Summoned & Sent

The cyber-version of my homily for the 15th Sunday of Ordinary Time:

The pathways…the purposes of God are a message of simple clarity in our Bible readings this day. It is a message that we as a parish and community and world have perhaps been struggling with these past months as economic challenges and personal losses have been shared by so many. Yet, as always, when we allow God to speak to our hearts through Scripture, prayer, sacrament and life we can each know the reassurance and hope that we are summoned by God to be sent through life in the simplicity of His grace.

Summoned by God ~ The prophet Amos sets the stage for us today. In the land of Judah about 800 years before Christ a shepherd and keeper of Sycamore trees ( a type of fig, known as the Sycamore fig, food of the poorer people) was summoned by God to challenge and confront the materialism and injustice that had filled the hearts of the people. Poor, unlearned and of no significance in the society of his day Amos was called beyond self to proclaim the simplicity of repentance and grace in the eternal wealth of God’s Kingdom.
St. Paul would affirm the same timeless message as the Holy Spirit sought to bring the believers of that day and now to realize and see our eternal riches and destiny IN CHRIST JESUS.
Our Lord summoned the first Apostles as a leaders and example of individuals, called with the wealth and reality of there humanity to follow Christ in service together for His Kingdom.
All these example affirm that God destines us from our mother’s womb to His purposes. This life is not our own…but God’s. As we allow and rest in that truth we can experience the riches of God’s provisions in the circumstances, blessings and sorrows we face to be equipped for the path of His choosing. There is no lack of the summons of God for people to know,,,follow...serve the Kingdom of Christ. There is no shortage of these summons or vocations. The lack, the shortage is in our listening and responding that summons. Yet it is in yielding to our Lord’s summons we experience the fulfillment of our destiny as we permit our humble self to be sent by God.

Sent by God ~As we realize the summons of Christ we soon learn, with the prophets and apostles that we are sent. We also realize that our summons and our destiny will likely by far more simple and humble yet it is essential to remember to whom we are summoned and with whom we are sent. Amos the prophet, the apostles and each of us share in some small way the holy joy and privilege of proclaiming in deed and word the redemptive love, justice and mercy of God. We are sent to help each other learn that it is not in our accomplishment or possessions that we find our worth but it is in living in humble love that we proclaim the mercy and justice of which the Psalmist sings. As we share these pathways of life we are sent to help with each others burdens, to be a people of healing deeds and words of genuine hope and mercy in the power of Christ. We are summoned and sent to share the infinite riches of the simplicity of God’s grace.

Simplicity of Grace ~ The prophets, the apostles shared a common qualification. The were basically simple people of rather humble means who heard and responded to God. They gave there basic intelligence and faith and sought to be the most FAITH-FILLED followers as possible. Often they had no great wealth, stature or education except and willingness to learn and discover, top proclaim and share, in the simplicity of the daily grace God provided, the wealth of God’s eternal Kingdom and mercy. Christ in sending out the apostles sent them with barest of necessities and preparation. He sent them with the wealth of a need to trust the provisions and power of their Heavenly Father. And so sent them empowered and provided for to live the Kingdom.
Times have changed. Our world is so much more intensely materialistic and self-centered. Yet God’s eternal Kingdom truth and love have not changed. The God of Amos, Paul and the other Apostles who knew well their lives and world, who knows as well, our life, our world calls us each to follow and share His summons to be sent on the pathway of God’s choosing to proclaim His Kingdom in the rich simplicity of His grace.

Corpus Christi

Last night as I attended our Lord during my hour of Adoration I was thinking about the upcoming Feast of Corpus Christi. At my parish we will be celebrating First Communion as well. I prayed then, as I continue to do, that our children and all of us would allow the Real Presence of Christ to be revealed in our lives. May Christ Jesus, God with us, break through our world-dulled senses and awaken in each of us a living recognition of the Body & Blood of Christ. May our ears be opened to hear Jesus speaking, equally as present in God's Word.
I was reminded of dynamic faith of St. Francis of Assisi. He wrote:

"And let all of us firmly realize that no one can be saved except through the holy words and the blood of our Lord Jesus Christ"
St. Francis, Letter to the Faithful

Holy Trinity Sunday

Here is the cyber-version of my homily for Holy Trinity Sunday 2009:


Today the Holy Spirit, through the mercy and grace of Christ, has brought us together to pray, “Abba”, to our Heavenly Father. We gather to celebrate and wonder at the infinite mystery of the Most Holy Trinity, One God in Three Persons. Christians for generations, scholars and contemplatives, gifted and humble have all sought to understand and explain the unexplainable. Through the ages diverse teachings have argued and sought to take this real mystery of faith and congeal into a concept of understanding comfortable to the minds of a particular group.
Whether it be the early Gnostics, Arianists, latter day cults or even contemporary groups who would deny the concept of God the Father we see a recurring efforts to try to squeeze the infinite God into our very finite box of a limited human intellect. The effort to understand..to relate to this infinite, eternal mystery is noble and good. But we would do well to allow our understanding to develop, our knowledge to increase through the grace of God that would enlighten our minds as we seek God in faith and love.
The living Word of of the Holy Trinity, the Scriptures we shared this day, all share a common, simple, yet infinitely enlightening invitation. We are called to grow in an ongoing relationship with God, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, through which our spirit, minds (souls) and bodies would grow in the eternal truth that is God. Yet even this invitation is a challenge to our limitations. But God’s mercy is so great that He gives us simple, albeit limited, illustrations to help us in our quest.

As Christians we are baptized in the Name of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit. Sacramentally, and literally translated we are IMMERSED into the Father, Son and Holy Spirit.
As a part of that holy act we, the baptize , are often given a given a candle from which the fire from the Paschal Candle is lit. This is said to symbolize our carrying forth the Light of God in our Hearts. So it does. Yet that simple lighted candle also symbolizes this Holy Trinity into which we are immersed.

God the Father ~ The Wax: The heart, the source of infinite mercy and love from which the wick draws His passion to be ignited through the power of the Holy Spirit. The wax, mysterious yet containing the very essence of life and creation. This congealed beauty of sunlight and flowers carried by winged servants the sweetness of honey and life in the hive.
Yet stung by the wounds of life, or blinded by artificial substitutes humanity often is blinded to the the very love of the Father, the Love that is God to which we are created to call, our Abba, our Father.

God the Son ~ The Wick: The beauty and warmth, the hidden grace of life can only be realized through the wick that carries that truth to our souls. Drawing from the infinite depths of mercy and hope the love of the Father was sent to burn eternally through His Son, Christ Jesus. Revealing the Father’s mercy in the darkness of the Cross Jesus has shown the Light of Life with the dawning of the Resurrection. The indescribable beauty of the holiness of Heaven is revealed through woven fibre wick of the life of Christ, God’s Son incarnate.

God the Holy Spirit ~ The Flame: But this beauty of holiness, infinite light of love would not be seen without the flame, the passion of the Holy Spirit. Last Sunday at Pentecost we recalled how that initial immersion of the early believers was seen through flames descending upon the faithful. And through the ages this same light of the Father carried by the Son, lit in the fire of the Spirit would shine. God seeks to bring light to those in darkness, hope to those in despair healing warmth to those whose love has grown cold.

