Wednesday of the Sixteenth Week in Ordinary Time
Today was an unhappy day. I woke up, started on emails for work. Then the lawnmower would not start, so had to wrestle with that. When I got back inside, I realized that all the emails I had sent had bounced back. I tried to send them again and again but they all bounced back. Later I tried to run an errand for work, only to have a tire blowout. I skipped the errand and went home defeated thinking this is a Murphy’s Law kind of day. Murphy’s Law being that anything that can go wrong will. With this litany of complaints on the front of my brain, I sat down to work on the reflection for today.
Tuesday of the Sixteenth Week in Ordinary Time
Today’s gospel relates how Jesus responds to the news that his mother and brothers are standing outside the place where he is speaking. Jesus appears to reject his natural family by saying that the people gathered inside and not his mother and brothers are his real family. He also seems to take his disciples to task for thinking that his mother and brothers are important to him. Is Jesus saying that we should neglect our families? Doesn’t Jesus think that families are important? Shouldn’t Jesus favor the needs of his family over those of strangers?
Memorial of Saint Mary Magdalene
(This reflection is based in part on the optional passage from Song of Songs for the first reading)
Today is the Memorial of Saint Mary Magdelene. Like many of the earliest disciples, little is known about the life of Mary Magdelene. There are several enduring legends about her life after the Lord’s Ascension, but we really cannot be certain about their validity. Even the widely held notion that she was a repentant sinner is not based in historical fact. What we do know for sure is truly the most important thing. As Jesus says in the gospel, she has “loved much”. When I try to imagine the way she loved Jesus, I think of the word “fierce”. This is strong and curious way to describe the way a person might love, but that is the word that comes to mind when I think of the way she loved him. Obvious negative connotations aside, I see the fierceness of loving as that aspect which grips and impassions and compels one toward a single focus—to become one with the beloved.
Sixteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time
Last week I was invited to Notre Dame University and then again to the University of Dayton to talk to educators, school superintends and administrators about diversity. One of my starting points was the post 9/11 America. That tragedy has forever changed us. A nation, in which most of us in one way or another are immigrants, was compelled to become suspicious and fearful of those who are unlike us. To add to this, the economic crisis also made us look at immigration as a problem. We want skilled and cheap labor but we do not know what to do with the people who make that labor force. We want cheap commodities but do not what to do with China or India or The Philippines. In other words, because of these crises, diversity is not seen by everyone as a value. And then the many school shootings and the killing of Trayvon Martin makes us suspicious of our own people. Race, culture, economics have become very complicated realities for us. Many people are becoming uncomfortable and even afraid of diversity.
Saturday of the Sixteenth Week in Ordinary Time
I want you to imagine meeting someone great. Someone so wise you can scarcely believe you've made it this far in life without hearing his teachings earlier. Someone so compassionate that he can look you in the eyes with care and concern every single time. Someone so strong in the Spirit that when he prays over people they are healed: mind, body, and spirit. Yet, someone so humble and meek that you are not to make a big deal about him. He has asked you to keep quiet about his miracles, to not make a stir or a fuss on account of him. What do you do with this man? What do you do with your encounter of Christ?
Friday of the Fifteenth Week in Ordinary Time
Thursday of the Fifteenth Week in Ordinary Time
Knowing someone’s name seems to be an important part of knowing them. A lot of attention is given to naming a child even before the baby is born, and it is one of the first things we learn about another person when being introduced. Knowing someone’s name seems to make us more familiar with them; they are less of stranger and tell us something about the person. So, I think it’s understandable that in today’s first reading (Exodus 3:13-20) when Moses encountered God in the burning bush and was instructed to speak to the Israelites on God’s behalf, Moses says to God, “if they ask me ‘What is his name?’ what am I to tell them?”
Wednesday of the Fifteenth Week in Ordinary Time
When was the last time you have been stopped in your tracks by something you have seen or heard? When it happens, it is unexpected and often catches you completely off guard. Recently, I was at a youth ministry function where one of the young person shared something so profound that it stopped most who heard it in their tracks. The message revealed emotions without being emotional. Also, it revealed conversion in an unexpectedly simple way. The young person described how the Lord snuck up from behind, tapped on their shoulder and said, “Are you looking for me?” Here it was that God was in their midst of the ministry they were doing, yet it took time to become aware of God’s presence.
