Fashion-able6/30/2024 13th Sunday in OT
Three years ago when these Sunday readings appeared, I was on the Island of Nantucket for the wedding of Callie McLaughlin and Brian Belichik. This is what I wrote them I’m writing this reflection from a very “fashionable” place. The Island of Nantucket is fashioned in such a way that the sea, natural light, buildings, boats of all kinds and sizes in the harbor, the arrivals of ferries filled with passengers anxious to disembark and enjoy all that the Island has to offer, all create an experience of good will and well-being. And it’s a very fashionable place for a wedding! The reading from the book of Wisdom speaks of God “fashioning all things.” (That’s why I chose these photos of hydrangeas and a window box of assorted flora.) And the reading goes on to say that we are “fashioned” in the image of God. We are fashioned, created for love and life. Yes, death, decay, illness, suffering is an integral part of our being human but it does not have the last word. What lasts is God’s eternal love for the creation God has fashioned. What a wonderful coincidence that three years later, I’ve been participating in the wedding festivities for Dan McLaughlin, Callie’s brother who was married yesterday to Allie Parsley in a beautiful ceremony which took place In Lenox in the Berkshires, another “fashionable place,” especially in the summer. Thanks to the generosity of my dear friends, Maura Callahan, the groom’s mother and her husband, Doug Louison, I’ve been able to stay at a very “fashionable” place where the reception took place. The beauty of this gift is that it’s the site of the old Cranwell School, which was run by the Jesuits. The photo above is the original administration building. One of the most moving moments in the ceremony fo was hearing a song that I had suggested to Allie and Dan. It’s Paul Melley’s “Set Me as a Seal” Here’s a link to the music: Set Me as a Seal It was Paul who did the music for Callie’s wedding three years ago. And although he couldn’t be here for this wedding, his song, written for the Sacrament of Marriage was so perfect for this celebration. Hearing the readings for today, however, the song has even more power. It reminds us that Love is stronger than death. “Deep waters cannot quench this love, nor floods sweep it away.” It is Jairus’ love for his daughter that prompts him to ask Jesus for help. It is Jesus’ divine love that reaches out to the young girl and gives her life again. Would that Jesus do the same for the people in our lives who are in need of this healing touch! I’m also struck by the Paul’s letter to the Corinthians today. I have received such abundance in my poverty from friends who are so dear to me. I will finish now as I’m off to the final event of this four day celebration of love and family.
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Glory Us?6/28/2024 Friday of the 12th Week in OT
It is a glorious morning in the Berkshires where I’ve come to participate in a wedding of two wonderful young people. The word “glorious” is on my mind this morning since it’s the memorial of St Irenaeus. This 2nd century bishop is most noted for the “catchy “phrase, “The glory of God is the human person fully alive.” Out of context this “catchy” phrase seems to suggest that we are a reflection of God’s glory if we are “fully” alive. Or, as some would say,” If we are living life to the fullest, we are giving glory to God.” But what does that mean? Engaging in extreme sports? Pushing ourselves to the limit? Here is the quote: For the glory of God is a living person; and the life of man/woman consists in beholding God. For if the manifestation of God which is made by means of the creation, affords life to all living in the earth, much more does that revelation of the Father which comes through the Word, give life to those who see God." For Irenaeus, to be “fully alive” is to live “through, with and in” Christ Jesus since He is the one who reveals the hidden God. In God’s embracing our humanity fully in Jesus Christ, God’s glory is ours. Irenaeus echoes the words of St Paul in his letter to the Romans: For from Him and through Him and to Him are all things. To Him be the glory forever. Amen Is the invitation today to reflect on how each of us is called to reflect God's glory and Christ's love for us? What is it that helps you feel "fully alive"? As I witness the love of Dan and Allie, I see how they become “fully alive” in and through each other and the love their families and friends have for them. I have to admit to feeling overcome with joy for them on this glorious day. Tomorrow will be their wedding day! And of course, I wish them well! A Firm Foundation6/27/2024 Thursday of the 12th Week in OT
