Franciscan Gospel Reflections from the Hermitage for 2022-2023

DEDICATIONTOOURFRANCISCANSAINTBLESSEDDUNSSCOTUS

StFrancistellsusquitesimplyhowheenvisageslivingaGospellifecentredonthepursuitofGodin solitudeandfraternalcaringforoneanotherthatcanonlybecharacterizedonlybyamother’slove andachild’ssimpleacceptance’Thisdescriptionofamother’sloveandachild’ssimpleacceptance usedbyRegisleftme‘gobsmacked’tousethisveryBritishidiom.Ispentsomeweeksintherather weirdsituationofseekingaphilosophicalargumentforthesourceofknowledgeleadingtohuman rationalitywhilebelievingthatitisnot,ineffect,theintellectualizedideaofknowledgethatleadsto rationality.Tryingtodisprovetheproof,usingtheveryargumentsoftheproof;thiscircularproblem leftmyheadspinning.

Myownexperienceconvincedmethattherewasanexperienceofloveonwhichwebuiltour knowledgeofrationalbeings.TofindmeupagainsttheteachingsofAristotleastakenupbySt ThomasAquinasaswellascontemporaryphilosophydidnothelpthesituation.Thealltoosolid Aristotelianideaofknowledgemovingfromexperiencetoknowledgethroughunderstanding,thento judgmentandthewillandfinallyleadingustolove,appearedunassailable

Itwasthereforelikeachildwithanewtoy,thatIdiscoveredtheteachingofBlessedJohnDunsScotus. ItisScotusstatesunequivocallythatphilosophersarewrongInhisrejectionoftheover intellectualizedphilosophicalviewofthesupremacyoftheintellect,ScotusarguesthatOrderedlove, notknowledge,definesandperfectshumanrationality.

HumandignityhasitsfoundationinrationalfreedomIncontrasttothephilosophical,intellectualist modelofhumannatureanddestiny,theFranciscanoffersandstrengthenstheChristianalternative, centerednotmerelyonknowledgebutonrationalloveTheFranciscantraditionconsistentlydefends apositionwhereinthefullestperfectionofthehumanpersonasrationalinvolveslovingintheway Godloves,ratherthanknowinginthewayGodknows(Ingham&Dreyer2004:78) ThiswasthebrilliantintuitionofFrancisinhisprimitiveruletowhichDunsScotusgivestherational explanation.

Scotusasks;’Doesthisinferthatwecanlovewhatwedonotknow?ForScotus,thisisnotalicit questionbecauseloveandknowledgearenotofthesameorder,justasgoodnessandtrutharenot ofthesameorder,andthereforetheactofloveisdistinctfromtheactofknowingastheseactsare distinctfaculties.Throughknowledge,weareinformedoftheobjectofourlove.Byourlove,weare attractedtotheobjectofourknowledgeHere,IbelieveistheFranciscananswertosuchdifficult questionsasthejuxtapositionofMercyandJusticewhichplaceGod’sactionswithinourtemporal ideas;implyingGod’sactionstakeplaceintime;asthoughGodfirstknowsandthenloveorwhofirst appliesjusticefollowedbymercy.ScripturetellsusthatGodisLoveanditisthereforethatverysame relationalLovethatknows

