How many angels?9/29/2023 Feast of the Archangels
“How many angels can dance on the head of a pin?” You may have heard that question before. It’s origins are debated but have a connection with Scholastic philosophers like Thomas Aquinas and Duns Scotus, because of their speculation about angels. We don’t think of angels taking up space because they are non-corporeal, so the answer should be an infinite number of angels can dance on the head of a pin. Thomas says, however, that no two angels can be in the same place at the same time. Go figure! And rather than wasting your time with a question that has no answer, I’d rather offer you some choreography where you do see angels dancing! When I first choreographed the “annunciation” scene in 1980, Mary did not “see” Gabriel. His was an invisible presence. I was inspired by Zeffirelli’s take on the scene in Jesus of Nazareth in which you see Mary’s lips moving but there is no visible form. In the third iteration of choreography I did using A Lark Ascending, the audience sees Gabriel but Mary does not. I wanted to create the sense of accompaniment. Annunciation - A Lark Ascending Here’s another Gabriel dancing. In this medieval rendition, Mary does “see” Gabriel. I wanted to use “partnering” to show how Mary is “lifted” and “carried’ by the Archangel. Medieval Annunciation There are more “angels dancing” choreography than I can count. So for now, I’ll just leave it at these two. After all, Thomas says that two angels can’t be in the same place at the same time….
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Re: Re (Ray)9/28/2023 Thursday of the 25th Week in OT
After four gloomy days, it was a delight to see a “ray” of sunshine. And as it so happened, I was planning on writing about “re” in other senses. Re: concerning, Re-(prefix for “again”) and Re: the second note in the scale. So, this re-flection is re: or concerning “re” in its different forms. The passage from the Prophet Haggai is “re:” the re-building of the Temple in Jerusalem. Haggai is on the case of Zerubbabel, the governor of Judah and Joshua the high priest, to commit themselves to building again what had been destroyed. Over the past months, we have seen images of so many people whose homes have been destroyed by wildfires and hurricanes, especially on the island of Maui. How does one find the wherewithal to rebuild and start over? It must be overwhelming for those who see their homes and their possessions in ruins. The question reverberating in their minds and hearts surely would be “Where do I even begin?” It may not be a lost home, but some other kind of loss; the death of a loved one, a crippling illness, the loss of employment and income. It may be a spiritual loss that wonders if “All things work for good for those who love God.” How often in life to we have to pick up the pieces of what’s left in ruins and “rebuild?” For those of us who are eternal optimists, who do believe that God’s spirit is always about “recreating” our hopes and dreams, we look for a “ray of light” that may lead us to see how we can reform, rebuild, recreate in ourselves what God desires us to be. And then there is “re” in the musical scale, or as the song goes “a drop of golden son.” Today’s psalm can be that “ray of golden sun” Let them praise his name in the festive dance, let them sing praise to him with timbrel and harp. For the LORD loves his people, and he adorns the lowly with victory. And here’s the link to “All Things Work for Good” from For the Greater Glory of God. I hope it’s a ray of sunshine for you! vimeo.com/265442500#t=4920s (I ask your prayers for Kristin Melley, the wife of Paul who is the composer of “All Things” She is dealing with some health complications and is in need of our prayers.) The photo below is the Von Trapp Family Home in the Sound of Music. On a Whim9/27/2023 Wednesday of the 25th Week in OT
The photo today is of a “Caprese” Salad, beautifully served at a restaurant in Sarnonico, Italy in June of 2016. I was traveling with my dear friend, Tony Compagnone. Last night, we had another wonderful dinner at Il Capriccio in Waltham, Ma. So what does this have to do with the theme of today’s reflection? It was not “on a whim” that we chose to go to Il Capriccio. We’ve been there before and it never disappoints. You have most likely heard of the “Anawim” in the Hebrew bible. They are the faithful remnant left behind in Jerusalem when most of the population was sent into exile. The word which means “little ones” or “poor ones” came to have the spiritual identification with any group who kept their trust in God despite difficult times. We hear in the reading from Ezra today, "And now, but a short time ago, mercy came to us from the LORD, our God, who left us a remnant and gave us a stake in his holy place; thus our God has brightened our eyes and given us relief in our servitude. Now, I know this will sound “whimsical,” but the word “anawim” sounds like “on a whim.” A “whim” is an impulse, a spontaneous response to something happening, or a last minute decision that is not very well thought out. It’s the opposite of a definitive plan. Another word for a “whim” is a “caprice” or in Italian “capriccio.” Get my drift? And doesn’t Jesus tell his disciples to travel lightly? He doesn’t want them carrying a lot of baggage to be weighed down when they are on the mission of proclaiming the Good News. The need to be ready on a moment's notice to recognize God's grace working in them and others. Do you hear God’s spirit inviting you today to do something “on a whim”? Even with physical and emotional pain that may be weighing you down, is there an invitation to let God be “on a whim and a prayer”? Good God!9/26/2023 Memorial of St Therèse Couderc,