When I read the Gospel, what came to mind was the photo of a “house built on rock” that I had stayed in 12 years ago. Now that’s a house built on a rock! And, for sure, there’s a story behind my staying there. A friend and I had decided to take a trip up the coast of Maine to see its “rocky shores.” A search for places to stay led to the Samoset. After a harrowing trip of rain, wind and winding roads, we finally arrived only to be told that our reservations were not until the next day, and they were totally booked! Fortunately for me, I showed them the reservation confirmation, which, in fact, was for the day we arrived. After some fussing and fidgeting on their part, the manager told me that since it was their fault, they would give us the only place they had available for the price we were supposed to pay for simple accommodations. I couldn’t believe my eyes when I saw the “Flume Cottage,” the house built on a rock that you see above. Whenever I hear Jesus speaking of a “sure thing” with the image of the house built on rock and not on sand, I think of how blessed I was to be gifted with a few days in this special place after a rocky start along the rocky shore. The Gospel is an invitation to make sure that Jesus is the firm foundation of our lives. This thought led me to think of the hymn that we sing often at Sunday liturgy. The lyrics are really beautiful and I invite you to pray with them today. I’m not sure if I had ever seen or sung the last stanza about us “gray hairs.” How firm a foundation, O saints of the Lord, Is laid for your faith in his excellent Word! What more can he say than to you he has said Who unto the Savior for refuge have fled? In ev'ry condition, in sickness, in health, In poverty's vale, or abounding in wealth, At home and abroad, on the land, on the sea -- The Lord, the Almighty, your strength e'er shall be. Fear not, I am with you. Oh, be not dismayed, For I am your God and will still give you aid; I'll strengthen you, help you, and cause you to stand, Upheld by my righteous, omnipotent hand. When through the deep waters I call you to go, The rivers of sorrow shall not overflow, For I will be with you your troubles to bless And sanctify to you your deepest distress. Throughout all their lifetime my people shall prove My sov'reign, eternal, unchangeable love, And then, when gray hair shall their temples adorn, Like lambs they shall still on my shoulders be borne. I have to say that praying with these lyrics this morning brought me to tears. There are many reasons. It would be my mother’s 110 birthday today and it’s the 42nd wedding anniversary of my dear friends Carol and Brian Faherty. But I’m also aware of how much I need the consoling presence of Christ these days for a number of personal reasons. Today I head to the Berkshires for a wedding celebration. I hope to have time to continue these reflections while I’m there. The photo below is my mom, Dorothy Roggy Vereecke. Berry True!6/25/2024 Berry True!
Wednesday of the 12th Week in OT I didn’t have the time to do a reflection for today and it’s late in the afternoon. So, I decided to post one for tomorrow’s Gospel. I didn’t have a photo of a cherry or a lemon tree so instead I’ve created a photo of a “bowl of cherries” with a few lemons thrown in. After all, we know that life is not a “bowl of cherries.” Everything in life is not sweet and succulent, not always “cheery.” And if cherries are cheery, lemons are sour and as the song goes “impossible to eat.” “Lemon Tree very pretty and the lemon flower is sweet but the fruit of the poor lemon is impossible to eat” “By their fruits you will know them.” These words of Jesus from today’s gospel made me start thinking about fruit trees and what kind of fruit tree I would want to be. The cherry tree came to mind since I think of cherries as “cheery.” One of the reasons I try to be as playful and positive in these reflections is that there are so many reasons for sad and sour faces in our world. If I can bring some cheer, a smile or even a laugh it makes the effort worthwhile. As the song “Life is Just a Bowl of Cherries” goes, “Don’t take it serious. It’s too mysterious.” Then the lemon tree came to mind. Lemons may get a bad rap especially since their wraps, or rinds provide zest. Think of all those recipes that call for the juice of a lemon. Lemon meringue, Limoncello, lemon squares. lemonade. Maybe being a lemon tree wouldn’t be so bad after all! Could I be a source of zest and sparkle, even at the risk of being so often sour? Most of us are a hybrid of cherry and lemon, sweet and sour but that’s life! Life can be a bowl of cherries but don’t lose the lemons! And six months from today will be Christmas! I couldn't find a photo of a holly berry bush, so a Christmas tree will be the "treat" that I offer. Twist and Shout!6/24/2024 Solemnity of the Birth of John the Baptist
