Cross Country5/31/2024 Feast of the Visitation
The Visitation is one of my favorite scripture passages, not only to pray with but to bring to life with choreography. I’ve always felt that Joseph should be included in the scene, if initially in the background looking on. After all, would he have let Mary, his betrothed journey by herself “cross country” to visit Elizabeth? As we celebrate the feast of the Visitation today, I need to remind myself to let the Spirit do her “thing.” I should know by now that the Spirit has many songs she sings and dances she does in our lives. We have to listen for the songs and join in the dance. God’s Spirit will rejoice over you with gladness, and renew you in her love, God’s Spirit will sing and dance joyfully because of you, as one sings and dances at festivals. I can’t let the Visitation go by without sharing a link to the Visitation dance from the Lark Ascending. In this version, the Visitation scene with Mary, Elizabeth and Joseph is mirrored by the Wedding Feast of Cana. I hope the “joy” is contagious! https://vimeo.com/310172375 – t=1140s And I titled this “cross country” not only because of Mary and Joseph’s journey to the hill country but also because of the suffering the sons of Mary and Elizabeth would know in their lifetime. But that’s a story for another day….
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U Turn5/30/2024 Thursday of the 8th Week in OT
This morning when I read the reflection I had written for this day last year, I was surprised to see that an experience I had yesterday afternoon was so similar to the one I describe below. There was a moment when it felt like my spirit was taking a “you-turn” and I was feeling great consolation. It also opened up a well of inspiration that has been very dry. I’m sure I’ll share with you where that leads. Here’s what I wrote last year. My prayer took a turn for the better this morning. I’ve been experiencing a dry spell for a long time (except for the tears that I shed with some regularity.) When I read today’s Gospel of Jesus giving sight to Bartimaeus, my first instinct was to turn to one of the many reflections/homilies I’ve given on this text. There was one homily that I gave at Eastern Point that came to mind. I had done a search for various translations of this text in different versions of the Bible. Some were quite amusing like “Get up, old chap, he’s calling you!” or “This is your lucky day!” But, I remember very well that I was most engaged by the words, “feeling his way to Jesus.” But my prayer went in a different direction. You could say it took a “you turn.” After Bartimaeus (aka me) responded to the question, “What do you want me to do for you?” Jesus continued the dialogue. He said, “You say that you want to see.” What is it that you want to see? My immediate response was “I want to see you.” And then, I continued. “I want to see you as the one who is the center of my life. I want to see you as GMH saw you “playing in 10,000 places.” I want to see you reflected in the faces of others. I want to see you looking at me with all my questions, doubts, fears, and failures and see in your eyes compassion, love and understanding.” And I think I may have, or at least I’m beginning to think so. My invitation to you today is to answer Jesus’ question, “And what do you want to see?” I chose the photo of the lighthouse in Nantucket for two reasons. The obvious one is that the Bartimaeus asks Jesus to let him see. The beam that emanates from a lighthouse enables sailors to find a safe harbor. Isn't that what Jesus desires to do for us? And, coincidentally, I took that photo on May 30, 2019, five years ago today. (I'm also including a fun photo of my friend JA next to a "White Elephant" also on Nantucket.) With a little bit of pluck!5/29/2024 Wednesday of the 8th Week in OT
Zing! Went the strings of my heart! You may remember that old song. I’ve been “Zinging” it since I reread my poem “Heaven Scent.” The final stanza uses the image of the “irises” hearts going “zing” and opening their eyes to see the light. I had some “zing” moments yesterday. My heart goes “zing” when I see a cardinal, ever since a friend told me that cardinal sightings are signs of the presence of a deceased loved one. But, the most “zinging” moment was seeing two wisteria buddings where I expected there to be none. This old wisteria has rarely bloomed over the twenty years since its planting. A few years ago, I was surprised and delighted to find a few, but since then, there have been none. Until yesterday, when the sun’s reflection opened my “irises” to see a beautiful bud, and then another, and this morning one more. A trinity of wisteria buds! In one sense, you could say these are “slim pickings” for a vine that is noted for its abundant flowers. But, for me, these few were enough to make my heart strings go “zing.” Why did I title this reflection, “With a Little Bit of Pluck”? If you play the guitar, you pluck the strings or use a pick to play. With yesterday’s reflection on “picking” and “pecking” and a picture of two guitars on Monday, I thought about one’s heart strings being plucked to make the sound of “Zing!” Have you had any “zing” moments of late? Could it be the Holy Spirit touching a chord in you? Hmm…… And here's Heaven Scent with photos heaven_scent.pdf Slim Pickings5/28/2024 Tuesday of the 8th Week in OT
