End the Year in Hope

As the calendar year comes to an end, the Roman Catholic Lectionary offers another look at the Incarnation through the Gospel of John. Some discussion of this point of view leads to the emphasis of the Person of Jesus becoming the expression of the Divine in our reality. The Christmas message of Emmanuel or “God is with us” is the thought with which we leave the old year and decade and begin the New Year with the hope that this Promise of our inheritance as children of God will be discovered as the indwelling Spirit that is light and life.

Return to Work World

In the Roman Catholic Lectionary for today, Luke completes the story of Jesus, Mary and Joseph in Jerusalem and has them return to Nazareth. This is like the return to the work world after the Christmas Holidays. Perhaps the return will feature many resolutions for the New Year. The challenge of being in the world but not being “of the world” is that faced by those over the ages who have resolved to pursue holiness. The other texts in the Scripture from today extol the reader to move in this direction

Friends and Disciples

The texts in the Roman Catholic Lectionary today remind us of two aspects of discipleship. The disciple follows the lead of the master. The “New Commandment” is to love. The Master loves all without condition. The disciple will find this difficult. The disciple will present a challenge to some. This challenge may evoke responses of anger and even violence. Of course, the “light” that the disciple radiates is the life that maintains faithfulness to the first commandment even in the experience of the second aspect of discipleship. The Resurrection Mass for Rev. Basil Carew will be celebrated today in Halifax. “Father Bas” radiated that “light”. He made the effort to follow the “New Commandment” and lived many experiences of “giving all” that the disciple is given by the Master. He has completed the race.

Choice and Innocents

A priest friend commented recently that the liturgy of the Church after Christmas brings us sharply back from the peacefulness of Christmas. Today, the Roman Catholic Lectionary brings texts for the feast of the first martyrs, the Holy Innocents, children which Matthew tells us were slaughtered by Herod after failure of his plan to find the Christ child in Bethlehem. We come back to reality in our world where innocents die daily. Unfortunately, we can call up many examples. Where is God in these atrocities? Many wanderers on the spiritual journey have wrestled with this question. It is an essential phase of our struggle to embrace holiness. A response is that God is the first to mourn the tragedies which result from the choices of people. The free choice of people to move toward intimacy with the Divine or to withdraw to the domain of the ego, pride and self-worship is essential for the relationship with the in dwelling Spirit to grow freely and fully.

Family Love Mystery

The Roman Catholic Lectionary today, in Canada, looks at the thankfulness we often experience in our family life. The mystery of the relationships between children and parents and children and grandparents are threads to take to the understanding of the relationship between Creature and Creator. The love between humans can be a deep mystery. The extent to which an individual will give and live for another has been shown to be beyond understanding or “common sense”. Our Promise is that the indwelling Spirit will allow us to experience the fullness of joy which results from being in the Presence which is anticipated by the psalmist today in praising the joy of worship in the Temple. Our temple, the Temple of the Promise, is the ‘earthen vessel’ of out being.

Boxing Day move away

Boxing Day is also the feast of the first Christian martyr, St. Stephen. The Roman Catholic Lectionary takes us to texts about the reaction of some in the world to those who live guided by the indwelling Spirit. This seems a rapid change of pace and direction from the peace and joy of Christmas. However, when the texts are examined more closely, the indwelling Spirit is the source of peace and joy for the persecuted. We endure persecution. It is a characteristic of this world that many resort to conflict and violence when they perceive forces, concepts and actions which challenge their assumptions and world view. The ‘Word made flesh’ celebrated at Christmas time is the source and solution to the challenges we perceive to our life styles.

Prepared to Rejoice

At dawn this morning we may assess our preparedness to celebrate the Christmas feast. The Roman Catholic Lectionary has two parts today. As the day dawns, we read from Samuel and Luke about the Promises of God to be fulfilled through two people, David and John the Baptist. The preparation for the Kingdom of God will be the work of these leaders. We have prepared for our family and guests to join us during the next couple of days. We hope our role as hosts brings peace and joy. The Lectionary for later in this day recognizes the people in darkness have seen the great light of Christmas. In this ever present light we will gather our friends and family. Once again, we will display love and we will hope to live the promise of peace. Isaiah and Luke will be the familiar words that will re energize our spirit to the possibilities of the “Word made flesh” to our being.

Delight in the children

The texts in the Roman Catholic Lectionary on this day before the day before Christmas remind us of the preparation for increased intimacy with the Divine. Luke completes the story of the Birth of John the Baptist with the naming of the special child with a special name. He is to be called John. Earlier Luke revealed that one of the missions of John was to reunite people of Israel and God. A particular mention is the restoration of the relationship between parents and children. John’ s mission and that of the prophet Elijah are very similar according to the text from Malachi. The mission of Elijah was also to restore relationships between parents and children. What is the nature of the parent child relationship that within it there is a possibility to prepare for intimacy with the Divine? One aspect that psalmist and authors have identified is the “delight” of God for Creatures who are children is dimly mirrored in the “delight” of parents in their children. Our imaginations and hopefully recent experience of this “delight” will herald a renewal for our relationships this Christmas.

Women in Praise

The Roman Catholic Lectionary today puts together texts in which two women offer great hymns of praise to God for miraculous gifts of children. Hannah, mother of Sampson, is the barren woman who is to give birth. She has been inspired to know that her special child will serve the Lord and the people of the Lord. Mary, who is Jesus mother, is the virgin mother. She has said ‘Amen’ to God’s plan that her son will be born of the Holy Spirit and will be God’s gift of the Divine to people. A quick search or ‘google’ of the phrase ‘hannah and mary’ brought many interesting links. The praise of these women has inspired great music. Composers have used these events to exalt and rejoice in the action of the Divine.

Spring to Christmas

The first day of winter is today. The Roman Catholic Lectionary has text from the Song of Songs which is entitled Springtime Rhapsody. This is, for some, a hopeful thought. However the joy of spring and the images of the blooming of love are the important seeds for the imagination in the days before the celebration of Christmas. It is celebrated at that time of year when the darkness of the shortest day, the winter solstice, has begun to be replaced by the return of the light with the promise of love and peace. Our hope is always that the Promise of Christmas will be fulfilled. Our faith is to trust that Providence provides gracious gifts to accomplish the Promise and our charity is to be joy and hope for all as we bring the indwelling Spirit on our Christmas visits.

The will to visit

Whose will be done? As the Christmas season approaches, we may be asking this question in many contexts. In the Roman Catholic Lectionary for today, the Fourth Sunday of Advent, the author of Hebrews express the answer of Jesus. It is to do the “will of the Father” that Jesus is given a body. The “Incarnation” is the will of the Father. It is the “thy will be done” of the Lord’s Prayer. We like Mary are to carry Jesus. We like Mary, in today’s Gospel from Luke, are to carry Jesus to others. Our visits, at this time, and always are to bring the joy of spirit that Elizabeth experiences from Mary's visit to others. Simple? Easier than following Laws? Not always.

Storm signs

A storm is coming. There are signs. Today we look at the satellite photo. In the time of John the Baptist, who is featured in Luke’s Gospel from the Roman Catholic Lectionary, the special birth was marked in Hebrew tradition by signs like the barren giving birth, often in old age. The storm of John the Baptist called attention to the Divine desire to renew the relationship with people. The Promise of the presence of God among His people is the hope of all ages. John heralds Jesus who will be God Incarnate and indwelling with people. Batten Down the Hatches? Or Open the doors?