Today, this Feast of the Most Holy Trinity, may we allow our baptism to be bring alive the candle of God’s Presence anew in our body, mind and spirit. May the Flame of the Holy Spirit burn within each of us the Passion of Christ drawing upon the infinite holy Love of the Father. Accepting the peace of this mystery let us share this light in our relationships with God, and each other that, together, we may grow in the fullness of God.

St. Paschal Baylon

Here is the cyber-version of my homily for this 6th Sunday of Easter, The Feast Day of St. Paschal Baylon:

The Redwoods of these north coast mountains of California have awed many for generations with their stature, beauty and strength. Yet if you have lived or walked amidst these fragrant giants you have hopefully realized that they are but the largest members of a much fuller community. One of the most beautiful members of this verdant environment is the Redwood Orchid. Small, often hidden by the larger, more well known companions, it can be found in hidden glades in the moist Spring time bringing a violet beauty under the emerald canopy overhead. The little Redwood Orchid is a humble yet excellent introduction to the lesson from the Scriptures in our Mass readings today. It is also an appropriate introduction to a hidden, simple saint who’s life was a profound lesson of the call of our Risen Lord.
May 17th is the Feast day of St. Paschal Baylon (1540-1592). This simple Franciscan lay brother never advanced further than being the porter at his Loreto monastery. Born to a poor Spanish family he was a shepherd without formal education. Yet he taught himself to read and write with the special purpose of being able to pray the Little Office of Our Lady. Paschal Baylon was appointed the Patron Saint of Eucharistic Congresses and Associations by Pope Leo XIII. If remembered, he is often thought of for his deep devotion and love for Christ expressed in the Blessed Sacrament. His deep longing and prayer for this communion with Christ was a part of his life even as a young shepherd. It grew to become a life of fervent prayer with our Eucharistic Lord. But St. Paschal’s life was far more than a life of prayer. He lived a life of faithful service, especially for the poor and needy. He, although uneducated by worldly standards, also came to be known for his courageous and boldly gentle defense of his faith in the face of real persecution. This balance of loving devotion and service, for the love of God, is the heart of the message we see in our readings.

Chosen to Love: “God is Love.” Our Epistle today shares these three most powerful Words of Scripture. Often quoted, less often lived, the depth of meaning starts to dawn as we accept the context…”and God sent His Son to pay for our sins”. Knowing our condition, yet seeing the worth of the soul God had created the Father calls us to His Son.
People, of all nations, as Peter affirmed in our first reading, are chosen, are called to Love, to God. It is into the infinite embrace of the Crucified Savior we start to grow in the freedom of being..chosen…the freedom of being chosen by and to… Love. Paschal Baylon realized he was called, that he was chosen, out of his sin and this world..to the Loving Presence found in the Body and Blood of Christ. Paschal also realized this call was for all humanity and lead to his life living the Commandment.

Commanded to Love: Often when we think of Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament we think of it as a distinct practice of piety. We may relegate it to a contemplative effort best suited to religious or those who…like to pray. Sometimes those who practice Eucharistic devotion may be tempted to see this as a hallmark of their love for God. Sadly, it may lead to a condition of being so heavenly minded that they are no earthly good. St. Paschal, who spent hours in rapt prayer before the Blessed Sacrament, would fervently disagree. It was but the furnace from which he carried forth the fire of God’s love for the poor, his brothers or even those who opposed his faith. This love for God of which Christ commands us this day, and always, is but a summation and source of the love we are to abide in and share with each other. The command of God’s holy, fearless love fulfills all the lesser commandments or issues with which we may become distracted. St. Paschal lived out his love for the Eucharist Christ in his service and love of others. This included his fellow Franciscans, the poor and needy as well as those perhaps his enemies. Once, in holy obedience, he ventured on a trip into a part of France that was, at the time under strong anti-Catholic control. Hugeonots, opposed to the Church more than once confronted Paschal on his journey with assaults and threats. Confronted by a learned Protestant scholar he was challenged about belief in the Blessed Sacrament. The learned scholar was confounded and silenced when this simple monk defended and explained this Biblical truth with a bold yet gentle courage. Paschal did not compromise his convictions or his love for those who did not agree with him. He simply sought to live as His Risen Lord had called him to do.

Abiding in Love: With St. Paschal, our Blessed Mother, St. Peter and all the saints we are chosen to abide..to LIVE in this love that is….Christ. As we live, listening to the voice of Christ in the Scriptures we hear His mercy, guidance, correction and peace. As we learn to hear God’s voice in each other, our family and the poor or wounded we hear His call to.. love. As we receive His Sacred Body and Blood in the Holy Eucharist we are fed.. with Christ.. with Love. As we come to pray before His Presence in the Blessed Sacrament we discover, with St, Paschal the quiet peace, joy and strength abiding in His Presence. (We are chosen to be filled with His joy and the joy of the Lord is our strength).

St. Pascal Baylon died at the age of 52. Numerous accounts describe the moment of his death as the bells were being rung for the Consecration during the High Mass in his monastery. This little orchid of the saints calls to us today to abide and live in the Love that is Christ.

Risen Christ ~ Divine Mercy

Here is the cyber-version of my homily for this Second Sunday of Easter ~ Divine Mercy Sunday:
Today we celebrate the Second Sunday of Easter, also recognized as Divine Mercy Sunday {St. Faustina}. Our Bible readings share the rich and clear message of that holy mercy of God needed, found and lived in the hearts and lives of the early believers in the Risen Christ.
Most Christians at some point in their life have wondered and desired to have been able to be there, to see, hear and touch Jesus. It is in knowing that longing our Lord shared in John’s Gospel account a profound promise and blessing that even the very Apostles could not receive.
“Blessed are those who have not seen and have believed."
This singular promise, this blessing, although given over 2000 years ago, is found and experienced in the same simple journey as those believers in Jerusalem those days following our Lord’s resurrection.

Risen Christ, His Mercy is Needed: The post-crucifixion disciples, fear-bound in doubt-locked rooms remained so until the Risen Christ brought His mercy to them.
Thomas the Apostle, known for his honesty caution and doubts needed the merciful encounter with his Risen Lord to be freed to become the Apostle of the East.
Sister Faustina, by the world’s standards trapped by a life of poverty and very limited education was to become the Saint of the Divine Mercy by her simple yieldedness to her Risen Lord.
And we today, bound by sin, by fears, pride, and doubts need Christ’s mercies that are as new this day as they were that first Easter over two thousand years ago.

Jesus Risen from the Dead is our Mercy Found: The faith of the early Church was loosed as they received Christ:
In His Word as they heard and received His Word of peace and purpose,
In the power of God’s Spirit & Peace, receiving living the life of forgiveness and sharing that same forgiveness in word and deed,
In His Wounds as Thomas presented the pattern and proof for all that as we enter the wounds of Christ His holiness, wholeness and love bring the mercy of the Father.

