All of life is a gift given by the One from whom all things originate. Some unfortunates have no concept of this divine giver, and yet others have varying concepts about who or what this source might be, but when mere mortals are in touch with this divine presence, things just seem to be right. In some traditions, these 'things' are referred to as Nirvana, or good Karma, or heaven.
The truth though is that some of us have a much more persnonal name for this divine presence. We call 'it' God ... but even the name God conjures a being that is far off, who is all powerful and therefore is far away from mere mortals, but then again, there is Jesus, the Son of God who became one of us, who lived as one of us, who continues to inspire us.
Each day is another opportunity to be in contact with the Risen Jesus. We do it when we look into the eyes of the wondering (and sometimes the wandering) child. We do it when we listen compassionately to the sufferings and woes of too many of our brothers and sisters. We do it when we visit the imprisoned and the sick, those who are hospitalized, those who are addicted, those who are lost in a quagmire of choices with little or no guidance to help them make the right choices. We do this when we endeavor to be compassionate, welcoming and loving to all those who are on the same path of exploration and discovery.
Christ is not like the wind, something we feel but cannot see. He is among us, waiting for us to find him, to celebrate him, and to grow in love for him.
Saturday, April 17, 2010
Friday, April 16, 2010
Faces of
When Mother Theresa began her minstry among the poorest of the poor in the streets of Calcutta, she said that she simply walked the streets, located a person who was dying on the side of the road, and held on to him. She knew nothing more about him (other than that he was a human being and that he was dying), but this did not stop her from daring to show him just a hint of love, acceptance and care.
Each day of her life, for the rest of her life, she continued to reach out to welcome the poorest of the poor, for she believed that in each of them, she saw the face of God. Each time she held one of them, she held the suffering Christ. Each time she fed one of them, she fed the Lord. Each time she welcomed one who knocked at her door, she made room in her life for the Master who was also seeking help.
Mother showed all of us that it might not be possible for us to do great things, but we can all do little things with great love, and that makes all the difference. Each of us has an opportunity (at least one) every day to make a difference in someone else's life (or maybe even in our own!). All it takes is a pair of eyes that look at the world with love, a pair of feet willing to walk the roads of our lives, a pair of hands ready to aleviate another's burdens, and a heart that is ready to love. In all the faces that come in and out of our lives, we have the possibility to see the face of God.
Each day of her life, for the rest of her life, she continued to reach out to welcome the poorest of the poor, for she believed that in each of them, she saw the face of God. Each time she held one of them, she held the suffering Christ. Each time she fed one of them, she fed the Lord. Each time she welcomed one who knocked at her door, she made room in her life for the Master who was also seeking help.
Mother showed all of us that it might not be possible for us to do great things, but we can all do little things with great love, and that makes all the difference. Each of us has an opportunity (at least one) every day to make a difference in someone else's life (or maybe even in our own!). All it takes is a pair of eyes that look at the world with love, a pair of feet willing to walk the roads of our lives, a pair of hands ready to aleviate another's burdens, and a heart that is ready to love. In all the faces that come in and out of our lives, we have the possibility to see the face of God.
Thursday, April 15, 2010
In the background
Tonight, there were a variety of activities to choose from.
Some of those who gathered were involved in looking back and looking forward: back to the experience we had with children of the parish who recently celebrated the Sacrament of Reconciliation for the first time; and forward to the plans being put in place for preparations of those who will receive the Eucharist for the first time this year.
In another part of the complex, there was a long-awaited meeting of the beancounters: the ones who oversee the finaicial decisions of a ship like this one. We are all glad to know that these people are around, sharing their gifts and talents in an effort to help us not overshoot our sights while we tend to the physical needs of this place of worship. The meeting began on time (almost) and continued for about an hour and a half.
In yet another part of the building, not far from the location where I was, there was a concert going on. Some of the faculty of music from the local Community College had asked to use our worship space for their year-end concert: a kind of final exam for the students who have been studying music for the past number of months. As it turns out the concert was made up of sacred music, quite fitting for the worship space in which they were playing.
As it worked out, some of us who were involved in a variety of meetings were also serenaded, thanks to the students who had gathered for the concerty. Without even realizing it, they gave us a chance to be caressed by the sacred (in words as well as in music).
Blessings appear sometimes in places and at times that are least expected. Are you aware of the ways you are caressed with such joy each day? Do you realize these moments of blessing when they happen?
Some of those who gathered were involved in looking back and looking forward: back to the experience we had with children of the parish who recently celebrated the Sacrament of Reconciliation for the first time; and forward to the plans being put in place for preparations of those who will receive the Eucharist for the first time this year.
In another part of the complex, there was a long-awaited meeting of the beancounters: the ones who oversee the finaicial decisions of a ship like this one. We are all glad to know that these people are around, sharing their gifts and talents in an effort to help us not overshoot our sights while we tend to the physical needs of this place of worship. The meeting began on time (almost) and continued for about an hour and a half.
