Re:Fill8/31/2023 Thursday of the 21st Week in OT
I went in search of the blue moon last night, but I must have been too early since I didn’t get to see it. What I did see was a night sky filled with shapes and shadows, shades of blue and even a dramatic streak of light. What a stroke of luck! I didn’t find what I was searching for, but what I did see filled my soul with wonder with its beauty. (I also wondered how my iPhone 14PRO can take such amazing photos when it is so dark out!) “Fill us with your love, O Lord, and we will sing for joy!” What a lovely refrain from today’s responsorial psalm. What a beautiful and simple prayer when we ask that we be filled with God’s love. When we are low on fuel, we go to a filling station and ask the attendant to “fill ‘er up.” Or more likely these days we use self-serve. So it’s up to us to “fill ‘er up.” Wonder if there are filling stations that you can go to for God to “fill you up”? Yes, the obvious ones are the beauty of creation, scripture, prayer, the Eucharist but what about our breathing. Isn’t God’s love the oxygen that we need to keep us going? Can we breathe in the love of God which is meant to permeate the atmosphere in which we live? Would it help to imagine the air we breathe as the breath of God’s spirit so that we may be filled with love and sing for joy? Receiving God’s love should be as simple as breathing in and out. But, take it from someone who had difficulty breathing after sinus surgery, there are many possible obstructions that keep us from breathing in God’s love. We may think we are not worthy of it because we are too small and insignificant. We may be so overwhelmed by the darkness of the world that it’s difficult to focus on the light of love that can penetrate the darkness, like that “streak of light” in the night sky. I hope that “Fill us with your love, O Lord, and we will sing for joy” will be your refrain for today. As I walked on the beach this morning, the other refrain I heard was, “Fill us at daybreak with your kindness that we may shout for joy and gladness all our days.” Below is a photo of daybreak (or at least early morning.)
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Flight Risk8/30/2023 Wednesday of the 21st Week in OT
A flight risk is someone who is considered untrustworthy. They are liable to take off at any time and flee somewhere where they can hide and not be recognized. You often hear of defendants who are not granted bail since they are considered flight risks. Hearing the continuation of Psalm 39 with its allusions to fleeing from the presence of the Holy One, I thought of the psalmist as a kind of “flight risk.” Why would they want to flee to the ends of the earth to escape the divine presence? Could it be that all the knowledge God has of this person may be imprisoning rather than liberating? The psalmist says, “behind me and before, you hem me in.” There is such an interesting dynamic in the psalm. The psalmist is both attracted to the One who divines everything in their mind and heart, but also finds it “too much” for them, and they want to flee and be free of such a dominant presence in their life. Can you relate to this movement towards and away from God? I know I can. Sometimes it feels like God is “too much” and I just want to stop thinking about God and be more “care-free.” But, like the psalmist, I feel God’s “right hand” holding and guiding me! Crazy-making! I chose the brief video of the gulls in flight. So many gulls! The vision of all those gulls made me think of how “gull-ible” I am when it comes to believing and trusting the experience the psalmist describes. How about you? I'm also wondering if those gulls ever feel there are "flight risks" when there are so many of them flying in the same airspace! Re:Search8/29/2023 Memorial of the Passion of John the Baptist
It’s today’s psalm which is 139 that has led me to do some “research.” The translation that we hear in the liturgy is this: O LORD, you have probed me, and you know me; you know when I sit and when I stand; you understand my thoughts from afar. My journeys and my rest you scrutinize, with all my ways you are familiar. Most translations of this psalm use the word “search” rather than “probe.” Do you think it makes a difference as you pray with this very familiar psalm? (I don’t doubt that if you’ve made a directed retreat, your director has given you this psalm very early on in the retreat.) What struck me this morning, however, was how “invasive’ the word “probe” is. If you research the word in the dictionary, this is what you’ll find. “a blunt-ended surgical instrument used for exploring a wound or part of the body.” Other examples are also medical, scientific, or criminal. When I read the psalm today, I feel “stuck.” (It could be my recent sinus surgery where I had to endure so many “probes” that it’s coloring my reflection today.) The sticking point is whether God’s just a “nosy-body” or a “knows-a-body (and soul.) The more I think of it, a probe is used to explore the wound so that it can be