Thursday December 14, 2023

Matthew 11:11-15

Jesus spoke to the crowds: ‘I tell you solemnly, of all the children born of women, a greater than John the Baptist has never been seen; yet the least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he is.

I got carried away at mass in Louisville and I completely left out this most important message. The message of John, the message of Metanoia. This word mentanoia is translated as “repent.” The hidden message in that is you are doing something wrong and changing your ways to start behaving. That could be it. But metanoia is actually change your thinking, the kingdom of God is here. How you think or how you process things is key. We can all decide to start a new lifestyle but really how long does that last? But the discipline of changing how we think and committing to that will eventually change our lives. So I have stopped thinking of us as a small independent Catholic community. No we are a beautiful, giving, vibrant Catholic community.

Love you

Wednesday December 13, 2023

Matthew 11:28-30

Jesus said, ‘Come to me, all you who labour and are overburdened, and I will give you rest. Shoulder my yoke and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.

You should come to Mass when I preach an extensive homily on this reading. Do you know anything about putting a yoke on an ox? Find you a Zambian and they will quickly tell you that there is no one size fits all yoke. These things are hand made for a particular ox and if it will be paired up with another ox they start walking them side by side for years before we put the hand made, tailor fitted yoke.

So a one size fits all kind of religion will always make you leave church hurting in some way. Jesus said NO to it. He met people where they were and showed them grace. Show people grace, show them you understand human imperfections and perfections. People need rest, they take deep breaths because we are tired of moving targets. You get there and nope nope it’s something else. Geeez!!!

When you find Jesus, you rest because you know he won’t force you into a false personality. He loves you as you are. I know I am a little weird but I am God’s in my weirdness and God has found me Rabbouni Catholic Community, the perfect yoke for a person like me.

Sorry I got carried away. Religion is supposed not to add stress to you. Just sayin

Tuesday December 12, 2023

Matthew 18:12-24

Jesus said to his disciples: ‘Tell me. Suppose a man has a hundred sheep and one of them strays; will he not leave the ninety-nine on the hillside and go in search of the stray? I tell you solemnly, if he finds it, it gives him more joy than do the ninety-nine that did not stray at all.

This one I have never understood. What about the ninety-nine, what if some lion comes along and has a feast with them? There is something lost to culture and time on this one.

So this is my translation and the religious leaders will be furious of this interpretation. There is enough God for this lost one too. Yes God can be with the favorites but God can also be with and there for the troubled one. So the ninety nine need to get off their high horse claiming God for them alone. Heck for all I know this speaks to his omnipresence.

Do you feel lost? Make some noise, he is looking for you and has found you. May you feel his hand on your shoulder today. Love you

Monday December 11, 2023

Luke 5:17-26

Seeing their faith he said, ‘My friend, your sins are forgiven you.’

It is amazing what people can do when they know in their hearts that God holds no grudge against them. This man who was paralyzed actually got up, picked up his stretcher and walked. Here is the back story. Some friends pick up their buddy who is paralyzed and bring him to Jesus. There is a problem however. The house is packed like sardines in a can. So the buddies climb up the roof and lower their friend. They actually tore up someone else’s roof. Hopefully he had some insurance. Anyway this is where we pick up. Jesus seeing the faith, the determination of the friends says to the man, your sins are forgiven, stand up and walk.

This power to untie someone, this power to free someone is given to all of us. I have seen how a beautiful light comes around someone when they know that they are forgiven. Use that power today, grant someone this gift.

By the way how about these friends though. Look at the trouble they went through to carry this person. This is love, this is true friendship. Thank you Rabbouni Catholic Community for carrying me and placing me before our Lord.

Friday December 8, 2023

Feast of the Immaculate Conception

Luke 1:26-38

Mary, do not be afraid; you have won God’s favour.

This is a very brief reflection but probably one you will remember. Would you like to pray the scriptures with me? And would you check in with me after doing this exercise be it tonight or after 9 months or a year? Do this everyday. Repeat the scripture passage above but use your name. Say if your name is Elizabeth, say Elizabeth, do not be afraid; you have won God’s favor. In fact if you have someone to pray with, have them hold your shoulders, look you in the eye and say “Elizabeth, do not be afraid; you have won God’s favor. When you hear this enough and believe it, you will birth Light, God, A new way of understanding yourself. Check in with me.

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!!!