In yet another part of the building, not far from the location where I was, there was a concert going on. Some of the faculty of music from the local Community College had asked to use our worship space for their year-end concert: a kind of final exam for the students who have been studying music for the past number of months. As it turns out the concert was made up of sacred music, quite fitting for the worship space in which they were playing.
As it worked out, some of us who were involved in a variety of meetings were also serenaded, thanks to the students who had gathered for the concerty. Without even realizing it, they gave us a chance to be caressed by the sacred (in words as well as in music).
Blessings appear sometimes in places and at times that are least expected. Are you aware of the ways you are caressed with such joy each day? Do you realize these moments of blessing when they happen?
Tuesday, April 13, 2010
... and the visitors listen
Having heard from some of the locals about how our work has been of assistance, and more particularly about their lived experience of priesthood, we turned our attention this afternoon to unpacking the listening we did this morning. It's important after such an experience to take some time to realize both the blessings and the challenges, the good things that are being done and the things that are being neglected. This is an exercise in humility for those who must admit that our efforts are either non-existent or at the least need to be improved, but awareness is the first step to making things better.
Some lively discussion took place throughout the day, and those who took the luxury of listening closely may even have gleaned some concrete direction for the next steps. Some of these will be acted upon in the next hours, and others will take shape in the coming weeks. All of this is very worthwhile effort because to ignore it would do a major disservice to others who are most in need; acting now may very well provide some sources for blessings for newcomers and long-standing locals alike.
Some lively discussion took place throughout the day, and those who took the luxury of listening closely may even have gleaned some concrete direction for the next steps. Some of these will be acted upon in the next hours, and others will take shape in the coming weeks. All of this is very worthwhile effort because to ignore it would do a major disservice to others who are most in need; acting now may very well provide some sources for blessings for newcomers and long-standing locals alike.
The locals speak
One of the things we have been about in the recent years is trying to promote concern for caring especially for those who are strangers among us and those who are our elders. We live in a society which unfortunately seems at times to be too focused on individuals and pays decreasing amounts of attention and energy to others in our midst ... and we do so to our own detriment.
Conscious of this glaring gap, we must make conscious efforts to right this wrong. We begin by identifying the strangers among us (and they can sometimes be in our very backyards). We do well to listen to the stories of days of yore, when fraternity and hospitality were more an accepted part of our society than they may be today. These lessons learned at the knee of our elders help us to gain or maintain a valuable perspective, and might just give us a glimpse into concrete ways to make a difference in the lives of our confreres.
Changing the situation begins with changing ourselves: identifying perhaps small but significant things that we can do to pay attention to others. As one wise voice said only today, "we do not choose our brothers"; we do however choose how we relate to them.
At times we may be tempted to resist the call to such effort, because we wait for gestures of welcome to be proffered our way first, but to do so runs the risk of missing a valuable opportunity to make an impression, not out of any political sense of wanting payback, but out of a deep-seated knowledge that we all get along, we must all get along, we have been commanded to do so.
Conscious of this glaring gap, we must make conscious efforts to right this wrong. We begin by identifying the strangers among us (and they can sometimes be in our very backyards). We do well to listen to the stories of days of yore, when fraternity and hospitality were more an accepted part of our society than they may be today. These lessons learned at the knee of our elders help us to gain or maintain a valuable perspective, and might just give us a glimpse into concrete ways to make a difference in the lives of our confreres.
Changing the situation begins with changing ourselves: identifying perhaps small but significant things that we can do to pay attention to others. As one wise voice said only today, "we do not choose our brothers"; we do however choose how we relate to them.
At times we may be tempted to resist the call to such effort, because we wait for gestures of welcome to be proffered our way first, but to do so runs the risk of missing a valuable opportunity to make an impression, not out of any political sense of wanting payback, but out of a deep-seated knowledge that we all get along, we must all get along, we have been commanded to do so.
Monday, April 12, 2010
Hospitality makes the difference
Part of the beauty of changing the locations of some of the gatherings we partake in is the hidden treasures that are uncovered, and the inherent pride with which we show off the best of our native land. Who better to show the tourists around than the locals. Seeing places through the eyes of those who call them home adds an invaluable level of flavor to the experience that might otherwise be only superfluous.
It only takes a few moments to make a difference in the way people see our treasures. When we go the extra distance to welcome, to celebrate the guest and to make him-her feel at home, the result might very well surprise everyone, most of all the guests who benefit from the welcome.
Some in our illustrious group have been to these parts before, but for the majority of us, this is our maiden voyage to these shores. The attention to little details is already evident, and the result is that doors are being opened (in both directions). We visitors are immensely appreciative for the gift that is being offered to us ... and there is still enough time for us to be surprised again and again before we must depart.
It only takes a few moments to make a difference in the way people see our treasures. When we go the extra distance to welcome, to celebrate the guest and to make him-her feel at home, the result might very well surprise everyone, most of all the guests who benefit from the welcome.
