Thursday December 7, 2023

Matthew 7:21, 24-27

Jesus said to his disciples: ‘It is not those who say to me, “Lord, Lord,” who will enter the kingdom of heaven, but the person who does the will of my Father in heaven.

Have you ever met a Christian in name only? The question I was asked as a young passionist novice was… If you were ever brought to trial as a Christian, would they find enough evidence to convict you? It is easy to look around and find folks who are Christian in name only but what we are called to do is catch ourselves when we act this way. This Christmas season may we all be about doing the WILL of God than claiming to be this or that. By our actions they will know we are Christians.

Rabbouni, I love the way you do Christianity.

Tuesday December 5, 2023

Luke 10-21-24

Filled with joy by the Holy Spirit, Jesus said:

‘I bless you, Father, Lord of heaven and of earth, for hiding these things from the learned and the clever and revealing them to mere children.

This was Jesus response after he was attacked for his positions. He was filled with Joy and blessed God. Criticize me for a second and I lose my sense of direction and purpose. Criticize me and almost everything is ruined. I think it is because I am a people pleaser. I love the saying “let it roll of like water on a duck.” Except I do not know how to do that.

The wise and learned cannot see the hand of God in this man from Nazareth. He is too simple to too ordinary. Have you ever found yourself wanting to complicate God? We are invited today to find God in the simple things and to be comfortable with our truth. Don’t get frightened and frustrated because someone does not see what you see. In fact find joy. When criticized by young seminarians a priest I knew would smile and say “You will learn brother, you will learn.”

Monday December 4, 2023

Matthew 8:5-11

When Jesus went into Capernaum a centurion came up and pleaded with him. ‘Sir,’ he said ‘my servant is lying at home paralysed, and in great pain.’ ‘I will come myself and cure him’ said Jesus.

You know something is lost in this passage. The animosity towards the Romans. The Jews never liked the Romans but they particularly did not like them at the time this gospel passage was written. I mean they hated them as much Ukraine hates Russia. Terrible example I know but I can’t use the other groups that hate each other in the east. Remember this gospel passage is written about 20 years after the Romans have burned down the temple. There is hatred here that you and I don’t understand.

How provocative then is it that Jesus finds greater faith in this despicable Roman than in any Jewish person? There is a river of lessons here.

Advent practice number 1, give someone the benefit of the doubt, give them a second chance. Allow yourself to be surprised by them. Even a dead clock is right two times a day.

Sunday December 3, 2023

1st Sunday of Advent

Mary Ann is very familiar with the kind of language I will use here. I often say to her in reference to preaching: honey the homily has arrived, or I need to walk away or run because the homily has not arrived. I really mean it, it arrives and I am ready to preach it. Well it arrived at 05:30AM but we have no Mass today. Someone did not get the memo that Mass was cancelled due to our retreat yesterday. So briefly with regards to the message:

Isaiah says

And yet, Lord, you are our Father;

we the clay, you the potter,

we are all the work of your hand.

Are you broken? Pause! Stop and slow down with that question. Are you a broken man?/woman? What has broken you? Certainly COVID-19 did break some people, bills break us, tragedy breaks us, relationships break us. If nobody is with say it! Lord I am broken, let the rivers of tears flow, go there. Gosh I have a lump in my throat as I write this.

Do you know why Jesus told his disciples not to tell anyone that he was the messiah until after his death and resurrection? They would not be ready or qualified to tell the story until they were broken by great disappointment, grief, his death. This is serious business!!! So are you broken this Christmas season, this year? If yes, if you know despair and fear then GOOD. You are in the potter’s hand. Watch and see how God unlocks beauty out of that brokenness. You my dear are becoming, you are being formed.

I wish I was preaching this today but I have limited space here. Trust the potter, and discover Him.

Thursday November 30, 2023

Feast of St Andrew

But they will not ask his help unless they believe in him, and they will not believe in him unless they have heard of him, and they will not hear of him unless they get a preacher, and they will never have a preacher unless one is sent.

Today we celebrate the feast day of St Andrew one of the 12 disciples. I don’t know much about him except that he was a fisherman and brother of St Peter who was called The Rock.

