Here we are in the first week of Advent. Advent is a season of hopeful preparation and anticipation of the light of Christ entrance into our lives. And so, during the purple of Advent, we prepare for the coming of Christ. We watch. We wait.
In today’s readings Isaiah muses how life will be when the Messiah comes into the world. Wolf and lamb will peacefully abide together as well as leopard and the kid and calf and lion. And, “a little child to guide them” (11:6).
In Luke’s gospel, we hear Jesus tell the disciples how fortunate they are. “Blessed are the eyes that see what you see. For I say to you, many prophets and kings desired to see what you see, but did not see it, and to hear what you hear, but did not hear it” (Lk 10 :23b-24).
Today’s readings are all about signs --from the peaceful animal behavior described in Isaiah to Jesus’ revelation to the disciples that He is the long awaited Sign from God.
Do we see the signs of God’s presence in our lives? Can we be a sign of God’s presence to others who are in need or suffering?
Let us prayerfully ask for courage and strength as we prepare ourselves in this purple Advent. Let us reconcile our sinful ways that is the darkness of our lives. Let us love and serve God and each other.
Tuesday, December 05, 2006
Monday, August 14, 2006
of shooting stars and the glory of the Lord
In today’s scriptures (Ez 1:2-5, 24-28c), the prophet Ezekiel shares with us a vision he experienced of the glory of the Lord. I saw a glimpse of the glory of the Lord as I drove into work. As I was driving north on LA641, right in front of me, over head, a “shooting star” streaked down. It was an amazing and awesome surprise. The streak of light trailing the meteoroid was so long that it gave the impression it was going to hit the road. I slowed my Escape as if to miss it. It never reached the ground and burned up in the atmosphere.
I thought to myself how wonderful witnessing that was. We are just now finishing up our annual experience of the Perseids meteor shower. I was reminded of that as many meteorologists included information about the meteor shower in their weather forecasts. I hoped to spend some time this weekend looking for “shooting stars” but was unable to do that. I thanked God for putting the “shooting star” right in front of me this morning.
Cosmic phenomena fascinates me especially stars. For me, stars are one of God’s most awesome creations. Stars help to remind me of the sacredness of God’s creation. Their beacons in the night sky have facilitated my prayer on many occasions. Those points of light in the sky guided the way of many on Earth.
Do you see glimpses of the Lord’s glory? Where?
I thought to myself how wonderful witnessing that was. We are just now finishing up our annual experience of the Perseids meteor shower. I was reminded of that as many meteorologists included information about the meteor shower in their weather forecasts. I hoped to spend some time this weekend looking for “shooting stars” but was unable to do that. I thanked God for putting the “shooting star” right in front of me this morning.
Cosmic phenomena fascinates me especially stars. For me, stars are one of God’s most awesome creations. Stars help to remind me of the sacredness of God’s creation. Their beacons in the night sky have facilitated my prayer on many occasions. Those points of light in the sky guided the way of many on Earth.
Do you see glimpses of the Lord’s glory? Where?
Monday, July 24, 2006
Signs
When you see a stop sign, what do you do? When you see the green light of a traffic light turn on, what do you do? When you see a speed limit sign, what do you do? When you hear and see a child crying, what do you do? When you see the billowing clouds in a dark sky, what do you do? How about strange weather occurring throughout our planet, what do you do? When you see people in trouble, what do you do?
All of these are signs. Some are more apparent than others. When you notice the signs, what do you do? Do you act on what the signs are calling you to do? Or, do you ignore the signs? Or, do you not even notice the signs?
In today’s gospel (Mt 12:38:42), the scribes and Pharisees ask Jesus for a sign. “Teacher we wish to see a sign from you.” Jesus was right there in front of them and they did not recognize God’s Divine Sign.
Will you notice the signs that you encounter today? …The signs of the Body of Christ living and suffering in your midst. How will you interpret those signs? Will you heed them? Will you ignore them?
