Sunday, January 29, 2012

Fourth Sunday in Ordinary Time

What prophets do you listen to? Ones who frighten you with tales of the apocalypse? Ones who impress you with magic tricks? Or ones who simply tell you the truth? Truth is simple, not flashy or complex. This makes it more beautiful, not less. When you find such beauty, pay attention.

Sunday, January 22, 2012

Third Sunday in Ordinary Time

"This is the time of fulfillment. The kingdom of God is at hand. Repent, and believe in the gospel." These words are true today as much as they were when Jesus said them so long ago. They are probably similar to the words that Jonah and countless other prophets have spoken down through the ages. They are also completely misunderstood today, as they have been for hundreds if not thousands of years, even by the ones who spoke them. They are not a testament to some apocalyptic vision, nor are they a call for some superficial lovefest. They are a statement of the most profound truth that humans can come to realize: we are love incarnate. We do not need to wait for some future paradise to witness perfection; we only have to look around. We are not called to tolerate our neighbor, but to truly love them as a sibling. We are not meant to be separated into a multitude of tribes, but were created as one family. Right now is the moment to see. Our Creator is standing before us. Let go of the lies, and embrace the truth of love.

Sunday, January 15, 2012

Second Sunday In Ordinary Time

We are Samuel. God calls each of us by name, not just prophets and clerics, but many do not reply. They have allowed others to convince them that they are not worthy. Is a child ever unworthy to speak directly to her parents? Jesus came to lead us to our Parent, not serve as an intermediary. A good cleric does the same. Yes, it is easier to hear human language than divine whisperings. There are certainly plenty of people willing to exploit this for their own gain. But they cannot change the fact that we are true children of our Creator, not sinful houseguests, and they can only hide this reality from us for so long. So let us be courageous children, unafraid of serving our Parent's will. "Speak, for your servant is listening."

Monday, January 9, 2012

Feast of the Baptism of the Lord

"You are my beloved Child; with you I am well pleased." Hear these words today, for they are meant for you as much as they were meant for Jesus so many centuries ago. This is the true salvation revealed by our Brother, and the reason that we kill him over and over again. They are dangerous words, for they make siblings out of enemies, and unnecessary intermediaries out of clerics. They are inconvenient words, for they convey obligation and responsibility, not just blessing. We try to rationalize, obfuscate, and even deny them, but they refuse to go away. "For my thoughts are not your thoughts, nor are your ways my ways ... my word shall not return to me void, but shall do my will, achieving the end for which I sent it."

Sunday, January 8, 2012

Solemnity of the Epiphany of the Lord

The lesson of our feast today is this: God is truly manifested in the place we least expect to find them. If you were one of the magi, to whom would you present your gift today? Where is love incarnate right at this moment? Do not fear celebrating our Creator wherever they choose to appear.

Sunday, January 1, 2012

The Octave Day of the Nativity of the Lord;
Solemnity of Mary, the Holy Mother of God

As this new year begins, may God bless you and keep you! May he let his face shine upon you, and be gracious to you! May she look upon you kindly and give you peace! For you are true sons and daughters of our Creator! You are the beloved children of our Parent! May you live this truth for the rest of your days!