Have you ever lived in the shadows of anyone? It is actually a great place to be because you can go about your work without drawing all the attention. Sometimes however, being in the shadows is not so easy. We might feel lost, unimportant, ignored. I love that the church recognizes this quiet soul and in doing do invites all of us to live out our truth. We have to claim our spot no matter how small or insignificant we might think it is. The truth is, we all have a part to play in the building of the Kingdom.

May you find your space and live proudly in it. You matter!!!

Wednesday November 29, 2023

Luke 21:12-21

Jesus said to his disciples: ‘Men will seize you and persecute you; they will hand you over to the synagogues and to imprisonment, and bring you before kings and governors because of my name – and that will be your opportunity to bear witness. Keep this carefully in mind: you are not to prepare your defense, because I myself shall give you an eloquence and a wisdom that none of your opponents will be able to resist or contradict.

I look forward to the birth of a new tradition at Rabbouni, the 8:30 Wednesday Morning Mass. I know it’s early but I am convinced we all make time if it matters. Hake I go to a 6:00Am yoga class sometimes. Sometimes I think I am mad!

As the year comes to an end can we reflect on his absence and presence at the same time. Our Lord wanted the disciples to know that they will never be alone. He and the angels are with them. I remember the story of the prophet Elijah at Dothan. He stood there with his scared servant and said “those with us are more than those with them.” I hope you see the legion of angels around you. That’s why you win, keep going, renovate. You my dear are watched over!!!

Tuesday November 28, 2023

Luke 21-5-11

When some were talking about the Temple, remarking how it was adorned with fine stonework and votive offerings, Jesus said, ‘All these things you are staring at now – the time will come when not a single stone will be left on another: everything will be destroyed.’

Just think for a moment … what was your life like 10 years ago? How much of it is left? I don’t know about you but never did I ever think things would turn out as they have been. There are dreams that have been dashed and lives that I would never dream of. Yes change and redefining myself has been the only constant thing.

As we close this unbelievable year I want to thank God for the gift of change and our ability to adapt. Granted sometimes it is easy to adapt and other times it almost kills us. But look at you and how much you have grown. I know this … you can do difficult things!

Our Lord Jesus invites us in today’s scripture not to be caught up in things that appear strong but to dig deep. The temple was indeed destroyed but the spirit of God found another temple… you are that temple where God dwells. Things change. Think about it, this time next year things will be so different.

Monday November 27, 2023

Luke 21:1-4

As Jesus looked up, he saw rich people putting their offerings into the treasury; then he happened to notice a poverty-stricken widow putting in two small coins, and he said, ‘I tell you truly, this poor widow has put in more than any of them;

What is your biggest blessing? Think about it. May I suggest that your biggest blessing and sometimes curse is … what you see. It always fascinates how much our minds, how much our experiences make things register. We look at so much and only see what our experiences make our brains take in. I am hoping some super intelligent person here explains this phenomenon here. Anyway, he saw her. She reminded him and triggered some deep emotions. He knew she could not afford an offering, yet she gave.

Maybe, just maybe he saw his own mother in the unnamed woman. And maybe his heart broke a little. She needs to keep that money but she gives and hopes against hope that God will take care of her. I imagine him instructing the disciples to follow her, know her story and help her out.

What do you see, what do you notice? I want you today to start thanking God for your upbringing. It is the biggest blessing you have my friend because it helps you see what others don’t see. This goes out to all of us born in riches or poverty. May you see what feeds your soul and the world with kindness.

Friday November 24, 2023

Luke 19; 45-48

Jesus went into the Temple and began driving out those who were selling. ‘According to scripture,’ he said ‘my house will be a house of prayer. But you have turned it into a robbers’ den.’

A very happy day after thanksgiving. I missed you these past two days. Blogging on the scripture was the day has become so much part of my daily routine that stepping back for a day or two seems like something was missing in my life. I certainly hope some family time has revived your spirit.

This is a very strange episode in Jesus life. He almost incited a riot. Some were pleased that he did this but certainly others were not happy. He brings out an important lesson though. Holy things for Holy one.

Making room for God sometimes calls us to drive some behaviors out. As we enter the holidays think of what needs to be driven out in your temple. In your life. May our lives never be a den for bad ideas or bad energy!!!