Some in our illustrious group have been to these parts before, but for the majority of us, this is our maiden voyage to these shores. The attention to little details is already evident, and the result is that doors are being opened (in both directions). We visitors are immensely appreciative for the gift that is being offered to us ... and there is still enough time for us to be surprised again and again before we must depart.
Sunday, April 11, 2010
So near and yet so far
The sun was still brilliant in the sky as we winged our way over the water this evening. Below, the shores of Lake Superior beconed, calling to us as if there were a homing beacon guiding us home. It's been quite awhile since this soul has seen this part of the country, but some of the sights are still the same.
Not far off the western shore of Superior is Silver Islet, once the place of a rich silver deposit. Legend has it that a giant, who guards the island and its treasures now sleeps within its shadow. This slumbering giant is visible from the air, and from the roadways that lead to the city once known as Port Arthur and Fort William.
For the next few days, this will be our home. Here we will exchange stories (beginning with some hours of friendship shared around a table in the fading light of this day), ponderings and wonderings. We will work hard, but we will also find time to recognize the blessings unveiled in our midst. This latter task takes special eyes, attuned to the presence of the Sacred in our midst, and ears willing to listen in the midst of silence where words are exchanged with the soul.
We are here for a reason ... which I'm sure will be made clearer with time.
Not far off the western shore of Superior is Silver Islet, once the place of a rich silver deposit. Legend has it that a giant, who guards the island and its treasures now sleeps within its shadow. This slumbering giant is visible from the air, and from the roadways that lead to the city once known as Port Arthur and Fort William.
For the next few days, this will be our home. Here we will exchange stories (beginning with some hours of friendship shared around a table in the fading light of this day), ponderings and wonderings. We will work hard, but we will also find time to recognize the blessings unveiled in our midst. This latter task takes special eyes, attuned to the presence of the Sacred in our midst, and ears willing to listen in the midst of silence where words are exchanged with the soul.
We are here for a reason ... which I'm sure will be made clearer with time.
Doubt and faith
Someone once remarked that although we may be fortunate enough to have the largest television in our homes, and all the possible satelite channels available, the programming available to us pales in comparison to the drama that plays out when we look out the window and see the faces that pass by us, in and out of our lives, each day.
These are the faces that radiate at one moment the joy of knowing that we are deeply and constantly loved. They are also the faces that speak to us of doubts and fears, joy and celebration, worry and concern for others, and for ourselves. The sidewalks, coffee shops and doorsteps we see each day are the places where saints and sinners meet, and what stories they tell!
These are the faces that radiate at one moment the joy of knowing that we are deeply and constantly loved. They are also the faces that speak to us of doubts and fears, joy and celebration, worry and concern for others, and for ourselves. The sidewalks, coffee shops and doorsteps we see each day are the places where saints and sinners meet, and what stories they tell!
Saturday, April 10, 2010
Requiem at Katyn
Saturday morning dawned with horribly tragic news for Poles throughout the world. Within minutes word of the aviation accident that took the lives of many of the civil government leaders as well as not a few of the respected Church leaders was making its way around the world.
It wasn't long either before analyses were being produced, and parallels between this dark day and another dark period in the history of Poland were being drawn.
Sudden death and tragedy have a powerful potential to unite the human spirit. So it is that Poles throughout the world, and others who know and love them will mourn in the coming days for this immeasurable loss. Services of remembrance and thanksgiving are being planned as we speak.
From near and far, we join our voices in prayer, asking the Merciful Lord to look kindly upon those who are in mourning at this time, even as He welcomes into paradise the souls of those who have now been united with him.
It wasn't long either before analyses were being produced, and parallels between this dark day and another dark period in the history of Poland were being drawn.
Sudden death and tragedy have a powerful potential to unite the human spirit. So it is that Poles throughout the world, and others who know and love them will mourn in the coming days for this immeasurable loss. Services of remembrance and thanksgiving are being planned as we speak.
From near and far, we join our voices in prayer, asking the Merciful Lord to look kindly upon those who are in mourning at this time, even as He welcomes into paradise the souls of those who have now been united with him.
Stand and be proud
The Catholic Church seems to be taking a beating today, and in such a culture we might be tempted to hide our heads in the sand. However, thanks to an article written by Sam Miller, a prominent Cleveland businessman, there is some light at the end of the tunnel. These observations, perhaps more immediately apparent in the United States, apply also to us (in other parts of the world):
"Why would newspapers carry on a vendetta on one of the most important institutions that we have today in the United States , namely the Catholic Church?
Do you know - the Catholic Church educates 2.6 million students everyday at the cost to that Church of 10 billion dollars, and a savings on the other hand to the American taxpayer of 18 billion dollars. The graduates go on to graduate studies at the rate of 92%.
The Church has 230 colleges and universities in the U.S. With an enrolment of 700,000 students.
The Catholic Church has a non-profit hospital system of 637 hospitals, which account for hospital treatment of 1 out of every 5 people - not just Catholics - in the United States today
But the press is vindictive and trying to totally denigrate in every way the Catholic Church in this country. They have blamed the disease of pedophilia on the Catholic Church, which is as irresponsible as blaming adultery on the institution of marriage.
