November 1, 2023

Feast of All Saints Matthew 5:1-12

How happy are the poor in spirit;

theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

Happy the gentle:

they shall have the earth for their heritage.

Happy those who mourn:

they shall be comforted.

We at Rabbouni anticipated this feast last Sunday and celebrated it. We always make sure to remember the unnamed saints, the saints not found in the litany. Many years ago I remember asking the kids how one becomes a saint. Without missing a beat, this kid was going to explain becoming a saint to the African priest. “See father, in America we have this thing called the NFL draft…” I had to clarify.

Who is a saint, what is a saint. It is really the one who understands himself as belonging to God. I belong to God no matter what happens in my life. Do you have that self understanding. I once was working a homicide scene when a guy looking rather rough said “ they are not getting me, I am watched over…” Yes yes I am watched over and so are you!

Tuesday October 31, 2023

Luke 13:18-21

Jesus said, ‘What is the kingdom of God like? What shall I compare it with? It is like a mustard seed which a man took and threw into his garden: it grew and became a tree, and the birds of the air sheltered in its branches.’

I know you have heard this but have you listened to it? Have you listened to the birds sing in the mornings. I love coming outside and listening to the birds. They are loud and and have different chippings. This is what makes the morning sounds beautiful, they each sing their own song. The chief priests and elders struggled with the idea or reality of diversity. Jesus seems to open God’s love to all kinds of people. There is room here for all.

When you get a little closer though it’s different. You might learn a lesson if you stand under that tree. But that is life. God is in the beautiful songs and in the not so beautiful moments. Whatever your life has been! Whatever your experience, you have been in the kingdom.

Monday October 30, 2023

Luke 10:10-17

One sabbath day Jesus was teaching in one of the synagogues, and a woman was there who for eighteen years had been possessed by a spirit that left her enfeebled; she was bent double and quite unable to stand upright. When Jesus saw her he called her over and said, ‘Woman, you are rid of your infirmity’ and he laid his hands on her. And at once she straightened up, and she glorified God.

So he got in trouble for this miracle because he healed her on the Sabbath. Nevermind that this woman had been tormented with pain and could not take any more. My suspicion is that if he did it on a Monday, someone else would have been offended. Because it is always not the right time for some people. What I hear God saying to me through this scripture is 1. Act with Gods kindness now for every day is holy and belongs to God. 2. Have I truly noticed what makes my wife, child, family, friend unhappy? Jesus is so good at this. He sees even the difficult things to see and engages them. He called her over… What a day it was for her. Someone saw her, someone saw her pain. Imagine yourself being called over by Jesus and him saying “are you afraid?”

Friday October 27, 2023

Luke 12:54-59

Jesus said to the crowds: ‘When you see a cloud looming up in the west you say at once that rain is coming, and so it does. And when the wind is from the south you say it will be hot, and it is. Hypocrites! You know how to interpret the face of the earth and the sky. How is it you do not know how to interpret these times?

Autumn is here. Nature and our bodies have been announcing it. How good are we in noticing the seasons of our lives? I do not remember many things from my dad but I remember him saying “This Is a passing phase.” He had been suspended from work for an extended period and the family was feeling the pain.

Anyway I want you today to find the presence of God. Be very good at telling when you are in his presence. The son of God was in their midst and they missed it because the bills were too much, the pain was too much, the joy was overwhelming. Just be good at knowing he is here.

Thursday October 26, 2023

Luke 12:49-53

Jesus said to his disciples: ‘I have come to bring fire to the earth, and how I wish it were blazing already!

Have you ever been around people who have no fire in their belly? Well I and four other novices were that group that gave our novice master the impression that we had zero fire. The good Irish man would remark and say “ have some fire in your belly for Christ’s sake!” I remember his words with a smile on my face. We were just going through a phase, a do nothing or bare minimum phase.

What do you suppose make Jesus say such a thing? A decision, a choice had to be made at some point. The disciples would not just get along to go along with everyone or everything. Making a decision is a tough thing especially for people pleasers. But that is life my friends. I pray for you today that when that time comes to make a choice you do it with passion.