Let us pray for the strength and courage to respond to the signs of the Body of Christ present to us today.
All of these are signs. Some are more apparent than others. When you notice the signs, what do you do? Do you act on what the signs are calling you to do? Or, do you ignore the signs? Or, do you not even notice the signs?
In today’s gospel (Mt 12:38:42), the scribes and Pharisees ask Jesus for a sign. “Teacher we wish to see a sign from you.” Jesus was right there in front of them and they did not recognize God’s Divine Sign.
Will you notice the signs that you encounter today? …The signs of the Body of Christ living and suffering in your midst. How will you interpret those signs? Will you heed them? Will you ignore them?
Let us pray for the strength and courage to respond to the signs of the Body of Christ present to us today.
Monday, June 26, 2006
sticks and stones.........
Sticks and stones
May break my bones,.
But names will never
Hurt me.
NOT!
Growing up, I was on the receiving end of much name calling. I have to say that YES, the names did hurt. You don’t have to take my word for it. Just look at the Columbine incident and various other incidents in schools across America. The hurt of name calling was manifested by more hurt of school violence by those who were on the receiving end of those hurtful names. So much hate. So much hurt. Why?
Have you noticed how you felt when someone praised your work? How did you feel when they complemented you? Words and actions are powerful. They have the ability to tear down someone or build them up.
What would Jesus do? Let’s take a look.
Matthew 7:15-23
"Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep's clothing, but underneath are ravenous wolves. By their fruits you will know them. Do people pick grapes from thornbushes, or figs from thistles? Just so, every good tree bears good fruit, and a rotten tree bears bad fruit. A good tree cannot bear bad fruit, nor can a rotten tree bear good fruit. Every tree that does not bear good fruit will be cut down and thrown into the fire. So by their fruits you will know them.
"Not everyone who says to me, 'Lord, Lord,' will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only the one who does the will of my Father in heaven. Many will say to me on that day, 'Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name? Did we not drive out demons in your name? Did we not do mighty deeds in your name?'
Then I will declare to them solemnly, 'I never knew you. Depart from me, you evildoers.'
The next time that you open your mouth with a critical word, pause to reflect on how you deliver it. Constructive criticism is good. Be sure it constructive and not destructive. And, remember positive words build up. Just please be sure they are genuine and spoken from your heart and not empty flattery. The person on the receiving end will be able to discern.
Sometimes, our emotions get the most of us and before we know it the harsh words and statements are flying out of our mouths. What do we do? We don’t mean to hurt members of our family and our friends.
My reflective answer to that is, “It’s forgiveness time.” Time to apologize and ask for forgiveness. If we are on the receiving end, then we must forgive. You know the magic number, seventy-times seven. Peter queried Jesus over two thousand years ago. “Lord, how many times must we forgive? Three times? Then, Jesus hit him with the higher number answer. Seventy-times seven.
Forgiveness. Now that can bring about major change and conversion. But that’s a reflection for another day.
Bear good fruit and build the Kingdom of God.
May break my bones,.
But names will never
Hurt me.
NOT!
Growing up, I was on the receiving end of much name calling. I have to say that YES, the names did hurt. You don’t have to take my word for it. Just look at the Columbine incident and various other incidents in schools across America. The hurt of name calling was manifested by more hurt of school violence by those who were on the receiving end of those hurtful names. So much hate. So much hurt. Why?
Have you noticed how you felt when someone praised your work? How did you feel when they complemented you? Words and actions are powerful. They have the ability to tear down someone or build them up.
What would Jesus do? Let’s take a look.
Matthew 7:15-23
"Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep's clothing, but underneath are ravenous wolves. By their fruits you will know them. Do people pick grapes from thornbushes, or figs from thistles? Just so, every good tree bears good fruit, and a rotten tree bears bad fruit. A good tree cannot bear bad fruit, nor can a rotten tree bear good fruit. Every tree that does not bear good fruit will be cut down and thrown into the fire. So by their fruits you will know them.