Love you more than you will ever know!!!

Tuesday November 21, 2023

Luke 19:1-10

Jesus entered Jericho and was going through the town when a man whose name was Zacchaeus made his appearance: he was one of the senior tax collectors and a wealthy man.

Was it Shakespeare who said “the good that people do go with them to the grave but their faults live on forever?”

Tell me what you know of Zacchaeus!! Very few people will say he was the biggest catch of the early church. His generosity was a tremendous help to the early church. A great disciple of Jesus Christ.

What we remember is he was short and stingy. Look again at what he did after his conversion. It is unmatched by any disciple.

Here is your lesson, learn from your mistakes and grow. Do not wait for anyone to recognize the good you have done. You got this and God sees it.

Monday November 20, 2023

What do you want me to do for you?’ ‘Sir,’ he replied ‘let me see again.’ Jesus said to him, ‘Receive your sight. Your faith has saved you.’

What do you want me to do for you?’ ‘Sir,’ he replied ‘let me see again.’ Jesus said to him, ‘Receive your sight. Your faith has saved you.’

This is a very interesting ask … sir that I may see again? Play words me for a second. Specto is the Latin word for “gaze on” or observe. Re is … again. To see again is sometimes translated as re-spect. Do you see where I am going with this.

Respect, look again, take a second look. Most of us have a somewhat complicated relationship with our parents. If you do… I want you to look again. You might see something that you completely missed because of your young. Give them a second look and there it is. You realize how much love and work they did.

Look again, re-spect that awful moment of your life if you have any and trust me, you will also see the hand of God. Master may have bring respect to all the moments of my life.

Friday November 17, 2023

Wisdom 13:1-9

Naturally stupid are all men who have not known God

and who, from the good things that are seen, have not been able to discover Him-who-is,

or, by studying the works, have failed to recognise the Artificer.

Well thank goodness this scripture passage is talking about men —wink. Why are we hearing a lot these days about the Kingdom of heaven? It is because we long for it. We want to catch a break and have our hearts rest. How many battles or challenges can one face until it’s time. Geez can I get a break here. The answer: No! Nothing will change. Our gospel passage says that as was in the days of Noah people were marrying and going about their businesses until the flood came.

You wanna see God? Change your attitude. Go back to the same challenges with a renewed insight and hiding in plain sight is Abun Dipshmaya. This is why we come to church folks, to help each other see and to be the hand of God that makes the best collard greens.

Thursday November 17, 2023

Luke 17:20-25

Asked by the Pharisees when the kingdom of God was to come, Jesus gave them this answer, ‘The coming of the kingdom of God does not admit of observation and there will be no one to say, “Look here! Look there!” For, you must know, the kingdom of God is among you.’

The disciples must have looked at each other in shock. They definitely did not see anything out of the ordinary but Jesus and not much change in the world. Those who were waiting for the kingdom died waiting. Those who changed their perception of life realized God never leaves. May you see evidence of his presence today. Yes little evidence. Make some noise or acknowledge God however when you realize this. For me….. this is God. I thought I would not be able to write today. Love you!!!

Wednesday November 15, 2023

Wisdom 6:1-11

Listen, kings, and understand;

rulers of remotest lands, take warning;

hear this, you who have thousands under your rule,

who boast of your hordes of subjects.

For power is a gift to you from the Lord,

My first thought here is someone in power needs to hear this. Especially that person who has gotten the big head. But wait!!!

Are you in power? Do you have people in your sphere of influence? And if you do not have any power at all, what happened to your power?

All of us have our people because non of us is an island. May we be reminded today that All is gift from God. Your power is from God!!! The way you walk, the way you talk….

Listen, you are an incredibly powerful person!!

Tuesday November 14, 2023

Wisdom 2:23-3:9

God made man imperishable,

he made him in the image of his own nature;

it was the devil’s envy that brought death into the world,

Have you ever thought about what it really means to be created in the image of God? Over and over again I have preached about our nature and what we are doing here on earth. Part of our life experience is the earth experience but it is not all there is. I know you are already aware of this but I say again: we are spiritual beings having an earth experience. So today come in touch with your divine nature and rise from the depths of what ties us down to earth. Sometimes we worry and worry about things that really do not matter at all. I was thinking the other day if we will ever build our own church building. And from deep within I heard a voice. Son you are doing my work already…

I do not mean to make light of the tough phases that we go through. They are real and yes they have an effect on us. But remember, you can do difficult things because the spark of God is in you.

