7 Swans on the 7th Day of Christmas12/31/2019 7th Day of the Octave of Christmas
Today is New Year’s Eve which marks the chronological ending of 2019 but it’s also the 7th day of Christmas. And on the seventh day of Christmas, “my true love gave to me, seven swans-a-swimming.” Last year on this very day I had the most wonderful experience of seeing seven swans swimming! How’s that for “kairos!” As you know, there are two concepts of time, one having to do with time that is measured (chronological) and the other (kairotic) a graced, or decisive moment. Although our lives are determined by the passage of chronological time, it’s those “kairos” moments, that are imprinted on our souls as “full of grace.” On the 32nd Sunday of the year, this past November, the number 7 played a central role. Here is what I said at the beginning of my homily. The Scriptures today are brought to you by the number 7. 7 sons/ 7 husbands/ 7 and 7. Why 7? Why not 6 or 8? 7 is the number for perfection or completion. There are 7 days of creation and on the 7thday God rests since the work of Creation is completed. (Not really!) And in the book of Revelations there are 7 churches, 7 angels, 7 seals, 7 trumpets, 7 stars. But there is also something open-ended and unfinished about 7. Think of Jesus saying you need to forgive 7 times 70 times. Endlessly. Or think about the musical scale. Sing (do-re-mi-fa-sol-la ti) As a choreographer, I love 7’s because they create this sense of continuous, endless movement. It just so happens that today’s scripture for the 7th Day in the Octave of Christmas has this very theme of endings and beginnings. The Letter of John speaks of the “last hour.” (Fitting for New Year’s Eve!) “Children, it is the last hour…. We know this is the last hour.” But the Gospel is about the “beginning.” “In the beginning was the Word and the Word was with God.” As we come to the “last hour” of the chronological year, 2019 and await the beginning of 2020, we are invited to reflect on the “Kairos” moments when we have seen and known God’s grace in palpable ways this past year. For me, there are too many to “number.” But for the sake of seven, I share with you seven of my “highly favored” moments of grace. Honestly, I could have chosen seventy times seven of these images that capture God's "inventiveness" in the graced events of my life this past year. I also invite you to pray with the final words from today’s Gospel as we continue to count the days of the Christmas season, but begin a New Year. From his fullness we have all received, grace in place of grace, because while the law was given through Moses, grace and truth came through Jesus Christ. No one has ever seen God. The only-begotten Son, God, who is at the Father's side, has revealed him.
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Squill/Squall12/30/2019 Monday of the Octave of Christmas/ The Sixth Day of Christmas
In today’s reading from the first letter of John, he repeats 6 times, “I am writing” The repetition of “writing” made me think of how I’ve been writing a reflection (blog) 6 times a week since last February. And today is the Sixth day of Christmas! Do you know what “my true love gave to me” on the sixth day of Christmas? Six geese. And the feathers of geese were not only used for down for warmth and comfort but also for quill pens, writing instruments. Although the author of the first letter of John wouldn’t have used a quill pen since they were not in common use until the 6th century, he would have used a pen or stylus of some kind. If you are at “sixes and sevens,” wondering where I’m wandering today, I think it’s all about how the mind is a maze! This morning I read the text from the first letter of John and “I am writing” repeated made me think of my daily exercise of writing, which made me think of writing instruments which made me think of quills which led me to find that goose feathers were used for quills, which made me think of geese being the gift of the sixth day of Christmas and I counted “I am writing” six times which made me wonder whether there was really a word “squill” and I found that a squill is a lily plant which made me think of a squall that I experienced when I was in NY (Photo s above) And a partridge in a pear tree! I realize that my writing today is quite a “squall.” It’s a flurry of words, ideas, images that may be concealing what I really want to say. And what is that? What a gift writing six times a week since last February has been for me! Each day I have the gift of playing with words, images and ideas that always, always, always reveal what’s “right” with God’s world. Yes, I know that there is so much that’s “wrong” with the world. (That’s what we hear in John’s letter today.) but I’d rather be writing the “right” than writing the “wrongs.” I’ll finish by saying “Squalls well that ends well!” Family Fugue12/28/2019 Feast of the Holy Family