Foundress of the Congregation of Our Lady of the Cenacle The universal church celebrates the memorial of Cosmas and Damian, early martyrs who are the patron saints of pharmacists. These brothers were noted for their skill in medical science. But there are those of us who celebrate this day as the memorial of St Therèse Couderc, foundress of the Cenacle. The photo above is the Cenacle Retreat House in Brighton where I was chaplain for 10 years. It is now an English Language School. Today we celebrate the simple peasant woman who founded the congregation of Our Lady of the Cenacle in La Louvesc, France in 1826 with Fr. Stephen Terme. The photo above is the mountain view seen from what had been the Mother House of the Sisters of the Cenacle in La Louvesc. Saint Therese Couderc, the foundress of the Cenacle Sisters, was born as Marie-Victoire Couderc in Le Mas, France, in 1805. She entered religious life in 1826, joining the Sisters of St. Regis, a small group of sisters founded by Father Stephen Terme. Together, St. Therese and Father Stephen founded the Congregation of Our Lady of the Retreat in the Cenacle. St. Therese died on September 26, 1885 in Lyon, France and was canonized a saint in 1970. Her official feast day is September 26th. (cenaclesisters.org) One of her most powerful meditations speaks of the Goodness of God, le Bonheur de Dieu. It is a very timely reflection as we celebrate this Season of Creation and are called to recognize God’s imprint on all of God’s creatures. I’m sure you will notice in this meditation a strong connection with the Ignatian principle of “Finding God in All Things.” "I saw as in letters of gold this word Goodness, which I repeated for a long while with an indescribable sweetness. I saw it, I say, written on all creatures, animate and inanimate, rational or not, all bore this name of goodness. I saw it even on the chair I was using as a kneeler. I understood then that all that these creatures have of good and all the services and helps that we receive from each of them are a blessing that we owe to the goodness of our God, who has communicated to them something of his infinite goodness, so that we may meet it in everything and everywhere." Another of Therèse’s powerful reflections is about “self-surrender.” Now the great means whereby one may enter the way of perfection and sanctity is to surrender oneself to our good God. But what does it mean to surrender oneself? I understand the full extent of the meaning of the word, self-surrender; but l cannot explain it. I only know it is very vast; that it embraces both the present and the future. To surrender oneself is something more than to devote oneself, more than to give oneself ; it is even something more than to abandon oneself to God. To surrender oneself is to die to everything and to self, to be no longer concerned with self except to keep it continually turned towards God. Self-surrender is no longer to seek self-satisfaction in anything but solely God's good pleasure. It should be added that self-surrender is to follow that complete spirit of detachment which holds to nothing; neither to persons nor to things, neither to time nor place. lt means to accept everything, to submit to everything. On this her feast day, I would like to give thanks for the life of St.Therèse and for the mission of the Sisters of the Cenacle. I hope and pray that the beautiful vision of God’s Goodness may draw each of us closer to the One who is the source of all light, life and love and that we know the grace of “self-surrender.” These days I’m living with so many Jesuits who are surrendering their agency, health, cognitive and speech abilities. It’s a striking reminder of how life is ultimately out of our control and about “letting go.” Not easy to live or to witness in others! The photo below is the L'Ardèche where the mother house of the Cenacle was located until recently. St Therèse's shrine is now located in the Basilica of John Francis Regis in LaLouvais. Welcome Back!9/25/2023 Monday of the 25th Week in OT
I was startled this morning as I entered the building on my way to Mass and the person at the nurse’s station said, “Welcome Back!” My immediate response was “I haven’t been away.” The more I thought about it, however, I realized that there are many ways in which we may be “away,” even if we are geographically present. This week’s first readings from the Book of Ezra recounts the homecoming of the those who have been “away” and in exile. Can you imagine the “welcome back” that they would have received? The psalm captures the joy of homecoming for the exiles. When the LORD brought back the captives of Zion, we were like men dreaming. Then our mouth was filled with laughter, and our tongue with rejoicing. Today is Yom Kippur, the day of atonement. The daytime services of Yom Kippur are characterized by their emphasis on the two major themes of forgiveness and teshuvah, or repentance. According to the traditional Jewish prayers, God forgives us for the sins that affect no one else other than our relationship with God. For sins that affect and harm others, we must first apologize and seek forgiveness from those