At various times, for our own reasons we have felt within us an ache – for something that seemed unable to be satisfied. We have felt a longing – for things to be different than they are. Often, it’s a personal ache: for a spouse to love us as they once did, for a departed … Continue reading “Ache”
Category: Communion
Treasures
St. Lawrence, whose feast day is next week, fits well with Jesus’ teaching this Sunday; “the Community of God is like a treasure.” Lawrence lived in Rome and was a deacon among disciples (?225-258). He served his faith community by caring for those who were poor, distributing the goods of the community to people according … Continue reading “Treasures”
Nature
Jesus’ deep connection with nature is apparent in his parables. We see it this Sunday with his parable about the sower, the seeds, and the ground on which the seeds fall. The wise people listening know Jesus is speaking truths about nature as well as truths about humanity. People who are wise are like nature. … Continue reading “Nature”
Bread of Life
In the Gospel, Jesus is called the Bread of Life, meaning a source of nourishment shared for all. Jesus calls disciples to be nourishing as well. Helping to nourish people, physically and spiritually, is a basic ingredient of discipleship in Christ. As author Monika Hellwig wrote, disciples learned that to be true to Jesus they … Continue reading “Bread of Life”
Abundant Life
Jesus spent his life in nature. He consistently identified with nature. He used nature in his parables. He used it for metaphors when teaching people about life. Jesus is speaking about nature, sheep and shepherds specifically, and about life in general this Sunday when he says, “A thief comes only to … destroy; I came … Continue reading “Abundant Life”
Presentations
Included in this Sunday’s Gospel are the stories of Simeon and Anna. They are both prophets who happily receive Jesus and present prayers of thanksgiving in response. Simeon and Anna are just a few of the many common people who are drawn from the background to the foreground in the Gospel. The Gospel’s habit of … Continue reading “Presentations”
Bringing People to Prayer
Prayer is the loving communion we all share with God. Jesus embodied and shared that loving communion at the heart of prayer. He tells a parable of a Pharisee and a tax collector in this Sunday’s Gospel to exemplify his witness. Jesus tells the parable to explain the difference between his own witness of prayer … Continue reading “Bringing People to Prayer”
Pesky Widows
Pesky widows are a power to be reckoned with. I know. I had a pesky widow for a mother. Jesus’ choice of a pesky widow with a legal concern in this Sunday’s parable extolling prayer is intriguing. It is a remarkable reversal of the Old Testament example of a pray-er who is extolled. The Old … Continue reading “Pesky Widows”
Gratitude
Gratitude is showing appreciation, for life in general or for a kindness done to us or a benefit received. A leper shows gratitude in this Sunday’s Gospel. Jesus comes upon 10 lepers and tells them, “Go show yourselves to the priests.” It seems a fool’s errand. Priests do not receive unclean people but are responsible … Continue reading “Gratitude”
Foresight
Foresight is mental preparedness. It focuses disciples on the Community of God. Our foresight about the Community of God can be diverted by such things as wealth. In the Old Testament wealth tends to be seen from the point of view of those who have it. They believe it is a blessing from God. The … Continue reading “Foresight”