"Not everyone who says to me, 'Lord, Lord,' will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only the one who does the will of my Father in heaven. Many will say to me on that day, 'Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name? Did we not drive out demons in your name? Did we not do mighty deeds in your name?'
Then I will declare to them solemnly, 'I never knew you. Depart from me, you evildoers.'
The next time that you open your mouth with a critical word, pause to reflect on how you deliver it. Constructive criticism is good. Be sure it constructive and not destructive. And, remember positive words build up. Just please be sure they are genuine and spoken from your heart and not empty flattery. The person on the receiving end will be able to discern.
Sometimes, our emotions get the most of us and before we know it the harsh words and statements are flying out of our mouths. What do we do? We don’t mean to hurt members of our family and our friends.
My reflective answer to that is, “It’s forgiveness time.” Time to apologize and ask for forgiveness. If we are on the receiving end, then we must forgive. You know the magic number, seventy-times seven. Peter queried Jesus over two thousand years ago. “Lord, how many times must we forgive? Three times? Then, Jesus hit him with the higher number answer. Seventy-times seven.
Forgiveness. Now that can bring about major change and conversion. But that’s a reflection for another day.
Bear good fruit and build the Kingdom of God.
Of splinters and wooden beams
Today’s gospel reading from Matthew (7: 1-5) reminds us to “stop judging.” Jesus reminds us to remove the wooden beam from our eyes before we attempt to remove the splinter from our neighbor’s eye.
Let’s reflect on this a little. In order to remove something from our eye, we must look into a mirror. With the help of the reflection from the mirror, we are able to locate the foreign object and remove it from our eye.
Mirrors are unforgiving objects. Their reflection is always honest. As a result we see ourselves without the benefit of self improvement like make-up, hair-do, or a neat close shaved face.
I invite you to look into the mirror and look really close. Look into your eyes where you find the opening to the inside of yourself. Use the mirror to see that part of you. Notice what you find. Notice how you feel. Get to know the person in the mirror. Does the person in the mirror have a good relationship with God? Does the person in the mirror have a good relationship with self? With others?
Allow your mirror vision to examine your relationships? How are they? Need a little improvement? Is there something you can do for someone? Is there something you can do for God?
Maybe we need to do that more often---that is look into the mirror. If we looked into the mirror, and saw ourselves perhaps we would not judge others harshly. The quickness to judge others would be hastened by the person in the mirror.
Go ahead. Take a look.
Let’s reflect on this a little. In order to remove something from our eye, we must look into a mirror. With the help of the reflection from the mirror, we are able to locate the foreign object and remove it from our eye.
Mirrors are unforgiving objects. Their reflection is always honest. As a result we see ourselves without the benefit of self improvement like make-up, hair-do, or a neat close shaved face.
I invite you to look into the mirror and look really close. Look into your eyes where you find the opening to the inside of yourself. Use the mirror to see that part of you. Notice what you find. Notice how you feel. Get to know the person in the mirror. Does the person in the mirror have a good relationship with God? Does the person in the mirror have a good relationship with self? With others?
Allow your mirror vision to examine your relationships? How are they? Need a little improvement? Is there something you can do for someone? Is there something you can do for God?
Maybe we need to do that more often---that is look into the mirror. If we looked into the mirror, and saw ourselves perhaps we would not judge others harshly. The quickness to judge others would be hastened by the person in the mirror.
Go ahead. Take a look.
Thursday, June 01, 2006
Diversity
Through him
With him
And in him
In the unity of the Holy Spirit
All glory and honor is yours
Almighty Father
Forever and ever. Amen.
(doxology after the Eucharistic prayer)
In John 17, Jesus prays for his disciples, and he prays for us. He prayed, “so that they may all be one, as you, Father, are in me and I in you, that they also may be in us.” Continuing he prayed, “I have given them the glory you gave me, so that they may be one, as we are one, I in them and you in me, that they may be brought to perfection as one, that the world may know that you sent me, and that you loved them even as you loved me.”