whom we have hurt. Only then are the prayers of Yom Kippur considered effective in absolving our sins. Teshuvah is the process by which we recognize our sins, feel regret for having committed them, and then resolve not to do them again and make restitution for any harm we may have caused. All of the major prayers of the Yom Kippur liturgy focus on these themes. As I reflect on the experience of “exile” and “homecoming” in the light of this Day of Atonement, I can’t help thinking of the times in our lives when we are exiled from our true selves. Isn’t the first step towards asking for forgiveness of God and others, asking to forgive ourselves for our failure to love who we are? And isn’t the reconciliation that we receive when we know we are loved and forgiven the “welcome back” we hope for? When I wrote a reflection on these readings four years ago, I included a link to a dance I choreographed to Psalm 62. I think it captures the longing and rejoicing that comes from receiving God’s “Welcome Back!” Psalm 62 The photo I chose for today is my friend, Joel, with arms outstretched. It feels like he's saying, Welcome Back! Labors of Love9/24/2023 25th Sunday in OT
Here is the homily I gave to the Jesuit Community here at Campion. I hope you can find it helpful for yourself as well. “The labors of love” apply not just in what we do in the vineyard of the Lord, but in the vineyard of our lives. (Probably the same thing!) How are you hearing today’s parable? I imagine that all of us here can identify with the workers who labored all day in the vineyard. We all have our stories of different missions and ministries over many years. And as we sit here now at Campion and look back at our time in the Vineyard, do we ever wonder, “Was it worth it?” All those hours in the classroom, all those committee or pastoral council meetings, all those homilies preached, Masses celebrated, all the labors in the Lord’s vineyard. Was it worth it? Yes, I know this is a very crass question. It’s as if we could monetize our ministry. It’s a question that presumes that the work in the vineyard is about results and rewards. Yesterday, I led an afternoon retreat for a dozen member of the Episcopal Church’s Commission on Ministry. This group of Episcopal priests, deacons, and laypeople are the overseers for those men and women applying for ordination to the deaconate and priesthood. The retreat took place in a parish in Cohasset. To there I took Route 228 which many of you know winds through various towns. As I was driving there, I thought back to my 27 years as Pastor of St Ignatius and the many, many pastoral council meetings and other retreats I facilitated at the BC Jesuit community house in Cohasset not far from where this retreat was taking place. I thought of the people who served the parish, as well as their energy and commitment. But I also wondered what difference it made in the long run. How do you measure success in ministry? Of course, that’s the wrong question to ask. Ministry is meant to be a labor of love. That’s what I saw yesterday in the dozen people who were all fired up about how best to encourage and support new laborers in the Vineyard. We all know what it is to labor in the vineyard, whether it be as full-time ministers, volunteers, or just folks who find ways in live the Gospel through the generous gift of themselves. We all might ask if this has been a labor of love. Is the labor itself its own reward? The laborers in the vineyard see their work in a transactional way. It’s “quid pro quo.” Those who have been working for a long time believe their wages should be more than those who have been working a much shorter time. But the prodigal vineyard owner, aka God, doesn’t see things the way we do. As we know from the Contemplation on Love from the Spiritual Exercises, God “labors” freely for us and without counting the cost or expecting any reward. God’s labors are not “cost effective” As St Ignatius says in the Prayer for Generosity, Lord, Teach me to be generous. Teach me to serve you as you deserve, To give and not to count the cost, To fight and not to heed the wounds, To toil and not to seek for rest, To labor and not to ask for reward, Save that of knowing that I do your will. I chose the photos of the “late-blooming-roses” since they captured by attention and reminded me of the “late-comers” in the vineyard. BTW9/22/2023 9-22
Friday of the 24th Week in OT Jesus journeyed from one town and village to another, preaching and proclaiming the good news of the Kingdom of God. Accompanying him were the Twelve and some women who had been cured of evil spirits and infirmities, Mary, called Magdalene, from whom seven demons had gone out, Joanna, the wife of Herod's steward Chuza, Susanna, and many others who provided for them out of their resources. These few verses often feel like after thoughts in Luke’s Gospel. It’s why I chose the title BTW, a shortened form for “by the way.” “Oh, and I forgot to mention that there were some women following Jesus……” Luke may have deemed the presence of these women as a “BTW” but for many of us they “pop out” like neon lights, calling attention to how dramatically important they are. This morning I was reading how the issue of women deacons will be “argued” in the upcoming Synod. And yet, here we have these women who are “deacons” in their service of Jesus and his mission. The word in Greek used is in fact a form of “diakonia” Here’s what I wrote