Jesus, Mercy, Lived: The early Church that we read of in our first reading from the Book of Acts is beautiful in the simple power of selfless love and faith. Dismissed by many as a fluke and experiment that failed it is in reality the pattern that is meant to be applied and lived by all true believers. While most will not live in a structured community of faith this pattern, when lived in homes, parishes, hearts and lives will allow the very real Presence and Blessing of the Risen Jesus, His Love and mercy, His power and peace to be lived, known and shared.

Whether we look to the example of the Apostle Thomas, from doubter and skeptic to the Apostle & martyr to the East; the early Church living in simple selfless trust and love; the 20th century example of St. Faustina; we hear and see the promise and call of our Lord to receive the blessing of His divine mercy and to then live that mercy in our deeds and words.

Ruin or Resurrection?

Easter Sunday 2009
This Easter the message of the ruin of the Kingdom of Christ seems to be the theme of choice in so much of the media.
The tragic murder of a little Sandra Cantu in Tracy California has been pinned on a neighbor woman. While the motive remains a mystery the media seems intent on publicizing at every opportunity the fact that the accused was a Sunday School teacher in a neighboring Baptist Church. The chorus of anti-religion seen in the comments online of various media is virulent in the hate and disdain of things of God.
President Obama has appointed Harry Knox to the Faith-Based Partnership Council. Interestingly Harry Knox seems to thrive on criticizing Roman Catholics and other traditional Christians. It is applauded by those who seem to want to affirm the President's comments on his European trip that the United States was not a Christian country.
Even in the natural world the earthquake in Italy has wrought heartbreaking sorrows on that country. The images of beautiful old churches in broken ruin, of masses of caskets, some of little children, to some, would speak of absence or perhaps the judgment of God.
Yes. There is real sorrow and shocking violence abundant in life. The focus of those who would look for and find every fault and crack in the church as a sign of ruin is very prevalent.
But none of this is new. Evil, sorrow, bigotry and hate have been a part of life on earth for a long time. The Church, the Body of Christ has been assaulted in many ways, times and places.
Many years ago a young Catholic man, after experiencing the empty violence and greed of the world found himself in a ruined little church. It was there Christ spoke to Francis of Assisi to rebuild His Church.
Even centuries earlier at a tear and fear drenched tomb some women came to tend their very real grief and sorrows. Another earthquake shattered their world. The angels appeared and proclaimed: "He is Risen. Go and tell the others".
Easter ~ 2009 amidst the sorrows and doubts of this world our Risen Lord, His holy love will still triumph.
Peace and all good in the Peace of the Risen Christ.

Hands of Hope & Healing

{Artwork: "The Leper" by Ron DiCianni}

Our reading from the book of Leviticus today gives us a powerful view of the lonely and hopeless existence of the lepers of old. Outcasts, untouchables they were condemned, without hope. Through the ages they have come to symbolize the most hopeless of the hopeless.
Then in the Psalm we can hear and sense the Spirit of God leading us on, calling us to prayer, to the Presence of Christ.
And in our reading from Mark’s Gospel we are brought to another scene. A leper, unclean, outcast, without hope dares the unthinkable. This man symbolizing and living the despair of infectious hopelessness calls out to Jesus, son of Mary, Son of God. Condemned in his defilement he calls out to He who was undefiled, holy, pure. It is in that pristine love that our Lord does the unthinkable. Christ, son of God reaches out as the Son of Man and touches him who was never to be touched, and utters those words of hope, of life…”I do will it, be made clean”.
Today the Holy Spirit still empowers the hands of God to reach out to those others will not touch. The Words of Christ still speak hope and healing to those in despair. That work is the work of Christ’s Body. It is the mission of each man and woman, girl or boy who has been baptized into the Family of God. It is the voice of God’s Spirit that calls us to be one family in mission… the mission of the Kingdom of Christ.
In sharing the mission of Christ we may be tempted to look only at our abilities, our resources at hand, or even perhaps our wealth. All those aspects are important, even vital in the doing the work of Christ. Yet IF we only respond on the basis of our strength or our resources we miss an important reality of God’s love. The great works of God are not built from our prosperity..but from our need and God’s grace.
The leper in the Gospel did not consider that his desperate need would draw Him to the riches of God. Little did he expect that in his seeking the unthinkable the hope and healing work of God would grow on to inspire and touch hearts for ages to come.
We can look to the faithful in our own diocese. On a wind swept bluff overlooking the Pacific ocean there stand a church. Built from the faith, hard work and sacrifice of the early lumberjacks and farmers of the rugged north coast the beautiful little church of the Blessed Sacrament in Elk stands and serves to this day. Built not from the wealth and abundance of an affluent people it was built from the need and sacrifice of a peop0le of faith and vision. It was built with the hands and hearts of God’s family united in mission for the work of Christ.
We can look to the clergy and religious who have faithfully served through the years in parishes, and in ministries such as restorative justice. It is usually without realizing or feeling the truth that they are still being the hands of Christ, touching those others will not touch or speaking words of mercy and hope for those in need of mercy, in need of hope.
As member of God’s family. sharers in Hs mission we are called to respond. This call brings us to decisions.
Will we look only to our needs? Our problems, inabilities or wounds? The leper in the Gospel, while recognizing his needs chose to look beyond his hopelessness. In so doing he was able to look to..call to and know the touch and voice of God that would bring his healing. Little did he realize that his need would bring hope to countless souls for millennia to come.
As we remember we are part of God’s family we may be tempted to look only to the failings of a few. We may allow anger or bitterness to cloud our vision and cripple the working of God in out hearts. We would do well to remember that all families have failings. And, that it is God’s family, with all our shortcomings, that we are a people being redeemed. If we are tempted to just focus on past failures, however tragic, it is time to allow the voice of the Savior to lead us to forgive…to build a bridge and get over it! Build a Bridge and Get over It!


Today many are struggling, in despair. Their hopes for success…security…are crushed. And even today there are still those who many would look upon as lepers. May we, as part of His family, His Body do our part to make sure His hands, His voice can reach all who need to know His hope and healing.
If you heart or home is struggling..please call out to Him..let His hands touch the needs and speak His hope, His peace, His Love. In doing so may we then allow His same hope and healing to reach others through our lives.

Immanuel

Here is the cyberversion of my homily for the Fourth Sunday of Advent:
{Readings for Mass: II Sam. 7:1-5, 8B-12, 14a-16; Ps. 89:2-3,4-5,27,29; Rom. 16:25-27; Lu.1:26-38}

This season of Advent draws to a close. May it also draw us closer to Immanuel, God with us. This has been a year of profound stress and loss for many people. The commercially traditional experiences of Christmas are probably much subdued.
It is, however an opportunity to realize and experience the security, the love and mercy of God. Found in the Christ-child may we allow the infinite, yet simple love of God befriend and bless as we share..Immanuel, God with us.

David, shepherd and faithful king,
would in his cedar palace sing,
Praise, prayers
to his God
he would bring.

A life of struggle and of fear,
wilderness days,
watered with his tears.
Later years
as reigning king,
would he know
sin’s cruel sting.