Emmanuel Mary Joseph and Mystery

Matthew’s Gospel in the Roman Catholic Lectionary for today tells the story of the Birth of Jesus. The challenge for modern readers of this passage is to attempt to rationalize how a virgin gives birth. The “Mystery” of the birth of Jesus is an essential part of the Incarnation “scandal”. The sign of a Messiah includes miraculous birth. Isaiah declares this. The understanding of ‘God is with us’ as the indwelling Divine Presence is an obstacle to Hebrew thought. It is not any easier for the rational Western mind yet the message is to dwell in the Mystery of the Divine desiring to be within, to be born in Creature. This is a place where imagination and art can go but our ego and logic holds us back.

The Introduction to our story

What do we learn from looking at Genealogy? The passage from Matthew in the Roman Catholic Lectionary today is the Genealogy of Jesus Christ. Matthew’s list is an introduction to the Jewish audience for whom he was writing. The pattern of the genealogy is important. The conclusions that Matthew hoped his readers would draw are important. The individuals included (and excluded) from the list are significant. So often we are richer in reading texts when we can add to our understanding some background about the motives and cultural environment of the author. This ‘background’ that illuminates texts can also shine light on our relationships with each other. We ‘read’, ‘understand’ and ‘serve’ each other. In an enlightened way

Take offence from truth

The Roman Catholic Lectionary for today contains Luke’s account of the questions that John the Baptist’s disciples have for Jesus. He responds by quoting Isaiah. John will know the relationship of the prophesies of Isaiah to the coming of the Messiah. One phrase from this text “And blessed is anyone who takes no offence at me” is particularly unexpected. In history the ones who bring ‘truth’ are not always well received. The Divine knowledge of Creature can be offending to our ego as we are healed of our blindness and we are able to overcome the lameness that prevents us from walking in the truth.

What do we do?

The story in Matthew’s Gospel, in the Roman Catholic lectionary for today, is familiar to most families. The family member is asked to do a task. He/she declines the request. Another accepts the request but does not do the job. The first rethinks the decision and completes the task. The question asked in the Gospel is “Who has done the will of the Father?” The answer is not clear. Today, we sometimes need to wrestle with the idea that “trying is doing”. We encounter ideas that working on something is as valuable as completing it. Perhaps the sibling who accepted the request worked on it, earned partial marks and felt that had ‘passed’ in terms of doing the will of the Father. Perhaps the person who re-thought the request and completed the job was late. Maybe the Father’s request was for immediate action. From another point of view, we might consider the value in the ability to change our mind. This is difficult. The ego is a definite challenge when we need to re-consider. Prompt, reliable, flexible and thorough, with the ability to change our mind. Wouldn’t we like to work with that person?

Popular Prophet

The image of the wise seer who is popular among the people is not what the Roman Catholic Lectionary for today, the Memorial of Saint John of the Cross, presents. Balaam from the Hebrew Scriptures was one who had developed the “third eye” of spiritual enlightenment. This ability to see clearly the Presence of God in the events surrounding his life did not win him popularity among the people to whom he spoke. John the Baptist and Jesus who are present to us in Advent have their authority and prophetic work questioned. The Baptismal anointing of Christians is as priest, prophet and king. Our journey may lead us to prophetic understanding and clear sight however it would seem to require humility and the desire to be free of the need for popularity.

Joy Joy Joy Down in my Heart

The Entrance Antiphon for the liturgy of the Third Sunday in Advent, the texts for which are in the Roman Catholic Lectionary, is, in Latin, a plural imperative verb to rejoice (Gaudete). For this reason today is the Sunday in Advent for particular rejoicing. The advent candle today is often pink instead of purple. The celebration of joy is because of the “nearness of the Lord”. This is an anticipation of the Feast of Christmas, which is the formal liturgical celebration of the Incarnation of the Divine, in the person of Jesus, in the flesh of humanity. That “Joy, joy, joy” Where? ” Down In My Heart” is another expression of the nearness of the in dwelling Spirit.

People, places and the Sacred.

Read how Cape Breton and Mexico are linked together through the devotion to Our Lady of Guadalupe, the feast celebrated in the Roman Catholic Lectionary for today in the Americas.

Dealing with our Choices

Isaiah, the Psalmist and Matthew in the Scripture from today’s Roman Catholic Lectionary offer words that resonate with teachers at this end of semester time. Teachers reflect that the students would be in better places had they made better choices during the semester. The gift of seeing the choices from the point of view of the one who chooses is the path to understanding and compassion. It is the view of the Divine toward our choices. We see ourselves in the persons who Isaiah sees have missed the gracious gift of God, who have chosen to sit with scorners and who seem to be the hard to understand people of ‘this generation’. The real story in all of these examples is Redemption and restoration of the relationship which hopefully follows in teaching and learning and is guaranteed to follow in our relationship with the Divine.

Role of the Prophet

The psalmist in the Roman Catholic Lectionary texts for today is lavish in praise of the goodness and glory of God. The response to the Divine Presence when the action is taken to move toward and accept the invitation to an intimate relationship is that of the psalmist. Matthew continues to challenge our reluctance to step out as we try to accommodate the apparent “tough love” of John the Baptist. The tensions created by the Prophets who ‘see’ with what Rohr calls the “third eye” become part of our journey and struggle to “know as we are known”.

Thanksgiving for God’s Goodness and Mercy

‘Come to me, all you that are weary and are carrying heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. 29 (Matthew 11:28) The Roman Catholic Lectionary for today contains texts that proclaim the power, goodness and glory of God. The juxtaposition of these proclamations to the tragedy of James Delorey is difficult. Rabbi Harold Kushner has addressed this issue in his writing. He assures us that God is Present in all of human affairs. The deep Mystery of the reason behind that Presence is a part of the journey that we are experiencing.

Necessary tension in contemplation

During the season of Advent, the Roman Catholic Lectionary features Scripture which prepares us for the Incarnation. The tradition of the Church contains over 2000 years of special ways to bring this spiritual relationship to our understanding. Two concepts from the Tradition and from the concept of the need for “spiritual tensions” are presented today. Luke’s gospel presents the ‘yes’ of Mary which generates the paradox and tension of Virgin and Mother in the same person. The Feast of the Immaculate Conception, celebrated today, creates the tension of one of the children of God with a place, because of Divine grace, of sinless relationship to the Divine in a reality where “all have sinned and have fallen short”. The Mystery is the tension between these concepts which like our own personal spiritual mystery need to be held in our being as we find the “third eye” of contemplation and spiritual growth that Rohr exhorts as the essential journey to know ourselves in the Divine.

Mystery of Healing

Healing is a Mystery. In the passage from Luke’s Gospel in the Roman Catholic Lectionary for today, Jesus heals a paralytic. The mystery of healing continues to be challenging to both people of faith and those who rely less on faith. Is there a formula that releases Divine healing? The friends of the paralytic are determined to bring him to Jesus. The Healing mystery brings together at least (3) realities, Divine grace, forgiveness and healing. These contributors are present in today’s passage. Hope, which builds perseverance, and friends who act for us with presence are important components of this account of healing.