After 50 days of rich fare for the Sunday and daily Scriptures, I find the return to weekday readings in Ordinary Time offers “slim pickings.” There’s not much to choose from that is stimulating my prayer and imagination. Since I like to have something to share for a reflection, I may ignore the daily readings and see if something else in nature, for example, may ignite my imagination. Since this is Laudato Si! Week, it’s appropriate to look to creation for inspiration. This morning that inspiration came from seeing a tiny birdy “pecking” all around her on the porch. I’m sure she was “hunting and pecking” for some seed or other food source. Seeing her “pecking,” I thought of the expression, ‘Where are you in the pecking order?” I thought of the hierarchical pecking order in the Church, and realized these days that I am very low on that pecking order. But that led me to wonder, “Is there a pecking order in God’s eyes?” Are any of us in a lower caste in God’s eyes? We human beings want order, structure and hierarchy. Our Church certainly does but doesn’t each of us have an equal dignity before God? But then again, there may be a reverse pecking order in God’s realm where the “first shall be last and the last shall be first.” So, I can identify with that little bird, “hunting and pecking” around for something meaningful to say when there are such “slim pickings” or should I say “slim peckings? Although the scriptures for today may offer slim pickings, creation in this season has more than enough to offer. Look at the photo of the fuchsia above. And the “Rhodos” are exploding with color and vibrancy these days. Thanks be to God for such beauty! The Look of Love5/27/2024 Monday of the 8th Week in OT/ Memorial Day
Memorial Day evokes many feelings in us, doesn't it? We remember deceased loved ones and visit their graves. We remember those who died serving our country. We remember those "lazy, hazy, crazy days of summers past, and note the beginning of another season. Memorial Day evokes so many memories! The photo above captures a moment in time when my friend JA was teaching his grandnephew, Tommy Merlo to play the guitar. Notice Tommy's eyes as he looks at his great-uncle with wonder and openness.. It was that look that I remembered as I prayed with this morning's Gospel. “Jesus looking at him, loved him….” These words from today’s Gospel have always been dear to me. There is something about the “look of love” that speaks volumes about the way Jesus sees us. Yes, the young man will be disappointed by his inability to give up all his possessions, but I imagine he will always remember Jesus’ look of love. My poem “Dash—it all” tries to convey the range of emotions that this young man feels. Dash -- it all! Mad dash done, Rash race run, Rush to face the one who holds the keys for kingdom’s kind. Flung at his feet, face flushed,. kneeling, not knowing what Word awaits, he prays and prudence is given. “Follow love’s commands.” He pleads for more. Love’s gaze holds him, Eye-catching, Amor’s code, “ Sell and seal the deal and follow me.” A dash of recognition, connecting the dots, face falling, felling hopes dashing dreams. He prefers possessions, More to own than to be won for another who proffers everything and nothing. “Dash it all!” Double-edged Word heard within bone and marrow No narrow path for him. Sad, dashed, done, for now-- A slow and somber turn away Yet Amor’s gaze, Holds him, fast Awaiting his return. A Nod to God5/25/2024 Trinity Sunday
Since tomorrow is Trinity Sunday, this reflection is in three parts. Part I I’m sharing the photo of a sailing ship that is so beautifully crafted that I used it for a homily on Trinity Sunday for our family Mass at St Ignatius many years ago. Trying to talk about the mystery of the Trinity is a challenge with any age group, but with children? I spoke of God the Father as being the Sea (or the Sea of Being), the Ship is Jesus Christ, and the Holy Spirit is the Wind in the sails that enables the ship to sail across the sea. And who has been more beautifully crafted than the Incarnation of God in the life of Jesus? You could say he was always in “ship shape!” Part II As I mentioned yesterday, I’m fortunate to be at the Cape this week. And that, of course, means many opportunities to ruin a nice walk on a beautiful day, trying to play the game of golf. This morning I was playing with three other golfers who were strangers to me. As I was listening to them speak of basketball, hockey, baseball, their families, and, of course, their golf games, I felt so out of place. I wished, in a way, that I were not so obsessed with God and cared more about scores and sports. I had this image of each of them beginning their day with a “nod to God,” acknowledging God’s existence and saying a prayer of gratitude for their loved ones or a prayer for healing for someone. I thought that for them a “nod to God” would be enough to sustain them spiritually. And here I was trying to plumb the depths of the mystery of God while playing a game of golf! Oh to just focus on hitting the ball and not “batting around” questions of God in my mind! So, when I returned from the course, of course, I began to write a poem…. A Nod To God. A Nod to God Sometimes I wish A nod to God Were good enough for me. I envy those folks