healed or come to know the truth about yourself. “For the truth will set you free.” Oh, and the word “proboscis” is the long nose of some animals and is also used for humans when the nose is “prominent!” The next time you pray with psalm 139, will God be “searching” you or “probing” you? It could make a difference. The “nose knows.” One of the reasons that the psalm captured my attention was that I wanted to avoid the Gospel which is one of my least favorites. But after reading what I wrote 4 years ago, I think it’s worth reading again. The gospel for today’s commemoration of the execution of John the Baptist always sends me into a spiritual tailspin. This tale of Herod’s cowardice, Herodias’ malice and her daughter’s dance makes my head spin like it does when executing a double or triple pirouette. When a ballet dancer is executing any kind of turn, she/he needs to focus on a particular spot, hold the spot and then rapidly turn the head back to the spot to achieve balance and equilibrium. Otherwise, the dancer gets very dizzy! What is so dizzying for me about this passage is that despite the characters’ bad behavior and evil intentions, it’s “dance” that gets the blame. As I have written about at length in a Lenten reflection on this gospel, there is no textual evidence of the age of Herodias’ daughter or the kind of dance she did. Because of Herod’s “over the top” response, “Ask of me anything you wish and I will grant it to you….. even to half of my kingdom,” the presumption is that the dance was meant to seduce Herod in his drunken state. (Thank you Hollywood for Salome’s Dance of the Seven Veils!”) When I speak of this passage, I try to spin the tale in a way that emphasizes the youth, innocence and naiveté of Herodias’ daughter. Is it possible to think of a child who “delights” an adult audience with his/her song or dance? I would imagine that we all have been present at a party where a child performs, and everyone can’t get over the talent and spontaneity of the young girl or boy. (Recently I was telling someone that my first public performance was when I was 5 years old singing “Mister Sandman” dressed in my Dr. Denton Pajamas! The audience laughed, applauded and was absolutely “delighted.”) Despite my attempts to “spin the tale” in a positive way, the ultimate outcome is the execution of John the Baptist. It’s a biblical “tailspin” as John’s ministry unravels because of the cruelty of Herodias and the cowardice of Herod. The daughter’s dance was the catalyst for the Baptist’s beheading. In a way, the dance with all its spins, twists and turns is a fitting metaphor for the life and death of John the Baptist who “leapt” in the womb of his mother, Elizabeth before this birth. Turning from today’s scriptures to everyday life, the question for me is what helps you recover from a personal “tailspin?” When something unfortunate happens, or something cruel and judgmental is said or when you feel your life spiraling downward and out of control, what’s the “spot” that you fix on to help you achieve balance and equilibrium? There is wisdom in keeping your eyes “fixed on Jesus.” His passion for life, love of God and his passion/death and resurrection can execute a gravitational pull on us so that our focus keeps coming back to him, like the “spot” in a pirouette. Speaking for myself (and who else can I speak for?) when I’m thrown into a spiritual tailspin, I try to keep my eyes fixed on Jesus, especially on the cross. When I’m thrown into an emotional tailspin, I try to keep my eyes fixed on friends and their kindness and generosity. When I’m thrown into any kind of tailspin that feels like free fall, I pray that I may be free from all that is discouraging and free for all that is encouraging. It’s what I call a “talespin.” Both photos are of Steven Cornwall dancing "You've Searched Me" from For the Greater Glory of God. In the Key of See8/27/2023 21st Sunday in Ordinary Time
Here's the homily I will give this morning. I returned yesterday from a brief trip to the Berkshires to attend a concert at Tanglewood and to play some golf at the course that used to be part of the Cranwell School. As it so happened, one of the golfers I played with graduated from Cranwell in the early 70’s. He told me how those years at Cranwell were some of the happiest in his life. He has great affection for the Jesuits whom he had as teachers and counselors. He mentioned Bob Farrell and Jim Benson by name. (The photo above is the morning sky in the Berkshires) But it’s music that is mostly on my mind this morning. It’s not only because of the beautiful music I heard but also reading the program notes that always mention the “key” in which a piece of music is written. I’ve always wondered why a composer chooses a certain key. I can understand the difference between major and minor. Major is always brighter and more hopeful. Minor more mysterious and brooding. But all those sharps and flats? What difference do they make? The key to today’s homily is “key” or “keys.” We hear in the first reading from