Let me give you some figures that Catholics should know and remember. For example, 12% of the 300 Protestant clergy surveyed admitted to sexual intercourse with a parishioner; 38% acknowledged other inappropriate sexual contact in a study by the United Methodist Church , 41.8% of clergy women reported unwanted sexual Behaviour; 17% of laywomen have been sexually harassed.
Meanwhile, 1.7% of the Catholic clergy has been found guilty of pedophilia. 10% of the Protestant ministers have been found guilty of pedophilia. This is not a Catholic Problem.
A study of American priests showed that most are happy in the priesthood and find it even better than they had expected, and that most, if given the choice, would choose to be priests again in face of all this obnoxious PR the church has been receiving.
The Catholic Church is bleeding from self-inflicted wounds. The agony that Catholics have felt and suffered is not necessarily the fault of the Church. You have been hurt by a small number of wayward priests that have probably been totally weeded out by now.
Walk with your shoulders high and you head higher. Be a proud member of the most important non-governmental agency in the United States . Then remember what Jeremiah said: 'Stand by the roads, and look and ask for the ancient paths, where the good way is and walk in it, and find rest for your souls'. Be proud to speak up for your faith with pride and reverence and learn what your Church does for all other religions.
Be proud that you're a Catholic."
"Why would newspapers carry on a vendetta on one of the most important institutions that we have today in the United States , namely the Catholic Church?
Do you know - the Catholic Church educates 2.6 million students everyday at the cost to that Church of 10 billion dollars, and a savings on the other hand to the American taxpayer of 18 billion dollars. The graduates go on to graduate studies at the rate of 92%.
The Church has 230 colleges and universities in the U.S. With an enrolment of 700,000 students.
The Catholic Church has a non-profit hospital system of 637 hospitals, which account for hospital treatment of 1 out of every 5 people - not just Catholics - in the United States today
But the press is vindictive and trying to totally denigrate in every way the Catholic Church in this country. They have blamed the disease of pedophilia on the Catholic Church, which is as irresponsible as blaming adultery on the institution of marriage.
Let me give you some figures that Catholics should know and remember. For example, 12% of the 300 Protestant clergy surveyed admitted to sexual intercourse with a parishioner; 38% acknowledged other inappropriate sexual contact in a study by the United Methodist Church , 41.8% of clergy women reported unwanted sexual Behaviour; 17% of laywomen have been sexually harassed.
Meanwhile, 1.7% of the Catholic clergy has been found guilty of pedophilia. 10% of the Protestant ministers have been found guilty of pedophilia. This is not a Catholic Problem.
A study of American priests showed that most are happy in the priesthood and find it even better than they had expected, and that most, if given the choice, would choose to be priests again in face of all this obnoxious PR the church has been receiving.
The Catholic Church is bleeding from self-inflicted wounds. The agony that Catholics have felt and suffered is not necessarily the fault of the Church. You have been hurt by a small number of wayward priests that have probably been totally weeded out by now.
Walk with your shoulders high and you head higher. Be a proud member of the most important non-governmental agency in the United States . Then remember what Jeremiah said: 'Stand by the roads, and look and ask for the ancient paths, where the good way is and walk in it, and find rest for your souls'. Be proud to speak up for your faith with pride and reverence and learn what your Church does for all other religions.
Be proud that you're a Catholic."
Wednesday, April 7, 2010
Getting things done
Easter's over and it seems that everyone is back at work, including some of the handy-people who do the odd jobs around the place.
Some days seem to go by at a steady pace, but not around here. Today was a prime example. As it so happened, we had a visit from the electrician who came by to replace yet another safety light outside the building (part of the long-term process of being vigilant about protecting the property from unwanted *ehem* guests.
We also had a visit from one of our techie wizards who was checking in on the state of our photocopier-scanner, and his friends who were here to solve some issues with our wireless internet access.
Outside on the porch (ok the roof over the porch) there were two roofers who had finally arrived to strip the damaged shingles from that roof and to replace them with a more up to date set.
All these extra people around the place were sure signs of life. Some were signs of life and harbingers of spring, and others were just part of the regular hubub of the place. When I consider the fact that these visits also disrupt the normal flow of events, the truth is that I'd rather have the place hopping with visitors and others than sitting still. It's a sure sign of life and it's really good to see.
Some days seem to go by at a steady pace, but not around here. Today was a prime example. As it so happened, we had a visit from the electrician who came by to replace yet another safety light outside the building (part of the long-term process of being vigilant about protecting the property from unwanted *ehem* guests.
We also had a visit from one of our techie wizards who was checking in on the state of our photocopier-scanner, and his friends who were here to solve some issues with our wireless internet access.
Outside on the porch (ok the roof over the porch) there were two roofers who had finally arrived to strip the damaged shingles from that roof and to replace them with a more up to date set.