for whom a nod to God, a tip of the hat, a Howdy-do suffices for the day. Why must I immerse myself in mystery, scanning the skies for signs of divine whys and wherefores, where others keep their eyes on the ball, and bat around scores of the games people play? I’m lost at sea, left high and dry when others get along swimmingly. with just a nod. My mind's a muddle with a nod to God Nowhere Near enough? If only I would receive A nod from God, That could be more than enough. Some recognition That I AM knows That I am Looking, longing, leaning in For a tip of the hat, A Howdy-do From You. There may be more to come from this poem. Will see. III Since it is Trinity Sunday, I share with you “A Paean for Poenies” which I wrote for this Sunday in 2020. “Perichoresis” is a divine dance. It was a Greek term used to describe the inner life of the Trinity. a_paean_for_peonies.docx Simple Gifts5/24/2024 Friday of the 7th Week in OT
I have the good fortune to spend this Memorial Weekend and a few extra days on Cape Cod. In prayer this morning, I was enchanted by the bird songs I heard. (Given the lovely weather I was able to open the sliding door to the upstairs porch.) There is a forest right behind the house so there are many birds here to hear. I even had a visit from a cardinal (not the ecclesial kind!) My prayer this morning for you and for me is to be open to see and hear the simple gifts of creation; the songs of the birds, the “greening” of this season, the flowering bushes and trees, and if you’re lucky enough to be near the water’s edge; to see the beauty of the see and hear the gentle lapping of the water. Although Solstice is a month away, I can’t help thinking of my poem “Soul-stice” which I wrote on Solstice Day in 2020. soul-stice.docx The photo above is of Corporation Beach this morning. The one below is of a Wisteria bush/tree at Campion Center. " Off the Rails"5/23/2024 Thursday of the 7th Week in OT
I chose the photo of myself meditating on the rail tracks from a trip through the Scottish countryside. I’m sure it is James’ letter in which he is constantly “railing” about one thing or another. His “railing” is often addressed to the rich who have no concern for their poor neighbors and make a living off the. They indulge themselves and only want more. James’ “railing” is certainly timely when we think of the one percent of the population who possess the majority of the wealth in our country, and the inequality between rich and poor nations as Matt pointed out in his talk on Global Health. The word “railing” in the sense that I’m using it in reference to James’ letter, comes from a Latin word meaning “bellowing.” You can almost hear James bellowing in today’s reading. But, as you know, there is another meaning of the “railing.” It’s a support, or something to hold on to. Just the other day my friend Barbara Braver said to me “I’m so grateful for railings!” as she climbed the steps into my residence at Campion. It’s always good to have something or someone to hold onto! Sometimes, it feels like our lives have gone “off the rails.” We are not in control because of age, illness, or other personal issues. It’s a gift to know there are people who are able to help us get back “on the rails” through their love and support. Will you take some time today to be grateful for the people in your life who are the “railings” you hold onto and help to keep you on track? And is that what the Holy Spirit does for us? Smoke Signals5/22/2024 Wednesday of the 7th Week in OT
I chose the photo above of the "fire pit" at the front of the retreat house at EP because of the theme of "smoke signals" as well as the image of the "tongues of fire" for the Holy Spirit. (Pay not attention to the empty glasses!) The readings from the Letter of James are not very uplifting. His reminder that our lives are like a “puff of smoke” can be very depressing or it can instill in us a sense of gratitude for the moments we have. I chose the title “smoke signals” since this is one of the earliest forms of distance communication. What could be the “smoke signals” in today’s scriptures? What is the long -distance communication that we receive from James and the Evangelist Mark? Along with his reminder that life is transient, he encourages us to trust in God’s will and always remain open to God’s Spirit leading and guiding us. Jesus reminds us that the Spirit of God works in mysterious ways. You don’t have to be one of the “in crowd” to respond to the Spirit. And in these days of Pentecost, aren’t we called to recognize the Spirt working in us and in our world? The gifts of the Spirit are treasures if we recognize how precious they are. Life may be like a “puff of smoke” in its transience, but while we are here we can always ask for those gifts of the Spirit that make our experience of God and each other more and more precious. I didn’t share with you my Pentecost poem, "Cobblestones" this past Sunday but I think it’s worth hearing again. cobbles_tones.docx AuthorAs an ordained Catholic priest for 45 years and a member of the Jesuits for 57 years, I've had a great deal of "spiritual" experience! This is a place where I can continue to share my thoughts about God, Jesus, the Holy Spirit and what it means to live the "mystery of God." Categories |
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