Jesus’ prayer is filled
with the hope of the unity
of all of us
of all the world.
Despite our differences
and in spite of our differences
that we may come together
in unity to live
as a community
of believers
who care for and love each other.
We have different gifts, different likes, different opinions, different religions, different cultures, different biologies. God made us a diverse world. If we can use our differences and come together to take care of each other, we would realize Christ’s hope, his dream. Jesus’ prayer would become reality, and we would all live in the Kingdom of God.
What does that "coming together as one" look like? Well, it begins with tolerance and understanding then grows into acceptance and love of others who are different than you. Can you embrace diversity?
That is what Christ prayed for and hoped for. That we would all be one. Can you do your part to make the Kingdom of God a reality?
With him
And in him
In the unity of the Holy Spirit
All glory and honor is yours
Almighty Father
Forever and ever. Amen.
(doxology after the Eucharistic prayer)
In John 17, Jesus prays for his disciples, and he prays for us. He prayed, “so that they may all be one, as you, Father, are in me and I in you, that they also may be in us.” Continuing he prayed, “I have given them the glory you gave me, so that they may be one, as we are one, I in them and you in me, that they may be brought to perfection as one, that the world may know that you sent me, and that you loved them even as you loved me.”
Jesus’ prayer is filled
with the hope of the unity
of all of us
of all the world.
Despite our differences
and in spite of our differences
that we may come together
in unity to live
as a community
of believers
who care for and love each other.
We have different gifts, different likes, different opinions, different religions, different cultures, different biologies. God made us a diverse world. If we can use our differences and come together to take care of each other, we would realize Christ’s hope, his dream. Jesus’ prayer would become reality, and we would all live in the Kingdom of God.
What does that "coming together as one" look like? Well, it begins with tolerance and understanding then grows into acceptance and love of others who are different than you. Can you embrace diversity?
That is what Christ prayed for and hoped for. That we would all be one. Can you do your part to make the Kingdom of God a reality?
Friday, May 12, 2006
Experience
When we are given a taste of something like
Sickness, suffering or death of a loved one,
We learn how to give compassion.
When we experience prejudice,
We learn the importance of diversity,
And respect for the various gifts of others.
When we experience rejection and exclusion,
We learn to accept and love others
For whom they are and where they are.
When we experience betrayal by a friend,
We learn the importance of trust.
When we experience apathetic complacency,
We learn the importance of being engaged--
Physical, emotional, and spiritual support of others.
When we live what we learn from these experiences,
We live in right-relationship with God and others.
Sickness, suffering or death of a loved one,
We learn how to give compassion.
When we experience prejudice,
We learn the importance of diversity,
And respect for the various gifts of others.
When we experience rejection and exclusion,
We learn to accept and love others
For whom they are and where they are.
When we experience betrayal by a friend,
We learn the importance of trust.
When we experience apathetic complacency,
We learn the importance of being engaged--
Physical, emotional, and spiritual support of others.
When we live what we learn from these experiences,
We live in right-relationship with God and others.
Monday, April 17, 2006
His Holes make us whole
the holes in His hands and feet
help to make the holes
in our lives bearable.
God's love that allowed Jesus' holes
makes us whole.
help to make the holes
in our lives bearable.
God's love that allowed Jesus' holes
makes us whole.
Thursday, April 13, 2006
Holy Thursday
A full, yellow moon low on the horizon greeted me this morning. As I drove out of Gramercy to work, it came to rest right over my left shoulder. I felt drawn to prayer on this Holy Thursday, the beginning of the Christian High Holy Days of the Triduum.
I listened to music from Jesus Christ Superstar. I heard the new covenant initiation of the Lord’s Supper.
The yellow full moon was just about to disappear below the horizon when I switched my music to Godspell and listened to….
Where are you going? Where are going?
Can you take me with you? For my hand is cold and needs warmth.
Where are you going?