Decisions and Choices made in Love

The prayer of Paul for the Philippians,” that your love may overflow more and more with knowledge and full insight to help you to determine what is best, so that on the day of Christ you may be pure and blameless, having produced the harvest of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ for the glory and praise of God.”(Philippians 1: 9-11) is one of the texts in the Roman Catholic Lectionary for today, the 2nd Sunday in Advent. It reflects a hope that we have love which will manifest itself in knowledge and insight. This time of year presents us with many contradictions and paradox. The juxtaposition of the sacred and profane practices presents a mystery which perhaps is only a reflection of the great mystery that sometimes we are to ourselves. Love points to the best. Paul wishes overflowing love for us. The decisions made in and for and motivated by love are the best. John the Baptist is pictured in Luke’s Gospel as a Herald of the coming of the Lord, the Word made Flesh. The Incarnation of Jesus in human life, within our being, through the Holy Spirit, is the overflowing love which will make us be and wish others the “Best of the Season”

Close to the Kingdom

Isaiah continues to console and encourage the exiles about the gracious assistance which is available to them from God in the Scriptures from today’s Roman Catholic Lectionary. The sense of being lost is addressed today. The Divine Presence within provides ‘a word behind you, saying, ‘This is the way; walk in it.’’ (Isaiah 30:19). The psalmist proclaims ‘The Lord builds up Jerusalem; he gathers the outcasts of Israel. 3He heals the broken-hearted, and binds up their wounds.’ (Psalm 147). Guidance and healing are experienced by those in touch with the indwelling Spirit. Matthew relates Jesus response to finding so many like sheep without shepherds. He missions the Twelve to “As you go, proclaim the good news, “The kingdom of heaven has come near.”* 8Cure the sick, raise the dead, cleanse the lepers,* cast out demons. You received without payment; give without payment.” (Matthew 9: 6-8). The Kingdom is near. It is dwelling within the earthen vessels of our humanity. The mission of those who have encountered the Life within is, like the Twelve, to go out and proclaim this Good News.

Hope corrects error

The Roman Catholic Lectionary for today, the Friday in the first week of Advent, is full of hope. Hope is essential for the spiritual journey. It is the attitude that complements prayer. We can hear the Promises of the relationship with the Divine through Hope. As the end of the semester approaches teachers may share the hope of Isaiah that “And those who err in spirit will come to understanding, and those who grumble will accept instruction” (Isaiah 29:17-24). That correction of error and acceptance of instruction is tied to the psalmist’s hope to live in the house of the Lord. Matthew relates Jesus healing of two blind men. Certainly, we can use the blind metaphor to apply to the condition of blindness mentioned by Isaiah. The Temple of the Divine, which Jesus urges us to have the faith to go within to find, contains the Spirit which corrects error and heals our blindness. Our Hopes are answered!

Hearers and Doers

The building of strong relationships takes time. Matthew tells of Jesus advice to avoid self deception in our relationship with the Divine. The Roman Catholic Lectionary today celebrates Saint Francis Xavier. The Catholic ENCYCLOPEDIA writes “It is truly a matter of wonder that one man in the short space of ten years (6 May, 1542 - 2 December, 1552) could have visited so many countries, traversed so many seas, preached the Gospel to so many nations” This saint is an example of being both Hearer and Doer.

Gracious gifts for His Children

Abundance, generosity, health and grace are the themes of the texts in the Roman Catholic Lectionary for today. The exiled people of Israel are told that they cannot imagine the rich relationship that God desires to have with them on their return. The obstacles do not exist. The psalmist reflects that surely he will dwell always in the House of the Lord. Matthew relates the that the obstacles of ill health, possession, social rejection and bodily need are broken down so that Jesus can invite the people to that grace filled relationship willed by the Father.

Ancient hope realized outside of time

Luke shares Jesus prayer of rejoicing in the Roman Catholic Lectionary for today. Jesus praises the Father for the revelation of the transformation of people to come to know the intimate relationship with the Divine offered to them through Jesus and the Spirit. Through this intimacy, the “peaceful kingdom” envisaged by Isaiah is more than possible. The gifts the spirit of wisdom and understanding, counsel and might, knowledge and the fear of the Lord are in the nature of the indwelling Spirit of the Lord which the decision to be open, like children can be, allows the resonance between Son or Daughter and Father to spring up like a well of living water.

Andrew followed and Scotland was impressed

As he walked by the Sea of Galilee, he saw two brothers, Simon, who is called Peter, and Andrew his brother, casting a net into the lake—for they were fishermen. 19And he said to them, ‘Follow me, and I will make you fish for people.’ 20Immediately they left their nets and followed him. (Matthew 4:18-20)
The Roman Catholic Lectionary offers texts for the celebration of the feast of Saint Andrew. Who is this Patron Saint of Scotland? Matthew’s gospel tells us that he was Peter’s brother and that they both were fishermen. The group of people who Jesus invited to follow Him was unusual. Fishermen became evangelists. Men of few words spread the Word. Our identity is not “what we do”. Our identity is not “what we think”. Like Andrew, our identity is discovered when we follow Him. Andrew preached in many places in the Ancient world. St. Andrew is honoured as their chief patron by Russia and Scotland.

Hope for Life in Advent

Today the Roman Catholic Lectionary marks the beginning of a new liturgical year. The messages of the new year are similar to the messages which ended the previous year. Be Alert! The experience of the in dwelling Spirit which opens our being to the invitation to welcome the Incarnation and to become aware of the distractions in our lives which dampen the experience of Life and the dispositions which make hope difficult. Hope is the essence of prayer. Hope is the communication with the Divine. The Advent season is the opportunity to celebrate and exercise Hope for our prayer and the return of order to our lives.
To do this we are called to check up on the disorders within and around us to which Jesus is constantly arriving. I write the following with some care, based on experience. We do not really want a Savior! We want an approver. We do not want a negative judge whom we fear, but an approving and benevolent assessor. Most Christians, it seems to me on this first Sunday of Advent, want to sweep away their pasts or presents and hope that the God of Vengeance doesn’t see even the carpet under which have been swept the disorders. A second group of Christians wants to pretend that the disorders or need for integrity do not exist and they stay alert to their denials. A third group spends their lives obsessed with their doing nothing but the right and corrects things so that a savior for them is quite unnecessary. (Gillick SJ, 2009)

Works Cited
Gillick SJ, L. (2009, November 29). Daily Reflection. Retrieved November 2009, 2009, from Creighton University's Online Ministries : http://onlineministries.creighton.edu/CollaborativeMinistry/112909.html

Seeing the signs

Luke recounts Jesus telling His disciples to observe the sign of the fig tree in the Gospel from today’s Roman Catholic Lectionary. This passage is placed with the account of the end times in Daniel. I am drawn to think of Richard Rohr and his explanation of the development of “the third eye” among contemplative Christians. This type of “living in the Now” brings insight and vision about the present moment. In that “Naked Now” the Presence is detected. It becomes as clear as the fruit of the fig tree. The time which Jesus and Daniel speak of begins NOW. The timeless Divine is not prisoner to a timeline. The Spirit within is eternal.