Reflecting on the celebration of the nativity of JB, the image of the waterspout that I shared with you during my retreat came to mind. I don’t know if it really is a waterspout, but it certainly looks like one! It was Brenda Sheridan who thought it might be. When I asked the captain on the boattrip that I took around Cape Ann, he thought it was more likely a cool cloud formation. So let’s go with the “cloud of unknowing” and think of it as a ”waterspout.” What a great image for JB! He baptizes with water and is always spouting words that call people to conversion. And I imagine he shouted a great deal! (I thought of the old song, “Twist and Shout” since the waterspout looks like a twister) The other reason I thought the image was perfect for JB is that his preaching was so fiery and passionate like the red sea you see. The most memorable experience of this feast took place in Montserrat in Spain. There is a wonderful tradition of people dancing the sardegna on the plaza in front of the church, followed by "fireworks." Great memory! Bonanza!6/23/2024 12th Sunday in OT No, I did not take the photo above. It's a perspective "from above." In my homily I speak of the perspective from the sea and here's another one. It's the breakwater that we went through to voyage past Eastern Point Lighthouse . Here's the homily I will give this morning at the community Mass. A week ago yesterday, I was on retreat at Eastern Point and the weather was perfect, not at all like today. I decided to do something I’ve never done before in the 50 years I’ve been making retreats there, or in the three years I was on the staff. Bill Campbell who’s been the director for 5 years and is soon on his way to Georgetown shared with me that one of the things he wanted to do before leaving was get in a boat, get out in the water and see the Retreat House from the perspective of the sea. This prompted me to look into local harbor cruises that would have the retreat house in its sights. I found a “lighthouse cruise” that seemed to fit the bill. Unfortunately, the timing did not fit Bill’s schedule and I decided to go alone. It turned out to be a “bonanza” for me. That day, the strong winds from the days previously had died down. It was a brilliantly clear day, and the seas were relatively calm. (Did you know that the word “bonanza” comes from the Spanish meaning “calm sea?” ) “Se levantó el Señor e increpó el viento y el mar: y sobrevino gran bonanza.” The Lord stood up and rebuked the wind and the sea, and there was a great calm” That’s the antiphon for morning prayer. The other “bonanza” was circumnavigating Cape Ann and seeing sights I have seen thousands of times but from a different perspective, and some up close, like the twin light houses on Thatcher’s Island which you see from a great distance when you are on the shore looking out over the sea. When I signed up to celebrate and preach this morning, I had not looked ahead at the scriptures, so it was another “bonanza” to find that they were “sea-worthy.” Spending a week by the sea with one stormy day when the sea turned turbulent with waves crashing on the rocks, but most, “bonanza” days, it felt like a gift to hear the Job reading, the psalm and the calming of the storm. On that boat trip, however, all was not calm and serene. When we entered Ipswich bay, the water was choppy and the boat began to rock and I confess to being a “little afraid.” I trusted that the Captain knew what he was doing, but was very grateful when we entered the very calm waters of the Annisquam River which brought us back to Gloucester Harbor. As I prayed with today’s Gospel and remembering being a little afraid when the water got choppy and the boat began to rock, I thought of those disciples in a storm, frightened for their life. I couldn’t imagine how terrifying it must have been for them. And their “captain” not at the helm but asleep on a cushion! And, as you know, Jesus wakes, rebukes the wind and the sea and there is a great bonanza. For the disciples, the bonanza was not just Jesus’ calming the sea, but, also the revelation of God’s power working through him. Isn’t it interesting, though, that both the storm and the calming of the story instill fear in them. In Mark’s gospel there is a “double dose” of fear. Jesus rebukes them for being afraid, but then they are overcome with an even greater fear. The Greek text says they were afraid with a great fear as they wondered, “Who is this, that even the wind and sea obey him.” From our perspective two thousand years later, we believe we know the answer to the question, “Who is this?” We have studied Christology. We have responded to the invitation of the Exercises to “know him more intimately, to love him more intensely, to follow him more closely. But, even so, there are times in our lives when we may feel crippled by fear and call out to him, “Don’t you care that we are perishing?” And how does he respond? I assume that each of us can tell stories of Jesus coming to the rescue, calming the storms within and finding ourselves to be a “new creation,”. During the retreat, my prayer was very stormy. I had been struggling for months, questioning what the point was of all the years of ministry. I wondered whether all was in vain. I began working on the poem “Weathervane” last March. It wasn’t until this retreat that the storm within was quelled. If you don’t mind, I’d like to read the last two stanzas of the poem. There are 4 stanzas for the different directions that a weathervane points to. West In these sunset years I do wonder whether All was in vain. A lone ranger now Watching time gone by, Knowing what once was Is not