Just as the guitar strummed the next part of the song, I witnessed the sun peeping over the eastern horizon.
Far beyond, where the horizon lies, and the land sinks into mellow blueness,
Oh please, take me with you.
There on the I-10 driving into New Orleans, I knew the Spirit was with me and facilitating my prayer. As the sun chased the moon and the rhythms of the day turned into morning, I felt God.
Let me skip the road with you.
I can dare myself. I can dare myself.
I’ll put a pebble in my shoe.
And, watch me walk. I can walk. I can walk.
I agreed to walk and journey with Jesus through His Last Supper, Good Friday Sacrifice and on to His Resurrection. Won’t you journey, too? Together, we can make this prayer pilgrimage with Jesus.
Tonight, we will hear the gospel message of the Lord’s Supper. At our Holy Thursday liturgy, we will witness feet washing. If your feet do not have the opportunity to be washed by your priest, imagine Jesus washing your feet. Realize the responsibility and lesson Jesus teaches in the action of feet washing. Say “yes” to service to and for others. Say “yes” to being last so that others may be first. If you are already in ministry, recommit yourself to your ministry mission. If you are not yet in ministry, consider the call that your washed feet introduces to you; volunteer for some ministry in your parish.
And, at the end of the Holy Thursday liturgy, spend some time in silent prayer and reflection with Jesus. Watch and pray.
I listened to music from Jesus Christ Superstar. I heard the new covenant initiation of the Lord’s Supper.
The yellow full moon was just about to disappear below the horizon when I switched my music to Godspell and listened to….
Where are you going? Where are going?
Can you take me with you? For my hand is cold and needs warmth.
Where are you going?
Just as the guitar strummed the next part of the song, I witnessed the sun peeping over the eastern horizon.
Far beyond, where the horizon lies, and the land sinks into mellow blueness,
Oh please, take me with you.
There on the I-10 driving into New Orleans, I knew the Spirit was with me and facilitating my prayer. As the sun chased the moon and the rhythms of the day turned into morning, I felt God.
Let me skip the road with you.
I can dare myself. I can dare myself.
I’ll put a pebble in my shoe.
And, watch me walk. I can walk. I can walk.
I agreed to walk and journey with Jesus through His Last Supper, Good Friday Sacrifice and on to His Resurrection. Won’t you journey, too? Together, we can make this prayer pilgrimage with Jesus.
Tonight, we will hear the gospel message of the Lord’s Supper. At our Holy Thursday liturgy, we will witness feet washing. If your feet do not have the opportunity to be washed by your priest, imagine Jesus washing your feet. Realize the responsibility and lesson Jesus teaches in the action of feet washing. Say “yes” to service to and for others. Say “yes” to being last so that others may be first. If you are already in ministry, recommit yourself to your ministry mission. If you are not yet in ministry, consider the call that your washed feet introduces to you; volunteer for some ministry in your parish.
And, at the end of the Holy Thursday liturgy, spend some time in silent prayer and reflection with Jesus. Watch and pray.
Tuesday, March 21, 2006
Forgiveness-a poem
We all know
What a hurting heart
Feels like.
Anger sometimes
Visits a hurting heart.
Caution.
Use care
And be aware.
Anger is a heart-eater.
Forgiveness is
the magic medicine
That soothes
A hurting heart.
Forgiveness chases away
The anger, too.
Give Jesus
Your hurts
And, you will see
Anger leave, too.
Then, God’s love
Will come to live
Inside your heart.
What a hurting heart
Feels like.
Anger sometimes
Visits a hurting heart.
Caution.
Use care
And be aware.
Anger is a heart-eater.
Forgiveness is
the magic medicine
That soothes
A hurting heart.
Forgiveness chases away
The anger, too.
Give Jesus
Your hurts
And, you will see
Anger leave, too.
Then, God’s love
Will come to live
Inside your heart.