Isaiah how the keys to the palace are given to Eliakim. And how he has the power to open and shut at will. And in the Gospel, Jesus gives Peter the keys to the kingdom and the power to bind and loose. Keys are symbols of power and control. There was a time in my life when I had many keys on my key ring. Car keys, house keys, rectory keys, church keys, closet keys. And even with so many keys, there were times when I would misplace or lose them. And I would be at “loose ends” trying to find them. The worst for me was when I lost my car key on a golf course. It had slipped out of my bag, and I had to scour the course trying to find them. I was in Rockport. The spare key was back in Boston. Ugh! Fortunately for me, someone found the key and turned it in. Although we think keys give us control, they actually control us. Here at Campion very few physical keys are needed, if any. Now we can key in codes and enter when the door is locked. And the Mansion is always open. So, this first part of my homily would be in “G minor” Gee, where did I lose my keys? And end in G Major, Gee, I don’t need any keys living here. Let me change “keys” if you will. As I said, I went to Tanglewood to hear Yo Yo Ma, Emmanuel Ax and Leonidas Kavakos play the Beethoven, Archduke Trio. It was written in the key of B’flat. I know that many of you have wonderful memories of Shadowbrook, listening to the sounds of the BSO across the lake. Free admission to some wonderful music making. Friday’s music making at Tanglewood came to mind when I read Paul’s waxing rhapsodic. Oh, the depth of the riches and wisdom and knowledge of God! How inscrutable are his judgments and how unsearchable his ways! For who has known the mind of the Lord or who has been his counselor? Or who has given the Lord anything that he may be repaid? For from him and through him and for him are all things. To him be glory forever. Amen. What key would you choose for Paul’s “Divine Rhapsody?” I would choose B major. With its 5 sharps! How sharp and to the point are Paul’s words! God’s “being” is inscrutable, yet God has revealed himself in Jesus Christ and Christ is “key” to understanding who God is for the world. There is another kind of “key” in today’s liturgy. It is Christ himself. Christ is not only “key” but also “chi” the Greek letter. As you know, the “Chi” that looks like an X is a symbol for Christ. And Christ is key for us. He is the one who opens us up to the mystery of God. With Christ the door is always open and admission is free, even though we think we need an entry code for God’s kingdom. With Peter, we make the confession, “You are key! You are the Chi, the Christ, the anointed One.” And what key would I assign to this short melody of Christ the Key? Of course, C major. No sharps, no flats. The easiest key of all. Come and See! God's Honest T-Ruth8/25/2023 The photo above is not from the plateau of Moab but the “fair ways” of Lenox with the Berkshire mountains in the background. I came here on a “nostalgia” tour to play some golf and attend a concert at Tanglewood this evening. This was a place where my friend JA and I would come in the summer and in the autum when the leaves had changed. When I look at the photo I’m marveling since the prediction was rain all day long. I had reconciled myself to not getting my “way” and thinking it wasn’t a “fair way” since I’m only here for a short period but, “Behold!” it didn’t rain, and the sun even came out. I’d like to think that he blue skies and the sunburst was a gift from the heavens.
The photo below is not from the plateau of Moab but the plateau of Truro on Cape Cod. It’s the lighthouse that may be an appropriate symbol for Ruth, the daughter in law of Naomi. Ruth is a beacon of hope for Naomi who has lost her husband and both sons. Ruth chooses to accompany Naomi and not abandon her although she is not obligated. Ruth is true to her word and leaves her own homeland to be with Naomi as she returns to Bethlehem and her people. (Notice that the lighthouse is in Tru-ro!) But Ruth said, "Do not ask me to abandon or forsake you! For wherever you go, I will go, wherever you lodge I will lodge, your people shall be my people, and your God my God." You may have attended a wedding where you heard these words from scripture. I certainly have. For people who don’t know the context of these words, they think they are spoken to Ruth’s husband. And yet they are spoken to Naomi, Ruth’s mother-in-law. These are two generations of women and the younger is pledging her fidelity to the elder. There is a simple and beautiful “T-ruth” in these words. Human companionship, fidelity to a friend, or family member speaks God’s honest truth. I share with you a link to a dance that I choreographed about Ruth, Orpah and Naomi. It’s one of my favorites. Here is the link. https://vimeo.com/340328148#t=630s It’s very dark but you should be able to see the movement of their journey, the separation from Orpah and the binding together of Ruth and Naomi. Today you may want to reflect on the people in your life who have been true to you and been a beacon of light, as Ruth was from Naomi. And then, the Gospel reminds us that “God’s Honest Truth” is contained in the two commandments; "You shall love the Lord, your God, with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind. This is the greatest and the first commandment. The second is like it: You shall love your neighbor as yourself. Bartholomew's Cobble8/24/2023 Feast of St Bartholomew, Apostle
