Sunday, December 28, 2014

Feast of the Holy Family of Jesus, Mary and Joseph

Look at these families that God chose to create. They are not the sort of families to whom we would affix the labels natural or traditional. And yet they served as some of the greatest instruments of our Parent's will. This should be a warning to us to be careful in our assumptions about which families do and do not meet with God's approval. They desire trust and obedience, not proper demographics.

Thursday, December 25, 2014

Solemnity of the Nativity of the Lord (Christmas)

"The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light; upon those who dwelt in the land of gloom a light has shone." Today we remember our Brother, who came to illuminate the kingdom. And as terrifying as that sight can be, no other will ever match its beauty. So let us sing alleluia, and give glory to our God. For they are our hope and salvation, now and forever.

Sunday, December 21, 2014

Fourth Sunday of Advent

Despite our protests faith is truly blind. We do not have the faintest clue of where we will end up by following God's will. Even our great exemplars, David and Mary, could never have dreamed that their obedience would lead to the triumph of the cross. But they trusted our Parent, and we rightly praise them for their faith. And so now it is our turn. Will you sing forever of the goodness of the Lord, even as you obediently follow them down the unlit path to places unknown?

Sunday, December 14, 2014

Third Sunday of Advent

"I rejoice heartily in the LORD, in my God is the joy of my soul." For our Parent has anointed me, so that I might bring their glad tidings to you, my brothers and sisters. Look in the mirror; be you rich or poor, gleeful or brokenhearted, master or captive, jailer or prisoner, every one of you is adorned with the trappings of salvation, justice, and love. Do not worry if this vision escapes you. Many are those who never recognize it. Just trust. Let these final days of Advent be a time of trust. For the One who created you is faithful, and they have accomplished all that you need. Alleluia!

Sunday, December 7, 2014

Second Sunday of Advent

I have struggled so hard today to come up with words of comfort. I struggle, because I know that the comfort you desire is not the comfort I have to offer. You hope for such lovely things during Advent: peace and justice and new heavens and a new earth. And the only response I can make is to point to the same old kingdom that our Parent has tried to share with us from the very beginning. The one we find confusing and a bit disappointing. The one that demands from us an unconditional love that feels impossibly out of reach. The one that reveals that eternal life is a banquet hall where murder victims joyfully and eagerly greet their killers with a kiss. Who among us, especially in light of recent events, could possibly be comforted by such truth? But it is the only comfort I have to give.