If you’ve ever been to Barcelona and visited the Basilica of the Holy Family (La Sagrada Familia) you may have wondered what was in the mind of the architect Gaudí when he conceived of this astounding work of art. All of his work has a dreamlike, fantastical quality to it, even though his inspiration is from the world of mathematics and nature. Though his work is grounded in reality, it’s as if he was in a fugue state when he envisioned this. What an imagination! There is something so dynamic about the biblical figures. In the Nativity Facade, they are not static and statuesque but look like they could move and come to life. A counterpoint to this is seen in the Passion Façade where the figures look like geometric blocks with sharp angles. If the Sagrada Familia could be transformed into a sonic, rather than a visual experience, I imagine it would sounds like Bach’s Toccata and Fugue! Why this fugal theme on the Feast of the Holy Family? Contrary to the tranquil image of the holy family at the manger surrounded by shepherd and sheep, Mary, Joseph and Jesus were often in “flight” According to Matthew’s account, they are forced to flee to Egypt and after some time, return to Nazareth. How often are they “on the move?” From Nazareth to Bethlehem to Egypt and back again to Nazareth. Joseph rose and took the child and his mother by night and departed for Egypt. He stayed there until the death of Herod, that what the Lord had said through the prophet might be fulfilled, Out of Egypt I called my son. When Herod had died, behold, the angel of the Lord appeared in a dream to Joseph in Egypt and said, "Rise, take the child and his mother and go to the land of Israel, for those who sought the child's life are dead." He rose, took the child and his mother, and went to the land of Israel. But when he heard that Archelaus was ruling over Judea in place of his father Herod, he was afraid to go back there. And because he had been warned in a dream, he departed for the region of Galilee. He went and dwelt in a town called Nazareth, so that what had been spoken through the prophets might be fulfilled, He shall be called a Nazorean. There is a tendency to see the Holy Family as “perfect” and free from any of the challenges that any family faces. This idealized vision does not help us to relate to the lived experience of this one particular family. And, of course, we Catholics imagine the Holy Family as a Trinity, when the scriptures refer to Jesus’ brothers and sisters. It may have been quite larger than we imagine. And with that many people there must have been family "feuds." (If we pay attention to Mark’s Gospel, Jesus’ family thinks he’s crazy and want to put him away!) On this feast of the Holy Family, it may be helpful to recognize the complexity and challenges of family life. I share with you a homily I gave on this feast in 2001. It ends abruptly so feel free to finish it for me! Feast of the Holy Family "I am out familied," a friend told me last night after crisscrossing the continent to visit family on the west coast for Christmas and be back for other family obligations here on the east coast. "Family can be so demanding," she continued, exhausted by flight delays and attempts to keep everyone happy and have a "perfect" family time together. This may seem a funny way to begin a homily on the feast of the Holy Family. Shouldn't I be speaking about how wonderful family is and hold up the Holy Family as the model of the perfect family? Yes, of course and no, The reality is that "family" is one of those "hot button" words that evoke positive feelings in some and negative in others. Even in families that are strong and loving there is often some part of the extended family that is excluded. There are the black sheep, the relatives whom we never speak to. And then there is the complexity of the contemporary family system with multiple sets of parents. All of this is to say, that family is not always as "perfect" as we think it should be.. I wonder if there is any place in life where our expectations are as high as they are for our family. We want the image of perfection, and yet, most often the reality is somewhat different. What I would like to suggest this morning on the feast of the Holy Family is that it is OK not to be perfect. What is most important within the family system is forgiveness. As St Paul says, because you are God's chosen ones, holy and beloved, …bear with one another, forgive whatever grievances you have against one another. Forgive as the Lord has forgiven you." No one is perfect. People make mistakes and do hurtful things, especially within families. The family is really the crucible where one learns to love, to forgive and to let go. Or it is not. On this feast of the Holy Family I hope that you have no “family feuds” but that you might hear the different voices of family members in a fugue that is sometimes in counterpoint and sometimes in harmony. You might want to listen to Bach’s Toccata and Fugue while you look at photos of La Sagrada Familia and have a “flight of fancy” with the architect Antoni Guadí. As I was walking yesterday a tree covered with ivy caught my attention. I had no idea when I would use this photo. When I saw the inside of La Sagrada Familia and realized that Gaudí used trees and branches as his inspiration I had to share this with you. The button below should take you to a photo gallery of La Sagrada Familia. Notice this inside columns as trees! St John's Joyful Jingle12/27/2019 Today’s the feast of St John, Apostle and Evangelist. There’s a line from his Gospel that has been a recurring theme for me for the past few weeks. I had suggested this to one of my retreatants but it seems that I needed to hear it as well.
