graces that come from being immersed in the waters of baptism. My most memorable celebration of the Solemnity of the Nativity of John the Baptist took place in Montserrat, Spain when I participated in a Jesuit Liturgy conference. On this feast day, people from near and far join in the Sardana, a traditional, communal dance in the courtyard outside the Monastery. I tired to join in but it's a very challenging dance! Here's a link to the dance at the Cathedral in Barcelona. www.youtube.com/watch?v=nIsaK53Nqug Berry True!6/23/2021
Wednesday of the 12th Week in OT “By their fruits you will know them!” Jesus uses this “very true” expression twice in today’s Gospel. Two years ago, I wrote a reflection on Wednesday of the 12th Week in OT which played with the “cheeriness of cherries” and the “zest of lemons” Yes, one is sweet and the other sour but that’s the mystery of life. What came to mind this morning is the song “Life is just a bowl of cherries.” I never realized how “berry true” the lyrics of this song were. They echo Jesus’s words in another Gospel passage when he says not to worry. "Look at the lilies of the field and the birds of the air." Can we add another minute, hour, day, year to our life by worrying? They also echo the Principle and Foundation of St Ignatius’s Spiritual Exercises when he says that everything on the face of the earth is not ours to “own” but rather “gifts” to bring us to the end for which we were created. So here are the lyrics. See if you think they are “berry true.” People are strange, they're always crowing, scrambling and rushing about Why don't they stop someday, address themselves this way? Why are we here? Where are we going? It's time that we found out We're not here to stay; we're on a short holiday Life is just a bowl of cherries Don't take it serious; it's too mysterious You work, you save, you worry so But you can't take your dough when you go, go, go So keep repeating it's the berries The strongest oak must fall The sweet things in life, to you were just loaned So how can you lose what you've never owned? Life is just a bowl of cherries So live and laugh at it all In reality, we know that life is not a “bowl of cherries.” It’s not always “cheery” but there is something “berry true” when we are invited to reflect on how life is a gift. Everything is “on loan” so can we be grateful for what we have, when we have it? Lot's on my mind...6/22/2021 Tuesday of the 12th Week in OT
The biblical personage, Lot, is with Abram the featured player in today’s drama. The two have to make a decision which “way to go” or “road to take” since they have come to the conclusion that they must go their separate ways. So Abram said to Lot: “Let there be no strife between you and me, or between your herdsmen and mine, for we are kinsmen. Is not the whole land at your disposal? Please separate from me. If you prefer the left, I will go to the right; if you prefer the right, I will go to the left.” Lot looked about and saw how well watered the whole Jordan Plain was as far as Zoar, like the LORD’s own garden, or like Egypt. (This was before the LORD had destroyed Sodom and Gomorrah.) Lot, therefore, chose for himself the whole Jordan Plain and set out eastward. The folks who come here for retreat always have “lots on their mind.” More often than not, they are trying to discern God’s will for them. They would like to make a decision about the future that is has God’s “seal of approval.” Often times they assume that God has a fixed plan for them and they just need to figure it out! I’m not sure that that’s the way that God is with us. I prefer to think that discernment is first of all knowing your own heart’s desire and trusting that God will affirm that and be “on the road” with you. In the case of Abram and Lot, it seems that Abram had the genuine freedom to accept whatever came his way. Lot, on the other hand, seems to want the best land for himself and his kinsmen. You have to wonder if Lot’s self-interest brought about his “lot in life” which was ultimately pain, loss and grief. Abram’s willingness to leave it up to Lot to decide which way to go ultimately leads him to become the first patriarch whose descendants will be as countless as the stars. Two years ago, when I wrote about this passage, the Robert Frost poem, “The Road Not Taken” came to mind. I share it again. Two roads diverged in a yellow wood, And sorry I could not travel both And be one traveler, long I stood And looked down one as far as I could To where it bent in the undergrowth; Then took the other, as just as fair, And having perhaps the better claim, Because it was grassy and wanted wear; Though as for that the passing there Had worn them really about the same, And both that morning equally lay In leaves no step had trodden black. Oh, I kept the first for another day! Yet knowing how way leads on to way, I doubted if I should ever come back. I shall be telling this with a sigh Somewhere ages and ages hence: Two roads diverged in a wood, and I-- I took the one less traveled by, And that has made all the difference. The choices that Lot and Abraham made, the directions they chose to follow made all the difference. Lot’s lot in life was one misfortune after another. Abraham’s lot was quite the opposite, blessing upon blessing. How much was due to the paths they chose to take? Was Abraham more attentive to God’s initiative? Was Lot choosing his own way rather than listening to God’s promptings? The power of Frost’s poem is its reminder that the path we choose to take precludes others. “Knowing how way leads on to way, I doubted if I should ever come back.” There is a certain melancholy as he wonders what would have been if he had taken the other path, gone in a different direction. And what about ourselves? I for one wonder what my life would have been had I made different choices along the way, when “two road diverged.” When like Lot, the direction we have gone in has led to misfortune and even tragedy, it’s easy to say that we wish we had chosen the other path. As I was writing this, I remembered when my father was in the nursing home suffering for about 5 years from a series of strokes that impaired his communication and recognition of any of his family. I never expected that his lot in life would include final years that would rob him of his mind and memory. On this one day, however, when I was visiting him, babbling away assuming that my words were just words, my father spoke for the first time in years. His words were, “Yes, it is.” They came from his powerful and resonant voice that I had not heard for so long. It was his “amen” to life with all its joys and pains, its choices and challenges. We have all taken the road less travelled because that road is uniquely who we are. No one else has ever travelled that same road, even when there have been companions on the way. I realize this is “a lot” to ask, but can you say “Amen” to all the joys and pains, the choices and challenges of your life? Alloys-i-us6/21/2021 Memorial of St Aloysius Gonzaga