End Times and Now Times

The Roman Catholic Lectionary places the story of Daniel in the Lion’s Den with Luke’s account of Jesus commentary on the destruction of Jerusalem and the “end days”. The challenge of Daniel might be with the condemnation of the men who had opposed Daniel, their children and their wives in the Lion’s Den. The “natural justice” of a penalty which is based on the harm you have done another is somewhat expected. The “sins of the father are vested on the sons” is a cliché with some evidence in reality. The Divine mercy for the evil doers appears to be absent in Daniel. The destruction of Jerusalem is evil. Historically, Jerusalem has known defeat at the hands of the enemies of Israel during those times when the people have lost the connection with the Divine as “Chosen people”. The Covenant between God and people is life for Jerusalem. Death and destruction can return without contact with that Life. Jesus reminds us that the “Son of Man” restores that Life and that those who see the Son of Man coming should rise and be redeemed. The “historical” setting of these episodes may suggest that the message is also ancient. The battle between good and evil is constant. The “Son of Man” is the consistent link to redeem that battle.

Hold on ...Endurance!

Today in the Roman Catholic lectionary, Luke relates Jesus advice about endurance. The followers of the Way are perceived by the religious orthodoxy of the day as being dangerous to the dogmas and doctrines which have maintained control in human hands and have comforted those who are uncomfortable with the call to transformation at the core of authentic spiritual journeys. There will be persecutions, then and now. Endurance, which for the believer, is rooted in hope in the Promise is the quality that is needed to overcome. “We shall overcome” is the chant of those who moved against the social orthodoxy in the last century. We are further along for their endurance.

Here today gone to Mira

The readings today in the Roman Catholic Lectionary bring thoughts of the kingdoms and rulers in human history that have come and gone throughout time. Luke tells of Jesus reflection on the temporal nature of earthly kingdoms, even that represented by the magnificent Temple in Jerusalem. The so called signs of the end are seemingly always present. We, perhaps, always contain the seeds of our own destruction. Geo-politics and the continuing climate change are visible in the world. The Temple that we are individually, the Temple of the indwelling Spirit, also endures violence and revolution against the peace and sanctity of the soul. The seeds of the destruction of our Temple may also be close at hand, yet the Promise offers hope that we would not reject the life which will sustain our Temple.

Open to the possibilities

The decision to be open to the possibilities is crucial in the journey towards greater spiritual enlightenment. Luke in the Roman Catholic Lectionary for today, shows Jesus pointing out the widow who puts “all she has” into the Temple collection. The widow demonstrates movement away from self aggrandizement and control of all of life’s events toward the active participation in the will of the Divine. This demands openness to change and Providence. The Four Young Israelites at the Babylonian Court from the Book of Daniel are similarly blessed by the unity of their action and the Divine Will. Life is the fruit of activating our relationship with the Divine

King and Contradictions in the Kingdom

In 1925 Pope Pius XI created the feast of Christ the King. The Roman Catholic Lectionary offers Scripture passages to celebrate the feast. The person of this Pope, the Church and society in the “twenties” and the political situation in the world contained many contradictions and paradoxes. The path of wisdom in our journey requires that we deal with and live with paradox and tension between apparently contradictory ideas and actions. Pius XI proposed social action for Christians in the face of communism, National Socialism, secularism and a time (the 20th Century) when ‘might is right’ can be contrasted sharply with the image of Jesus before Pilate proclaiming "Christ's peace in Christ's kingdom". (motto of PiusXI)

Chris Birthday Today

My oldest son Chris is 32 today. It was a very blessed day when he was born. He radiated love and support to me from the first moments. He still does. Thank God for Christopher!

Tough To Tidy Temple

The return from defilement of things sacred is celebrated in the Scripture from today’s Roman Catholic Lectionary. The Temple of Jerusalem is the physical focus but the Temple of the in dwelling Spirit, people, are the focus of our reflection. The people paradox is that we are both “earthen vessels” of the Divine Spirit and host to the “robbers and thieves” which wrestle for control in our relationships with others. The return from defilement to sacred is the living of Resurrection, often on a daily basis. The Journey, as David proclaims, gives us pause to reflect and respond with praise.

The Journey goes to Jerusalem

The movement of Jesus to Jerusalem in Luke’s Gospel from today’s Roman Catholic Lectionary is increasing the tension among the disciples and the crowds. The casting out of demons and the healing continues. Jesus seems to be searching for the faith that will allow the crowds to come with Him in the decision to accept the will of the Father, to be overcome by love and to be transformed in union with the Divine. Rohr suggests that God has worked with remnants and the leavening agents throughout salvation history. The Scriptures from Maccabees tell of a time when the few responded to maintain the Covenant. The ‘few’ people that respond are ‘chosen’. They are not ‘special’ but bear the same challenge and suffering of Jesus in the desire that “all be saved”.

We really can know the best choice

The ‘time for decision’ appears to be a theme running through the Scriptures of the Roman Catholic Lectionary today. What might be the basis of each scenario presented? Is there a common theme? The Seven sons in Maccabees who accept execution instead of betrayal of their customs and covenant, the psalmist who prays for deliverance and the story that Jesus tells in Luke’s Gospel of the difference between the servants who invested their talents well and those who excused themselves. Underlying each scenario is the decision to act according to the understanding of the will of God. There is a choice and in our self, where the Divine indwells, is the necessary understanding to make the choice that continues and expands that awareness of the Presence within.

Invite to the tree top

Searching out a character from the Roman Catholic Lectionary for today that might give us pause to think is quite easy. Zacchaeus, the unpopular and ritually unclean, tax collector who steps out to encounter Jesus and ends up as Jesus host certainly demonstrates that open ourselves faith discussed by Richard Rohr in “the Naked Now”.

Neither Jew nor Gentile

The Roman Catholic Lectionary today brings us into a couple of examples of the understanding of the relationship with the Divine that Richard Rohr writes about in “The Naked Now” We apparently invite spiritual and temporal trouble when we resort to dual thinking. The Israelites were often caught between the extremes of Jew and Gentile. In the excerpt from Luke’s gospel we see that the blind man must “step out”. He must be open to change. He must have faith.

The Disorder in End Times Images

Nature is observed, in the Northern hemisphere, to follow seasons. Ancient people marked the significant changes in the seasons with feasts. The spring, with new life, is the Easter season for Christianity. November, as the life around us dies and is changing our landscape, is the end of the year in the Roman Catholic Lectionary. Thinking about the end or the ‘end times’ can be troublesome and confusing for people. It is often challenging to find religious or scriptural references which are clear and unambiguous. We often seek prophets who tell us about what is to come. Larry Gillick suggests…
Here, as we near the end of this liturgical year, we are invited to face Jesus as the norm, the model, the person Who is offering a way to know and accept what is ultimately good for us. Strictly, by ourselves, we would always be in states of confusion about what is reckless and what is reverent. This confusion can become a comfortable and irresponsible way of crashing through our lives and those around us. Jesus is the divine wake-up call for us to rise and shun the luxury of sleep-living. (Gillick S.J., 2009)
Works Cited
Gillick S.J., L. (2009, November 15). Daily Reflection. Retrieved November 15, 2009, from Creighton University's Online Ministries: http://onlineministries.creighton.edu/CollaborativeMinistry/111509.html

Guidance and Gift

The Roman Catholic Lectionary this morning may be presenting two different ideas for our mutual consideration. It seems that the persistence of the widow against the unjust judge in Luke’s gospel shows our role in making things work for us. The author of Wisdom and the psalmist proclaim how the might of God has taken care of His people against their enemies. What is it? God Us? A partnership? How are persistence and Hope in God’s promise related? Isn’t persistence a “Gift of the Spirit.” I think Richard Rohr would find much here for contemplation.