“I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and your joy may be complete. This line is like a bell ringing in my ears. You could almost say it’s “jingling” and I suppose that’s what made me use the tune of Jingle Bells for a lyric that I hope captures the Joy of today’s scripture from the First letter of John as well as his Gospel. St John tells St John tells Good News all the way Oh what joy it is to write On St John’s festive day St John tells St John tells Good News all the way Oh what joy it is to write On St John’s festive day Scribing what he knows Has heard and seen and touched The Word of God made flesh The world God loved so much Jesus Christ, the Lord Is making spirits bright Oh what joy he brings to us What peace and love and light! St John tells St John tells Good News all the way Oh what joy it is to write On St John’s festive day St John tells St John tells Good News all the way Oh what joy it is to write On St John’s festive day Racing to the tomb With Peter just behind O’er the roads they go Not knowing what they’ll find The wrappings all that’s left The Risen One’s not there What joy to see with eyes of faith God’s gracious, loving care! St John tells St John tells Good News all the way Oh what joy it is to write On St John’s festive day St John tells St John tells Good News all the way Oh what joy it is to write On St John’s festive day And here’s a link to Joy to the World from A Dancer’s Christmas! vimeo.com/381002094 Wreathing Round12/26/2019 Feast of St Stephen
Just This Morning I Went Out (sung to the tune of Good King Wenceslas) Just this morning I went out On the feast of Stephen When no snow lay on the ground Though it is the season. What I noticed while I walked Wreaths adorning doorways Did you know that “Stephen” means wreath or crown of glory? When I first read the scriptures for the Feast of St Stephen, I inwardly groaned, wondering how I could continue to write about Christmas joy and peace when there is such hate and violence in the readings of the day. Yes, Stephen was stoned for his profession of faith and is the first martyr but the day after Christmas? Then, I read that Stephen’s name in Greek means “Wreathe or Crown.” Wreathes play a lovely role in Advent and Christmas. As you can see from the photos and the song above, the feast of St Stephen invited me to reflect on wreathes and Christ “wreathing round.” This brought to mind a simple but lovely Advent hymn composed by Dan Schutte. Christ circle round us Christ, may your light surround us. Shine in our living Fill our hearts with great thanksgiving. I invite you today to reflect on how Christ wreathes around you with his light and love. The First "NoEl"12/25/2019 Christmas Day
I was so taken with the photo of Miguel Calero flying through the air as a shepherd in A Dancer's Christmas that I was inspired to write a children’s story about a “flying shepherd.” We all know that angels fly but a shepherd flying? That defies gravity! But that’s what Christmas is all about, defying gravity and turning the world upside down. God becomes one of us in Jesus Christ and that is a source of “comfort and joy.” (Photo Credit: Tony Carbone) The First “NoEl” There once was a shepherd boy whose name was Elijah. He was named after the great prophet. His father, Noah was noted not only for his shepherding but also for his stargazing. Each night he scanned the sky in the fields outside the little town of Bethlehem. On the night that his wife, Naomi gave birth to their first-born son, he thought he saw a chariot of fire racing across the sky. (We would call it a comet or a meteor!) And so, he called his new-born son, Elijah and thought, “Surely, Elohim has great plans for him.” Noah and Naomi loved their new-born son, Elijah and cared for him as carefully as they cared for the sheep of their flock. If truth be told, they called him “El” since they knew in their hearts that Elijah was a precious gift from Elohim. Noah couldn’t wait until El was old enough to receive his first shepherd’s staff and on that very day of his birth, Noah carved a small one that El could use once he was old enough and tall enough to shepherd the sheep (or at least the little lambs.) What Noah and Naomi didn’t know the day he was born was that Elijah would never be able to walk without a staff. He would need it, not just to