On an earthly note: Remember Rabbouni in your monthly giving. Love you!!!

Friday November 10, 2023

Matthew 16:13-19

But you,’ he said ‘who do you say I am?’

What I have done there is dangerous. Taking a line of scripture without context and reflecting on it has caused more problems in the world. I totally understand that, I understand that there is no text without context. Nonetheless this is the mother of all questions.

It is put up in the middle of the Gospel of Matthew but I think it would be even more powerful if these were the last words of Jesus before he breathed his last breath. Who do you say I am? The young untested faith is quick to answer this. But have they really experienced failure? Have they called with all their faith and received silence yet?

Only the person who has experienced the cross and it’s despair can truly answer. For some!!!! Their answer is “ I don’t know anymore.” If you have ever given that answer you get it. Nothing is clear but years later you can look back and only say “MY LORD, MY God.”

Thursday November 9, 2023

Dedication of the Lateran Basilica

John 2:13-22

Take all this out of here and stop turning my Father’s house into a market.’ Then his disciples remembered the words of scripture: Zeal for your house will devour me.

This is one of those rare moments we find in scripture when Jesus goes nuclear. He is a very controlled and measured man but we see that sometimes he could “lose it.” I know that is a horrible way to describe our Lord but facts are a stubborn thing. But why this reaction, this response?

Remember that statement he made when asked about paying taxes? “Give to God what belongs to God and Caesar what belongs to Caesar..” This dedication of the temple that we celebrate today should remind us of the other temples and who they are dedicated to. I am talking about the living breathing temple that is you. Every now and then we need to drive out, sometimes in a rough manner those things that make our lives unholy. And guess what? You know in your heart what and who needs to go.

This is a tough call but one that actually you have already been doing. You got this!!!

Tuesday November 7, 2023

Romans 12:5-16

All of us, in union with Christ, form one body, and as parts of it we belong to each other. Our gifts differ according to the grace given us. If your gift is prophecy, then use it as your faith suggests; if administration, then use it for administration;

Going beyond these holy words we see one of the growing pains of the early church. Thank goodness it was resolved then and we do not have to deal with it today. We cannot all have the same gift!!! Sometimes churches and organizations try to compete in places and situations that need cooperation. Today please spend some time reflecting on your own gift to the church and family. Do you understand your gift and do you understand how it fits together for the glory of God?

Monday November 6, 2023

Luke 14:12-14

Jesus said to his host, one of the leading Pharisees, ‘When you give a lunch or a dinner, do not ask your friends, brothers, relations or rich neighbours, for fear they repay your courtesy by inviting you in return.

Already by the first century something in the church was happening. This community of faith was slowly becoming a home for others while still others were just tolerated. The author of the gospel today throws in a pitch for the poor. For those constantly left out. He asks that we have a preferential option for those who don’t get invites.

This is a wonderful and difficult time of the year as we go into the holidays. There are some amongst us who will feel very blessed and others who will be very lonely. Let’s include the one who can’t pay us back when we prepare for thanksgiving and Christmas. Love you.

Friday November 3, 2023

Luke 14:1-6

Now on a sabbath day Jesus had gone for a meal to the house of one of the leading Pharisees; and they watched him closely.

So I went around yesterday thinking it was a Tuesday. I did not realize it until I saw my Friday payday check that I had my days mixed up. This my friends is how busy life has gotten. It maybe time for a retreat.

Anyway that has nothing to do with today’s reading and reflection. Have you noticed how much happens in Jesus life around a meal. In fact the gospel of Luke has Jesus at meals a lot. You would hope that having a meal is the most relaxing fun time. And it may be so. Having a meal is relaxing, fun, fulfilling. Sometimes though it can be stressful. They were watching Jesus lest he says something or does something. At this sabbath meal, he healed a man with a weathered hand.

Have you noticed who needs healing at your dinner table? What can heal them? It may take you choosing to forget/forgive a painful past with them. You have incredible power when you set the table!!!