Tuesday October 24,2023

Luke 12:35-38

Jesus said to his disciples:

‘See that you are dressed for action and have your lamps lit. Be like men waiting for their master to return from the wedding feast, ready to open the door as soon as he comes and knocks.

Today the country of my birth Zambia, celebrates our Independence Day. I remember this day fondly as we left school early for the wonderful celebration. Are you independent? Are you free? If you are like me it seems we free ourselves from one thing only to be ruled by another. May the reality of freedom move deep within and set free our eagerness to know God, ourselves and others.

Our Lord in the gospel asks us to be prepared. To be vigilant for his second coming. That simply means for me to get in the habit of asking myself how I am doing. Today I asked myself how different next year October 24 will be. What do I want to see and how will I prepare.

Monday October 23, 2023

Romans 4:20-25

Since God had made him a promise, Abraham refused either to deny it or even to doubt it, but drew strength from faith and gave glory to God, convinced that God had power to do what he had promised.

Do you have faith? The kind that makes you look stupid in the eyes of others? I know you have faith because a certain light disappears from your face when you lose this faith that God will bring about the impossible. Today I want you to search your life of the internet for testimonies of how God came through for others. Back in the day when I belonged to the charismatic renewal we used to begin our prayer services by sharing how what God had done for us. We shared the small and big miracles. What that does is remind others that God is working in our lives. My testimony today is —- I really thought we were going to lose the church at one time. Our numbers were done and the fire within was fading. Then God sent and unexpected angel and revived our choir. What seemed impossible happened in a few short weeks. Yahweh lives!! What has God done for you recently?

Sunday October 22, 2023

Isaiah 45:1 4-6

Matthew 22:15-21

I know some of you will not make it to our fall outdoor mass and I wanted to share this good news from today’s Sunday. Here are two thoughts:

From the first reading. Did you know you are the anointed one of God? Yes you, I know you don’t look it or act it or even believe it. But listen in the grand plan of God, you have been anointed. The Israelites had long waited for a messiah but when he showed up he looked nothing like they expected. He was probably darker and did not even know the God of Israel. He was a freaking Persian!!! What a joke!! The Lord says to his anointed, Cyrus, whose right hand I grasp. Aaa one little problem Yahweh, this dude does not even worship you, his intentions are political, this is all strategy on his part. And God said, accept him or stay as a slave.

So yes you!!! You may not know him or worship him perfectly but you are chosen.

Secondly from the gospel: whose image is on the coin and whose inscription, Jesus asks. Forget that question though and go deeper. Visit the question Jesus is not asking. Whose image is on your soul and what is the inscription… on the coin was Caesar and the inscription “Caesar son of Tiberius” Do you know the inscription on your soul? Come to church, I will tell you.

Love you and looking forward to seeing you.

Thursday October 19, 2023

Luke 11:47-54

Alas for you lawyers who have taken away the key of knowledge! You have not gone in yourselves, and have prevented others going in who wanted to.’

Here is the job folks…. Don’t complicate it, He wants his banquet hall filled. So let’s go out today and open the door for as many people as we can. The problem sometimes is we meet that one person or church elder sometimes who is miserable and even without knowing it wants to make others miserable. The miracle is that sometimes we are that person. We pray during our prayer today that whatever is happening in our lives if it is not helpful that it stops with us. This actually is the message of the cross. The cross says “It stops here.”

Listen friend, you have the keys of the Kingdom.

Wednesday October 18, 2023

Luke 10:1-9

The Lord appointed seventy-two others and sent them out ahead of him, in pairs, to all the towns and places he himself was to visit.

What where their names and where do they go? These unknown went to the rest of the world proclaiming that “The Lord is with you.” They carried a simple message that love is the answer. I think of the Irish and Italian priests and nuns who brought the faith to Zambia. They were following the lord’s command.

But you have been called and summoned as well. You have been given gifts that open up the God reality for your children or friends. These 72 did not have all the answers but they had purpose. This world was gonna be different after them. Come let us make a tiny difference for Christ.

