Fifteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time

"Lord, let us see your kindness, and grant us your salvation." I was so young when you took me and told me to speak for you. I didn't have a clue. Not a fucking clue. How I wish you had instructed me like you did the Twelve. Instead, you made me wander, with authority over nothing. I'm tired. So very fucking tired. It feels like all I ever do is shake the dust off my feet. But you chose me. You sent me forth. What else can I do except move on to the next place? So please, my friend, please show your useless servant mercy, and lavish me with your grace. Alleluia, alleluia.

Amos 7:12-15; Psalms 85:8-14; Ephesians 1:3-14; Mark 6:7-13

Fifteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time

Amos 7:12-15; Mark 6:7-13

"I was no prophet." I was just a stupid teenager, who heard God say, "Go, prophesy to my people." How I have struggled to follow that one simple command. Some days I wish he gave me the powers of the Twelve. Driving out demons and curing the sick would certainly get people's attention. But that is not what she wants from me. Nor is it the kind of attention they want from you. They desire more, something deeper and grander. You will not find it from those who earn their "bread" by spouting fiery words. It will appear when you least expect it, under the most ordinary of appearances, and entirely free for the taking. Will you welcome this gift into your home and your heart?

Fifteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time

Amos 7: 12-15

It's taken me a bit longer than planned to resume writing, but here I am. And this passage seemed appropriate for a new beginning. This blog, and everything else I've ever written, is not and never will be about me. God has given me something to say, and told me to say it. And no matter how much of a pain in the ass this task is, I just cannot say "no" to my creator.

Ephesians 1: 3-14; Mark 6: 7-13

There is a theme here that Jesus shares with us the power and love of God, a relationship not possible before his arrival. But if we are a creation of our Father, were we not always her children? The Prodigal Son was always his father's child, even if he misunderstood or rejected that relationship. Likewise, we do not need to be "adopted" by God, we are his already. But in our sin, frailty, and insecurity, we tell ourselves that such a reality should not and cannot be ours. We think we need Jesus to give us a share of his inheritance, because surely we do not possess one of our own. Nonsense I say! Jesus came to awaken, not give.