Yet through the years, David, king,
Praise and prayers
to God would bring.
In cedar palace David dwelt.
But in God’s tent
David knelt.
David longed,
planned to build,
for God,
his friend,
a temple true.

David’s plans,
exchanged by God.
Who’s eternal love foresaw
and in prophets words did speak,
of the coming King of Kings,
of the holy Prince of Peace.

Immanuel, God comes
with us to dwell.
Immanuel God comes
fear and doubt to quell.
Immanuel,
come, God.
With us befriend.
Immanuel,
come God,
our love for you ascends.

Mary troubled with angelic words.
Pondered what within her stirred.
What was said,
fears voices told,
was impossible
and left her cold.

Angel’s eyes,
Mary’s soul did see.
And with God’s love
fears cold words
made flee.
‘Be not afraid,
your fears to face.
Be not afraid,
with love
courage take.

Mary to Elizabeth went.
in her womb
God’s Son was sent.
David’s promise
within her dwelt.
And in Elizabeth womb,
her infant felt.

God has come, Immanuel.
God has favored,
With us to dwell.
Mary among women,
you are favored.
You bring to us
our long sought Savior.

Immanuel, God comes
with us to dwell.
Immanuel God comes
fear and doubt to quell.
Immanuel,
come, God.
With us befriend.
Immanuel,
come God,
our love for you ascends.

Ages flow and so today,
Skeptics smirk and boldly say:
‘Where is God, this Immanuel?
Why this foolish homage pay?
Why this faith just look around?
Greed and hate,
fears abound.
A war on terror,
fueled by oil’s
crude creed.
Economic woes,
jobs and homes
do bleed.
Securities lost.
Insecurities abound.
Even while
in politics words
for hope,
for change,
many scrounge.

Immanuel you sing?
God with us you believe?
Yet how amidst this strife,
can God’s love
or hope be seen?

Immanuel, God comes
with us to dwell.
Immanuel God comes
fear and doubt to quell.
Immanuel,
come, God.
With us befriend.
Immanuel,
come God,
our love for you ascends.

Immanuel God is with us.
David’s promised King does reign.
Immanuel God is with us.
When Christ’s love
within our soul does reign.

Mary’s choice to believe
from all fear did her free.
Mary’s yes to God,
to our wounded world
does bring
holy friendship with
Christ the Savior
Loving friendship
with Christ the King.


Immanuel ,
God,
be with us.
Prince of Peace,
do come.
In the stable of our needs,
be incarnate,
God’s holy Son.

As with Elizabeth,
welcoming your mother.
As with the needy,
who is our brother.
May we see.
May we care.
May we share
Immanuel.

With deeds
with words,
we dare to face
this world’s
fear and doubt,
greed and hate.

With truth in love,
God’s hope and peace,
with Heaven’s joy,
as angels speak,
Immanuel.

Immanuel,
we ask,

Be with soldiers
in desert tasks.
With courage kind
may they find
Your love to heal
their scars in time.


Be with the homeless,
on the streets,
may they find
Your joy and hope.
In warmth and peace
in places where you keep.

The sick, the lonely,
aged, frail,
Immanuel , God,
with them dwell.
By our words,
with our deeds,
May all these souls
Your love to speed.

Immanuel, God comes
with us to dwell.
Immanuel God comes
fear and doubt to quell.
Immanuel,
come, God.
With us befriend.
Immanuel,
come God,
our love for you ascends.

Called to the Feast

The cyber-version of my homily for the 28th Sunday of Ordinary Time

Most of the world has been watching with great angst as the economic markets fall and struggle to recover. Many companies and individuals have experienced losses of a magnitude that shakes their very existence.
By all indications these economic struggles will be impacting virtually all aspects of life, even more than has been felt all ready. World and national leaders are seeking to reassure as they try to set a course through stormy and uncharted waters. It would be unwise not to be paying attention to all that is happening in a false hope that we might be unscathed. It would be even more unwise to make all the news and speculations the main source of our decisions, our hopes or our fears. It has been said that Wall Street is driven by two main forces: greed and fear. We need to pray and ask God to show us the wisdom of those motivations.
And, amidst the angst and gnashing of teeth, we need to stop and listen to the Good Sheperd as He calls us to come to the Feast.

Called from the strife of the world to the Feast of Heaven ~
Our Sheperd King calls and would lead us from and through the strife and chaos of this world to the timeless feast of God’s Kingdom. Scripture shares this invitation to the Great Wedding Feast of the Church and her King that will culminate for all eternity upon His return. But we must realize that the invitation, this Feast is celebrated even now, this side of eternity every time we gather around the table of the Lord. It is there we received and share the riches of Christ’s Kingdom, His Word, His sacred Body, His holy Blood.
It is also important to realize that we are called to a wedding feast, a feast of love. We are not called to some worldly victory feast, or some political event. We are called to a feast of the holy redeeming love of our Savior.
This timeless wedding feast of holy love is set upon a mountain, the holy mountain of God. Scripture teaches of numerous mountains of God. We remember Mt. Sinai where God’s Law was given, Mt Tabor where Christ shared the principles of the New Covenant. We know of Mt. Zion, Jerusalem where the Holy Temple, the City of God is shown in type. Yet all these mountains lead the people of faith to the pinnacle of God’s mountain, to a humble hill called Golgotha where we come to the Cross. It is at the Cross that we are brought to the holiest Feast of Mercy, the Body, the Blood of Christ shared for us, shared for His Bride.
Called by the King ~
And it is the voice, the Word of our Sheperd King that calls us to His Feast. With all the clamor and cries of fear and worry being heard in this time it is vital we heed and listen to the Word of God, the Truth and Light that will not diminish or change. It is His call that will bring us to that abundant Table set in the presence of the enemies of fear, doubt and worry.
It is to this Feast, called by our King that we are brought to stand before His Presence. The Gospel for today would warn us that we cannot be as the guest who bothered not to wear the wedding garments. So it is for us, we must not neglect to robe ourselves with the beautiful robes of Christ’s mercy and humilty, love and grace that He so abundantly provides. God has provided. Let us avail ourselves of these garments of the Kingdom.

Called to know the His Riches of Glory ~
We will know the riches of His grace to the degree we open our hearts and hands for Him. St. Paul in his letter to the church at Phillipi reminds us that our God shall supply all our needs according to His riches in glory. This is not about our wants..it is about our needs, what we need to live for and serve our Lord. It is about what will bring real and true fullfillment in our lives for all eternity. It is in the riches of God we realize our worth, our security, our value as a person is not in our posessions. They comprise a very small fraction of what we are about. It is in God’s wealth we discover ours. It is in the King’s Presence we discover the wealth and beauty of the soul God created. You are about so much more than anything you wll ever accumulate. And it is as we give of ourelves we learn and expereince the security of the Promises of God. We learn that we can never out-give our God.

We live at a time of intense and difficult news. We may feel called to join the chorus of world fear and woe. Yet amidst the din Christ will lead all who seek His Kingdom through the strife and sorrow to the holy mount of His grace, to the timeless feast of His holy mercy and love. Our Shepherd Kig will lead us to His Cross.