Tuesday of the Fifteenth Week
In the reading for today Jesus addresses the people of Chorazin, Bethsaida, and Capernaum. These are towns where Jesus has preached, performed miracles, and done healings. The basic message to them is that the people in these towns have heard him preach and have been impressed by his miracles, but many people there still have not believed in him. Jesus prophesies that they will ultimately be judged harshly for their lack of faith. Despite these severe words, it seems to me that Jesus does not want to see them condemned. Rather he wants them to accept his message, repent of their sins, and follow a new way of life. So it is with a sense of urgency that Jesus seems to call out to them. His words are not just a warning but also a spur to them finally to do what they are supposed to be doing.
Memorial of Saint Bonaventure, Bishop and Doctor of the Church
I love being a part of the Catholic Church. Over 1 billion people across the world working together to carry out Jesus’ mission of bringing His Kingdom to the earth. As I look around me, I see much diversity. There are so many people who are on fire with living out their faith by putting into action how they are called to serve the Lord. But I also see the divisions in the church. Sometimes these divisions get played out in our parish, the local community, in our nation and within the worldwide church. There are many people with good intentions who are unable to take the time or energy to try to listen to and understand those with a different perspective. How are we as the people of God going to bring His Kingdom to the world when we have all of these divisions? I think that the readings today speak about our call to unity, and I think that once again Jesus reminds us that it is love that will bring us together.
Fifteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time
Last week the George Zimmerman trial reached its climax. This morning I saw on the news that George Zimmerman was acquitted of the killing of Trayvon Martin. The case is closed and George Zimmerman is a free man. However, there is hardly a sense of triumph in the media or anywhere for that matter. The reason perhaps is obvious. A life has been lost. Trayvon Martin is dead. Death in any circumstance is a tragedy. And Trayvon Martin is not alone. Each day thousands of men, woman and children become victims of violence and war. And then we come to church and hear the parable of the Good Samaritan. There is almost a sense of relief in the way the story ends. Goodness wins!
Saturday of the Fourteenth Week in Ordinary Time
Reflecting on today's readings, I found myself focusing on one common theme: fear. If we had to be honest with ourselves, all of us are probably afraid of something. Perhaps take a moment to reflect on what you're most afraid of. Or, in the words of one of my favorite Catholic speakers, Ennie Hickman, what's your worst case scenario? Since the time we were kids trying to determine if we should climb the tallest tree in the neighborhood or ask a certain girl or guy to the school dance, we begin our discernment by thinking to ourselves, "What's the worst thing that could happen?" Maybe we fall from the tree and break our arm. Maybe she says, "No." Sometimes our fears are unfounded, but often we do have legitimate fears and concerns. My worst case scenario is easy to pinpoint- losing my wife and son. There's a legitimate fear that I have in my worst case scenario. Initially, it can be somewhat crippling to think about, but there's also a great sense of freedom and peace in bringing my worst case scenario to God (and hopefully that's your experience as well).
Friday of the Fourteenth Week in Ordinary Time
I can't count the number of times the following has happened to me: I'm afraid to go to a party because I don't know anyone, or I'm afraid to try something new (like the zipline experience I described in Tuesday's reflection) because it's scary, and so on. When I was a kid, I would have given in to that fear - as indeed, my own daughters struggle with their fears. The adult in me knows by now that most of the time facing my fears leads to great joy - new friends discovered, exciting new things happening.
Today's scriptures speak directly to our encounters with fear and the ways God teaches us not to be afraid, but to be open to new experiences. Genesis 46:1-7, 28-30 tells the beginning of Israelites' journey to Egypt. At first, Jacob doesn't seem to be afraid, but then we see that he is praying pretty hard. Recall that Jacob wants to go to Egypt because he wants to see his long-lost son, but still, he is stymied. (Maybe he has that feeling in the pit of his stomach like the one I get when I'm about to try something new....) God's response to Jacob indicates that God knows Jacob is afraid. But with God's promises in hand, Jacob goes to Egypt and is rewarded by seeing his son.