two years ago. I usually entitle this reflection “Her Eyes On Jesus” When you read this, you’ll remember why. ( I chose two photos for today from Lenten Evening Prayer in 2006 at St. Ignatius. Women were always in the majority of the dancers. We might have a "smattering" of men. That should say something about leadership in the Church community.) In today’s Gospel, Mary, called Magdalene, Joanna and Susanna are singled out as companions of Jesus. For a change it’s the women disciples who are named individually and the men are all lumped together as the Twelve. Each of these women has “her eyes on” Jesus. In a very real sense Jesus is their horizon. His person and his mission stretch out before them and opens up new possibilities for their lives. The more each has her eyes on Jesus, the more each woman’s horizon expands as she sees herself embraced by Jesus’ unconditional love. Just as “heaven and earth,” and “sea and sky” meet to create a visual horizon, Jesus, fully human, fully divine, is the horizon always expanding before us. With Jesus as the horizon of our hearts there is no limit to what we can become. I shared with you yesterday a link to the Gospel that precedes today’s. You can use that same link to hear about and see Mary, Joanna, and Susanna as they dance their love for Jesus. The music is composed by Jesuit, Cristóbal Fones and the title of the song is “Song of St Francis Xavier.” I’ve taken some liberties in the translation of the Spanish. When this piece was first performed as part of a Lenten Evening Prayer, the soloist was Cristóbal Fones himself. What a blessing! Con Cristo en el corazón Y el corazón en el horizonte, No hay fronteras, no hay confines, Sólo Dios mi esperanza. With Christ in my heart And his heart the horizon There are no limits, no boundaries Only God, my hope. https://vimeo.com/60764715#t=1256s Dancers are Jamie Huggins, Nicole Huggins, Laura Schweppe Delaney, Wendy Lawson What does it mean for you to have your eyes on Jesus as the horizon of your life? What is it that he offers you so that your heart may expand in love and gratitude? I also share with you a section of the story of “Justus” in which Mary of Magdala and her seven “demons” play an important role. Then he heard a voice call his name, “Justus.” He knew at once who was calling him. It was his older sister Miriam. It was she who gave him the name, Justus when they were growing up in Magdala. They spent so much time together alone that she would so often say “It’s just us.” Justus worshipped his older sister, even if it was forbidden by the first commandment. He loved her imagination, the games she would create. She would play at being “rabbi” and he would sit at the feet of Rabbi Miriam and learn from her. It was from her that he learned the psalms by heart. And her favorite passages from the prophet Isaiah. “Fear not, O Israel. I have redeemed you. I have called you by your name. you are mine. You are precious and honored and I love you. The troubles began for Miriam when she began saying that God was calling her to be a Rabbi, a teacher of the law. “You are a woman! God would not call a woman for a man’s work!” Then the rumors began that she was “possessed by demons.” Not just one but 7. Everyone shunned her, called her names. No one wanted to be seen with Miriam, except Justus, her faithful brother and friend. It was he, years later, who had asked the Rabbi, Jesus, if he would come to their house and speak with Miriam. Something strange and wonderful happened in that visit. Miriam also began to follow the Rabbi. And whenever Justus would see her in the presence of Jesus, he knew she was deeply in love with him, although she somehow knew he didn’t belong to her but to the whole universe. Justus knew this since he and Miriam had spent so many nights stargazing, speaking of God and believing that this universe was an expression of an eternal Love. Justus remembered how she would say, “Justus, can you imagine if the Lord of All who loves us so much became one of us? Yes, I know that sounds like blasphemy, but who would have ever thought there would be a sun and moon and stars and life in the first place?” Matt Finish9/21/2023 Feast of St Matthew, Apostle and Evangelist
I remember seeing the Caravaggio, Call of St Matthew in the Church of San Luigi in Rome. It is a stunning canvass that captures Matthew’s disbelief at being called. I only have a small image of what is a very large painting. I thought the title “Matt Finish” works for this reflection since I’m using a photograph of a painting. A “matte finish” has less luster than a glossy one, so in some sense “Matt finish” doesn’t work since Caravaggio is a master at using light. Look at the faces of the men at the table. Anything but “matte!” Every year for the past three, on the feast of St Matthew, I share with you the poem “Levi-tation” The title comes from Matthew’s other identity in Mark and Luke as “Levi.” And, of course, Matthew’s rising from his customs table to follow Jesus. The poem blends themes of dreams since they play an important part in Matthew’s Gospel; Joseph’s dreams, as well as the ostracization he would have known as a tax-collector for the Romans. “Levi-tation” In my prayer this morning, I was wondering what Matthew must have felt as he was singled out by this Jewish Rabbi whose reputation must have preceded him. Matthew/Levi would have experienced scorn, hatred, judgment from his fellow Jews, but here was someone who was recognizing his “inner light” and calling him to follow him. I haven’t really paid attention to “The Chosen” but I have heard how interesting the character of Matthew is as he is portrayed in this series. I found a clip on Youtube. Now I understand why it’s so engaging. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=87JIUxqTMLk Is there any way that you feel the gaze of Jesus on you? Is he calling you to “rise” and “follow?” Are you in “suspended animation” as he works his “levitation” magic on you? Stomped - On and Off9/20/2023 Wednesday of the 24th Week in OT