Tuesday October 17, 2023

Luke 11:37-41

Jesus had just finished speaking when a Pharisee invited him to dine at his house. He went in and sat down at the table. The Pharisee saw this and was surprised that he had not first washed before the meal. But the Lord said to him, ‘Oh, you Pharisees! You clean the outside of cup and plate, while inside yourselves you are filled with extortion and wickedness.

Well that is one way of guaranteeing you are not invited back. Sometimes I bury my head in my hands and say “Lord, we gotta be diplomatic about these things.” I do think however that Our Lord had a sense of humor and said these things that come off sometimes dry when translated. The point however is delivered. Conversion has to be from the inside out. If what we do is simply for show and has no meaning then it is a waste of time. One of the ways or avenues that the church has put before us to help with Inner reflection is the sacrament of confession. I know it is not so popular these days but it gives us pause. Take the time today and do some reflection. How is my connection with God? We all can change a little thing about ourselves.

Monday October 16, 2023

Luke 11:29-32

The crowds got even bigger, and Jesus addressed them:

‘This is a wicked generation; it is asking for a sign. The only sign it will be given is the sign of Jonah. For just as Jonah became a sign to the Ninevites, so will the Son of Man be to this generation.

I thought the bigger crowds meant his message was finally breaking through. But Jesus saw all through that, there was no love connection, they wanted a sign. Do something extraordinary then we will believe. But if they cannot find God in the small matters running to Jesus for the big things will not work. It is easier to recognize the big blessings when you have been recognizing the small ones all along. I was thinking this past Sunday and I asked myself this question. What did it take for me to be here now? Things had to line up perfectly, the conditions had to be right for the arrival to happen. You may have no idea how many pieces had to be moved around to have you HERE. Blessed are those who know.

Friday October 13, 2023

Luke 11:15-26

When Jesus had cast out a devil, some of the people said, ‘It is through Beelzebul, the prince of devils, that he casts out devils.’ Others asked him, as a test, for a sign from heaven;

I will come back to reflect on this but I wanted to share something from the great prayer our lord Jesus Christ taught us. Remember I rematches other day that knowing or speaking another language opens you to new worlds? The translated version of the prayer says in part “…thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven….” However the Aramaic version says “…thy will be done in the heavens as it is on earth…”

Whatever you think of the present in your life, it is so mingled up with God’s will. I know sometimes this is super hard to see but you have to come to Rabbouni to learn more

Todays passage simply asks us to never stop. People, especially those with nothing going on, will always criticize. So don’t it it for anyone but the God who is conscious in your soul. Have a great weekend and thank you for supporting Rabbouni Catholic Community we appreciate you.

Wednesday October 11, 2023

Luke 11:1-4

Once Jesus was in a certain place praying, and when he had finished, one of his disciples said, ‘Lord, teach us to pray, just as John taught his disciples.’

Do you believe in answered prayer? Or that God is listening? About three years ago I remarked on Facebook that I wished I would say the Lord’s Prayer in Aramaic. The following Sunday, Travis Martin brought a friend to church who spoke the language of Jesus. This angel recorded/prayed this beautiful prayer as Jesus would have said it. Since then, I say the Abun Dipshmaya in the original language.

Language is beautiful because it opens up a whole new world. But hear this, the disciples asked Jesus to teach them how to pray but he taught them how to live. This Is more than words, it is a way of life. My hope is that we do not only recite the words…. My hope is we live the prayer. Together we pray as our Lord Jesus Christ taught us “Our Father who is everywhere and in everything thing….”

Tuesday October 10, 2023

Luke 10:38-42

Jesus came to a village, and a woman named Martha welcomed him into her house. She had a sister called Mary, who sat down at the Lord’s feet and listened to him

Have you ever been at a table and you were fighting the battles within the whole time. That feeling of “I don’t belong here” or that thought “I should be doing something else.” Have you ever been at a table or place where other people made you feel unwelcome, uncomfortable but you stayed anyway because the issues were too important to absent yourself?

Today Jesus welcomes at his table on equal footing a woman named Mary. Forget the anger of the disciples and even her sister. The lord wants to hear Mary. As I said this past Sunday, none of us are pawns in the kingdom. We all have a word to speak.

So the the insecure come, to the unsure… come, to the uncomfortable … come. To you come, I want to hear your voice.

