Andrew's Advent-ure11/30/2021 Feast of St Andrew
As Jesus was walking by the Sea of Galilee, he saw two brothers, Simon who is called Peter, and his brother Andrew, casting a net into the sea; they were fishermen. He said to them, “Come after me, and I will make you fishers of people.” (These reflections will be taken from the Advent Adventure that I'm facilitating for Eastern Point. Of course, here I can have fun with the titles. Since the feast of St Andrew ordinarily falls in Advent, I thought that Andrew's Advent-ure would be a good one.) Do you ever wonder about Andrew? How did he feel not being in the inner circle of the disciples closest to Jesus? Peter, James and John are the trio who get to accompany Jesus to the mountain of Transfiguration, as well as in the Garden of Gethsemane. They are the chosen among the chosen. And what about Andrew? He was called the same day with the other three. Did he feel left out, when Jesus called the trio to be with him at these special moments? Colloquy: In your prayer, can you imagine a conversation between Andrew and Jesus in which Andrew expressed his feelings about being left out? What would Jesus say to him? What about yourself? Is there anything in the experience of Andrew that you can relate to? Speak to Jesus as one friend speaks to another. What does he have to say to you? Are his words consoling? In last year’s Advent Adventure on this feast, I mentioned that the motto for St Andrew’s in Scotland is the expression, Dum Spiro, Spero. (while I breathe, I hope) Tradition has it that the bones of St Andrew were brought to this town in Scotland centuries ago. These days, we all need to “take a deep breath” and fill our lungs with Hope! This Advent season offers us the opportunity to renew the hope that comes from knowing that we have already been redeemed by Christ’s love for us. We know that he is with us “now.” It is so easy to be discouraged and to lose hope during this difficult time when we have lost so much. And still we are urged to “Wait in Joyful Hope!” A Spiritual Exercise: Use the words, “Dum Spiro, spero,” alternating them with “While I breathe, I hope,” as a mantra during the day. Breathe in on “Dum spiro” breathe out on “Spero.” Breathe in on “While I breathe,” breath out on “I hope.”
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"This" and "That"11/29/2021 Monday of the First Week of Advent
The photo above of a leaf resting on an advertisement for an expensive time piece was sent to me by a friend. It says something so profound about how we live our lives controlled by chronological time, when what is more revelatory is “Kairos” time. Just think of all that is held in the life of one leaf! Here’s the homily I’ll be giving today for the Priest’s retreat that began last night. Monday of the First Week of Advent If I were around for the second coming of Christ, and if I had a chance to “speak my piece,” I’d put my hands on my hips and say “well, It’s about time!” We’ve been waiting for more than 2000 years! What took you so long?” I’m sure you can hear the frustration in my voice. Listen to Isaiah’s words: “in day to come, all nations shall stream toward God’s Holy Mountain? Really? When all we hear is nations closing their borders because of Covid variants or immigration issues, we’re supposed to trust “in days to come?” And the day when nations shall beat their swords into plowshares? With thousands of years of armed conflict, and now weapons of kinds unimaginable, we’re supposed to imagine “that day” when there will be an end to this all? And what does Jesus say to me? He says, “let me speak my peace.(that’s p-e-a-c-e) It IS about “time.” I know you know the difference between Chronos and Kairos I’ve heard you preach about the difference between the two, how often ,in Advent? Chronological time that is measured by seconds, minutes, days, weeks, years, decades, centuries can be pretty bleak. But what about “Kairos,” time that isn’t measured, but is the “now” of my being with you? It’s those moments that are pregnant with possibilities, when you know that I’m here with you. Aren’t there moments when you sense my presence, and feel my peace, healing and consolation in the midst of the mess of this world? Yes, pray for “that day” to come in Time but in the “mean time” (and I know it can be a pretty mean time) focus on “this” day, my Spirit’s inbreaking, the “pow of the now” (I know that’s bad but I’m trying to get on your wave length, speak to you as one friend speaks to another.) Really, Jesus? The Pow of the Now? (and I think I saw him grinning at me.) 6 days, from Sunday evening to Saturday morning is not a great deal of chronological time for retreat, especially if you’re worrying about “that day” when you return to your ministry with homilies to prepare, programs to facilitate: all the items on your agenda. Is the invitation from Jesus and the Spirit to focus on “this” day. Be in the “now.” Know the “Pow!” of the Now. Two years ago on this retreat, we had a very dramatic storm that finished with a stunning snow fall. One of the retreatants whom I was directing told me about his walk along the stations of the cross and described to me the beauty of the