The photo above is the Cupola over the Rotunda at Campion Center. It was taken by my retreatant who told me she was lying on the floor in the center to take the photo. She was praying there and completely engaged by the symmetry and patterns of the “sky” above her. I wonder if Nathanael, aka Bartholomew, was praying while sitting under the fig tree. Was he gazing up at the sky, the canopy above him? I thought of Ann’s photo and prayer experience as I read today’s vision from the book of Revelations, describing the Holy City, Jerusalem coming down from the skies. He took me in spirit to a great, high mountain and showed me the holy city Jerusalem coming down out of heaven from God. It gleamed with the splendor of God. Its radiance was like that of a precious stone, like jasper, clear as crystal. Before I read the first reading and connected it with Ann’s photo, I was thinking I would use what I had written about St Bartholomew two years ago. Most mornings I cobble together Bits and pieces of prayer Words, phrases, verses, not averse to images. This is how my poem “Cobble’s Tones” begins. I thought of it on this feast of St Bartholomew as I happen to come across an article on “Bartholomew’s Cobble.” Bartholomew’s Cobble is named for its two rocky knolls—or “cobbles”—rising above the Housatonic River. Hurlburt’s Hill, the property’s highest point, rises 1,000 feet to a 20-acre upland field on the Massachusetts-Connecticut border that offers panoramic views northward up the Housatonic River Valley. Boasting an enormous variety of woodland flowers and fern species, the Cobble’s amazingly diverse flora earned it a National Natural Landmark designation in 1971. What we know about St Bartholomew from the scriptures is really bits and pieces, cobbled together from stories of his call. He is usually paired with Philip and in John’s Gospel, where he is named Nathanael, it is Philip who tells him about Jesus. Other than his being named as one of the Apostles, we do not know much about him. We can only surmise that he was a witness to the miracles, the teaching, the healings. He journeyed with Jesus, eating and drinking with him. He most likely fled the scene of Jesus’s arrest in the Garden. Who knows where he was at the Crucifixion? We assume he was in the upper room when Jesus appeared to them after his Resurrection. All we have to go on is “bits and pieces,” cobbled together through our imagination in prayer. Although there are many traditions that speak of his mission and martyrdom, it is difficult to discern what is historical truth and what is myth. Tradition has it that he was “flayed” alive. That is why he is the patron saint of tanners and others who work with leather; i.e, cobblers/ shoemakers. I wonder what Nathanael/Bartholomew was doing under that fig tree? Was he daydreaming? Was he just enjoying shelter in the shade? Was he luxuriating in a luscious fig? Was he praying? Was he reading the Torah? Whatever he was doing, Jesus was able to see into the depths of his being and know him for who he was. Today’s reflection is a good example of “cobbling together” bits and pieces of scripture, tradition, prayer and the imagination. And speaking of “Cobble’s Tones,” I tried to explain this poem to one of the Jesuits from Colombia whose retreat I was directing a few weeks ago. His English is very good, but words like “cobbler” “cobblestones” “corn on the cob” were not ones he was familiar with. So I tried my best to “cobble together” images and similar words so he would understand the “kernel” of what I was trying to communicate in the poem. Here it is again, if you’d like to read it. cobbles_tones.docx Pass the Buck/thorn and B/ramble on8/23/2023 Wednesday of the 20th Week in OT I’m posting a reflection that I did two years ago on this day since I like it’s light-hearted approach to the “bramble king” parable/story. It’s all about “crowning” a king. And, ironically, I’m off to the dentist to get a new “crown.” The temporary one broke and fortunately, the permanent one had arrived at his office. So “crowning” is the theme of the day! Buckthorns and brambles with berries like bubbles Viburnum bushes with similar baubles Olives and sweet figs and fruit of the vine These are the trees of those biblical times. If you haven’t read the parable of the “bramble king” from today’s liturgy, it’s definitely worth looking at. (Judges 9-6:15) It’s probably the earliest parable or allegory in the Bible. And does it have a lesson about human nature and our human tendency to “pass the buck!” Here are a few lessons that I’ve learned today The passage relates