Dolorosa Candles

As most of my readers are aware I have been working on an advocacy ministry for the mentally ill and their loved ones. It is called Dolorosa. To help support this labor that our Lord has given to my heart I invite you to visit a work of my hands: Dolorosa Candles at:

dolorosacandles.net
via the links section

This is the online candle shop for Dolorosa Candles where you can purchase 100% beeswax candles from hand-dipped tapers, votives and assorted pillars. The proceeds will help support the work of Dolorosa.

Here is more information about this work:
Dolorosa works to:
Overcome the stigma of the mental illness and afflictions.
Provide information and education about mental illness and afflictions for those experiencing mental afflictions, their loved ones, faith communities and community groups., through literature, workshops and retreats.
To help develop accessible, integrated care that enables the afflicted, loved ones, medical professionals, faith communities and others to work together for the health of mind, soul, body and spirit.
Dolorosa recognizes that caring for the mental health of the whole person includes caring for the mind, soul, body and spirit in an integrated response of all these components.
Dolorosa is Catholic in spirituality yet recognizes, respects and encourages the sharing of all faiths in responding to the need for better care of the mentally afflicted. Dolorosa refers to the Latin word expressed in the “Via Dolorosa”, or the Way of Suffering, the Way of the Cross Of Christ. It also can be translated “the way of roses”. It recognizes the real suffering mental afflictions can bring to the individual and their loved ones. But it also recognizes the beauty and worth of the individual, regardless of their afflictions. It sees that suffering can have purpose, positive worth and beauty, regardless of the thorns.
Mental afflictions may refer to:
Mental illness, Dual-diagnosis with substance abuse; Brain injury; Traumatic Psychological injury; Mental disabilities; Life stress, anxiety and depression. While these issues are very distinct and differ they share common problems of stigma and the need for accessible, integrated care. They all affect the mind, the psyche, the human soul.
Lighting candles…
Of faith to overcome doubt,
Of knowledge to
overwhelm ignorance,
of hope to quell despair,
and
of love to conquer fear.
Your prayers and support for Dolorosa would be blessing to many. If you are interested in hearing more or helping please let me know via the this blog's email link.

An Open Letter to Senator Obama

An open letter to Senator Barack Obama:

Dear Senator Obama;

I listened carefully to your acceptance speech at the Democratic Convention and was very deeply moved. I sense you understand the need for these United States of America to once again be a united people of courage, caring and sharing LIFE in the spirit that has made America great.
I have been undecided in this most important of elections of recent times. After hearing your speech and studying your positions on many issues I felt ready to make a decision.
Except for one issue in which you refuse to honestly explain or discuss your position. The issue of abortion is too important to hide under the wraps of fancy political double talk. As a former Republican I am now a Democrat (a Democrat for Life).
Will you please answer these questions?
How could you be so instrumental in Illinois when you brought about the defeat of the a law that would have allowed the saving of infants born alive during an abortion?
How can you accept the support of the abortion mill, Planned Parenthood? Documented evidence is available of PPH's founder, Margaret Sanger's position on eugenics and the racist targeting of blacks as an inferior people? Or even their recent tapped phone conversations accepting donations to help abort black babies?
Any of these questions and points can be easily researched via the internet. I encourage all readers to simply Google these topics and study for yourself. The choice is yours.
Why can't you even consider the concept of requiring full and clear information being required as to what is being aborted and how it is done to the unborn and the impact it has on women before an abortion is chosen. What is wrong with fully educated choice?
I purposefully chose the picture attached to this letter as an honest example of the information pro-abortion people are so afraid of sharing, or viewing.
I want to give you my vote Senator but until you honestly and courageously answer these questions and convince me how your decisions are right, that will not happen.
I also wrote a letter to you at your campaign headquarters a couple of months ago seeking the same information. While not surprised, I had no reply.
For the sake of this nation and of life, please answer the questions.

Harry J. Martin

Souls, Soils Seeds & The Sower

The cyber-version of my homily for the 15th Sunday Ordinary Time

Today we share the Parable of the Sower. This familiar “earthly story with a heavenly meaning” helps us to realize the power of the seed of God’s Word and the opportunity we have as we allow our Lord to transform and care for the soils of our soul.
When my wife and I were first married we lived at our church camp in the foothills of Western Washington. We wanted to have a vegetable garden. We figured with my gardening and Randi’s kitchen skills we could put up some good food for our pantry. The best place for a garden was a sunny area next to the house. Water was available and the ground had been fallow for years. However it had also been a path/driveway/parking area for a long time. So the soil, already very rocky, proved very resistant for my pick and shovel to make into a fertile garden. So…. I went and got our camp backhoe and dug, deeply, the rocky scrape ground into garden soil. Turning over the soil, I moved rocks building them into a wall around the garden. I then went to the horse barn and brought loads of aged manure to work into the ground. That rocky garden plot was probably one of the best vegetable gardens we have had over the years. And, as often is the case in the garden, it was a precious place of prayerful learning from the Master Gardener.

Often in thinking of this parable we are brought to think that we are to be only and always the rich fertile soil. Yet Jesus, a man of the earth and familiar with the realities of life makes clear that this is about real times and places of life. Our souls will know, in the course of a lifetime’s journey, the soils and places of the soul. Jesus, the Christ also helps us to learn we are called to be souls whose soil is made fertile in the fruitful understanding of the Word of God.
Path soil is shallow and while often receptive to seeds of grace will usually result in shallow-rooted plants easily lost when the evil one comes along to steal away the Word of God. Much like the crows or blue jays that will feast their way through a newly sown garden the seeds of grace intended by God can be lost.
Rocky ground also is not initially well suited for a rich and fertile garden. When the heat and scorching wind burn with trials and persecutions seedlings of faith and untested hopes may quickly wither and die. But when worked by the nail-scarred hands of the Master Gardener the stoniest, hardest of hearts can be made rich and fruitful.
Briar patches overgrown with the thorny worries and cares of this life can quickly overwhelm and crowd out that which the gardener intends to flourish. So often we allow our pride and possessions to choke out the seeds of God’s Word. Possessions, material or otherwise (pride, greed, lusts, anger) can choke out the Truth and peace sown by the Spirit of God.
However the fertile soil of the soul that has been broken up and nourished by waters of baptism and works of faith-filled penance, then nourished by grace will provide fertile, deep soil. The seed of God’s Word can grow to full, fruitful abundance. It is in this place that the soul comes to understand the Word of God.
It is in the simplicity of that word, understanding, that we also find our hope for those times when we are facing places of shallow, path-like, or rocky, and overgrown brier-filled life.
Jesus longs for people to receive and understand His Word. Christ recognized and confronted the reality that people often have in their lives times when the soil of their soul is shallow, easily robbed. He faces the rocky hardness of hearts beaten by forces of testing and oppression. He felt the thorny thickets of pride and self-important arrogance found in many of the learned and powerful of that time and ours. Yet, He calls us to fruitful faith, as we believe and understand His Word.
The Greek word found here in the Gospel describes a growing understanding and faith of mind and heart. This is not just intellectual attainment or proud accomplishments of knowledge. Thomas Edison, inventor of the light bulb, ironically, yet with wisdom, defined understanding as simply: “to stand under”. It is the working of the grace of God when the experience of God’s Word opens blinded eyes and deaf ears of the mind and heart. The Greek roots of the word translated “understanding” define a sending under, of union with, that which we want to comprehend.
This is when the light bulb comes on”.or when we “hear it for the first time” in the heart and mind of faith.
The Prophet Isaiah defined the Holy Spirit as the “ Spirit of Understanding”. Following the Spirit of God, we are lead to the Cross, to Christ and that there our understanding grows in the Truth and power of God’s Word that will return, with us, to Heaven fruitful in grace and mercy.