Wednesday, March 15, 2006
late Ash Wednesday
Grainy black smooshed
Shaped into a cross
On my forehead
Palms sacrificed
To mark
Signs of repentance.
Shaped into a cross
On my forehead
Palms sacrificed
To mark
Signs of repentance.
Monday, February 13, 2006
Finding God in all things
Have you ever tried the Jesuit prayer practice, The Examen? St. Ignatius Loyola came up with the Examen. He encouraged the members of his order, the Jesuits to pray it every day. 
In case you are wondering how to pray the Examen, there are 5 Steps. First, recall that you are in the presence of God.
Second, look at the day with gratitude. As you reflect, give thanks to God for the gifts God has blessed you with.
Next, ask the Spirit for help in your reflection. Ask the Spirit to help you to clearly look at your respone to God's blessings in your life.
Fourth, review your day. Peer into your inner self and see what you have done and how you have behaved. Did you respond to God's grace with an open willing heart? Did you help your neighbor? Reflect and ask yourself self examining questions.
Take the answers to your reflective questions to the next step of the examen. Imagine Jesus with you either right beside you or face to face in eye-contact loving gaze. A
sk for forgiveness for the times you neglected God's grace. Rejoice with joy for the times you accepted God's grace and plan for your life. Do all of this in heart conversation with Jesus.
Soak in Jesus' forgiveness of your transgressions. See the joy Jesus experiences in the good things you have done.
Once you have spoken to Jesus about all that is in your heart and on your mind, end with an Our Father.
I highly recommend this practice of praying the Examen. I hope you enjoy it and are fulfilled in this practice in the same manner I have experienced it.
In case you are wondering how to pray the Examen, there are 5 Steps. First, recall that you are in the presence of God.
Second, look at the day with gratitude. As you reflect, give thanks to God for the gifts God has blessed you with.
Next, ask the Spirit for help in your reflection. Ask the Spirit to help you to clearly look at your respone to God's blessings in your life.
Fourth, review your day. Peer into your inner self and see what you have done and how you have behaved. Did you respond to God's grace with an open willing heart? Did you help your neighbor? Reflect and ask yourself self examining questions.
Take the answers to your reflective questions to the next step of the examen. Imagine Jesus with you either right beside you or face to face in eye-contact loving gaze. A
sk for forgiveness for the times you neglected God's grace. Rejoice with joy for the times you accepted God's grace and plan for your life. Do all of this in heart conversation with Jesus.Soak in Jesus' forgiveness of your transgressions. See the joy Jesus experiences in the good things you have done.
Once you have spoken to Jesus about all that is in your heart and on your mind, end with an Our Father.
I highly recommend this practice of praying the Examen. I hope you enjoy it and are fulfilled in this practice in the same manner I have experienced it.
Thursday, January 26, 2006
the church
When you go looking for God, where do you search? Do you look for God in church?
This little church stands off of a busy highway. As I walked the 30 feet or so from my truck, I walked into a quiet stillness. In this stillness, the sound of the wind was broken only by the sound of birds singing.
I made my way to the front door. When I approached, I felt the presence of the Spirit of a community of faith. ...The community who built this church and worshipped within these walls. The walls of the church gave up the songs of worship they had absorbed in years past. I heard Alleluias and Amen! Then, as my heart listened, I heard a soft chorus of Amazing Grace. How sweet was that sound!
I wished that I could have met some of the folks who worshipped in this place. How I longed to sing with them a few verses of Amazing Grace. They must have had some powerful prayer in this place. This holy and sacred space away from the hustle and bustle of life.
Something beckoned me to the back of the property, the area just beyond the neatly cut grass. There in the thicket of ferns and palmettoes was a little cemetary. I felt that these resting souls had heard my prayer. They heard my admiring feelings about their little church and their profound faith.
I gazed at the grave markers reading each name. As I read the names, I lifted prayers on their behalf. And, I lifted thought and heart conversation to the folks resting there among the ferns. Before leaving, I asked them to pray for our world and to pray for me.
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