CONTENTS PAGE

THECHURCHYEAR 4

THEADVENTSEASON 6

ADVENTSUNDAYONE:STAYAWAKESPIRITUALWHITESPACE 8

ADVENTSUNDAY2:AWAKENFINDINGTHETRUESELF 10

THIRDSUNDAYINADVENT:THEGREATSCANDAL 13

FOURTHSUNDAYINADVENT:GOD’SPLANFORMYLIFE 15

CHRISTMASINAFRICA 19

PRAYERS&BLESSINGS 20

THESTORYOFFRANCISANDTHEFIRSTCRIBATGRECCIO 26

CHRISTMASDAYMASSOFTHESHEPHERDS 29

CHRISTMAS:FEASTOFTHEHOLYFAMILYGOD’SPROJECT 31

SOLEMNITYOFMARY,THEHOLYMOTHEROFGOD 34

CHRISTMASEPIPHANYOFTHELORDGIFTSFORTODAY 38

CHRISTMASBAPTISMOFTHELORDACALLTOTHEBELOVED 40

SECONDSUNDAYINORDINARYTIME:VENDETTAISENDED 44

THIRDSUNDAYINORDINARYTIME:ENDINGTHEBLAMEGAME 46

FOURTHSUNDAYINORDINARYTIME:THEBEATITUDES 48

FIFTHSUNDAYINORDINARYTIME:SALTTHATPRESERVESCANALSOCORRUPT 51

SIXTHSUNDAYINORDINARYTIME:THEENDOFVIOLENCE 54

SEVENTHSUNDAYINORDINARYTIME:LOVETHATHEALSANDRESTORES 56

LENT:AJOURNEYINTOTHEDESERT 59

THEUNFOLDINGSTORYOFSIN,RIGHTEOUSNESS,ANDJUDGEMENT 61

THEBURDENOFSIN:PASSINGTHEAPPLETOTHESCAPEGOAT 63

SINTHATDEMANDSPAYBACK:SINBECOMESBIGBUSINESS 65

RIGHTEOUSNESS,JUDGEMENTANDPUNISHMENT 66

FEARANDTHEEVOLUTIONOFSATAN:THESTRUGGLEBETWEENGOODANDEVIL 68

FIRSTSUNDAYINLENTYEAR:INSEARCHOFAUTHENTICITY 70

SECONDSUNDAYINLENT:TRANSFIGURATION 73

THIRDSUNDAYINLENTYEAR:THESAMARITANWOMANATTHEWELL 76

FOURTHSUNDAYINLENT:ADDICTIONTOOURILLUSIONS 81

FIFTHSUNDAYINLENT:WHOAMI? 85

HOLYWEEK2023SCHEDULE 89

PALMSUNDAY:ANOINTINGOFTHECHRIST 92

EASTERSUNDAY:THERESURRECTIONOFTHELORD 101

DIVINEMERCYSUNDAY:SECONDSUNDAYOFEASTER 105

THEROADTOEMMAUS:THIRDSUNDAYINEASTER 108

LIFETOTHEFULL:FOURTHSUNDAYOFEASTER 112

FIFTHSUNDAYOFEASTER:ONLYLOVEKNOWSTHEWAY 115

SIXTHSUNDAYOFEASTER:BUILDINGANEWWORLD 118

THEASCENSIONOFTHELORD 122

PENTECOSTSUNDAY 125

THEMOSTHOLYTRINITY 129

THESOLEMNITYOFCORPUSCHRISTI 134

11thSUNDAYINORDINARYTIME:THEHARVESTISRICHBUTTHELABOURERSAREFEW138 12thSUNDAYINORDINARYTIME:DONOTBEAFRAIDOFTHOSEWHOKILLTHEBODY141 13thSUNDAYINORDINARYTIME:FISHLOVE 144 14thSUNDAYINORDINARYTIME:LONELINESS 147 15th

SUNDAYINORDINARYTIME:SEEDSOFMINDLESSNESS 151 16thSUNDAYINORDINARYTIME:THECAVEOFTHEHEART 155 17thSUNDAYINORDINARYTIME:GODHASAPLAN 159

TRANSFIGURATIONOFTHELORD 163 18thSUNDAYINORDINARYTIME:GENEROSITY 165 19thSUNDAYINORDINARYTIME:REBIRTHOUTOFCHAOS 169

ASSUMPTIONOFOURMOTHERMARY(20thSunday)

THECHURCHYEAR

ReligioustimesandseasonsThechurchyearhasdeeprootsintheprimitivehuman impulsetomarkcertaintimeswithsacralsignificanceandritualobservance.These aretimeswhenconsciousattentionisgiventothemysteriousforcesthatsurround andinvolvealllivingcreaturesinthenaturalandinexorablecyclesoflightand darkness;labourandrest;birth,growth,death,anddecay

Twointerrelatedcycleshavehadprimaryimportanceintheshapingofreligious calendars.Oneiscosmic:thephasesofthemoonandthesolarequinoxesand solstices.Theotheristheperiodicsuccessionoftheseasonsofnaturethat determinestimesofsowingandreaping.Bothcyclesspeaktothemysteryofbirth, death,andrebirthandtohumandependenceuponthefecundityoflifegiveninthe naturalcreation. AselectionofsacredreadingsfromtheScripturecollatedwithintheLectionaries (Latin:lectionarium)areorganizedintothreeyearcyclesofSundayreadingsThe yearsaredesignatedA,B,orCEachyearlycyclebeginsonthefirstSundayof Advent(theSundaybetweenNovember27andDecember3inclusive).

YearA:GospelofMatthew YearB:GospelofMark YearC:GospelofLuke

TheGospelofJohnisreadthroughoutEaster,andisusedforotherliturgicalseasons includingAdvent,Christmas,andLentwhereappropriate.

THEADVENTSEASON

TheAdventseason(fromLatinadventus,“coming”)isatimeofpreparationand reflection,hopeandanticipation.AsixweekseasoninwhichthecomingofChristin hisNativityisoverlaidwithasecondthemeoftheSecondComingattheendoftime. ThisinterweavingofthethemesoftwoadventsofChristgivestheseasonapeculiar tensionbothofpenitenceandofjoyinexpectationoftheLordwhois“athand.”

AlthoughtheSundaysinAdventrankassolemnities,theGloriaisnotsungorsaidat MassUnlikeLent,thereisnorestrictionontheuseoftheorganandothermusical instrumentsduringthisseasonThealtarmaybedecoratedwithflowers,although theiruseshouldbemoderatesoastohighlightthesolemnityofChristmas.The violetvestmentsandantependiausedduringAdventmaybedifferentindesignfrom thoseusedforLent.RosevestmentsmaybeusedontheThirdSundayinAdvent (LaudeteSunday).

TheuseofthewreathandcandlesduringAdventarealongstandingCatholic traditionthatwasoriginallyadoptedbyChristiansintheMiddleAgesaspartoftheir spiritualpreparationforChristmasThewreathandcandlesarefullofsymbolism tiedtotheChristmasseasonThewreathitself,whichismadeofvariousevergreens, signifiescontinuouslifeThecircleofthewreath,whichhasnobeginningorend, symbolizestheeternityofGod,theimmortalityofthesoul,andtheeverlastinglife wefindinChrist.Threeofthecandlesarepurplebecausethecolourvioletisa liturgicalcolourthatsignifiesatimeofprayer,penance,andsacrifice.TheAdvent wreathdoesnotreplacetheuseofAltarcandles.

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Thefirstcandle,symbolizeshopeandissometimescalledthe“ProphecyCandle” inremembranceoftheprophets,especiallyIsaiah,whoforetoldthebirthof ChristItrepresentstheexpectationfeltinanticipationofthecomingMessiah

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Thesecondcandle,representsfaithItiscalledthe“BethlehemCandle”asa reminderofMaryandJoseph’sjourneytoBethlehem.