Memorial of Saint Benedict, Abbot
During these past few weeks we have been following the exciting narratives in the book of Genesis. Today’s passage about Joseph is a particularly poignant story. You may recall that Joseph was sold into slavery by his jealous brothers. Joseph underwent great hardship, only to later rise to a position of power within the household of Pharaoh. Now he is in a position to help his family, along with all the people in that region.
Wednesday of the Fourteenth Week in Ordinary Time
There may be no “I” in team, but there are many among us who function as lone rangers. Lone rangers may be acceptable in some places, but even in the movies the “Lone Ranger” has a partner in Tonto. Teamwork means we are part of something bigger than us and this means trusting all the member of your team. The trouble is when this trust is shaken or destroyed we lose our ability to function as a team. At work when one part of a department is carrying the rest, a lack of respect can lead to resentment or perhaps hostility. In a marriage, when spouses mistrust or feel jealous this can create an imbalance that stress’s their relationship beyond healing. Even sporting teams and siblings can lose their focus when a perceived inequity leads to jealousy or even hostility.
Tuesday of the Fourteenth Week in Ordinary Time
A few days ago, I jumped off a cliff. Literally. I was visiting family in Colorado; my sister thought it would be fun to try out a zip line - zooming through a mountain valley about 100 feet off the ground in places, attached to a wire with some climbing gear. I've tried something like this before, but it was a long time ago, and I remember being petrified and not being able to do it. The thing is, first you have to climb the several feet up to the spot where the zip line begins; then you have to find the courage to jump off the cliff - all while the wind is roaring around you and you're thinking, golly, this is crazy.
Monday of the Fourteenth Week in Ordinary Time
This time of year I always think about when my father was in the final days of his life. I had never lost someone in my immediate family before and the whole situation seemed surreal at times. I remember praying so much and not really knowing exactly what to pray for except that I just wanted God to be close by. I wanted my siblings and my mother to be comforted and I wanted my Dad to be without pain. I felt frustrated with the caregivers at times because they did not know my Dad like we did and could not care for him the way our family had been caring for him for the past three years. And I struggled hard with the fact that I could not do anything to change what I knew in my heart was going to happen. We were with him when he passed away and I will never forget the incredible presence of God that I felt during those last days and hours and minutes. Today’s readings all led me to reflect on how my awareness of the presence and personal touch of God in difficult circumstances changes everything.
Fourteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time
Have you been through a phase in life when everything around you seems to be dark and dreary – except for that one faint ray of light? And that ray of light sheds a little hope on everything around you that is bleak? We get that sense as we read today’s gospel reading. Apart from the birth of Jesus and the few miracles, the story of Jesus is dominated by doubt, opposition, betrayal and suffering. Perhaps for this reason, the classical images of Jesus do not show him laughing, rejoicing or even smiling. The gospel story does not allow us the reason to imagine Jesus in a lighter mood. Unless of course, we give today’s gospel reading its worth. It is not just about some happiness, or a smile or a laughter. It is about rejoicing… joy from the heart! Imagine Jesus and his disciples bursting out in laughter out of pure joy!
Saturday of the Thirteenth Week in Ordinary Time
As I reflected over today’s readings I first had to scratch my head and ask, what in the world is the Lord trying to tell us here with the story of Jacob’s deception and the teaching of the new wine and old wineskin. While there is much that can be said about the comparisons between the Old and New Covenant taking place in the Gospel, I believe the theme tying both readings together is the human tendency to always be in competition. We can especially be competitive to the point of losing ourselves and God’s plan in mindless comparisons.
Friday of the Thirteenth Week in Ordinary Time
When I was studying for my master's degree in theology, my friends and I had a running joke about the idea of providence: "What is providence? Well, providence can be broken into two words: "Provi" and "Dence". What do they mean? I don't know and that's why providence is a mystery."