Monday October 9, 2023

Luke 10:21-37

Jesus replied, ‘A man was once on his way down from Jerusalem to Jericho and fell into the hands of brigands; they took all he had, beat him and then made off, leaving him half dead.

You know this story very well. We often refer to it as the Story of the Good Samaritan. I wonder how that sounds like the the Samaritans . Anyway that Is besides the point. The first thing that strikes us in this passage is that the man was headed from Jerusalem to Jericho. All the stories at this time lead to Jerusalem. This man is going the wrong way!

Remember the song: Jerusalem Jerusalem it is there that the tribes go up, the tribes of the Lord. There is only one who has come from God, from the place of the Temple where God dwells, Jesus himself. He has been ignored by priests and levites but it is the outcast who has gone out of his way to attend to the holy one who has come God, from Jerusalem. The religious did not attend to him for good reason, lest they make themselves unclean. Real church is not neat, it is messy. Real marriage is not Facebook perfect, it is messy. Maybe we should turn down the pose and live the real life. Let’s meet our people where they are, we might just be touching the face of God.

Friday October 6, 2023

Luke 10:13-16

Jesus said to his disciples:

‘Alas for you, Chorazin! Alas for you, Bethsaida! For if the miracles done in you had been done in Tyre and Sidon, they would have repented long ago, sitting in sackcloth and ashes.

Do you ever stop and just count your blessings. Do you ever take stock of the good things, the miracles that you have been given? I am a total result of answered prayer. I was not the smartest , not the tallest but of all those Lenje little boys growing up in Zambia from this beautiful tribe, I end up in Kentucky! Yahweh lives!!!! I tell you Yahweh lives.

Jesus is shocked with how entitled Chorazin and Bethsaida are. They are unable to see the hand of God at work in them. I know you have more insight than them. Then….. stop the worry. All will be well.

Thursday October 5, 2023

Luke 10:1-12

The Lord appointed seventy-two others and sent them out ahead of him, in pairs, to all the towns and places he himself was to visit. He said to them, ‘The harvest is rich but the labourers are few, so ask the Lord of the harvest to send labourers to his harvest.

So when you are about to step on the stage, what do you say to yourself. Maybe it is not the stage but before you open your car door or step into that class. Whoever we are and wherever we are, we all step into a role.

Most of you know that I am a nervous preacher. As I step to read the Gospel I nervously say “Lord I am scared, take over, take over” and it’s game time!

I have to say I was sent because he wants to visit this place, this soul. All He asks is I ready it. You have been making ready the visit of our Lord all along. Some of us do it in accounting, some of us in teaching and others in the medical field. Understand yourself as SENT and it changes everything.

Wednesday October 4, 2023

Feast of St Francis of Assisi

As Jesus and his disciples travelled along they met a man on the road who said to him, ‘I will follow you wherever you go.’

Today we celebrate the feast of St Francis. Many stories abound about him. Here are a few that have so incredibly touched my life. His use of the term “brother” and “sister.” Give it a try and see how it changes your day. Thank you sister fresh air, thank you brother sun, glad to be in your shed brother tree, thank you for watering the earth sister rain. There is something remarkable about being one with nature. We gain respect for all that surrounds us. May we love the earth and all that is in it. I think our connection to the other kinds not just the human kind is what makes us holy.

Secondly—- he is believed to have said “preach always and use words only when it is necessary.”

Enough said!!

Tuesday October 3, 2023

Luke 9:51-56

“As the time drew near for him to be taken up to heaven, Jesus resolutely took the road for Jerusalem and sent messengers ahead of him. “

You and I have heard the expression that life is a journey. So I gotta ask? Where are we headed? I don’t know how much Jesus knew at the beginning of the journey. Did his plans change? Was he thrown any curveballs? Yes he has his eyes on Jerusalem the holy city but I don’t think he knows every detail. I do believe he knows this: God is by his side.

Where are you headed? What plans do we have for the next 10 years? Maybe part of my problem is that I do not plan the future that well. But looking at the past 10 years I can say this. God does send people/angels in our lives for a reason, for a season and for a lifetime. May the road ahead be a blast for you.