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Thethirdcandleispinkandsymbolizesjoy.Itiscalledthe“Shepard’sCandle,” andispinkbecauseroseisaliturgicalcolourforjoy.ThethirdSundayofAdvent isGaudeteSundayandismeanttoremindusofthejoythattheworld experiencedatthebirthofJesus,aswellasthejoythatthefaithfulhave reachedthemidpointofAdvent.

OnthefourthweekofAdvent,welightthefinalpurplecandletomarkthefinal weekofprayerandpenanceaswewaitforthebirthofourSaviourThisfinal candle,the“Angel’sCandle,”symbolizespeaceItremindsusofthemessageof theangels:“PeaceonEarth,GoodWillTowardMen”

Thereisanadaptationwherebyawhitecandleisplacedinthemiddleofthewreath andlitonChristmasEve.Thiscandleiscalledthe“ChristCandle”andrepresentsthe lifeofChrist.ThecolourwhiteisforpuritybecauseChristisoursinless,pureSaviour.

ADVENTSUNDAYONEYEARA

STAYAWAKESPIRITUALWHITESPACE

Matthew24:3744

TheSonofManiscomingatanhouryoudonotexpect

Thewindatdawnhassecretstowhisper,donotgobacktosleep!RUMI

Isittoolate?Areweproclaimingthegospeltoafewclosefriends,whiletherestof theworldqueuesuptobuythelatestIPhone?

ButIdeserveit,itismyfreedom,anditismydreamtolive!ThisfirstlittlestepandI havewalkedfreelyintomyownillusion.Hereinmycomfortableslumber,thereisno thoughtofpoverty,hunger,sickness,death,orthepornographyofwar;theseareall aclickawayinanotherworld.No,nosuchmorbidthoughtsforme!

Andso,theyearsflowtogether,withallthemanypreparationsthatoccupyus, preparationsforholidays,preparationsforcelebrations,preparationsforthenext contest,thenextpageant,thenextproject,thenextpurchase,busy,busy,andbusy withsomanythings…

Thesealsomergeastheyearspass,untilallwehavetimeandstrengthonlyforthe preparationsforthisday.Yetformanythepreparationsofthisdaywillnotbe fulfilled.Asyoureadthisshortreflection,750peoplewilldie.

Onedaythiswillalsobeourdaytodie,andforsomeoneitistodayForalltoomany ofus,evenforthosewhoareelderlyorsickly,themomentofdeathwillcome suddenly,willcomeunexpectedlyandwillfindusunprepared;willfindusclutching andgraspingatallthosepeopleandthingsthatwemustleavebehind.Allourpride, allourprestige,allourwealth,allthosehonourswehavehoarded,allthepromises ofeternallove,allwewillhavetolayaside.

Thegospeliseverfruitfulandwillfinditsplacetogrow.ThisAdventisatimeto breathe,atimetoputasideourgrievance,atimetoletgo,andatimetoprepare.

Thispreparationcallsonustospendregulartimeinquietandsolitude.Whenweare quietandbyourselves,thedeepestthoughtsandquestionsinourmindcansurface soyoucanwrestlewiththeminprayerwithGod.

LetusbecomeawareofGod’sLoveadmonitionstousinourdailylife,thatconstant presenceinthemanywaysthatcommunicateswithus.Letusawakenoursensesto theawarenessofGodWhenwedo,oursoulwillbecomerefreshedandourlifewill constantlygrow

Asweawakentoallthesethingsinourlives,letusnowmakeourownpreparations sothatthefinalmomentofgoodbyewillnotcatchusunprepared.Fullyawakeand fullyalive,nowisthetimetoacknowledgetheimportantpeopleinyourlife,to remembereachandeverytreasuredmoment,askforforgivenessandtoletgoof grievances,toexpressourgratitudefortheloveandcarewehavereceived,andto affirmourlove.

Thisisnotacompositionforsicknessandapproachingdeath,itisanotefornowin themelodyofourlife

ADVENTSUNDAY2YEARA AWAKENFINDINGTHETRUESELF

Matthew3:112

TheonewhofollowsmewillbaptiseyouwiththeHolySpiritandfire Deepwithinourancestrythereliesaneedtogather,tohoard,clingingto possessionsandeventopeople.Thisneedtranslatesalsointoourphilosophyand thewayweseetheworld:thisiscorrectthinking,thisistheworldandthisiswhatit meanstobeorthodox.

Weassociateourselvessostronglywithourideasofwhatisright,whatisproper, whatshouldbe,andwhatshouldnotbe,thatweinstinctivelylabelanydifferences toourwayofthinkingasheretical,asevil,asdisorderedthinkingtobedeniedand suppressedThisisme,withalltheideasintrinsictomybeingandsoIlashoutatthe other,“idiot,renegade”!

Yetifwewouldviewourselvesacrosstime,somethingmostunsettlingrevealsitself tous.Asayoungchild,IthoughtinacertainwaythatIjudgedmyselftobeinherent tomybeing.Timemovedon,andweviewourselvesasstudentswithnewthoughts andnewideas,changedfromourchildhood,butstillthisnewthinkinginherentto mybeing,intrinsictomypersonhood.Marriages,births,anddeathsastime progressedwithallthosenewrelationshipsandnewattachments

Yetstill,wethoughtofourselvesasthisunchangingbeingattachedtoallthose feelings,emotionsandjudgementsIthinkthereforeIamWearebeingsmovingin threedimensionalspacetime,continuallychanging,developingandevolvingand ourintrinsichumandignitydoesnotlieinanytwo-dimensionalsliceoftime.