All these extra people around the place were sure signs of life. Some were signs of life and harbingers of spring, and others were just part of the regular hubub of the place. When I consider the fact that these visits also disrupt the normal flow of events, the truth is that I'd rather have the place hopping with visitors and others than sitting still. It's a sure sign of life and it's really good to see.
Tuesday, April 6, 2010
Funerals at Easter
What happens when you receive news of the death of a loved one during Holy Week. This is perhpas one of the most compactly organized and busy times of the year for us folk who must arrange the liturgies of the Easter Triduum, but on the other hand, we cannot ignore the need for pastoral presence to those who find themselves mourning during this period.
Because of the intensity of the celebrations proper to the Easter weekend (beginning with Holy Thursday, and ending on Easter Sunday), the Church does not permit the celebration of a Mass on Holy Thursday, other than the Mass of the Lord's Supper, which takes place in the evening hours of that day. On the odd occasion where there is a funeral necessary on that day, we can celebrate a Funeral outside of Mass, but this little change in the expected ritual should be carefully explained to the families involved (if and whenever it happens).
By contrast to Holy Thursday, the Church forbids the celebration of funerals on Good Friday, Easter Saturday or Easter Sunday. This means that if someone dies in the mid- or later part of Holy Week, we are all but obliged to wait until Monday of Easter Week before celebrating the funeral. For some, this might be difficult, but for most, it provides more time for travellers to arrive, and leaves a few days for them to celebrate the Easter weekend, as much as is possible at times like this.
As it turns out, we celebrated a funeral liturgy today. The first news I heard about it was on Holy Thursday morning, and having explained the above restrictions, the family eventually decided to wait until today in order to allow other travellers to arrive, and also to be well-enough prepared so that we could mark this passing with the dignity it deserves. These days have provided us all with an opportunity for graced moments, and for rekindling friendships: valuable relationships indeed.
The mass exodus has already begun as family and friends of the deceased have already begun their travels back home. In the coming day or so, most of them will have returned to their normal homes, and the reular routines of life will have reinvaded like the waves of the parted Red Sea. Having celebrated these moments well, everyone who was here will take a part of the experience with him-her, and lessons learned and reflected upon will now have their opportunity to be passed on to future generations.
Because of the intensity of the celebrations proper to the Easter weekend (beginning with Holy Thursday, and ending on Easter Sunday), the Church does not permit the celebration of a Mass on Holy Thursday, other than the Mass of the Lord's Supper, which takes place in the evening hours of that day. On the odd occasion where there is a funeral necessary on that day, we can celebrate a Funeral outside of Mass, but this little change in the expected ritual should be carefully explained to the families involved (if and whenever it happens).
By contrast to Holy Thursday, the Church forbids the celebration of funerals on Good Friday, Easter Saturday or Easter Sunday. This means that if someone dies in the mid- or later part of Holy Week, we are all but obliged to wait until Monday of Easter Week before celebrating the funeral. For some, this might be difficult, but for most, it provides more time for travellers to arrive, and leaves a few days for them to celebrate the Easter weekend, as much as is possible at times like this.
As it turns out, we celebrated a funeral liturgy today. The first news I heard about it was on Holy Thursday morning, and having explained the above restrictions, the family eventually decided to wait until today in order to allow other travellers to arrive, and also to be well-enough prepared so that we could mark this passing with the dignity it deserves. These days have provided us all with an opportunity for graced moments, and for rekindling friendships: valuable relationships indeed.
The mass exodus has already begun as family and friends of the deceased have already begun their travels back home. In the coming day or so, most of them will have returned to their normal homes, and the reular routines of life will have reinvaded like the waves of the parted Red Sea. Having celebrated these moments well, everyone who was here will take a part of the experience with him-her, and lessons learned and reflected upon will now have their opportunity to be passed on to future generations.
Monday, April 5, 2010
Is it true?
Can it be true that after all the preparation, the weeks of intense planning and all the people who were involved in so many different ways, the celebrations of the Easter Triduum are complete?
In the shadow of these days, it's perhaps a good time to reflect on what happened. This is often the case: we spend so much time and energy preparing to share the good news with others, that there is little if any time left for us to truly understand and appreciate what's going on. Only after all the dust settles are we able to uncover the learnings of these moments. Well, the dust is still settling, but perhaps it's worth having a re-read of the texts we prepared in reflection around the events of the Easter Triduum.
In the shadow of these days, it's perhaps a good time to reflect on what happened. This is often the case: we spend so much time and energy preparing to share the good news with others, that there is little if any time left for us to truly understand and appreciate what's going on. Only after all the dust settles are we able to uncover the learnings of these moments. Well, the dust is still settling, but perhaps it's worth having a re-read of the texts we prepared in reflection around the events of the Easter Triduum.
- A reflection on the events of Passion-Palm Sunday entitled Love in Action;
- Some thoughts on priesthood which were shared on Holy Thursday night. During the Year for Priests, this reflection is particularly appropriate;
- A letter addressed to priests on the occasion of the day when we observe the calling of the first priests by Jesus himself;
- A meditation on the forsaken Jesus which helps to put the Passion account of Good Friday in context; and
- A word of hope (entitled Is it true?) that springs from the early-morning visit to the tomb, as it was experienced by Mary Magdelene and her companion.