how Jotham, the youngest son of Gideon and the only one of his 70 brothers to survive his brother Abimelech’s fratricide calls out the citizens of Shechem and Beth-Millo for “passing the buck” and not taking responsibility for their futures by anointing Abimelech their King. It’s clear that Abimelech is an immoral person without a conscience whose leadership will be all about self-aggrandizement. To get his point across, Jotham tells the parable of the “bramble king.” The olive tree, the fig tree and the vine all “pass the buck” in a very sensible way and question why they would give up their essence to “wave over the trees?” The underlying question here is why the trees want to “pass the buck” and hand over their responsibility to someone who will only create havoc for them. And so, the “buckthorn” gets the prize and the people will regret it. (The more things change….) A “buckthorn” is an invasive species, a small tree or shrub, with poisonous berries. AGGRESSIVE TENDENCIES – The shallow root system of buckthorn outcompetes native plants for moisture and nutrients, while contributing to erosion and ecological imbalance. Its leafy crown deprives other plants of sunlight and serves as a host for rust fungus and soybean aphids that impact other plants, too! (Wikipedia) The photo below is not a “buckthorn” but a “viburnum” I asked a friend from “The Garden Concierge” who set me straight. The berries looked like those that grown on the buckthorn but the viburnum is lovely to look at and not invasive. The expression “pass the buck” does not refer to a dollar bill! Its origin comes from Poker playing. To guard against cheating, the “deal” was passed from one player to the next. What was passed with the cards was a knife whose handle was made from “buck’s horn” Now, how’s that for coincidence! So I’ve been “rambling on” for a while. I hope you recognized the photo of the Von Trapp Family Residence with a photo from Salzburg, home of the Sound of Music! Buckthorns and brambles with berries like bubbles Viburnum bushes with similar baubles Olives and sweet figs and fruit of the vine These are the trees of those biblical times. Let Her "Bee"8/22/2023 Tuesday of the 20th Week in OT/ Queenship of the Blessed Virgin Mary
There are many characters in the Bible whose names I know but whose stories I have never really paid attention to. One of them is Deborah and can you guess what her name means in Hebrew? Yes, it’s Bee. That’s the reason for the title of today’s reflection, Let Her “Bee” The scripture for today is not the story of Deborah who was one of the Judges of Israel for 40 years! She was noted for her prophetic word and wisdom in “judgment.” She is seen sharing her wisdom and her judgment under a “date palm tree.” She was instrumental in saving the Israelites from the Canaanites in the battle of Mount Tabor. Chapter 4 in the Book of Judges tells her story and Chapter 5 sings her praises in poetic form. And guess what? If you look at today’s scriptures, it’s not the story of Deborah. The lectionary glosses over Deborah and goes to Gideon! Surprised? We have this wonderful story of a strong, wise, discerning, prophetic woman, a leader of the people of Israel for 40 years and we don’t hear about her! Instead, the editors of the lectionary leave her be rather than letting her “BEE!” Another chance to praise and celebrate the power and leadership of a biblical woman is lost to our ears. You can probably guess where I’m going with this reflection. It is so critical for our church that women have the leadership role they deserve. Women’s wisdom, understanding, knowledge, good judgment, courage, reverence and awe and wonder, (the gifts of the spirit) need to be at the forefront of church leadership in the liturgical assembly and in all areas of ecclesial life. The photos I have chosen for today are of some of the dancers who have shared their gifts of movement and dance in the liturgical assembly. I am particularly drawn to the one above of Wendy Lawson carrying the Eucharistic gift of bread to the altar. Nicole Huggins, Maresa D’Amore Morrison and Dina Melley are pictured in the other photos. Let’s gloss over Gideon and let Deborah “bee” front and center today. Let’s pray that Church leaders will come to their senses, wake from sleep, and envision a Church that celebrates the gifts of all her people. Here’s the beginning of the Song of Deborah. On that day Deborah and Barak son of Abinoam sang this song: 2 “When the princes in Israel take the lead, when the people willingly offer themselves-- praise the Lord! 3 “Hear this, you kings! Listen, you rulers! I, even I, will sing to[a] the Lord; I will praise the Lord, the God of Israel, in song. 4 “When you, Lord, went out from Seir, when you marched from the land of Edom, the earth shook, the heavens poured, the clouds poured down water. 5 The mountains quaked before the Lord, the One of Sinai, before the Lord, the God of Israel. 6 “In the days of Shamgar son of Anath, in the days of Jael, the highways were abandoned; travelers took to winding paths. 7 Villagers in Israel would not fight; they held back until I, Deborah, arose, until I arose, a mother in Israel. I posted this reflection on Tuesday of the 20th Week in OT in 2019 and 2021. It so happens that today is also the memorial of the “Queenship” of Mary. Would I dare to say that her “Let it be done to me” made her the “Queen Bee!” A Lack of Love8/21/2023 Monday of the 20th Week in Ordinary Time