Right before our eyes... Paradox!

Foolishness is a condition of mind which occasionally causes the wise to fumble and flounder. The Roman Catholic Lectionary offers two visions of foolishness. The supposedly wise who fail to try to perceive or to ponder the great questions of the relationship of the observed universe to the Divine and the personal life to all life are stumbling through the life experience. Luke continues to point to the offer from Jesus to be open to paradox and able to add to our understanding a tension with values which are counter to our ‘common sense’. For from the greatness and beauty of created things comes a corresponding perception of their Creator (Wisdom 13) Those who try to make their life secure will lose it, but those who lose their life will keep it. (Luke 17).

The Spirit of Wisdom

The Roman Catholic Lectionary today addresses the question of the Coming of the Kingdom. We look to prophets and seers to answer this question. Jesus was asked to share His understanding. He answered that in fact, ‘the kingdom of God is among* you.’ (Luke 17). The indwelling of the Spirit of God strikes the author of the Book of Wisdom as the greatest of gifts in life. ‘For she is a breath of the power of God, and a pure emanation of the glory of the Almighty;’ (Wisdom 7). Richard Rohr, in the Naked Now, suggests that our being will ‘resonate’ in response to this in dwelling Kingdom.

Remembrance Day Roman Catholic Lectionary Saint Martin of Tours,

On Remembrance Day, the Roman Catholic Lectionary recognizes Saint Martin of Tours. See post below for the story.

Their grandparents went to war

For many years, I accompanied the boys of the 1st Sackville Cub Pack to the Cenotaph for the commemoration of respect for those who had died in military sevice for the Country. To the boys, this was about events mostly in the time of their grandparents. Now, sadly, the events are as recent as today. If my grandchildren are going to remember war as something long ago, we need to begin to make that happen. On Remembrance Day, the Roman Catholic Lectionary recognizes Saint Martin of Tours, bishop with a Memorial day. One story of St. Martin who lived in the 4th century and who served as a soldier in a Roman guard, tells of his refusal to carry arms into battle. The day when this certainly would have resulted in his death on the battlefield the opponents sought a peace treaty. Today Luke brings us to the region between Samaria and Galilee, where the Samaritans people considered by the Jewish people as unclean lived. Jesus encounters and cures ten lepers. The one who returns to thank him is a Samaritan. Jesus proclaims that the faith of the unclean leper has saved him. I believe Richard Rohr would echo that our movement toward the Divine requires us to take the step, to act in faith. Isaiah 2 looks to the time when we “they shall beat their swords into ploughshares, and their spears into pruning-hooks; nation shall not lift up sword against nation, neither shall they learn war any more.” Those to whom war is personal, veteran, soldier, widow, widower, father, mother, son, daughter of those who serve, and those who die in service are the most ardent in the hope for the end of war. Perhaps Martin of Tours is the Saint for this day where we need the faith of the Samaritan to change our attitude toward war.

The Temple within

The Feast of the DEDICATION OF ST.JOHN LATERAN is today. In the Roman Catholic Lectionary, John tells the story of the cleansing of the Temple by Jesus. Jesus answered them, ‘Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up.’ John explains that Jesus is referring to the Temple that is His body. The indwelling of Jesus through the Holy Spirit is the relationship at the core of Christianity. All humans are invited to this relationship. It cannot be destroyed. Jesus exhorts us to clean out the obstacles to development of this intimacy with the Divine.

Giving with Impact

The 32nd Sunday in Ordinary Time, in the Roman Catholic Lectionary, offers us a comparison between the arrogant behavior of some and the simple humility of others. Luke places Jesus at the entrance to the Temple after He warns His disciples not to imitate the Scribes. The gift of the widow, all she had, is brought to the attention of the disciples. She has given more. We can recognize the generosity of some among us who give their time, talent and treasure without reserve. The giver is the one who realizes their own giftedness. Giving all is the response to knowing “all is gift”. Professional fund raising organizations know that “givers give”. The more economically disadvantaged areas of Canada are, per capita, the more generous.

November Snow Victory and Shrewdness

Boldness, the victory of our God, the praise of shrewdness and early snow in November. Things are not crystal clear today. The Roman Catholic Lectionary offers some pardoxical images of the relationship between the human with need for power and control and the Divine to whom we attribute these qualities yet has only need to love? ( Happy Birthday Pat!).

Who is not a member?

In the Roman Catholic Lectionary Luke presents Jesus response to the criticism of the religious authorities that he was welcoming sinners and eating with them. The parables He tells are familiar but I find myself, in the light of reading Richard Rohr’s “The Naked Now”, pausing to reflect on the hidden or non dual experience that may be represented here.
‘Which one of you, having a hundred sheep and losing one of them, does not leave the ninety-nine in the wilderness and go after the one that is lost until he finds it?
The sheep, that Jesus refers to, belong to the searcher. The religious authorities were not open to having the sinners belong to the dinner gathering. The message of belonging was difficult for those who criticized Jesus. They probably believed that the owner would search for the lost sheep. The idea that Jesus was looking at the Pharisees as the lost sheep comes to mind. They would see themselves as being like Jesus, believers. Perhaps Jesus is in search of them. Those who cast others out are perhaps in need of being found and returned to the flock?

Retirement Planning

I listen this morning to the a CBC interview with a person who is saving a lot of money for retirement. The dedication to having as much as I can when I retire is very large. The Roman Catholic Lectionary, today presents the supremacy of love as the goal and source of life. Luke shows that Jesus telling a story about planning ahead. The surprise is that discipleship and possessions appear to be in conflict. The “love of things” is not the relationship that Paul exhorts. Jesus planning parables may be for us to consider the burden of possessions?

Non Dual searching for Presence

The psalmist writes in today’s Roman Catholic Lectionary, that his soul is calmed like a child with its mother. The psalmist seems to be experiencing Presence. I hope today to continue reading in “The Naked Now” by Richard Rohr. At the same time, I am thinking about an interview, after his latest book, with Bishop John Shelby Spong who ponders the question of the ultimate mystery; death and what happens next. This interview is available as a podcast from CBC Tapestry. Psalmist, Franciscan seer and Episcopal Bishop all identify a living state which, when it is in contact with the Divine resonates with life and will be seen as a life with the “Marks of the True Christian” cited today by Paul in his letter to the Romans. Luke tells the “The Parable of the Great Dinner” where Jesus shares that those who are expected and invited to live in this Presence may decline the invitation. The grace will have its effect of bringing many, the unexpected, to the Banquet.

Saints know blessing

Today, the Solemnity of All Saints in the Roman Catholic Lectionary, is the day to recall holiness we have experienced in the people we have known. The Beatitudes, the spiritual platform of Jesus, are presented. Many people we know, humble, grieving, peacemakers, meek, merciful and resolute are described as “blessed”. Today we might think of them as saints.

Blessedness is described as something of God, holiness or blessedness,
being displayed through human actions. We are inside-outside people. Being
blessed is based on God's sharing part of the essence of God with us and then
our doing something from that inside gift by sharing it in small
and/or large deeds. We are not holy by what we do. We are holy because of the
very essence of God shared with us. We receive it, believe it, and not achieve
it!