- Oh, and don't forget about the picture albums, proof that the celebrations from Holy Thursday, Good Friday, and the Easter Vigil actually did take place.
In most cases, both the text verisons of these reflections and podcast versions are available. In some cases, the podcast versions have more meat and potatoes added to them, since the live voice adds a certain 'something'.
Happy Easter!
Blood and water
There's another very curious thing that has struck me from my readings this year of the Passion accounts. When the soldiers were instructed to end the sufferings of Jesus and the other two bandits, they found that he (Jesus) was already dead, so they didn't break his legs (which would have caused almost sudden suffocation and extreme pressure on his arms). Instead, one of the soldiers pierced his side with a lance.
If Jesus was indeed already dead, it would be physically impossible for blood to be flowing in his veins, so how was it that blood (and water) flowed out from the newly inflicted wound?
Had the lance pierced his stomach lining, where there may have been some water still residing? Was this what flowed out? Or is this flowing of blood and water meant as a hidden sign left for us by the writer of the gospel account so that we would believe that even in death, Jesus was God, and therefore still alive and in the process of overcoming death?
If Jesus was indeed already dead, it would be physically impossible for blood to be flowing in his veins, so how was it that blood (and water) flowed out from the newly inflicted wound?
Had the lance pierced his stomach lining, where there may have been some water still residing? Was this what flowed out? Or is this flowing of blood and water meant as a hidden sign left for us by the writer of the gospel account so that we would believe that even in death, Jesus was God, and therefore still alive and in the process of overcoming death?
Friday, April 2, 2010
Reflections on Good Friday
Two things struck me during today's liturgies. One has to do with one of the disciples, a human being like you and me and the other has to do with Jesus himself.
This is the day when Christians pay particular attention to the final hours that Jesus spent on the earth. As such, we listened (some of us twice) to the reading of the passion account today. In this morning's rendering, there was an added bonus in that some meditations were provided as though they were written or imagined by the characters themselves. One of the characters who found his way into this limelight was Peter.
I've heard this particular reflection before but for some reason today I was struck by the ponderings that were suggested for this prince of the apostles. He was probably a very human person, not unlike you and me. I'm sure he was sincere in his desire to follow in the footsteps of Jesus (aren't we all?) but he also had some major personality issues including a hard head and probably a bit of a temper. Peter had a malleable heart though and that's probably what endeared him to Jesus.
The scriptures tell us that after he realized he'd denied having known Jesus, he went away and wept bitterly. I can just about hear the words he may have spoken to himself: 'How could I have done that? Just the other day I was telling him that I would never betray him, and yet at the first temptation I fell apart. We have to like Peter for his gruffness; it is probably one of his most endearing characteristics ... kind of like the gruff exterior we sometimes put on to fool everyone else into thinking that we have all our stuff together, and that everything is a-okay. All of us fall short at one time or another. The true test is to see how we react when we have slipped and need to regain a bit of ground, or a lot of confidence and trust. Jesus gave his life out of love for all of us, even those who were or are the most hard-hearted about believing.
The second thought for today comes from words that were uttered in excruciating pain and agony. Hanging on the cross and very near to death, Jesus called out in a loud voice, 'My God, my God why have you abandoned me?' It's one thing for you and me to believe that we've been abandoned by God and left out in the cold (something that my head tells me would never happen, but that my heart has difficulty believing at times), but it's quite another thing for Jesus (who we believe is God incarnate) to have thought himself separated from the Father. If this were true, he would have been separated from himself and that indeed would have been cause for major worry on our part.
Perhaps the truth about these words is yet to be revealed in the unfolding of the Easter story. We know (because we've seen the rest of the chapters in this book) that death on a cross was not indeed the end of the story, even though it appeared that way to human eyes. The truth of the matter was and is that death was only one part of the unfolding of God's ultimate gift of love. This should provide us with at least a modicum of comfort when we ourselves feel isolated, or face difficult times in life. The story is not ended ... it goes on because Jesus faced the ultimate demons and won the fight. We too can therefore overcome any difficulty if we only have faith.
This is the day when Christians pay particular attention to the final hours that Jesus spent on the earth. As such, we listened (some of us twice) to the reading of the passion account today. In this morning's rendering, there was an added bonus in that some meditations were provided as though they were written or imagined by the characters themselves. One of the characters who found his way into this limelight was Peter.
I've heard this particular reflection before but for some reason today I was struck by the ponderings that were suggested for this prince of the apostles. He was probably a very human person, not unlike you and me. I'm sure he was sincere in his desire to follow in the footsteps of Jesus (aren't we all?) but he also had some major personality issues including a hard head and probably a bit of a temper. Peter had a malleable heart though and that's probably what endeared him to Jesus.