JohntheBaptists’wordsareprophetic,speakingforeachoneofusalso,“theChrist mustincreaseandwemustdecrease”.Eachoneofusiscalledtopreparetheway fortheLordsothatwemaybecomethetrueimageoftheexemplar,thatdivine exemplaroftheChristthatisalreadywithinusWemissthemarkwhenwegive powerandauthoritytothepassionsanddramasthatweassociatewithourselves

Thesearealltheguisesofthefalseself,oftheegotisticbeingthatwemustdivest throughtheprocessofhumbleselfemptyingkenosis.

Thecalltorepentanceisacalltoanewwayofseeing,learningtoseewiththeeyeof theheart.Thiscallsonustoletgoofthetraditionalprogressionofbuildingblocksof judgementsthatrulewhoisworthyandwhoisunworthy.Kenosisistheoppositeof ourclingingtocontrolofthespaceandtimeasanunchangingsingularity.

Thisisacallforourheartstoresonatewiththatheartthatnowbeatswithinthe TrinitybeyondalltimeandspaceItisonlyfromthatbrokenheartthatwecan expandandincreaseourcapacityforcompassionandlovetoseeasGodseesandto lookuponcreationasgood.IncreasingthesizeoftheaperturethroughwhichLove canflowleadsustonewdimensions.

OnedayasSt.Franciswastravellingthroughthecountryside,hesawaleper approachinghimalongtheroad.Leprosywassomethingthatstillevokedrevulsion inFrancis,andthisleperhadmostofhisfaceeatenawaybytheterribledisease EveryinstinctinFrancistoldhimtoturnandrunaway,lesthehimselfbecome infected,buthecontrolledthisimpulseandtriedtoseetheleperasGodsawhim Withthischangedperception,Francisranuptohimandembracedandkissedhim onhisdiseaseravagedface.Immediatelytheleperheheldinhisarmswas transformed:beforeFrancisstoodthelivingformofJesustheChrist!

Inthisnewrealityofvulnerability,wecometothepossibilityofovercomingthose passions,illusions,addictions,andcompulsionsthatenslaveusandarethecauseof ourbeingstuckinourowncircleofsuffering.Indirectoppositiontotheclingingof ournature,wearecalledtoletgoofallthosecontrollingscriptsthatarenottrueto ourownhearts

Throughsacramentalgrace,wearegiventhenecessaryenergytomasterthe capacitytoremaininthatstateofresonatinghearttoheart,calmlyfocusingbeyond

theconstantchatterofourmindsandmovingintoastateofNous,themindofthe heartinthat‘spaceofNOWbetweenthenandafter’.

“Atthecentreofourbeingisapointofnothingnesswhichisuntouchedby sinandbyillusion,apointofpuretruth,apointorsparkwhichbelongs entirelytoGod,whichisneveratourdisposal,fromwhichGoddisposesof ourlives,whichisinaccessibletothefantasiesofourmindorthebrutalities ofourownwillThislittlepointofnothingnessandabsolutepovertyisthe puregloryofGodinusItissotospeakHisnamewritteninus,asour poverty,asourindigence,asourdependence,asourson(anddaughter)ship

Itislikeapurediamond,blazingwiththeinvisiblelightofheaven.Itisin everybody,andifwecouldseeitwewouldseethesebillionsofpointsof lightcomingtogetherinthefaceandblazeofasunthatwouldmakeallthe darknessandcrueltyoflifevanishcompletely...Ihavenoprogramforthis seeing.Itisonlygiven.Butthegateofheaveniseverywhere.”―(Thomas Merton,ConjecturesofaGuiltyBystander)

THIRDSUNDAYINADVENTYEARA

THEGREATSCANDAL

Matthew11:211

Sometimesfacingrealityaboutone’skinishardLikethegreatmystic,Thomas Merton,letuseavesdropasthatguiltybystanderontheeventsthatunfoldSt Francisadmonisheshisfollowersaboutthistypeofgreed,tellingthestoryofthose veryunhappysiblings,complainingbitterlyabouthowtheirparentshadsquandered theirinheritance,“whydidtheyneedsomuchtoliveon?”

Thenarrativealwaysfollowsthesamepattern:Iwastheonethatcaredforthem whiletheywerealive;theothershaveplentyinanycase,whyshouldtheyget anything;thisisthenarrativeofentitlementandexclusion;I’veworkedforit,I deserveit…theydonot!Andsojoyisturnedintosadness,lightintodarkness,and hopeintodespair

JesusproclaimsthekingdomofGod,fulfillingalltherequirementsoftheLawinhis lifedeath,andresurrectionInthisnewageofthesonofman,theLawiscompleted andanewandeternalcovenantinthebloodofJesusisestablishedwithhumanity.

ThisisthenewcovenantofMercy,forgivenessofsins,compassion,andLove…the CommandmenttoLoveeachotherasJesuslovedhisdisciples.

Alltheburdensofourgrievance,theexperienceofbrokenandexploitativeloveand mistrust,makeitimpossibleforustoenterintothatvulnerabilityofselfemptying LoveItisonlythroughthesacramentalgracebornthroughwaterandfireandthe ThanksgivingoftheEucharistthatGodgivesusthenewWayThisistheredemption thatthelawcanneverbringus

Manyhoweverdoubtthelargessofsuchgrace,bothinJesus'timeandamongus today.Theverysamenarrativeofthosesquabblingheirsthatfinditimpossibleto love,underliestheselfrighteousentitlementofthosewhoconsiderthemselves worthysothatothersmustbeexcluded.