(Gillick, 2009)
Gillick, L. S. (2009, Nov 1). Daily Reflection. Retrieved Nov 1, 2009, from Creighton University's Online Ministries: http://onlineministries.creighton.edu/CollaborativeMinistry/110109.html

Humility and Quality

In reflecting on the text from Luke in today’s Roman Catholic Lectionary, I wonder if the exalting of the humble is not so much our concern as the humbling of the exalted. Perhaps a focus on the humble would be informative. Humble may be a hiding place for another not easily understood attitude. Is there a “false virtue “of excusing the attitude of not striving for excellence or high quality because that would demonstrate a lack of humility? I suggest that humility is better served when the quality and excellence is pursued, but the demonstration of the good work is reserved and attribution of credit is downplayed. Being our best does not mean we are exalting our ego. I recall the “Grand Howl” of the Cub Scout Organization. We will “Do Our Best Do Our Best” (DOB, DOB, DOB). In Scouting, as in life, “our best” is in service to others. Jesus suggests that the “The Left Hand need not Know what the Right Hand is doing in this service.” The ‘humble service’ should be quality service so that it delivers to the served all we are capable of.

Transformed Transform

To what can we attribute the overwhelming confidence of Paul expressed in the text from Romans in today's Roman Catholic Lectionary that absolutely nothing can separate us from the Love of God. Richard Rohr in “The Naked Now" expresses the thought that the transformed people transform others. Certainly, Paul is the transformed person who has in 2000 years assisted in the transformation of many. His transformation is His confidence in the Love of God.

Presence in Prayer

In the Roman Catholic Lectionary today, Luke tells of the selection of the Apostles. ” Now during those days he went out to the mountain to pray; and he spent the night in prayer to God. 13And when day came, he called his disciples and chose twelve of them” (Luke 6:12). I am currently reading “The Naked Now” by Richard Rohr. He questions how we so easily fall into public liturgical prayer which may be positioning ourselves like the Pharisees and lawyers that Jesus referred to as hypocrites. Rohr offers Jesus as the model of prayer, which is being aware of Presence, an as Luke tells us is on the mountain in the “naked now”!

Imagine a growing relationship

In the Roman Catholic Lectionary today we are offered texts with unfamiliar metaphors.
We may not appreciate the difference between the size of the seed and the size of the plant in the case of the mustard seed. The image of streams in the Negeb is difficult for people who live in a land of much moisture. The stream in the desert is Life. We hear the great hope of the Apostle Paul for the unleashing of the fruits of the Spirit in Creation. These images are an invitation for our imagination to investigate what is within these representations of the Divine Presence in Life. All encompassing, growing from a speck and Life itself springing up in response come to mind. We hear Hope for the promised relationship of child to the Divine.

Rules for Sabbath; Rules for ?

The Roman Catholic Lectionary takes us to Jesus confrontation with the authorities concerning the rules of the Sabbath. We are very comfortable with rule based action. It is my job. It is not my job. What are the rules? The relationships with which life has meaning are not rule based. How our rules have held us down!

Seachange or See Change

The Roman Catholic Lectionary for today contains Scripture passages which speak of the Joy of being reunited with God. Mark’s Gospel is the story of the healing of the Blind Bartimaeus. After this beggar has his sight returned, he unites himself with Jesus. He has responded to Jesus call. The story begins for Bartimaeus when he hears Jesus and His entourage approaching. He is moved to cry out for mercy. The blind and the unfortunate, in Jesus time, were often thought to be punished for sin in their sorry state. Jesus asks him “What do you want me to for you?” How do we answer this question from Jesus? Certainly when we have sought mercy, forgiveness or consolation Jesus has heard our cry. I suspect that Bartimaeus had thought about the answer for a long time. His answer is simple, expected and profound. The success of his request would mean change. He literally would see things in a different light. Change is threatening. We may be reluctant to present our request to Jesus. The fear we have is that He might grant it. Our change would be compelled by our new sight and our new Life. A relationship with the Divine is Joy and Challenge. Praise God

Paradoxically...

The Roman Catholic Lectionary today offers thought ranging from the justice in cutting down the barren tree to Paul’s proclamation of there being no condemnation for those in the Spirit. Mystery, paradox and tension the Divine is about such as this!

Settling with Your Opponent

The Roman Catholic Lectionary today deals with sin and Settling with Your Opponent what can we say about the vote on the NSCC FAPS tentative agreement?

Decision and Division NSTU and NSCC

The Roman Catholic Lectionary for today presents decision to people. The psalmist suggests there are two ways. Paul in addressing the Romans offers sin and death or the Free Gift and life. NSTU members are considering a decision too. If the tentative agreement is accepted, it brings “life” to the College, the Students and the NDP. Rejection means that the retirees and the those who plan long service at the College may have another chance to reduce the “missed” revenue as it compounds over the years from this settlement. Does this settlement set a precedent for the NDP? For the NSTU? Is it a healthy precedent?

Gifts that may Enslave

Today, in the texts in the Roman Catholic Lectionary offer some reflection on the responsibility of the gifted and the knowledgeable or the favoured. It seems natural that much should be expected of those who have much. This is easily tied to the idea that responsibility comes with privilege, authority and giftedness. We know too that we yield to the temptation to abuse our gifts and authority. We are probably masters at justifying our actions. Today's question is how our potential for freedom with gifts to exercise for all is turned into slavery to our own passions desires and self aggrandizement? It is the paradox of the Christian Life in the Spirit without laws, that Paul addresses today, that freedom turned inward becomes slavery.

Watchful Slaves and NSCC FAPS

Luke 12:35 ‘Be dressed for action and have your lamps lit; This is the exhortation in the Roman Catholic Lectionary for today. In some way, I think the Faculty and Professional Support at NSCC were prepared for action today. Fortunately, a tentative agreement was reached. A spiritual and motivational question remains in my mind. What is the best path to healing the damage? Is it necessary to determine how we ended up prepared to strike even though, as the NSTU ads suggest, we were part of the last cycle of negotiation that did not complete. Did it not complete because we were overlooked or taken for granted? If that might be the case, are we ready to find out why it happened so the path of reconciliation can truly contain the promise of it never happening again?

Is the NDP building idea barns in NS?

Today, in the Roman Catholic Lectionary, Luke presents an episode in Jesus ministry when He comments on the folly of the accumulation of riches. This is a folly in which most of us participate. The temporal concerns are often given priority over the infinite matters. In the current dispute between NSCC and the Faculty and Professional Support, something more than money appears to be sought by both sides. The folly of the rich man would not be less if he were accumulating pride, prestige or reputation. All of these are pursuits which lead to fleeting reward and endanger the development of ourselves as givers and servants. An idea or an ideal can also be unworthy of our headlong pursuit. In many ways it can block our movement toward others and the Divine. In the NSCC, NSTU and NDP scenario ideas are blocking progress. What is fair? What is equitable? What ‘principle’ are we standing on? It is wise to consider the finite effect of holding ground compared to the infinite implications of pride and arrogance. In the time frame between finite and infinite, now, we see much damage to goodwill has already been done. A heart for reconciliation is needed now and even more so if our desire to be like the Rich Fool continues.