Today is the memorial of Aloysius Gonzaga after whom our retreat house is named. I can’t tell you the number of times I have misspelled his name, adding an "i" between "y" and "s"! To help me remember the correct spelling I think Aloy/ sius. As I thought about that this morning, I thought of the word “alloy” which is a combination or fusing of metals to make something that is stronger and more resilient. I’d like to think of the spirit of Aloysius helping our retreatants and directors, using his “mettle’ alloyed with theirs to strengthen their love and passion for our Triune God, especially in the encounter with the Risen Jesus. I like to think of him as our “ally” in the ministry we do here at this very special and holy place on the Eastern Point of Gloucester. I’m attaching a brief biography of Aloysius that our director, Bill Campbell put together for his feast day today. aloysius_gonzaga_biography.pdf Soul-Stice6/20/2021 12th Sunday in Ordinary Time
Today is “Solstice” as well as Father’s day. The photo above and below are this morning's presentation of the Sun. Here is the homily I will be giving twice on the longest day of the year. I’m also including a wonderful homily from Fr. J.A. Loftus from 2009, 12 years ago. Really worth reading. Howling, harrowing, hammering. Havoc wreaking wind! Wailing, whistling, whining, Whorl- whirling wind! Blustering, blistering, blasting Blowing bellows-like wind! Malachi-like, your voice Shatters the silence. Malachi-like your power Churns, turns Serene seas to stormy. Seizing the seas Seizing the day! These were the words I wrote down on the first day of a three day Nor’easter in October 2019. Each day began with these words, trying to capture the ear-splitting winds and the turbulent seas. Each day the scriptures sounded a different prophetic voice. Malachi, the first day. Joel, the second day, Elisha the third day. If you’ve ever been here at Eastern Point during a raging storm when waves break over the rocks, cresting and crashing, when wind whips the seas into a frenzy and debris from the sea is catapulted up on the shore, perhaps my words will help you remember what it’s like here in a storm. I imagine you feel blessed that the weather these days of your 8 day retreat have so far been “picture perfect.” And the same is predicted for the days to come. But there may be part of you that feels you’ve missed something. You’ve missed a storm. You’ve missed the experience of standing on the shore or out on the rocks, overtaken by fear and awe. You’re witnessing nature out of control, doing whatever she pleases. And if standing on the shore instills great fear and awe, imagine being in a boat out there on the ocean, tossed and turned, holding on to something for dear life. Part of me wishes that there were a storm today to create some special effects as a background for the scriptures we have just heard. There would be no need to “imagine” the psalmist or the disciples’ experience. You’d see for yourself and be gripped by fear and awe of the power of nature. But that was not meant to be on this “solstice” day. It would not make sense to have the longest day of the year, when ancients thought the sun stopped and stood “still” to have a storm. It is the sun that is the star of this longest day. (If you were not asleep “on your cushion/pillow” at 4:50 this morning, you would have seen the sun taking center stage with glowing, glorious reds and oranges.) No storms without on this solstice day, but, are there storms within you? Are there memories of past hurts, failures that have been churned up, distilling a brew of fears and anxieties. Are there doubts and fears that are keeping you from sitting still, or standing still? Can you see yourself as one of the disciples in the boat with Jesus, calling out to wake him, crying “don’t you care that we are perishing?” On this solstice day last year, these were the words I heard and wrote down in a poem called “soul-stice.” (Just a few lines.) Be still my soul! Stop brooding over flaws, faults and failings, missteps, faux pas, paths mis-taken, Be still my soul! Be brewing a love potion, A double portion of mercy’s minding, mending, easy to swallow. On this solstice day, the longest day of the year, there’s more time than usual to “be still’ If there are storms within you, is today an invitation to ask Jesus to calm those storms? Can you hear the voice of Jesus say to your storms. “Quiet! Be Still.” Will you let him distill a new brew in you? A love potion, a double portion of mercy’s minding, mending, easy to swallow? On the fourth day, when the Nor’easter had moved off shore to wreak havoc somewhere else, I was struck by the sudden stillness. I wake to wonder Where did it go? That storm with its wailing winds, With its tumult and turbulence Whipping seas to creamy crests, Crescendos of sound Lashing out, unleashing nature’s fury. In the storm’s wake Whispering winds, caressing limbs and branches broken and twisted in the storm. Diminuendos of sound Soft, muted, pianissimo One has to strain to hear. In the storm’s wake All is calm, all is bright No more whining, Only bread and wining. Eucharist You carry us, God of storm, sea and sky Jesus, healing word and Self-giving sacrament, And we give thanks. 12th_sunday_in_ordinary_timejune_21.doc 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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