trees bending and bowing, creating snowy arches. My first reaction was that I had too much to do that day to go and walk in the snow. But later in the day I did, and I was awed by the beauty of “this” day. I wrote a poem describing “this” experience that I’d like to share with you. On “this” day… There is no snow predicted for your days of retreat this year. But, hopefully, you will know him in the Kairos, in the in-breaking, in the revelation of his love for you. Below is a photo of the snowfall that inspired "On "This" Day" Advent's Arrival11/28/2021 First Sunday of Advent The photos above and below are from the inauguration of another Advent season. As you can see there is an interplay of colors, light and darkness, offering the promise of a new day. Oh, that we could trust the promise! I’m attaching today’s reflections from our Advent Adventure for your prayer and consideration. an_advent_adventure_2021_.docx And a blessed New Year! Oh, that it might be so! Tail End11/26/2021 Friday of the 34th Week in OT
I took the brief video above a few days ago when I spotted a dolphin racing across Brace Cove. I was so startled to see the arc of the dolphin’s leap through the water. I couldn’t believe how fast she was travelling. I raced to find my phone/camera, but by the time I found it, I thought I had lost her. I scanned the horizon, but she was nowhere to be found. Then, I zoomed in, thinking that I saw her, but on second glance realized that it was a gull. This morning, reading the Canticle of Daniel, with its mention of dolphins blessing the Lord, I decided to take another look to see if by any chance, I could find her. Eureka! One minute into the video you will see her breaking the water’s surface. You can see her tail end as well. (I was able to freeze frame her leaping in the photo below.) Since we are at the “tail end” of the liturgical year, I thought it would be an appropriate title for this reflection, especially given today’s Canticle with its reference to dolphins. “You dolphins and all water creatures, bless the Lord; praise and exalt him above all forever.” And to quote Shakespeare’s As You Like It, “thereby hangs a tale.” The tale I’d like to tell is The Story of Paul, which I wrote many years ago. It was inspired by the story of the Prodigal with its theme of “lost and found.” In the original, the dolphin’s name was Dora, (Theodora) I’m not sure why the editor changed it to Ted. I much prefer Dora the Dolphin! The Story of Paul Creation's Canticle11/24/2021 Wednesday of the 34th Week in OT/ Thanksgiving Eve When you think of Creation’s Canticle, you most likely think of St Francis’ Canticle of the Sun. Before Francis, however, there was the Book of Daniel which contains a beautiful song of praise. Today can be a source of a more upbeat, hopeful reflection, especially on the eve of Thanksgiving. The Reading from Daniel and the Gospel are pretty bleak, and there’s enough that’s bleak in our world these days. In the Church’s Liturgy of the Hours, it is spoken/sung/ prayed on Sunday of Week I and on all major feasts. It may be a bit of “grace” that the responsorial psalm today in replaced with Creation’s Canticle with its litany of blessings since it’s the day before Thanksgiving. It’s good to remember that praise and blessing always go together. Sun and moon, bless the Lord; praise and exalt him above all forever. Stars of heaven, bless the Lord; praise and exalt him above all forever. Every shower and dew, bless the Lord; praise and exalt him above all forever. All you winds, bless the Lord; praise and exalt him above all forever. Fire and heat, bless the Lord; praise and exalt him above all forever. Cold and chill, bless the Lord; praise and exalt him above all forever. Dew and rain, bless the Lord; praise and exalt him above all forever. Frost and chill, bless the Lord; praise and exalt him above all forever. Hoarfrost and snow, bless the Lord; praise and exalt him above all forever. Nights and days, bless the Lord; praise and exalt him above all forever. Light and darkness, bless the Lord; praise and exalt him above all forever. Lightnings and clouds, bless the Lord; praise and exalt him above all forever. Let the earth bless the Lord, praise and exalt him above all forever. Mountains and hills, bless the Lord; praise and exalt him above all forever. Everything growing on earth, bless the Lord; praise and exalt him above all forever. You springs, bless the Lord; praise and exalt him above all forever. Seas and rivers, bless the Lord; praise and exalt him above all forever. You sea monsters and all water creatures, bless the Lord; praise and exalt him above all forever. All you birds of the air, bless the Lord; praise and exalt him above all forever. All you beasts, wild and tame, bless the Lord; praise and exalt him above all forever. All you mortals, bless the Lord; praise and exalt him above all forever. O Israel, bless the Lord; praise and exalt him above all forever. I hope you have a very blessed Thanksgiving. I also share with you again The Song of Praise from For the Greater Glory of God. vimeo.com/265442500 No Stone Unturned11/23/2021 Tuesday of the 34th Week in OT/ memorial of Blessed Miguel Pro S.J.
