Tuesday May 16, 2023

The two words that we hear in our study of scripture are EXEGESIS and ESIEGEIS. In exegesis we lift up from the text and in ESIEGEIS we read into the text. I will use the latter for this reflection. I did not post it on Sunday because I thought it did not flow at all. Most priests will understand this , sometimes after the homily you go like “well that was terrible…” But life goes on. Here is part of the not so well delivered homily.

Our Lord says to his disciples that he will not leave them us orphanes. The Father and I will send you another advocate, the spirit of truth. An advocate, Paraclete was one who was called or one who volunteered to stand by an accused. Even without saying a word the advocate’s very presence was a defense. Imagine if Pope Francis attended mass at Rabbouni. His very presence would speak volumes and before long we would be building our own church. This very frightened group of disciples is in need for someone powerful to stand by them.

Let me ask you this? Who is your biggest cheerleader? Who is the one person whom you have asked to understand you and accept you like no other? Your mama! Being a mother is to be the last person in that room. Even with a condemned person/child the mother with these simple words says it all “he is MY son.”

Let’s not think of the Holy Spirit as some strange unknown spirit. Could it be that His Spirit personified is mama. I tell you this, if God loves me more than mama does, then God must love me a whole lot.

Happy Mother’s Day, Mother’s week. Btw have you ever thought about visiting us at Rabbouni? You might like us.