The scriptures tell us that after he realized he'd denied having known Jesus, he went away and wept bitterly. I can just about hear the words he may have spoken to himself: 'How could I have done that? Just the other day I was telling him that I would never betray him, and yet at the first temptation I fell apart. We have to like Peter for his gruffness; it is probably one of his most endearing characteristics ... kind of like the gruff exterior we sometimes put on to fool everyone else into thinking that we have all our stuff together, and that everything is a-okay. All of us fall short at one time or another. The true test is to see how we react when we have slipped and need to regain a bit of ground, or a lot of confidence and trust. Jesus gave his life out of love for all of us, even those who were or are the most hard-hearted about believing.
The second thought for today comes from words that were uttered in excruciating pain and agony. Hanging on the cross and very near to death, Jesus called out in a loud voice, 'My God, my God why have you abandoned me?' It's one thing for you and me to believe that we've been abandoned by God and left out in the cold (something that my head tells me would never happen, but that my heart has difficulty believing at times), but it's quite another thing for Jesus (who we believe is God incarnate) to have thought himself separated from the Father. If this were true, he would have been separated from himself and that indeed would have been cause for major worry on our part.
Perhaps the truth about these words is yet to be revealed in the unfolding of the Easter story. We know (because we've seen the rest of the chapters in this book) that death on a cross was not indeed the end of the story, even though it appeared that way to human eyes. The truth of the matter was and is that death was only one part of the unfolding of God's ultimate gift of love. This should provide us with at least a modicum of comfort when we ourselves feel isolated, or face difficult times in life. The story is not ended ... it goes on because Jesus faced the ultimate demons and won the fight. We too can therefore overcome any difficulty if we only have faith.
Thursday, April 1, 2010
To priests
For at least the last five years or so, I have taken the liberty to write a letter to priests on the occasion of Holy Thursday. This annual reflection allows me to reflect on my own priesthood while offering some words that may be of assistance to others. Here, for what it's worth, is this year's installment:
Dear brothers,
This day is holy unto the Lord (see Zechariah 14:20) for it is set aside each year as a day of thanksgiving for the gift of our priesthood. During this special year dedicated to priests, this anniversary should mark for us a moment of special celebration and provide us with a moment to pause and thank God for the great honour he has bestowed upon us.
None of us chooses priesthood for ourselves. In fact whether we live alone in the most isolated geographic reaches of our dioceses, eparchies or circumscription of another making, or whether we have been asked to serve in company with other confreres, we are all united in a mission that is not our own. Ours is a life of utter gnerosity for to live the call to priesthood authentically means that we must renounce at least a part of ourselves every day.
With every sunrise comes another opportunity for us to reach out to the lost and the broken with hands that may well be caloused and weather worn, but hands nonetheless that caress with infinite tenderness, hands that envelop the prodigals of our time even as they themselves may continue searching for the way home.
Christ uses our feet, cracked and paining beneath the weight of burdens we have loaded upon them, to take his compassion to those in our world who are so parched from a lack of kindness that they fear even the possibility of hoping. We find these souls in the people we meet every day, most often in those who challenge us to look beyond the limits of our own selfishness and to realize anew that what we do is not our own work. The prize we seek is not recognition; rather, the aim of our existence is to serve as He has served us and to love as we ourselves have been loved.
Our eyes are Christ's eyes. He uses us each time he calls us to look into the eyes of a teenager who is lost in a sea of voices. Each of these voices calls out with an ever-louder cries enticing them to seek the answers to their questions about love and acceptance not in the abiding presence of God, at times not even in those who stand by ready to lend a hand, but in the lies and deceits that are so easy to believe. For the sake of these lost ones, we must always be ready with eyes, ears and voices of compassion, for here we encounter the face of the suffering Jesus who met Veronica in the midst of his torturous journey to Calvary. These are the modern-day women (and men) of Jerusalem who may well weep in despair even though they do not fully comprehend the depth of love Jesus has for them.
Through our lips, He speaks compassion and love, forgiveness and unfathomable patience to a world that seems to ignore him more and more.
The message we proclaim is profound in its simplicity, 'God is love'. Our very lives are spent speaking this truth, but unfortunately there are some, even among our own confreres who struggle to hear this message for themselves. Let us be mindful tonight of all priests who are struggling to hear these words and to believe them. Let us also be mindful of those fellow pilgrims on the journey who help us to listen to these words ourselves and to become increasingly convinced of their truth every day.
We live in very tumultuous times. Various facets of the secular world hold us under close scrutiny in these days. The credibility and respect we may have enjoyed at another epoch in our history has been increasingly replaced with cynicism, judgement and scrutiny. These however are not times to be afraid of if we ourselves are honestly living the commitments we accepted on the day of our ordination. Instead, these are times for heroic deeds to be done with great love if we continue to act out of a conviction that we are not alone, that we are deeply loved and that we are called to love in return.
Brothers, thank you for your witness of love and truth. Thank you for having listened to His call and thank you most of all for responding in generosity to His invitation to be instruments of grace and healing for so many in our world.