EvenforthatgreatsaintandProphet,StJohntheBaptist,theincrediblelargess proclaimedbythekingdomofGod,wasadifficultthingtobear,andsodoubtcrept intohismind.HadhebeenmisledatthebaptismofJesus?Wherewasthe brimstoneandfirethatwouldwipeoutevil?AtthebaptismontheJordan,Johnhad firsthandexperienceconfirmingJesusastheChrist,yettheincredible,wondrous andawesomenewsproclaimedbytheKingdomofGodscandalisedthisgreat Prophet. ItisonlyoncewehavecometoexperiencethatgreatloveofGodmanifestedin JesusandsomanyofthesaintswhofollowedtheWay,thatwealsocanrejoiceand exultinsuchawondrousproclamationforallofhumanityandallofcreation.Thisis theGoodNewswecantrust!

Thankyoufortheearth,ourmother, shewhofeedsusandsustainsus; forherfruits,hergrass,herflowers, forthemountainsandtheoceans. Praiseforthosewhospreadforgiveness, thosewhoshareyourpeacewithothers, bearingtrialsandsicknessbravely Evensisterdeathwon’tharmthem ‘Praisebetoyou,OmyLord’. Forfireandwater, Lifeisbutasongofworship, andthereasonforoursinging istopraiseyouforthemusic, jointhedanceofallcreation!

FOURTHSUNDAYINADVENTYEARA GOD’SPLANFORMYLIFE Matthew1:1824

Promises,promises;thebigweddingisoff!Nowwhat…howtocontrolthesituation? Perhapsatriptoadistantcousinforaquickabortionoranarrangedadoption. Disgraceanddishonourofthefamilynamecaneasilyleadtofinancialruin…whatto do? Maryhasnostatusinsociety,orinlaw,andthedecisionstobetakenareallinthe handsoftheman,JosephJosephhasaplan!Wealwayshaveaplanafterallthatis theresponsibleway.GodhoweverhasanotherWay…butfollowingthewaysof dreamsandAngles…maybenot!

KingAhazinJerusalem,descendentofKingDavidoftheKingdomofJudahhasa problem.Heisconsumedwiththecomplex‘realities’ofinternationaldiplomacyand ahostofworldlyworries,caresandburdens.Heispreparingforwarandissearching forastrongalliancetodefeathisenemiesandsoturnstotheAssyriansastrong pagannation,whatwewouldrefertotodayasoneofthesuperpowers

IsaiahwarnsAhazofimpendingdisasterifhecontinueswiththisalliance,andthe prophecyandpromiseismadebyIsaiah;themaideniswithchildandwillsoongive birthtoasonwhomshewillcallEmmanuel,anamethatmeans‘Godiswithus’.The maidenreferstoAhaz’swife,butAhazhasnotimeforthisandcontinueswithhis ownplans. Ashasbeenforetold,Assyriaeventuallydoesturnfromdefenderandprotectorto colonizer,andtheKingdomofJudahcomestoanend.InourGospel,Matthewsees thisprophecyofIsaiahasbeingfulfilled800yearslateratthebirthofJesustothe VirginMary Ofteninourliveswealsofacedifficulties,problemsanddifficultdecisionslikeAhaz andMaryandJosephthatrequireaplan…anunplannedpregnancy…beingmade

redundant…apublicembarrassment…anunfavourablemedicaldiagnosis.Events thatcomeourwaysothatweareforcedtoseekanotheroption,asecondopinion.

Whatdoesitmeantohavetrustinthepromise,‘Godiswithus’?Forthoseofus whohavelivedlonglives,anyreviewofourjourneywillprobablyreflecteither regretatthosepathswehaveignored,thoseloveswehavedenied,wonderful opportunitiesthatweletgobybecausewestucktoourownplanandourown agenda

Howoftendowelookatourplansandambitionsinreviewoftheagesofourstory asGod’shumanfamily?Thenthereistheothersideofthisreview;wherewenever thoughtatfirstthatthisishowthingswillbe.Howverydifferentfrommyoriginal planthatIhadinmindformyfuture.AnacknowledgementthatGod’sPlanhas mademehappierandmorefulfilledthanIcouldeverhaveimagined.

Andsowehavethetwoexamplesbeforeus:AhazwhothoughtthathisownplanB ignoringGod’spromiseandplanforthefuturewouldbringsecurityandhappiness: MaryandJosephwhoalignthemselveswithGod’splansratherthattheirown desiresandaspirations,sothatthepromiseof‘Godwithus’becomesareality

AmIbusywithmyownplanstocontrolmyenvironment,family,abilitiesandstatus oramIaligningmyselfwithGod’splanformylife.DoItrustGod’splanintimewill bemoreandbetterthananythingIcouldthinktoaskfororimagine.

GodtoldtheProphetJeremiah,“ForsurelyIknowtheplansIhaveforyou,saysthe Lord,plansforyourwelfareandnotforharm,togiveyouafutureandahope.Then whenyoucalluponmeandcomeandpraytome,Iwillhearyou”(Jeremiah29:11 12)

AndasIsaiahsaystoday:“theLordhimselfwillgiveyouasign”Itwillbeasignto remindusthatGodis,indeed,withus.WhatisGod’splanforyourlife/whatisGod

callingyouto?Isaiahistellingustodaythat“Godwillgiveyouasign;asignto remindusthat”Godiswithus”.