shepherd the sheep but as a crutch to lean on and enable him to walk. It wasn’t until he tried to take his first steps that his parents realized he would never be able to walk and run like all of the other shepherd children. That very night, Noah scanned the sky looking for a sign and calling out to God to help his son. He thought to himself, “My son will never be like all the other children but I know, as sure as my name is Noah, that Elohim has something special in store for him!” As anyone can imagine, Elijah had more “growing pains” than most of the other shepherd children. Since he could not walk without his staff, always limping along, he was never welcome to join in any shepherd games. All of the other shepherd boys and girls would laugh at him and say, “No! El, you can’t play hide-and-go-sheep with us.” "No! El" was such a constant refrain that he began to think that was his name, Noel! Somehow Elijah made it through his childhood and early teen years as an apprentice shepherd. He never really got used to hearing “No! El!” “No!El” from his peers but at least he knew how precious he was to Noah and Naomi to whom God had given no other son or daughter. When he turned 16 and it came time for lambing season, he asked if he could help with the birthing of the lambs. There was one ewe in particular that Elijah had come to care for. He named her Sarah. She somehow sensed that he was not like the other young shepherds and would always keep pace with him, even limping a little. When it came time for Sarah to give birth, El was at her side calming her and calling her name. When she gave birth to the little lamb, Elijah wrapped him in his arms, put a mantle around him and gave him the name Elisha. (How biblical!) It was then that he noticed that one of this little lamb’s legs was shorter than the others. “Oh,” Elijah thought to himself, “this little lamb will be like me. He will be different from all the others. But, who knows, perhaps Elohim has something in mind for him. Who knows the mind of God?” The years passed and Elijah and Elisha were inseparable. Wherever Elijah went, Elisha followed. They were known as El, the first and El the second. When the other young shepherds and the sheep would see them coming, they’d run the other way, calling out, “No!Els, No!Els” But it didn’t matter since they had each other. Elijah would wrap Elisha around his neck like a mantle and carry him across the fields. One starry night, Noah was scanning the skies and he saw something quite remarkable. He called out to El and said “Elijah, look up! Do you see what I see? Can you see the chariot of fire racing across the sky? It’s what I saw, the night you were born. I knew then and there that Elohim had something special in store for our El.” The light in the sky grew brighter and brighter, so brilliant it almost blinded Noah, Naomi, Elijah and Elisha and the rest of the shepherds. And they were terrified. Then they heard a voice coming from the light” “Know well, Know well, I bring glad tidings! A precious lamb is born in Bethlehem. He will be the Shepherd of all God’s flock.” Elijah couldn’t believe his ears! Someone was calling his name Noel! This messenger, this angel was speaking to him and telling him wonderful news. Elijah was so excited that he picked up his friend Elisha, wrapped him around his neck and said, “Hold on El, we’re going to Bethlehem!” Noah and Naomi couldn’t believe what they were seeing. It looked as if Elijah and Elisha were chariots of fire. El was running so fast, no longer limping but leaping for joy. And then, as if born on Angels’ wings, El was flying through the air! A flying shepherd! “No!El! No!El," the other young shepherds cried out when they saw the one whom they had scorned flying through the air. And all began running in haste to follow them. And they found Mary and Joseph and the babe, asleep in the manger with Elijah and Elohim standing by their side. And Naomi and Noah said to each other, “Now we “know well” what God had in store for our first born. And they and all the shepherds who had seen this with their own eyes made known the message that was told to them about this child. That’s the story of the “First NoEl” 'Twas, 'Tis, 'Twill12/24/2019 Christmas Eve Day ‘Twas the day before Christmas and all was a whirl, all the stores were still open with last minute