Lord have Mercy

We face floods of catastrophic proportions in the midwest.
A fire season in California of profound and dangerous intensity has started and it isn't even summer.
Drought conditions are impacting food production here in California and throughout the world.
Fuel and economic chaos is impacting every nation and family, most with stress and loss. While the very wealthy are generally growing richer.
The moral morass of this nation and much of the world is a battleground of fears prejudice and greed with selective judgement and condemnation while souls starve not just for food, but for for acceptance, respect and love.
The Federal Budget for Fiscal Year 2009 will be $2,650 Billion Dollars. 54% ($1,449. Billion will go for military spending. 46% ($1,210. Billion will go for domestic needs. This nation's military spending eclipses beyond comprehension any other nation on earth. When this nation invaded Iraq in March of 2003 someone asked my thoughts. Before I could even form any significant thoughts I heard myself say.."This nation needs to pray for mercy."
Christ's message was really quite simple in the Upper Room. As He faced the hate and doubts of the world He gave us His Body, His Blood. While John the Beloved trusted in His embrace God, come in the Flesh said:
"This is My Commandment, Love one another as I have loved you..." {John 13:34}

Lord Have Mercy...

Feast of Corpus Christi ~ Reflections

The Feast of Corpus Christi was celebrated this past Sunday. In our parish it was also First Communion weekend. The Real Presence of Christ in the Holy Eucharist was one of the pivotal reasons I entered into full communion as a Roman Catholic. Yet I felt this Sunday that for numerous reasons, Christ’s Presence is hidden.
We become so engrossed in the externals of our faith. For some this means focusing upon the tradition and ritual as it is expected and understood. Processions, certain songs (In English or Latin), and for the sacrament of First Holy Communion, clothing and gestures all fill the time and heart with the stuff, the externals of what should be a simple and genuine faith and love.
Others may not focus upon the seeming older traditions but instead will focus on the Body of Christ as THE PEOPLE OF GOD, emphasis on THE PEOPLE. With this focus we often experience so much awareness of the community we lose ……our communion, with Christ.
Perhaps, now that the celebrations are past we can simply remember their intent and and simply celebrate…Christ.
“Sweetheart of Jesus, be my love”

Pentecost

Here is the cyber-version of my homily for the Feast of Pentecost:

GROWING IN THE FULLNESS of GOD

“No one can say ‘Jesus is Lord’ except by the Holy Spirit. It is in these words that the message of God this Feast of Pentecost, is focused. When we speak of Pentecost there are many thoughts that come to mind. As a servant of Christ from the tradition of the Charismatic church many would have expectations of how or what my message should be. For others the mention of Pentecost will mean the symbols of fire, water, wind or oil. In celebrating the gift of this third Person of the Holy Trinity we struggle to understand the infinite Spirit of God in terms our human mind can embrace. Even the use of pronouns is a quandery for some. Is the Holy Spirit to be expressed as a person..or “IT”? Is the Spirit of Christ to be thought of as HE or SHE in deferrence to those who like to dwell on issues of gender? The Gift of the Holy Spirit, given to ALL believers is about more than pronouns or symbols, the gifts of tongues or emotional fervor.
It is in this holy mystery, the infinite fullness of God with which we are called to be filled, immersed, to be baptized. For it is the Holy Spirit that is given to lead us beyond our struggling selves, our futile intellect and understanding, to grow in fullness of Christ our Risen Lord. For in the the Feast of Pentecost we celebrate a profound change in the relationship of God with humanity. From special outpowerings of the Holy Spirit upon prophets and holy leaders we see the Presence of God given to ALL the faithful. We see it is the longing of our Heavenly Father that we would know the Presence of His Son through the fullness of the Holy Spirit. We all are called to EXPERIENCE the growing fullness of God in our everyday life. Let’s open our hearts to this gift as we explore some of those familar lessons of God’s Spirit.

THE POWER of HIS PEACE: God well knew that the early church would be growing in an environment and time harsh and deadly to the things of God. Our Lord well knows we live in and environment and time that is seemingly as harsh and deadly to His Kingdom. We could easily fret and worry for all the problems that face our faith, our homes, our Church. But as Christ met with His followers He gave them His Peace. So it is today that the Holy Spirit would cause each of us in our journey and place in life to grow deeply rooted in the eternal, infinte and growing Truth of Christ and His holy loving peace. As we yield to the embrace of the Comforter, the Holy Spirit, in the challenges and heartaches of life we experience the hands of God rooting us ever more securely in the Rock of Christ our Risen Lord. It is in the power of God’s Spirit that we are rooted by the wood of the Cross in the empty tomb to know the promise and power of His resurrection. It is with the Holy Spirit we experience God’s “peace that surpasses all understanding” or circumstance.

THE PURPOSE OF THE BREATH of GOD: The wind, the breath, of God blew powerfully upon the disciples in that upper room. So it should be in our lives today. God may whisper His plans and purpose for us in a quiet reading of the Scriptures or a time of reflection in the garden or before His Presence in the Blessed Sacrament. God may also blast us with His intent with gusts and gales of providential circumstance. The disciples were lead to diverse peoples and places by the circumstances of struggle they faced in Jerusalem. Our instinct would lead us to nest and stay in places of ease and comfort. But in Scripture and in life we see that while we are ever to be rooted secure in the truth and peace that is Christ we also see that the Holy Spirit may well fill the sails of our life to bring us to face and grow through needs, people, places and issues that His redeeming love would seek to embrace...through us. This holy breath of God will empower us to live in the freedom that is found where the Spirit sets us free. This holy wind of God will enflame the very fire and passion that will consume our doubts, fears and sins and enflame within the fire of Christ’s love..

THE FIRE of GOD: We experience the fire of God’s passion as we allow the Holy Spirit to lead us to greater love in Christ through His Cross. As Christ showed His disciples His hands and side He was calling them to enter in and share in the Passion of His Holy Wounds. It is in the power and comfort of the Holy Spirit that God will take our wounds, our brokeness and by uniting them with Christ’s bring us to healing, wholeness and the Passion of His love.

This day of Pentecost may we each, together, allow the fullness of the Spirit of God to fill these humble temples with God’s Presence and power. May we each grow and share our experience of living and proclaiming Jesus is Lord, by the Holy Spirit.