SixteenhundredyearspassfromKingAhaz’sfranticplans.Masswiththereadingsin Latin,thepriestwithhisbacktothecongregation;agreatgulfbetweentheordinary personandthegreatsanctityofGod.ForalittlepoormanofAssisihowever,itisthe ideaofJesusChristbecomingonewithcreationasahelplessbabythatledhimto presentthefirstChristmascribsceneatGrecciointheReitivalley

Notonlywereweabletoholdthisinfantwhogiveshimselfintoourcare,butweare alsoabletoseetheworldthroughtheeyesoftheinfant,withaweandwonder,as good.ThisrepresentsapersonalGodwhobecomesonewithcreation,acreation thatisholytoreceiveHim,andthatisholyagainduetoHispresenceinthatcreation.

Beforetime,God’splantobeonewithandinGod’screation,sharingwithusGod’s eternallifeoftheTrinity,takingourlivesandourstrugglesintotheveryheartof GodGodwithusThemaideniswithchildandwillsoongivebirthtoasonwhom shewillcallEmmanuel,anamethatmeans‘Godiswithus’

SunandSisterMoon Iseldomseeyou seldomhearyourtune Preoccupiedwithselfishmisery BrotherWindandSisterAir Openmyeyestovisionspureandfair ThatImayseethegloryaroundme. IamGod’screature, ofHimIampart IfeelHisloveawakeningmyheart. BrotherSunandSisterMoon Inowdoseeyou, Icanhearyourtune SomuchinlovewithallthatIsurvey

CHRISTMASINAFRICA

ChristmasbeginsonChristmasEveandendsontheSundaycelebratingthe BaptismoftheLord.ThisusuallygivesusaChristmasseasonofaround20daysor so.Intheoldertradition,beforetheSecondVaticanCouncil,theChristmasseason lastedawhole40days,echoingthe40daysofLent.

DECEMBER2021

24Saturday ChristmasatGreccio 25Sunday BirthofOurLordJesusChrist 26Monday SaintStephen,thefirstmartyr 27Tuesday SaintJohntheApostleandevangelist 28Wednesday HolyInnocents 30Friday TheHolyFamily

JANUARY2022 1Sunday MaryMotherofGod 2Monday SaintsbasiltheGreat&GregoryNazianzen 3Tuesday MostHolyNameofJesus 8Sunday Epiphany 9Monday BaptismoftheLord

CHRISTMASINTHEWEST

DECEMBER2021 24Saturday ChristmasatGreccio 25Sunday BirthofOurLordJesusChrist 26Monday THEHOLYFAMILYOFJESUS,MARYANDJOSEPH 27Tuesday SaintJohntheApostleandevangelist 28Wednesday HolyInnocents

JANUARY2022 1Saturday MaryMotherofGod 2Sunday Epiphany 9Sunday BaptismoftheLord

PRAYERS&BLESSINGS

BLESSINGOFACHRISTMASTREE

TheuseoftheChristmastreeisrelativelymodern.Itsoriginsarefoundinthe medievalmysteryplaysthatdepictedthetreeofparadiseandtheChristmaslight orcandlethatsymbolizedChrist,theLightoftheworld.Accordingtocustom,the ChristmastreeissetupjustbeforeChristmasandmayremaininplaceuntilthe SolemnityofEpiphany.Thelightsofthetreeareilluminatedaftertheprayerof blessing.

InthehometheChristmastreemaybeblessedbyaparentoranotherfamily member,inconnectionwiththeeveningmealontheVigilofChristmasoratanother suitabletimeonChristmasDay.

Whenallhavegathered,asuitablesongmaybesung.Theleadermakesthesignof thecross,andallreply“Amen.”

Theleadermaygreetthosepresentinthefollowingwords:LetusglorifyChristour light,whobringssalvationandpeaceintoourmidst,nowandforever R/Amen

Inthefollowingorsimilarwords,theleaderpreparesthosepresentfortheblessing: Mybrothersandsisters,amidstsignsandwondersChristJesuswasbornin BethlehemofJudea:hisbirthbringsjoytoourheartsandenlightenmenttoour minds.Withthistree,decoratedandadorned,maywewelcomeChristamongus; mayitslightsguideustotheperfectlight.

OneofthosepresentortheleaderreadsatextofsacredScripture,forexample, Titus3:4(lines47)orEzekiel17:22(lines2224;Iwillplantatendershootonthe mountainheightsofIsrael.)

Reader:TheWordoftheLord. R/.ThanksbetoGod.

Theintercessionsarethensaid.Theleadersays:LetusaskGodtosendhisblessing uponusanduponthis signofourfaithintheLord. R/.Lord,givelighttoourhearts.

Thatthistreeoflightsmayremindusofthetreeofgloryon whichChristaccomplishedoursalvation,letuspraytothe LordR/ ThatthejoyofChristmasmayalwaysbeinourhomes,let uspraytotheLord.R/.

ThatthepeaceofChristmaydwellinourheartsandinthe world,letuspraytotheLord.R/.

Aftertheintercessionstheleaderinvitesallpresenttosaythe Lord’sPrayer

Theleadersaystheprayerwithhandsjoined:

LordourGod, wepraiseyouforthelightofcreation: thesun,themoon,andthestarsofthenight. WepraiseyouforthelightofIsrael: theLaw,theprophets,andthewisdomoftheScriptures. WepraiseyouforJesusChrist,yourSon: heisEmmanuel,Godwithus,thePrinceofPeace, whofillsuswiththewonderofyourlove

LordGod, letyourblessingcomeuponus asweilluminethistree.

Maythelightandcheeritgives beasignofthejoythatfillsourhearts. Mayallwhodelightinthistree cometotheknowledgeandjoyofsalvation.