now. A heavy heart within Weighed down by doubt. What was the point? Proclaiming God’s realm Where healing reigns and all are welcome, and Jesu’s ways have sway. There is a storm within me Waves of desperation, Battering heart, mind, soul And no strength to resist the enemy’s Taunts and tests, teasing the doubt within me echoing Peter’s words “I do not know the man” Were all his works and words for me in vain? Just chaff blowing in the wind Before the cock crows You will deny yourself East On these sunrise mornings I need not wonder whether All was or is in vain. For I cannot deny myself the stirring within seeing a scarlet sky wondering what it portends? A lighter heart within Waiting for something to dawn. The weathervane points To the East. The rising, the risen. The rosy-fingered dawn, Awakening, no doubt, Another memory. Another garden An Other One. There is a calm within me Waves of expectation, Beating heart, Mending mind, Soul full of love And the strength to trust this Friend, teasing the doubt out of me with works and words of love that one cannot deny And I’ve got to crow! Now that’s a real bonanza! Soul-Stice6/21/2024 Friday of the 11th Week of OT
Soul-Stice Be still my soul! Stop brooding over flaws, faults and failings, missteps, faux pas, paths mis-taken, foot falls and fault lines. Falling afoul in death traps, the fowler snares, foul, not owl- wise always, whispers of wrongs done, your undoing, transgression trapping you still. Is there egress from past’s failures, a greener grass on the other side, an escape cause for the unshriven soul? Be still my soul! Be brewing a love potion, A double portion of mercy’s minding, mending, easy to swallow. A brood of sparrows (more than two) be Soul’s solace, be an arrow piercing you with Love’s luster! Be still my soul! Still as the waters running deep within, still as ocean’s entrancing tranquility, lapping quietly, an infant’s sleep in her mother’s lap a child a sleep in his father’s arms. Still. K.I.S6/20/2024 Thursday of the 11th Week in OT
As I was searching for an image to accompany this reflection on "keeping it simple" I stopped again to marvel at the beauty of the simple gift my friend Mary Ann sent me while on retreat. The amazing thing was that it lasted for the full week. It looked "fresh as a daisy" each day. (Yes, I know there are no daisies in the bouquet.) Sometimes a simple gift is all that you need to lift your spirits. With yesterday’s Gospel which is heard on Ash Wednesday, and today’s which is heard soon after, it feels like we are “re-lenting.” What these scriptures suggest is that we “keep it simple.” Don’t make a show of yourself. Be authentically yourself before God. Let your prayer come from the heart. K.I.S….. The “paean for the prophet Elijah” is anything but simple.The author of the Book of Sirach certainly succeeds at praising Elijah for the marvels that God has done through him. There’s a long list of his accomplishments. What is missing, however, is his despair when he was fleeing for his life. He had given up on God and life itself. His only desire was to die. Life held out no attraction for him. This, of course, is the story that precedes his encounter with the mystery of God in the cave which we heard last week. The angel wakes him from sleep two times to give him nourishment for the journey. He is strengthened by this food and drink and continues the journey. The phrase in the Our Father from today’s Gospel that stands out for me this morning is “Give us this day our daily bread.” I’m not thinking of this so much in reference to physical sustenance, but rather the spiritual nourishment we need each day to feel God’s sustaining us in love and compassion. What is the food and drink we need today to give us strength for our journey. Returning to Elijah’s Eulogy, I ask the question, “Would it have been less praise of Elijah, had his eulogist removed the mantle of all his accomplishments and let his human fragility be uncovered? None of us are perfect…… All of us need strength for the journey. Sometimes we just forget to ask for it. “Give us this day…..” What do you need today for your journey? What’s the double portion for today? What's the simple gift that you will receive today? I hope this "k.i.s." is one of the simple gifts for today. "Prompts" Promises6/19/2024 Wednesday of the 11th Week in OT