Yesterday’s “stump” is today’s “stomp.” I chose the "solar powered " statuette of Jesus to accompany this reflection. He's not stomping but he is shaking his head, or he could be dancing. In yesterday’s reflection I invited you to think about the meaning of the “stump.” The more I looked at the photo, the stump spoke to me of what it’s like to have more “past” than “future.” When you reach a certain age, there is a tendency to be looking back and thinking of what was, rather than what lies ahead, especially if you are in a present because of some loss, trauma or separation. Looking back, the “stump” led me to think of a “stomp” in a dance that I choreographed a number of years ago. Psalm 137 begins with the words “By the rivers of Babylon, we sat down and wept when we remembered Zion” The power of this Song of Exile has been captured by many composers. The one that I used was a contemporary setting by Marty Haugen. Here it is sung by Michael Burgo at St Ignatius and danced by members of the BLDE. The psalm speaks of a people remembering its past and expressing their frustration and anger at being in exile. To communicate this angst in the dance, I used heavy stamping and stomping movement as well as gestures, striking the ground in lamentation. I hope you will find it as powerful as I think it is. https://vimeo.com/346707624#t=3360s In today’s Gospel, Jesus is frustrated and angry over the people’s “contrariness.” He just can’t win! You can imagine him shaking his head! Jesus said to the crowds: "To what shall I compare the people of this generation? What are they like? They are like children who sit in the marketplace and call to one another, 'We played the flute for you, but you did not dance. We sang a dirge, but you did not weep.' For John the Baptist came neither eating food nor drinking wine, and you said, 'He is possessed by a demon.' The Son of Man came eating and drinking and you said, 'Look, he is a glutton and a drunkard, a friend of tax collectors and sinners.' But wisdom is vindicated by all her children." Can you picture Jesus’ “stomping” off in frustration, feeling “stomped” on by the hard headedness and hard heartedness of the people around him? I have to ask myself if I’m like those “contrary” people in the Gospel. Do I really listen to Jesus? Do I let myself trust him and not question his wisdom? Stumped?9/19/2023 Tuesday of the 24th Week in OT
As I was reading my reflection on today’s readings from four years ago, I couldn’t help thinking of the Synod on Synodality that begins in Rome in a few weeks. I don’t know if they will discuss the issue of a married clergy, but reading what the custom in the early church was, it does leave you scratching your head and asking, “What’s the big deal?” Four years ago, the “Synod on the Amazon” was taking place. I wonder if anything has changed since then? When you read today’s scripture from Paul’s letter to Timothy, are you as stumped as I am? Therefore, a bishop must be irreproachable, married only once, temperate, self-controlled, decent, hospitable, able to teach, not a drunkard, not aggressive, but gentle, not contentious, not a lover of money.. He must manage his own household well, keeping his children under control with perfect dignity; for if a man does not know how to manage his own household, how can he take care of the Church of God? What stumps me, is why we make such a big deal of clerical celibacy, when it was not the custom in the early church. The description of a Bishop’s qualifications makes it very clear that marriage and children were expected. So why is there such opposition to returning to early practice? If there is one thing about the upcoming Synod on the Amazon that is enraging many, is the suggestion that respected elders in the communities be ordained so that the people may have the fullness of liturgical life. There are also increased roles for women. Why so much ire? I’m stumped! Do you know where the expression “to be stumped” comes from? The question stumped me, and I did some investigation. There’s a good chance that it comes from ploughs sticking when they hit tree stumps. In any case, the expression clearly has to do with the stump of a tree. Yesterday, I stumbled upon a stump that captivated me. Here was all that was left of what once was a towering tree. If you look closely, you’ll see some acorns that have lodged in its openings. Once upon a time it was a tiny acorn that became the tree that was now just a stump, a remainder and a reminder of a life that was. I wonder if this tree stump with its inside scars and age lines, and outside crust has something to say to each of us? For the moment I’m stumped by the stump, but I’ll just plough ahead and stick to it and see what I stumble upon. 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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