WeaskthisthroughChristourLord. R/.Amen. Thelightsofthetreearethenilluminated

Theleaderconcludestheritebysigninghimselforherselfwiththesignofthecross andsaying:

MaytheGodofgloryfillourheartswithpeaceandjoy,now andforever. R/.Amen.

Theblessingconcludeswithaversefrom“OCome,OCome,Emmanuel”:

Ocome,thoudayspring,comeandcheer ourspiritsbythineadventhere; dispersethegloomycloudsofnight anddeath’sdarkshadowputtoflight. Rejoice!Rejoice!Emmanuel shallcometothee,OIsrael. BlessingofaChristmasMangerorNativityScene BlessingoftheHomeandHouseholdonEpiphany

BLESSINGOFACHRISTMASMANGERORNATIVITYSCENE

InitspresentformthecustomofdisplayingfiguresdepictingthebirthofJesus ChristowesitsorigintoSt.FrancisofAssisi,whomadetheChristmascrècheor mangerforChristmasEveof1223.

TheblessingoftheChristmasmangerornativityscenemaytakeplaceontheVigilof Christmasoratanothersuitabletime.Whenthemangerissetupinthehome,itis appropriatethatitbeblessedbyaparentoranotherfamilymember.

Allmakethesignofthecrossastheleadersays:OurhelpisinthenameoftheLord. R/.Whomadeheavenandearth.

OneofthosepresentortheleaderreadsatextofsacredScripture,forexample, Luke2:1(lines18)orIsaiah7:10(lines1015,thebirthofEmmanuel)

Reader:TheGospeloftheLord. R/.Praisetoyou,LordJesusChrist.

Theleaderprayswithhandsjoined:Godofeverynationandpeople,fromthevery beginningofcreation

youhavemademanifestyourlove:whenourneedforaSaviourwasgreatyousent yourSontobebornoftheVirginMaryToourliveshebringsjoyandpeace,justice, mercy,andlove Lord,blessallwholookuponthismanger;mayitremindusofthehumblebirthof Jesus,andraiseourthoughtstohim,whoisGodwithusandSaviourofall,andwho livesandreignsforeverandever. R/.Amen.

BLESSINGOFTHEHOMEANDHOUSEHOLDONEPIPHANY

ThistraditionhasbiblicalrootsgoingbacktothestoryofMosesintheBiblewhen theIsraeliteswereaskedtoputthebloodofalamborgoatonthedoorpostand abovethedoorsofthehouses.Attheendofthefourthcentury,awomannamed EtheriamadeapilgrimagetoJerusalem.Herjournal,discoveredin1887,givesan unprecedentedglimpseofliturgicallifethere.Amongthecelebrationsshe describesistheEpiphany.Atthebeginningoftheeighthcentury,PopeSergius inauguratedacandlelightprocession;attheendofthesamecenturytheblessing anddistributionofcandleswhichcontinuestothisdaybecamepartofthe celebration,givingthefeastitspopularname:Candlemas.

For2022thisiswhatyouwillwriteonyourdoorinchalk: 20+C+M+B+22

Whenallhavegathered,asuitablesongmaybesungTheleadermakesthesignof thecross,andallreply,“Amen.”

Theleadergreetsthosepresentinthefollowingwords:LetuspraiseGod,whofills ourheartsandhomeswithpeace.BlessedbeGodforever.R/.BlessedbeGod forever.

Inthefollowingorsimilarwords,theleaderpreparesthosepresentfortheblessing: TheWordbecamefleshandmadehisdwellingplaceamongusItisChristwho enlightensourheartsandhomeswithhisloveMayallwhoenterthishomefind Christ’slightandloveOneofthosepresentortheleaderreadsatextofsacred Scripture,forexample,Luke19:19:

ListentothewordsoftheholyGospelaccordingtoLuke:

JesuscametoJerichoandintendedtopassthroughthetown.Nowamanthere namedZacchaeus,whowasachieftaxcollectorandalsoawealthyman,was seekingtoseewhoJesuswas;buthecouldnotseehimbecauseofthecrowd,forhe wasshortinstatureSoheranaheadandclimbedasycamoretreeinordertosee Jesus,whowasabouttopassthatwayWhenhereachedtheplace,Jesuslookedup andsaidtohim,“Zacchaeus,comedownquickly,fortodayImuststayatyourhouse” AndhecamedownquicklyandreceivedhimwithjoyWhentheyallsawthis,they

begantogrumble,saying,“Hehasgonetostayatthehouseofasinner.”But ZacchaeusstoodthereandsaidtotheLord,“Behold,halfofmypossessions,Lord,I shallgivetothepoor,andifIhaveextortedanythingfromanyoneIshallrepayit fourtimesover.”AndJesussaidtohim,“Todaysalvationhascometothishouse becausethismantooisadescendantofAbraham.”

Theintercessionsarethensaid:Leader:TheSonofGodmadehishomeamongus. WiththanksandpraiseletuscalluponhimR/Staywithus,Lord

Leader:LordJesusChrist,withMaryandJosephyouformedtheHolyFamily:remain inourhome,thatwemayknowyouasourguestandhonouryouasourHeadWe pray:R/.Staywithus,Lord.

Leader:LordJesusChrist,youhadnoplacetolayyourhead,butinthespiritof povertyacceptedthehospitalityofyourfriends:grantthatthroughourhelpthe homelessmayobtainproperhousing.Wepray:R/.Staywithus,Lord.