In today’s first reading, Elisha asks Elijah for a double portion of his spirit before he is whisked away in the chariot of fire. He is "promptly" given what he asked for. As I reflect on the last 8 days of retreat, I feel a bit like Elisha, having been given a “double portion” in the exquisite beauty of the sunrises as well as the power of the prayer experiences, especially in the final days. Last year on retreat around the same time, it was cold, rainy, foggy and rarely was the sunrise visible. The “double portion” came in the final day of prayer that left me reeling with its power. This retreat had much less drama internally but I was witness to the “drama” in the skies. As I’m sure you know, it’s always a challenge to end a retreat where you are so focused on God’s spirit working in you and return to your ordinary life and work. On retreat, you are hopefully more attuned to the Spirit’s prompts who seems to be saying, “Look there, listen to this, notice that, let go.” I’m hoping to pay attention to the Spirit’s prompts, even if I’m not facing the East and seeing the dawn and the sunrise each morning. And I hope to do that “promptly.” One of the prompts I received this morning was to look at what I had written 2 years ago when we had the same readings as today. I was still at Eastern Point at the time. “Double” Trouble When Elijah asks Elisha what he would like him to leave for him before he is whisked off in the whirlwind, Elisha responds “A double portion of your spirit.” His asking for an “extra helping” struck me as something that we sometimes really need on our spiritual journeys. St Ignatius speaks of the experience of desolation when you feel abandoned by God or have no feeling that helps you to know God is with you. At those times you feel like you need a “double portion” of God’s spirit to get you going again and have a sense of purpose. Elisha does receive the double portion of Elijah’s spirit as he clothes himself in the mantle of his mentor. I find myself needing a “double portion” of God’s spirit today. As I looked out the window this morning, I saw that our precious pine tree was now completely felled, with all of it branches cut off. Since her felling last October, she has been with us in a different way; a reminder of the fragility of life. Her wood is intended to be used for a Cross that will stand on the property, aligning her with the Paschal Mystery of Christ’s death and Resurrection. The Gospel today is the one we hear on Ash Wednesday and one that signals the beginning of Lent as we join our minds and hearts with the mystery of Jesus’ suffering and death on a Cross. It seems appropriate for a day when there is a double portion of sadness as the mantle of greenery that this pine tree wore is removed from her and yet there is the hope that she will “rise” again, passing the mantle of life to become a symbol of hope in the Resurrection. In the meantime, there is another pine tree near by that is being “choked” by bittersweet. I feel compelled to free him/her. I think I’ll need a double portion of energy to do that! If I think of Petronella’s mantle being passed to another pine, maybe I’ll receive what I’m asking for. WOW! Reading this two years later prompted me to reflect on the mystery of God’s time. As you have seen, the pine tree was “raised” up in the form of a cross and the other pine, Skye, was freed from the bittersweet and seems to be doing ok. I wrote about Skye this past week. A "Good" Retreat6/18/2024 Tuesday of the 11th Week in OT
I expected that I would be asked the question “Did you have a good retreat?” at some point today, either by other retreatants or the Jesuits with whom I live. It’s a standard question after a retreat. Unlike the question, “How was your retreat” which is more open-ended, the first question presumes that the retreat was “good.” If you asked someone that question and they responded it was really “bad,” I imagine you’d be startled. Yes, I know, that some people have “bad” retreats in that they didn’t connect with their director, didn’t like the food, the liturgies, the weather…. But most retreatants at a beautiful and peaceful place like Gonzaga EPRH, have a “good” retreat. And what is it that makes it “good.” I reflected on that this morning since the first words I heard from one of the directors was “Did you have a good retreat? If you’ve been reading my reflections this week, culminating in the poem “Weathervane” you know that I had a “good” retreat. In addition to the beautiful sunrises, including the “waterspout” one, the boat trip circumnavigating Cape Ann, and the exquisite peace and silence here at EP, what made it “good” for me was that it was “good for me.” It is what I needed. I especially needed to finish that poem! But, most of all, I felt that God was listening. How good it is to be heard! It’s really good for the soul! When we go through times in our lives when we feel that our prayers fall on deaf ears, it’s good to have those times when we do feel that someone is listening. And I felt that Jesus was present in a way that I have been longing for and have not experienced in some time. For years my criteria for a “good” retreat was if I felt recharged and looking forward to a return to engaging in ministry. My retreat was the battery that kept me going through all the challenges of full-time ministry. Since I’m not returning to full-time ministry, I have the time to deepen the prayer experience of these days and see where the Spirit leads. This morning the sun was blocked by a cloud bank so there wasn't much to see, but after it had risen, there were some beautiful images of light filtering through the clouds as you can see from the photos above and below. 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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