Sunday, January 25, 2009

Feast of the Conversion of Saint Paul, Apostle

Acts 9:1-22; 1 Corinthians 7: 29-31; Mark 16: 15-18
Our brother Paul was a great man. Without him, would our family even exist? But he was still a man, full of passion and imperfection just like us all. Honor him, listen to him, emulate him, but do not be afraid to criticize and disagree with him. He would expect and desire no less of true believers in the Way. He would be the first to say that the Spirit is present in each of us, not just those officially labeled as apostles and saints. And so I say to you that while "the world in its present form" may pass away, time will not run out. The journey of humanity may some day come to an end, but the journey of life never will. Life is the center of the universe, not us, and it is past time that we recognize our place within it.

Sunday, January 18, 2009

Second Sunday in Ordinary Time

1 Samuel 3: 3b-10, 19
I am Samuel. I hear the call and respond, but I have yet to respond to the true caller. I think I am familiar with my Father, but she hasn't really revealed anything to me yet. Glimpses and hints perhaps, but my own will is still blocking the view. So let me be still and peaceful, and wait for my Lord to whisper my name when I am asleep. Speak father, for your servant is listening.

Sunday, January 11, 2009

Feast of the Baptism of the Lord

Isaiah 42: 1-4, 6-7; Mark 1: 7-11
This is not the coronation ceremony of Jesus the prince, as some Christians would have you believe. Rather, it is a father, our Father, giving praise to a child for a deed well-done. By accepting baptism, Jesus was acknowledging and embracing the identity and future for which our Father had called him out of creation. This is a call she makes to each one of us. Jesus is not our mighty ruler, but a brother, servant, and mentor, who once and forever is here to lead us, his people, his family, into God's reign of love. Stop denying the truth and accept the baptism of the Spirit in whatever way she appears to you. Then listen closely and you too will hear, "You are my beloved Child; with you I am well pleased."

Sunday, January 4, 2009

Solemnity of the Epiphany of the Lord

Matthew 2: 1-12
Love incarnate is not always welcomed by the world. It is too messy for the powerful; it threatens their control. But like the magi, we cannot deny its existence. We must approach it with our gifts and praise God for its presence. The world will fight back in fear, and may even seem to win at times. But know always that love will not be denied its victory.