Yesterday I was giving credit to Matthew for his additions to Mark’s version of Jesus’ healing the Canaanite woman’s daughter. Alas! A lack in Matthew’s version of the “rich” young man has me again backing Mark’s version of this story. What’s lacking here is the young man’s excitement to come to Jesus. In Mark, he is running. You can imagine him out of breath as he speaks to Jesus. Matthew simply says “he approached” Jesus. But why in the world did Matthew edit out one of the most poignant lines in scripture? “And Jesus looked at him and loved him.” The “look of love” in Mark’s version is so beautiful. Don’t we all wish we could see Jesus with a “look of love” as he gazes upon us? Is there a “lack of love” in Matthew’s version? No wonder he went away sad. He didn’t see the look of love in Jesus’s eyes. Yes, I know that in Mark he goes away “sad.” But, perhaps, remembering the “look of love” will bring him back to Jesus at some point in his journey. (And yes, I’m thinking of Burt Bachrach’s song, “The Look of Love.”) This reflection was supposed to be entitled, “Exorcise Baal” It’s one that I wrote 4 years ago and it’s quite clever, if I do say so myself. I hope it brings a smile to your face, if not a laugh. Speaking of laughter, last night I had dinner with Fr. Peter McIsaac and friends, hosted by Tony Compagnone, who is an amazing chef. It was a reunion of some St Ignatius folks who had gone to Jamaica on an immersion trip when Peter was Pastor at St. Anne’s Parish. I haven’t laughed so much in at least a year if not more. They say that laughter is the best medicine and that was certainly the case last night. With so much reason for sadness in our world these days, it’s good to have a chance just to laugh. Yes, what you see above is an Exercise Ball! And yes, the title of today’s reflection is Exorcise Baal! So, are you ready to play “Baal?” In today’s reading from the book of Judges, we hear of Israel’s unfaithfulness. The children of Israel offended the LORD by serving the Baals. Abandoning the LORD, the God of their fathers, who led them out of the land of Egypt, they followed the other gods of the various nations around them, and by their worship of these gods provoked the LORD. Did the people of Israel find the LORD’s ways too demanding? Was the worship of Baal more alluring and seductive? After all, the LORD had shown himself as a jealous and zealous God and they may have preferred a less passionate deity. The God of Israel is going “baalistic” when God sees the people making idols of everything. And so, the message to the people of Israel is to get rid of Baal worship, cut it out, exorcise Baal! Then there’s the Exercise Ball (photo above). It’s sometimes a challenge to keep your balance when you’re using the Exercise Ball. It’s easy to roll off and find yourself on the floor. It takes time and effort to achieve the balance necessary to get the most out of this balancing act. Sounds like life! How do we achieve the balance that is so critical for living a healthy psychic, spiritual, physical life? And how do we free ourselves from the “false gods” that demand our time and attention? In the Principle and Foundation of the Spiritual Exercises, Ignatius reminds us that our lives are purpose-filled. We are created to “praise, reverence and serve God.” That is our ultimate purpose. Everything in life is meant to help us achieve this purpose. When we lose sight of it, we can so easily become distracted and absorbed with “other” things. We can easily make idols of “fame and fortune.” We become dis-oriented and lose our way or we just lose our equilibrium. Just as an “exercise ball” can us to “tone” our bodies, the “Spiritual Exercises” help us to “tone” our souls and “tune in” to the One who loves each of us unconditionally. As I spent some time reflecting on the “im-baal-ance” of my own life, I realize that one of the “false gods” that keeps me from achieving an emotional, spiritual balance is “FEAR.” Fear of failure, fear of rejection, fear of criticism, fear of judgment, fear of life’s coming to an end, fear of more suffering than is bearable, for me or for others, fear of loss. Perhaps I have phobophobia, “fear of fear.” (Now I sound like Charlie Brown!) And doesn’t a look of love and a bit of laughter help to keep some balance in our emotional and spiritual lives? BTW, I took the photo below in Tony C’s garden when I was there a week or so ago. I’m assuming these tomatoes ripened in time to be served in Tony’s amazing “Caprese Salad” last night! 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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