Stones are on my mind this morning. Both scriptures speak of stones. In the book of Daniel, a stone hewn from a mountain destroys the statue of gold, bronze, iron, and clay. In the Gospel, Luke’s Jesus predicts that the temple, adorned with precious stones will be destroyed. (When Luke was writing his Gospel, the temple had already been demolished by the Romans.) While some people were speaking about how the temple was adorned with costly stones and votive offerings, Jesus said, “All that you see here– the days will come when there will not be left a stone upon another stone that will not be thrown down.” Stones are usually small enough to be held in one’s hands. That’s why we can say “a stone’s throw away” is not a great distance. Of course, it would depend on strength and acumen for a stone’s throw to be a great distance. Modern day “shot putting” derives from the ancient sport of “putting the stone.” So stone throwing can be something destructive, harming someone, or it can be an athletic competition. Stones can be used for steps, for skimming, for building up. If you are reading this and thinking I must be “stoned,” I assure you that the only substance I’ve ingested is two cups of coffee! Although Nebuchadnezzar’s vision does sound like it comes from someone who might be “stoned.” As I reflect on these scriptures that we hear at the end of the liturgical year, I do feel a bit “stoned” by all the negative imagery. Everything that the human race has built is crumbling because of “wars and insurrections” which pit nation against nation. The created world is crumbling because of “earthquakes, famines and plagues.” It is not a pretty picture! And yet, if you “leave no stone unturned,” you may find reason for trust, given God’s assurance of faithfulness. All this reflection about stones and shots, reminds me of the story I wrote for the 500th anniversary of St Ignatius’ conversion. It’s about a stonemason named Iñaki, who makes the cannonball (shot) that injures Ignatius beginning a completely different trajectory for his life. I chose the image of a stone being skimmed across the water because it has a ripple effect, as did the cannonball made of stone whose ripples are felt to this day through all those touched by Ignatius and the Spiritual Exercises. One of those "ripples" was the life of Blessed Miguel Pro S.J. who was executed with the words Viva Christo Rey! on his lips. iÑu.pdf Music and Dancing Day11/22/2021 Monday of the 34th Week in OT/ Memorial of St Cecelia How perfect is it that Joel Peterson, who embodies the gifts of music and dance celebrates his birthday today when we remember St. Cecilia, the patron saint of musicians! It’s his 51st. Happy Birthday, Joel! The gospel today is the widow’s mite or small offering. I can’t help thinking of Joel’s generous offering of his gifts, which may seem so small and insignificant are so great and meaningful. Here’s a link to Joel dancing “Tomorrow Shall Be My Dancing Day” in Christmas Reflections in 2014. https://vimeo.com/115554146 Since today is a travel day for me, the reflection is brief, but as we enter Thanksgiving week, I’m particularly grateful for the gift of Joel Peterson in my life. The photo below is my viola, since St Cecilia is often portrayed with a viol. All Told11/21/2021 Solemnity of Christ the King of the Universe
For the past two years, I have written a poem inspired by the scriptures of this final Sunday of the liturgical year: "INRI" for Cycle C and "Enthralled" for Cycle A. Both are included in the collection, "On the Quiver of Mystery."I couldn’t let this year pass by with out completing a triptych so there would be one for all three cycles. If truth be told, this year’s was the most challenging. The dominant visual imagery is of Christ’s “coming on the clouds.” The Gospel is an interrogation of Jesus, regarding his identity in John’s Gospel. He is on the witness stand as Pilot readies himself to read a verdict. “Truth” is at the heart of this questioning. And so, “if truth be told” were the words that have been haunting me for the past days. The “truth” that we believe as Christians is that Jesus Christ was, is and always will be King, Sovereign, Ruler of the Universe. And yet, it doesn’t feel like the world we live in has a clue about God’s design for the Universe in Jesus Christ. Even those of us who profess faith in Jesus Christ fall prey to the world’s wily ways. We’d rather