May Our Lady, mother of all priests intercede for us all and may the prayer of Saint Jean-Marie Vianney, the Curé d'Ars help us to persevere in our commitment to generous service.
Peace.
Dear brothers,
This day is holy unto the Lord (see Zechariah 14:20) for it is set aside each year as a day of thanksgiving for the gift of our priesthood. During this special year dedicated to priests, this anniversary should mark for us a moment of special celebration and provide us with a moment to pause and thank God for the great honour he has bestowed upon us.
None of us chooses priesthood for ourselves. In fact whether we live alone in the most isolated geographic reaches of our dioceses, eparchies or circumscription of another making, or whether we have been asked to serve in company with other confreres, we are all united in a mission that is not our own. Ours is a life of utter gnerosity for to live the call to priesthood authentically means that we must renounce at least a part of ourselves every day.
With every sunrise comes another opportunity for us to reach out to the lost and the broken with hands that may well be caloused and weather worn, but hands nonetheless that caress with infinite tenderness, hands that envelop the prodigals of our time even as they themselves may continue searching for the way home.
Christ uses our feet, cracked and paining beneath the weight of burdens we have loaded upon them, to take his compassion to those in our world who are so parched from a lack of kindness that they fear even the possibility of hoping. We find these souls in the people we meet every day, most often in those who challenge us to look beyond the limits of our own selfishness and to realize anew that what we do is not our own work. The prize we seek is not recognition; rather, the aim of our existence is to serve as He has served us and to love as we ourselves have been loved.
Our eyes are Christ's eyes. He uses us each time he calls us to look into the eyes of a teenager who is lost in a sea of voices. Each of these voices calls out with an ever-louder cries enticing them to seek the answers to their questions about love and acceptance not in the abiding presence of God, at times not even in those who stand by ready to lend a hand, but in the lies and deceits that are so easy to believe. For the sake of these lost ones, we must always be ready with eyes, ears and voices of compassion, for here we encounter the face of the suffering Jesus who met Veronica in the midst of his torturous journey to Calvary. These are the modern-day women (and men) of Jerusalem who may well weep in despair even though they do not fully comprehend the depth of love Jesus has for them.
Through our lips, He speaks compassion and love, forgiveness and unfathomable patience to a world that seems to ignore him more and more.
The message we proclaim is profound in its simplicity, 'God is love'. Our very lives are spent speaking this truth, but unfortunately there are some, even among our own confreres who struggle to hear this message for themselves. Let us be mindful tonight of all priests who are struggling to hear these words and to believe them. Let us also be mindful of those fellow pilgrims on the journey who help us to listen to these words ourselves and to become increasingly convinced of their truth every day.
We live in very tumultuous times. Various facets of the secular world hold us under close scrutiny in these days. The credibility and respect we may have enjoyed at another epoch in our history has been increasingly replaced with cynicism, judgement and scrutiny. These however are not times to be afraid of if we ourselves are honestly living the commitments we accepted on the day of our ordination. Instead, these are times for heroic deeds to be done with great love if we continue to act out of a conviction that we are not alone, that we are deeply loved and that we are called to love in return.
Brothers, thank you for your witness of love and truth. Thank you for having listened to His call and thank you most of all for responding in generosity to His invitation to be instruments of grace and healing for so many in our world.
May Our Lady, mother of all priests intercede for us all and may the prayer of Saint Jean-Marie Vianney, the Curé d'Ars help us to persevere in our commitment to generous service.
Peace.
Pitching in
Everyone has traditions that mark major occurrences or dates in our lives. Around our table, we celebrate birthdays at lunchtime. Usually, the cook prepares pizza and a salad and there's always a cake. But when it comes to the cook's birthday, there's a slightly different tradition.
Since she spends each day caring for us, we take this opportunity to care for her. We don't allow her to cook a thing for lunch. Instead we (the rest of the people around the table) each do our part to prepare a part of the meal. We never know from one year to the next exactly what we'll come up with but each time we do it there's something new, and that's part of what makes this celebration so wonderful.
This year, we split up the responsibilities. I made dessert, while our seminarian intern took charge of preparing the main dish. Someone else took charge of setting the table and before we knew it, all the pieces had fallen in place. Celebrating birthdays (and other special occasions) is an important part of community building here, and it can be whereever you are too. Pay attention to the opportunities to do little things that make big differences. That's where the memories are created; that's where they should be celebrated.
Since she spends each day caring for us, we take this opportunity to care for her. We don't allow her to cook a thing for lunch. Instead we (the rest of the people around the table) each do our part to prepare a part of the meal. We never know from one year to the next exactly what we'll come up with but each time we do it there's something new, and that's part of what makes this celebration so wonderful.
This year, we split up the responsibilities. I made dessert, while our seminarian intern took charge of preparing the main dish. Someone else took charge of setting the table and before we knew it, all the pieces had fallen in place. Celebrating birthdays (and other special occasions) is an important part of community building here, and it can be whereever you are too. Pay attention to the opportunities to do little things that make big differences. That's where the memories are created; that's where they should be celebrated.
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