NDP Mystery in Nova Scotia Continued

Here are two political leaders with similar challenges. One is really a Liberal but used to talk like a social democrat. One talks like a social democrat but is really?

The Request of James and John

The desire to be “first” is well ingrained in our culture. Perhaps, like James and John in the Gospel from today’s Roman Catholic Lectionary, we desire to be in the company of the “winner”. We naturally want to be part of the entourage which is celebrating an accomplishment. It is not surprising that we find Jesus reversing this human desire. He calls James and John to consider more deeply what they are requesting. He welcomes them to share His anointing and the life that the Father has willed for Him. It will not be a life of personal aggrandizement. The Life will allow His followers, then and now, to reduce their egos and serve. The fruit of the spirit of the servant is the discovery of our infinite identity as child of the Father.
As servants we will have our egos, our agendas, our persons and bodies purified through frustrations, failures and real sufferings. In this world, the good will be confronted with opposition. The servant will be suspected, rejected and in many cases, silenced. Can I drink the “cup” of my baptismal identity? The more I allow Jesus to serve me in His many ways, the more likely I will live because I have drunk that “cup” of who He has said I am.
(Gillick, 2009)

Bibliography
Gillick, L. S. (2009, Oct 18). Daily Reflection. Retrieved Oct 18, 2009, from Creighton University's Online Ministries: http://onlineministries.creighton.edu/CollaborativeMinistry/101809.html

The NDP in Nova Scotia mystery

On the Grand Lake Road, which is part of the highway between Sydney and Glace Bay, near Victoria Junction, is a set of traffic lights which allow traffic to come and go to Grand Lake Road from a few large parking lots. When I stand in the closest of these parking lots to the highway, my mind recalls a great Cape Breton and Nova Scotia mystery which has remained unsolved for at least four decades. Who are the voting constituency for the NDP in Nova Scotia? I grew up in Glace Bay and Sydney. Close to my backyard in Glace Bay were six operating coal mines. My grandparents lived in Sydney where on 3 shifts a day members of my family made steel. The United Mine Workers and the Steel Workers Union were strong healthy voices for hard working labour in Industrial Cape Breton. The Sterling district of Glace Bay was home of the “red” barn. These people who worked so hard in back breaking labour and rallied with their unions for better wages and conditions most often returned Liberal and Progressive Conservative members to the Legislature in Halifax. Today, this parking lot separates the Cape Breton University Campus from the Marconi Campus of the Nova Scotia Community College. This past week, two events involving teachers at these institutions raised the question of the NDP mystery again. The Faculty Association at Cape Breton University ratified a contract giving them an increase 2.9% a year for 4 years. The Faculty and Professional Support staff at the NSCC Marconi Campus prepare to strike because the NDP government will not allow the NSCC to even discuss a 2.9% in one year contract. I am confused. On which Campus are the constituents who support the NDP? Perhaps it is the CBU Campus where the NDP finds support. Thirty years ago, when I was taking a course in political science at Dalhousie, I was thrilled that the professor was a member of the executive of the NDP. As my political interest matured I came to understand the great division between academic socialists and workers struggling for fair wages and decent safe working conditions. I hope that the solution to “my NDP mystery” is not that they are “academic socialists”. The evidence from the voters of Cape Breton, with some exceptions, may favour a conclusion that socialist ideas and rhetoric may make a political party but not a party for fairness and equity in the workplace.

Catholic Bishop and God’s Promise Realized through Faith

Saint Ignatius of Antioch, who lived and was a martyr in the early 2nd century CE is remember for impassioned letters he wrote on the way to Rome to be fed to the lions in the amphitheatre. His final appeals are to faith in Jesus, upon which rests all other activity, and loyalty to the Bishop. In the apostolic tradition of the Church, the Bishop traces his call to be Shepherd to the Apostles. Faith to the followers of Christ, as proclaimed by Saint Ignatius, in today’s Roman Catholic Lectionary, is the path to the realization of the Promise of God. That Promise is the free gift, to people today of all races, creeds and genders, of the realization of the indwelling of the Divine. Abraham knew this gift and became the “Father of many nations’. (The people of the Book, Jew Christian and Muslim know Abraham as “father”) Sometimes it is an act of faith to seek and accept the gracious of God comes to us in “earthen vessels” about which Paul has commented “all have sinned” and “all have fallen short”. It is to the sinners that Jesus comes as Shepherd.

A Warning against Hypocrisy

The Roman Catholic Lectionary, today, takes us to Luke 12:1-7 for a “Warning against Hypocrisy”. The evangelist warns “2Nothing is covered up that will not be uncovered, and nothing secret that will not become known”. I reflect on these texts while, at the same time, I find my thoughts being brought to the mystery of the imminent collision of College and Faculty over the failure of contract negotiations. The juxtaposition of the advice from Luke and the disturbing sense that the real problem of this labour dispute is rooted in errors made in early negotiations while the P-12 contract was “on the table” is very curious. Perhaps today’s reading also presents a path to reconciliation for the parties. We are exhorted to “Fearless Confession” from which the Psalmist praises the “The Joy of Forgiveness” which we will know. Forgiveness will need to be part of the solution of this dispute, at some time. Those who have much to forgive will know much joy. I wonder if we are not wise to consider the “The Example of Abraham” as presented by the Apostle Paul and move into an area which will require faith beyond reason that is Confession of fault and the beginning of reconciliation?

Oh My! The Righteous Judgement of God

The Word in the Roman Catholic Lectionary today brings us into contact with thoughts of judgement of our actions by God. Paul implores us not to judge others. He advises that the good deeds of people will be recognized by God. The evil done will also be addressed by a righteous God. Luke reminds us of Jesus dismay at the hypocrisy of the leaders of His time. He identifies the actions of Pharisee’s and Lawyer to load people with unimportant burdens under the Law while ignoring the concerns of the same people.
The take away insight today may be in reflection on our actions and tasking of others. The ego so often demands control and control is too often exercised by holding people captive by truly unnecessary tasks and trivial undertakings.

Who are the Pharisees and Lawyers today?

The gospel from Luke in the Roman Catholic Lectionary for today declares that the one who made the outside made the inside also. Creation is the witness to God that Paul, in his letter to the Romans, claims is ignored by humankind. This debate about the evidence of a Creator in the Creation around us is alive today. One aspect is the on going discussion over “intelligent design” apparent in the greatest and smallest parts of the observable universe. One lively look at the impact of the “Ten Commandments” on human civilization was recorded at the Dead Sea Scrolls exhibition (ROM) by CBC Tapestry. It focuses on observance of law as a means to a ‘better life’. Of course, Paul and Jesus would suggest that faith trumps law in the search for a meaningful relationship with the Divine. The evil and unclean, which many believers and non believers alike strive to avoid, is rooted in the heart of humans. The great evidence for the transformative nature of life with God is the change of heart of those who have worked on “making the inside clean”. The Good News is the creation of a new universe daily for the believer.

PAUL TO the followers of the Way on Thanksgiving

Today, in the Roman Catholic Lectionary, the beginning of the Letter of Paul to the Romans implores the followers of the Way to “belong to Christ”. The Evangelist, Luke, recalls Jesus comparison of His mission to the works of Solomon and Jonah. The proclamation and wisdom of Jesus is greater than the earlier figures. The Thanksgiving for the Christian is to be involved in the journey, today, to belong to Christ and to be the witness to the great proclamation of love which is the sign of a relationship with the Divine of infinite significance catching the attention of Solomon and Jonah. The psalmist invites us to “break forth into joyous song and sing praises”. This is the attitude of gratitude which should infuse Thanksgiving as the people and events of our lives are recalled and “Thanks” is expressed.

