Sunday, January 27, 2013

Third Sunday in Ordinary Time

"Today this Scripture passage is fulfilled in your hearing." How many of us would be bold enough to utter these words? And yet, did the Spirit not descend upon us as we were anointed in Confirmation of our baptismal vows? Are the poor, the captives, the blind, and the oppressed no longer children of our Parent? Are we under no obligation to bring freedom, vision, and good news to our brothers and sisters? Is it not our duty to shout from the rooftops about the grace all around us that our siblings refuse to acknowledge? I pray that we are as bold as our Brother.

Sunday, January 20, 2013

Second Sunday in Ordinary Time

Why was Jesus hesitant at Cana? He foresaw the outcome: "His disciples began to believe in him." He knew how impressed we are by flashes and bangs, and that from then on miracles would become the required element for purveyors of faith. Even today, a saint isn't really a saint until he or she has performed a couple of miracles. What nonsense! If you're waiting for a little razzle-dazzle before you will listen to the voice of God, you're going to be very disappointed.

Sunday, January 13, 2013

Feast of the Baptism of the Lord

“You are my beloved Child; with you I am well pleased.” These words were not for Jesus alone. They were meant for him to share. In Baptism, you and I are claimed for all time by our Parent. We are not family because of some random cosmic lottery. We are chosen.

Sunday, January 6, 2013

Solemnity of the Epiphany of the Lord

Oh, how we love our tribes. They give us strength and identity. They make us special. But today, our Parent tells us that the era of tribalism is over. The Truth, whether we like it or not, is that we are one people, one family. It is not easy to let go of the tribe. We may feel weak and vulnerable. But if God was willing to become an infant to deliver the message, what excuse could we possibly come up with that justifies our failure to reach across the divide and grab hold of our brothers and sisters?