The Pope's Message to the United States

Pope Benedict XVI has concluded his first visit to the United States. It was fascinating to listen to the media, and various individuals, (Catholic or otherwise) with their various comments on what "the Pope said".
I was deeply moved by our Holy Father's visit. I appreciated his courage and straight forward comments on the sexual abuse scandal, his outreach to diverse faiths, and to all the people of our Catholic Church.
I was not surprised that there are those who would focus on sound bites and excerpts to prove or disprove their prejudices about the Pope, the Church or our Lord.
I am prayerfully hoping however, that the Catholic Church in the United States will truly allow the message of our Pope to bring us all closer to Christ, and each other.
If there was one consistent message in all he shared it was that we are to be a true people of Christ, allowing the Spirit of God to bring healing and unity to His Church.

"Our celebration today is also a sign of the impressive growth which God has given to the Church in your country in the past two hundred years. From a small flock like that described in the first reading, the Church in America has been built up in fidelity to the twin commandment of love of God and love of neighbor. In this land of freedom and opportunity, the Church has united a widely diverse flock in the profession of the faith and, through her many educational, charitable and social works, has also contributed significantly to the growth of American society as a whole.

This great accomplishment was not without its challenges. Today's first reading, taken from the Acts of the Apostles, speaks of linguistic and cultural tensions already present within the earliest Church community. At the same time, it shows the power of the word of God, authoritatively proclaimed by the Apostles and received in faith, to create a unity which transcends the divisions arising from human limitations and weakness. Here we are reminded of a fundamental truth: that the Church's unity has no other basis than the Word of God, made flesh in Christ Jesus our Lord. All external signs of identity, all structures, associations and programs, valuable or even essential as they may be, ultimately exist only to support and foster the deeper unity which, in Christ, is God's indefectible gift to his Church."

From Pope Benedict's homily at Yankee Stadium, Sunday, April 20, 2008

Born Blind

From my homily for the Fourth Sunday of Lent:

BORN BLIND

 

From birth his eyes had never

seen his Mama’s face

as she held him in her arms,

with tears

for the blind mistake.

Or his Papa’s worried love

as he came through the door,

those sights his eyes,

never did behold.

He had never seen

the sun

shining gold

through the trees.

Never saw 

the birds

In Spring’s green joy

to wing.

He never saw the grapes

at violet harvest crush.

Nor see the red of wine,

to cheeks bring a blush.

He never

Saw,

but felt,

those who at him

long would stare.

He heard,

but never saw

those who at his faults,

would glare.

He never saw a smile,

for a job, that he had done.

He never saw a dog

that with a child did run.

No color he liked best.

For black was all he knew.

The thought of red or green,

he could not even construe.

He never saw a friend,

with him together sit.

Never saw a laugh,

a smile,

or a loving kiss.

The awe of holy places,

in beauty white and gold,

his blinded eyes

had never to behold.

The orange and red of sunrise,

awakening in him hope,

his eyes had never seen.

Darkness only spoke.

So that day 

in darkness,

he sat along the way,

begging for the alms

that might his hunger stay.

The commotion he did hear.

A crowd was coming near.

He hoped some coins might come.

But better did he fear.

Alms of pride and arrogance,

more likely would be flung.

The crowd he heard go quiet.

A man he felt nearby.

And in the blinding darkness

The sound of spit

did fly.

He never saw the hands,

fingers,

he only felt.

The mud upon his eyes,

a strange, 

but holy help.

The Voice, 

The Man,

did say, with words

of love and hope.

the pool of Siloam go,

for there to wash and pray.

He stumbled to the pool,

to the waters edge he went.

The mud

he washed away,

in faith’s

blind assent.

His eyes,

he then did open.

And looking

he then saw.

The light,

The day and

Hope,

in wonder and in awe.

What followed happened quickly.

he saw,

and

he was seen.

The people were amazed.

To many

it seemed

but a dream.

But others were unhappy.

They did not 

understand.

They judged

this man so sinful

his seeing

they could not stand.

His critics now,

he saw,

their righteous

arrogance.

The man born blind,

he saw.

In humble truth,

he spoke.

“The Man who made the mud,

and to my eyes did place.

His Word I did obey.

And now before you face.

I do not understand.

But blind,

yes once,

I truly was.

But now

I know that Man,

a Prophet

is to all.”

So out they did him throw.

And hatred,

he did see.

Out into the streets,

from blindness did he flee.

Outcast once again,

alone he did go.

But streets no longer dark,

he walked, alive 

in hope.

A Man,

he then did see,

who smiling,

toward him came.

The Voice

he recognized

t’was He

the mud had made.

And looking

in His eyes,

of He who saw him blind,

he heard

His Words

and saw the Son of Man

and Love.

Lord come

to us

blind also.

So clearly

we think,

we see,

the sins, the faults

of others,

then whispers spread,

with glee.

But

blind

we proudly see ,

ourselves so better 

for to be,

in holiness and deed,

in loving charity.

But. truth be told

and heard,

we’re really in a mess.

So please Lord,

Please do come,

Bring light to our darkness.

My eyes do cover all,

with mud’s humility,

that at repentance’s pool

your mercy may then free

and open wide our eyes

to truly love and see

each other in Your Light

but most importantly,

You,

Your eyes

Your smile,

Your Love,

eternally.

“Blessed are they”….a critical fundamentally, thinking, relevant Gospel

This last Sunday before Lent begins the Gospel presents us with a familiar message. In the Beatitudes Christ shared on the Sermon on the Mount we hear the oft heard and less often fully lived “Blessed are they’s” of Christ. To share in the blessings of the poor in spirit, meek, and persecuted does not fit well with the self-centered prosperity gospel that many long to hear. Even those who may hunger for what Christ is calling us to may, because of the familiarity, enter into a “yes I have heard this before” slumber.
But before we wrestle with poverty of spirit or meekness or any of the other precepts of our King we might consider the basic affirmation and promise He makes. What is it to be “blessed”?
This frequently repeated word in both Old and New Testament could accurately be expressed as…HAPPY. In the Greek of the New Testament the word can be expressing…”blessed…. happy… adorable”! It is a challenge to humanity but the simple Biblical truth is that the longing of the Sacred Heart of our Lord is to see His creation, women, men all the children of God in the happiness God longs to share and nurture in our lives. This paradox is difficult for those who thrive on a God of vengeance and wrathful purity. It is also difficult to reconcile with the poor of spirit, persecuted and struggling we see in the beatitudes.
These profound invitations and promises of God are summed up in another Gospel verse. In Luke 11:28 it is written:

But he said, "Blessed rather are those who hear the word of God and keep it!"

Jesus is sharing this “blessing” in response to a common trait of believers. There are those in the crowd who upon the subject of Mary, the Blessed Mother, proclaim with fervor her blessed state. It is sometimes so much easier to project and assume God’s blessings…true happiness for others. We in false humility, fear or simple doubt are reluctant to hear and heed what Jesus would say. The blessings, the happiness that God designs us to live and grow in are simply found in living His Word.