Thanksgiving and the Rich Man

Today’s Scripture texts from the Roman Catholic Lectionary deal with the true richness of Wisdom or Prudence in comparison to the wealth, health and status richness which seem to be the goal of the struggle in our lives. Solomon is the traditional example of a wise man. The text today leads us to consider the wealth of Solomon in a different light. (Solomon’s Respect for Wisdom). The important thing in Jesus encounter with the rich young man is the love with which Jesus addresses his question. He perhaps was seeking a different answer. Gillick mentions the sense of the Hebrew culture, of the time, that wealth, health and large families were signs of blessing from God. This weekend, Canadians will pause to be thankful for our blessings. We will include wealth, health and family in our Thanksgiving. Perhaps the Judeo-Christian and Islamic faiths still celebrate God’s Blessing to us in this way. The caution is that our possessions do not block our journey to the Divine.
Often, with Jesus, it is the question about the importance of what we have in hand versus having our hands open to receive what is promised in the unknown-to-come. (Larry Gillick, 2009)
Like Peter and the disciples may we hear Jesus invitation to abandon that which hold us back and follow Him to a celebration of Infinite Thanks!
Bibliography
Larry Gillick, S. (2009, October 11). Daily Reflection October 11th, 2009. Retrieved Oct 11, 2009, from Creighton University's Online Ministries: http://onlineministries.creighton.edu/CollaborativeMinistry/101109.html

A Call to Repentance and Prayer

The Roman Catholic lectionary, today, points us to repentance, prayer and the driving out of unclean spirits. The NSTU is offering binding arbitration to NSCC to resolve contract issues before an announced strike date of Oct 27. These themes can be related. The impasse between College and NSTU is rooted in “dropping the ball”. After the contract had expired for almost a year, “serious” negotiation was undertaken. This came to a successful conclusion for the 10,000 P-12 teachers in the province. Shift some of the players at the table present the agreed details to the 900 College members and we are done. The precedent of previous negotiation is maintained and everyone continues to do their valuable work without non productive interruption. The ball dropped. To paraphrase St. Paul “All have sinned”. We now seek repentance. We don’t want to suspend normal operations. (any of us). Some damage has been done. If we manage to purge the “unclean spirit” of job action, we need to avoid a vacuum of no plan to “recover from the fumble”. Lack of repentance will result in the “The Return of the Unclean Spirit”. Let us pray that ego, pride, stubbornness do not prevent the acceptance of the “spirit of binding arbitration”

leadership among the people of God is not about power, it is about caring

This has been a very hard time for Anthony Mancini, Archbishop of Halifax. On Sunday October 4, he released a letter to the faithful of Nova Scotia. This letter allowed the faithful to appreciate the deep personal suffering of the Archbishop over the criminal charges to Bishop Lahey. This suffering was also apparent in the clergy of the dioceses in Nova Scotia. One of the ideas in the Archbishop's letter is that "leadership among the people of God is not about power, it is about caring". This is a truth and unfortunately a goal for the leadership at all levels in the Church. The vocation to the priesthood and the ordained life is a call to serve in the model of the "servant of all", Christ. This abandonment of self serving motives is the call to hoiness that all the faithful are responding to on the spiritual journey. May the public anguish of the Church and its faithful be the impetus to be the servant leaders suggested by the Archbishop.

Whoever is not against us is for us

“Whoever is not against us is for us” (Mark 9:40) Jesus disciples were concerned that someone they did not know was casting out demons in the name of Jesus. We are concerned that our ‘place’ not be usurped and our function be replaced. We are suspicious about those who are not “of our tribe”. Unfortunately this mistrust and suspicion continues to trouble our efforts to do good. Our ego blocks accepting help from the outside. Richard Rohr, a Franciscan Priest who many see as a spiritual leader who lives the teachings of the 13th century friar, St. Francis, identifies non dual thinking as a goal for our spiritual growth. Few things in life are black and white, good and bad, for us and against us. Rohr sees non dual thinking in Jesus in the Gospels.

Metro Transit bus is scene of compassionate action

The people and the operator of Route 82 coming home last night rallied to come to the aid of an elderly gentleman who was unable to find the stop he wanted in Bedford. From my vantage point near the back of the bus, I witnessed the gentleman approach the operator with a question about the location of the apartments which were his destination. The people close to the man and some from the back conversed and soon reached a consensus as to where the man wanted to go. They informed the operator who had already stopped the bus and was conferring with the dispatcher for some assistance. One lady offered that she was being picked up by someone with a car at the next stop and they would drive the gentleman to the apartments which were his destination. The bus had passed the stop he wanted by about a kilometer. Many stories seem to surface of a decline of civility on our buses. This is a tale of care and compassion. All the busy passengers suspended their rush hour schedules to help this gentleman. Only in Nova Scotia? I doubt in!

Resonance and the sense of intense understanding

I just finished ordering Richard Rohr's new book, The Naked Now, after hearing an interview with him on the CBC Program, Tapestry. Rohr is a Franciscan priest who talks eloquently about the life of St. Francis, as a man who "got it". He formulates an approach to avoiding dual thinking. This non dual thinking is, in Rohr's opinion, the thinking and action of Jesus. The interview and the web searching I have done since listening to the radio program resonate with my search. The The Enneagram: A Typology of Personality, used by Rohr to explore the ego and psychology of believers also identified well my personality type. How satisfying it is to encounter ideas and techniques which resonate with your spirit!

People from Honalee

The death of Mary Travers of Peter Paul and Mary inspired the music play list creators to retrieve many fine selections from this group. This morning "Puff the Magic Dragon" greeted my waking ears.

Are we, the boomers born in the early 50's, people from Honalee? Little Jackie Paper loved that dragon Puff. I think many of my contemporaries were "turned -on" by flights of the imagination to better places where "peace, love and non violence" (remember Woodstock?) would be the way of life. I think our generation worked to battle racism, poverty and discrimination. Imagination is a powerful tool. Our grandchildren will need much imagination. They will have many challenges. Our children are taking charge. They have the skills and knowledge. They have varied experience. The wisdom they need will develop and I suggest that taking our grandchildren to Honalee might be a great start.

Today, Twenty-fifth Sunday in Ordinary Time we are reminded "Then he took a little child and put it among them; and taking it in his arms, he said to them, ‘Whoever welcomes one such child in my name welcomes me, and whoever welcomes me welcomes not me but the one who sent me.’ "(Mark 9:37-38)

We can imagine ourselves in this scene from Scripture. The child in this story did not have any status in the society. This reminds the "Woodstock generation" of the ideals which we hoped would lead to the action of breaking down walls and levelling the playing field. Today's child will be our opportunity to reopen imagination and "Puff" rediscover the Divine.

September is New Stories and New Paths

This September 2009, I begin some new adventures. After about 18 years as a "technical instructor" at the Nova Scotia Community College I begin this month as a "facilator" in written, oral and interpersonal communications. I am also beginning a 12-13 week involvement with the first Alpha Course in our parish