be powerful than powerless, have wealth and fame rather than poverty and disgrace. The photo above is an icon of Christ as the teacher of Truth. The photo below is my best attempt at an image of a TAU Cross. The poem, "All Told," is best opened as a document since it’s “all in the presentation.” Here’s the link. all_told.docx BTW, today is also the feast of the Presentation of Mary. The title I used last year was “All in the Presentation.” And, if truth be told, I forgot to post Friday's reflection. I had finished it but was searching for a photo of a Menorah. I just noticed today that I had not posted it. Happy Hanukkah!11/19/2021 Friday of the 33rd Week in OT
Hanukkah does not begin this year until Sunday, November 28th, which also happens to be the First Sunday of Advent. The reading from the Book of Maccabees that we hear today is the one used for the commemoration of this important event in the life of our Jewish brothers and sisters. Two years ago, this reading coincided with the memorial of St Cecilia, Patron Saint of Music and Musicians. Now that’s a wonderful coincidence! On the anniversary of the day on which the Gentiles had defiled the altar, on that very day it was reconsecrated with songs, harps, flutes, and cymbals. Hanukkah may be a less than two weeks away but today’s reading which describes the origin of this 8-day celebration for our Jewish brothers and sisters invites us to go “into the depths” of our ourselves and celebrate with joy the music that God makes deep within each of us. Then Judas and his brothers and the entire congregation of Israel decreed that the days of the dedication of the altar should be observed with joy and gladness on the anniversary every year for eight days, from the twenty-fifth day of the month Chislev. What I learned today is that a Menorah typically has seven branches where a Menorah at Hanukkah is called a Hanukkiah and has nine branches, one candle for each of the eight days. Can we let the music of our lives be heard and the light within be seen today and tomorrow even if it’s not yet Hanukkah? Here is a link to a dance to Deep Within vimeo.com/60764715#t=525ss Last night was a Lunar Eclipse of the Beaver Moon. The last time it was seen lasting so long was almost 600 years ago! Although I did not see it as it was being eclipsed, I was surprised to see her hiding behind the trees. I think a worthy accompaniment is “Over the Moon” over_the_moon.docx Why a Willow?11/18/2021 Thursday of the 33rd Week in OT
The photo of a weeping willow tree seems appropriate for today’s Gospel where Jesus weeps over Jerusalem. The Latin name for weeping willow is “salix babylonica” and was so called because it was thought that “willows” were grown in Babylon. Psalm 137 speaks of the pain of the exiles in Babylon: By the waters of Babylon, we sat down and wept, when we remembered Zion. There on the willows, we hung up our harps. Here’s a link to a danced version of the psalm that expresses the pain and longing of the exiles to return to their homeland. https://vimeo.com/346707624#t=3390s If truth be told, I’m feeling some of the sadness felt in Jesus’s weeping over Jerusalem and the exiles experience of longing for a return to what was. As I remember the dance works that I created for prayer over the years, and acknowledge the limitations that I have now, there is a longing for a return to what was. The challenge, however, is finding new ways to use the gifts we have, and let God open new paths for us. There is also a mix of joy and sadness for me when I remember my friend, Peter McIsaac whose birthday is today. Peter was pastor of St Anne’s Parish in West Kingston, Jamaica when I first met him. He was the catalyst for our parish trips for 10 years, when we worked side by side with the people of West Kingston. I also had the wonderful opportunity to teach dance classes that were organized by the Anglican Diocese. I am so grateful for the time we were able to spend in Jamaica, but also feeling great sadness that that mission and ministry was not able to continue. As i look at the photo above of the weeping willows, I'm also struck by the bridge. Sometimes you have to cross over the bridge to move from sadness to joy. I suppose my prayer today rephrases the final verses of Psalm 30: Will you turn my mourning into dancing? 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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