But….this brings us to the very basic question of how are we to study, to understand the Bible? Believers over the ages have struggled with this issue. By the time of Christ the Pharisees and Sadducees had developed two distinct schools of Scripture interpretation. In our day and age with the plethora of Bible versions the matter is even more pronounced. While their many distinct aspects of Bible interpretation any serious student of Scripture will probably prefer and follow on of two major approaches.

The fundamentalist and generally conservative approach will take and adhere to a literal reading and understanding. In the Beatitudes this works albeit with a real wake up call to the vitality and depth of our faith. This is healthy and needed in our faith. However this literal approach runs into a major obstacle in this same sermon for but a few verses later Jesus is saying if our hand offends us the cut it off or if our eye offends us pluck it out. In the context of dealing with temptation and the occasions of sin this would leave most of the people in the church either maimed or partially blind, if interpreted literally.

Now if we follow the critical thinking approach of studying the actual Greek or Hebrew words along with determining the actual person who “wrote” the message evaluated in context of text, time, place, custom and the personality and background of the writer we gain a rich and often much debated interpretation. This approach is valid and essential in the ongoing quest of the Truth of the Gospel. However it frequently becomes an intellectually elite school of scholars that disdain any approach other than the course of interpretation of which they approve. Many out spoken critical thinking scholars develop a pseudo-magisterium of liberal theology that is vehement in their fundamentalist fervor of refusing to acknowledge validity to any school of thought other than their own. This is a sad trait shared with their fundamentalist siblings.

All the while the strict adherence to one school of Bible study versus the other leaves many believers bewildered or excluding others and themselves from the very blessings and happiness that God longs for us all to…..share.

What is the answer? Perhaps it is in a critically thinking approach that allows that portions of Scripture are clearly meant to be received as written, literally. It is in the yielding of our body, souls (minds) and spirits in a living faith that seeks and allows the Holy Spirit of God to lead and teach us in the living and growing Truth that is the Gospel of Jesus Christ. As we prayerfully study Christ’s message in the Sermon on the Mount, Luke 11:28 and especially John 14 -17 we hear our Lord calling us to a living relationship with He who is the Truth that sets us free to be blessed as God desires. We need to stop restricting Christ to the finite little boxes of our understanding, intellect or pride. The Gospel of the Kingdom is far to big for anyone of us to try to confine the mercy and love, the holy happiness and blessing that is Christ. It is then we experience that Christ and the Gospel are fully relevant for all ages.

AFTER THE SHEPHERDS LEFT

Does this story contain any truth?

You alone can decide.






It now was very late. The shepherds had left. Their angel-fueled awe had been overwhelmed as they knelt in the quiet before the Christ child. Joseph and Mary were full of joy and welcome. Yet the keepers of the sheep, ever mindful of the needs of those they cared about sensed the weariness in the holy couple. They had humbly left with holy joy brightening the journey back to the hills above Bethlehem.
Now Joseph sought to make Mary and in the Infant Jesus as warm and comfortable as possible in the stable. Jesus was fed and wrapped in clean warm swaddling clothes as He rested in His mother’s young arms. But He would not rest.
His restless squirms and fussing cries troubled the Virgin Mother. Joseph sought, with his weary love, to comfort and help calm the restless hunger of the infant. But Jesus would not rest.
As the long chill night crept on the Infant stayed awake with longing cries and squirming silences. It was in a few moments of tired silence Mary and Joseph heard the steps. In the cold stony ground outside the stable the stealthy steps could not be hidden. Glancing at each other in worry Mary and Joseph said with their eyes that they both had heard the steps of the intruder. Clutching Jesus closer to her breast Mary covered Him with a blanket. Joseph arose and quietly crept to the stable entrance. It was then that the shadowy figure peaked into the darkened stable.
An anxious cry broke the nervous silence. Struggling within the cloths and blanket Jesus cried with lonely longing cries. And Mary and Joseph understood.
Brightening the small fire Joseph then went to the huddling figure hiding at the entrance. With gentle firmness the person was brought close to the restless Infant. Mary arose and brought Christ to the shaking soul. With a warm smile of she placed the restless Jesus in the dirty arms of the wanderer.
And it was as you received Christ He cried in contented joy. He was at rest. You were with Him.

Come to the Fire

The cyber-version of my homily for the 2nd Sunday of Advent

We are just days away from the shortest day of the year. The chill and dark of winter brings us to seek the warmth and light of hearth and home. We are created to be creatures of light and warmth. Especially on a cold winter evening our eyes look to light and our bodies seek warmth. Whether it be a campfire or fireplace, a simple candle or Christmas lights we hasten by sight and effort to that warmth and security.

Yet in the cold, and the darkness of the season we face the harsh reality of life. Like the land of C.S. Lewis’s Narnia frozen by the wicked queen life can be oppressed, seemingly frozen in the cruel sorrows of self, sin and sadness. Sadly the powers of the prince of darkness are not the stuff of myth and legend. Whenever we see murder of innocent life, wars of greed and pride or icy malls of materialism and selfishness we encounter the reality of the powers of darkness.

With the second Sunday of Advent the Holy Spirit beckons us to come out of our darkness and to leave our sin chilled lives to come to the Fire of God as we prepare for our coming King.

When we speak of the fire of we can think of many concepts. There would be those who would rejoice at the flaming chariots of God’s wrath that would consume the evil in the world. Many Jews in Jesus’s time were sure that was what the Messiah should and would do with the evil and decadent Romans. It perhaps should be noted that when Christ spoke of the fire and wrath of God he was speaking to the legalistic, religious Pharisees. Yes..the fire of God will burn and destroy the chaff of sin and selfishness. Yet it is in the season of Advent we can hear and heed the Spirit of God to come to the light and warmth of God’s fire and to be enflamed with the joy and peace of His mercy and love.

We come to the fire of with:

REPENTANCE AND CONVERSION ~ We are called to fuel the eternal mercy and love of God with our humble offering of repentance and true sorrow for our sins. Whether we bring kindlings of temptations left to God or immense timbers of repentance our confessions bring to Christ fuel that will be embraced by holy flames of His mercy, forgiveness and love. From the fiery embrace of His holy Passion we then will be empowered by the Spirit of God to follow in His Light.

LIGHT FOR THE JOURNEY ~ With hearts renewed we then can walk the path of faith through the dark and chill of the world. The Advent candles of His Word lead us to prepare for and welcome His coming into our lives and to bring Him to lives of others. In the light of His holiness we can start to see the beauty and hope in the places, things and people He brings us to meet.

COALS of HOPE and FAITH ~ It is as we come to the Fire of God He gives to us holy coals of hope and faith to be shared with those we would meet. In the cold winds of doubt and fear this world can bring the fickle flames of feeling and emotion may soon be extinguished. Leaving one in confusion and loneliness we may stumble and fall. But carrying in our hearts fervent coals of His hope and faith we can journey in the courage of His peace. Then as we meet others on this path we then can share and bring the fire of His love to warm and encouragement by words and actions of caring trust and respect.

The chill and darkness of this world is especially evident in the winter season. Yet as we come to the fire of God we can know the healing warmth of His embrace of mercy as we live our repentance and follow in the light of His Passion. It is in the fire of God we see and experience the beauty of our coming King and the power of His love.