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.
1 Comment
Ed Dailey
6/30/2024 05:08:19 pm
"such abundance in my poverty" brings tears to my eyes. We love you, Bob....
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Leave a Reply.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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