sales. All the grown-ups were hustling and bustling around, hoping gifts long sought after soon would be found. Running this way and that way, texting and tweeting, praying this frenzy would finally be fleeing. while children were waiting with anticipation. For the EVE of the day, with Christmas elation! Does the description of Christmas Eve Day resonate with your experience? Up until last year, it was certainly mine. Of course, I would add to the above litany of activities, decorating, dance rehearsals, hosting friends for dinner, preparing a Christmas eve homily, playing the violin/viola for one or the Masses and presiding at one if not two of the Masses. I’m tired just thinking of what “twas” As soon as you hear the archaic word ‘twas at this time of year, I would imagine what comes to mind is “The night before Christmas.” If you look very closely at the photo above, you’ll see these words inscribed on the Christmas ornament. This “ornament” is as old as I am and is showing its age (as am I) I have carried it as a “keepsake” for more than 60 years. It always hung on our Christmas tree and it was my favorite. I’m not sure how it was that I was able to take it with me but all I know is that I have cherished it as a memento of what ‘twas each year at Christmas time. Just as ‘twas, is a contraction of “it was” this Christmas ornament that spans my lifetime seems to contain all Christmases past with memories of family and friends. It’s as if all Christmas time and space is “contracted” and contained in this “orb.” It means the “world” to me! Last Christmas eve and today have been very different than the past 40 of my ministry. These have been quieter, more contemplative and no rushing around. In fact, I even took a walk to the local farm to see the Christmas animals: sheep, donkeys, goats and a Scottish cow. ( I thought it was an ox!) This Christmas Eve gives me the opportunity to reflect on the gifts of faithful friends who have enriched my life and ministry. Here's a different version of "Twas the day...
Tis the day before Christmas and nothing’s awhirl, No need to go shopping for last minute sales. No need to go hustling and bustling around Since gifts that are priceless are already found Walking this way and that way down memory lane Saying “thanks be to God” and blessing Christ’s name For all friends and family, faithfully giving, Gifts to be cherished, my reasons for living. Christmas day is soon coming, twelve hours away For its “twas, ‘tis and ‘twill be I gratefully say, What wonders are woven through all days and years Know well, God is with us in life’s joys and tears! Angels' Angles12/23/2019 Monday of the 4th Week of Advent How many angels can dance on the head of a needle or stand on the point of a pin? Are you on “pins and needles” wondering about the answer to this question posed by medieval philosophers? I counted five this past weekend in A Dancer’s Christmas, not dancing on the head of a needle but on pointe :-) Here’s a link to see them: https://vimeo.com/381179279 I’m thinking about angels’ angles today because of the reading from Malachi which refers to the Lord’s “messenger.” Our word Angel comes from the Greek angelos. I never realized that Malachi was the Hebrew word for Messenger. You could say that the “angle” of my reflection today is all about “angels,” those divine messengers like Gabriel who announced the birth of John the Baptist and Jesus of Nazareth. So today may be a good day to reflect on the “angels” in your own life who help you to see life from a different perspective or “angle.” Over the past week preparing for A Dancer’s Christmas/NY there were so many angels (not on pointe) who were messengers of God’s grace. They were old friends from the past 40 years as well as new NY friends from the past three. Each in his/her own way helped me to hear the message of God’s graciousness. Then there are those “huh?” moments in your life when you’re stopped in your tracks and wonder if some divine messenger is at work. That’s what happened to me on Saturday. I went into a restaurant across from the theater to make reservations for a group of 10 of us after the performance. I was told that it would be impossible. I left, disappointed and doubting that I’d ever find a place nearby to accommodate us. Scanning 9th Avenue, I hoped I might find an answer. Just then, the phone rang and it was the reservationist at the restaurant. (I had left him my number “just in case.) He said they had just gotten a cancellation for that evening for 10 people at the same time I had requested! How’s that for an angel’s angling! Last night began the 8 days of Hanukkah. As we reflect on the “malachi’ in our lives, those who bring us God’s light we pray for our Jewish brothers and sisters that they may be encouraged and strengthened in their faith and rededicate themselves to the God of infinite “hesed.” GOD'S ENDS12/21/2019 GOD’S ENDS
Fourth Sunday of Advent The title of my journal entry for March 25th , the feast of the Annunciation, was God-Sends. In it I shared the story of one of the godsends in my life, Joel Peterson. (If you haven’t seen that entry, it’s worth looking at to read again the wonderful story of Joel’s coming to be part of A Dancer’s Christmas.) Rather than focusing on the Sunday scriptures which we heard earlier this week, my “fancy” is caught by all the dance imagery in today’s readings. Hark! my lover–here he comes springing across the mountains, leaping across the hills. When Elizabeth heard Mary's greeting, the infant leaped in her womb, For at the moment the sound of your greeting reached my ears, the infant in my womb leaped for joy. This past week there’s been a great deal of “springing and leaping” for joy in the dance studio and on the stage of the Ailey theater. Here’s a link to a rehearsal of Joy to the World. https://vimeo.com/380901806 The play on words today is thinking not just of godsends but God’s ends; the divine purpose in creation. Traditionally, we hear that God’s ends have to do with our salvation. In A Dancer’s Christmas, I suggest an alternative “end.” Once Upon No Time God was looking at the creation God had made and God thought to himself, How I love to behold my creation. I love to see the stars shining brightly giving light to the earth. I love to see peace upon the earth I have created and how I love to see my children dancing! Oh that I could join in the dance! There is a dance witin me. They call it a dance of three, a Trinity. But how can I dance without arms and legs and hands and feet?And heads and toes. They have legs to walk and arms to swing and heads to roll and hands to join with one another. If I give myself in love, if I am born in their flesh and blood. Then I will always dance with my love. Ah Yes, Tomorrow will be my dancing day! I share with you a link to Joel Peterson’s “Dancing Day.” https://vimeo.com/380901378 Ahas!12/20/2019 Friday of the 3rd Week of Advent The LORD spoke to Ahaz: Ask for a sign from the LORD, your God; let it be deep as the nether world, or high as the sky! Any “aha” moments these days? Sometimes called “epiphanies,” they are moments of pure gift when you see into the depths of something (or even up to the heights.) They are signposts of life’s meaning, like guiding stars or angels that help us find our way. Ahaz in today’s scripture is wary of Ahas! He says, “I will not ask or tempt the LORD!” But Ahaz’s resistance to Ahas! doesn’t stop God from giving a sign. the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and shall name him Emmanuel. My “aha” moment in rehearsal for A Dancer’s Christmas happened when I looked at the expanse of the star-filled sky which serves as a backdrop to the “Ave Maria” so beautifully danced by Maresa D’Amore Morrison and the Chevalier Ballet Company. The whole universe seemed to be affirming this women and her role in God’s gifting the world with Love Incarnate. Another “Aha” moment was the realization that life is really all about the people who enrich our lives with their presence, generosity and love. I have been so gifted to work with so many wonderful people over the 40 years of A Dancer’s Christmas. There are too many to mention by name but I am so grateful for their friendship and fidelity, but many are here in NY again with me after so many years! So, “ask for a sign.” You may be very surprised when all of a sudden, you say “Aha!” Now I see. “Ahas!” is what Christmas is all about! And Oh! Here is today's O Antiphon:
O Key of David, opening the gates of God's eternal Kingdom: come and free the prisoners of darkness! 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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