Leader:LordJesusChrist,thethreekingspresentedtheirgiftstoyouinpraiseand adoration:grantthatthoselivinginthishousemayusetheirtalentsandabilitiesto yourgreatergloryWepray:R/Staywithus,Lord

AftertheintercessionstheleaderinvitesallpresenttosaytheLord’sPrayer. Theleadersaystheprayerofblessingwithhandsjoined:LordGodofheavenand earth,yourevealedyouronlybegottenSontoeverynationbytheguidanceofastar. Blessthishouseandallwhoinhabitit.Fillthem(us)withthelightofChrist,thattheir (our)concernforothersmayreflectyourlove.WeaskthisthroughChristourLord. R/.Amen.

Theleaderconcludestheritebysigninghimselforherselfwiththesignofthecross andsaying:MayChristJesusdwellwithus,keepusfromallharm,andmakeusone inmindandheart,nowandforeverR/AmenItispreferabletoendthecelebration withasuitablesong,forexample,“OCome,AllYeFaithful”or“WeThreeKings.”

THESTORYOFFRANCISANDTHEFIRSTCRIBATGRECCIO

Christmaswas15daysawayFranciswasstayingatahermitageatFonteColumbo HehadjustcomefromRomethelasttime,forhewoulddieinthreeyearswhere thepopehadapprovedhisRule. HowtocelebrateChristmas?HerememberedhisvisittotheHolyLand,to Bethlehem.Whynot?Akindofreplicaofthemangerthere.Therewasacave,in Greccio...

Hehadagoodfriend,Giovanni(John)Vellita,whomhehadmetononeofhis preachingtoursJohnwasamilitaryman,lordofGreccio,justtwomilesaway FollowingFrancis,Johnhadrenouncedallworldlyhonoursandwastryingtolivea lifeimitatingthatofFrancisaswellashecould

Francis,withtheassuranceoffriendship,sentword:“Ifyouwanttocelebratethe FeastoftheLordatGreccio,hurryandpreparewhatItellyou.ForIwishtorecallto memorythelittlechildwhowasborninBethlehem.Iwanttosetbeforeourbodily eyesthehardshipsofhisinfantneeds,howhelayinthemanger,howwithanoxand assstandingnearbyhelayuponthehay.”

JohnbeganimmediatelyPeoplepreparedtorchesandcandlestolightupthenight Themangerwaspreparedinthecave,andtheoxandassbroughtinWhenFrancis cametothefriars’hermitage,hewasdelighted

Thegreateveningarrived.Peoplebegantocomeinprocession,carryingtheir torchesandcandles.Thewoodsrangwiththeirsong.Theywererediscoveringthe joyofchildhood. Asthevillagersandfriarscrowdedaround,apriestbegantheMass.Francisgavethe sermon:“ThesaintofGodstoodbeforethemanger,utteringsighs,overcomewith

loveandfilledwithawonderfulhappiness....HesangtheGospelinasonorousvoice, aclearandsonorousvoice,invitingalltothehighestrewards.

Thenhepreachedtothepeoplestandingaboutandspokecharmingwords concerningthebirthofthepoorKing,andthelittletownofBethlehem....Whenhe spokethename‘ChildofBethlehem’or‘Jesus,’histonguelickedhislips,relishing andsavouringwithpleasedpalatethesweetnessofthewords.”

TheaccountsdonotsaywhetherthechildwasalivingbabyoracarvedfigureItwas probablythelatter,foritisrecordedthatatleastoneoftheobservers“sawthe infantcomealive.”

FranciswantedtoshowthehardshipsJesussufferedalreadyasaninfant.Hesawthe emptyingofthegloryoftheSonofGod,bornofagentlemotherbutstillthrown uponastonyandresistingworld.

FranciswantedtorealizeandhelppeoplerealizeexactlywhatGodhaddoneforhis people,and“howpoorhechosetobeforoursakes”

Francishimselfhadchosenthebitterpovertyofbeingonthemarginofsociety,with noresourcesorsecurity.HesawtheSonofGodplacinghimself,asitwere,onthe marginofdivinity. HesawatrulyhumanJesus,notadivinebeinghidingbehindadeceptivephysical façade.ThehumilityoftheIncarnationandoftheCrosswashisconstant preoccupation.HewantedtothinkofnothingelseBethlehemandCalvary.

Hislifecantered,then,aroundpovertyandhumility,sistervirtuesHetoldhisfriars nottobeashamedtobeg,“sinceGodhimselfbecamepoorforoursakesPovertyis theheritagewhichourLordJesusChristhasacquiredforus”

FranciswouldoftenmeditateonthedesolationofChristandhisholymotherwith tears,andhemaintainedthatpovertywas‘thequeen’ofthevirtues,asshehad becomesoradiantlymanifestintheKingandhismother.”

Francis’loveandcompassionforthesufferingandPassionofChristweresodeep thathenolongercaredabouthisownpain.Intheyearafterthiscelebration,he wouldbesoidentifiedwiththesufferingChristthatthefivewounds,thewoundsof thestigmataappearedinhisbody

ItwasFranciswhothrilledtheCatholicworldwiththissimpleandfervent celebration.Afterhisdeathin1226,thecustomofhavingthecribatChristmas spreadwidelythroughEurope.

“Bythedawnofthebaroqueera,thecribsettinghadbecomeanintricatescenic landscape,andnumeroussecularfigureswerenowaddedtothoseoftheHoly Family,shepherdsandMagi.

Franciswouldprobablysmileatournicevarnishedcribsoftoday,thoughhewould blessanyhomethathasoneProbablyhewouldpreferthosesetupoutdoorswith liveanimalsAndifheweretostandbyoneandpreachtoday,hemightsay somethinglikethis: “Lookdeeperthanthispleasantscene.SeeyourGodbecomeyourfoodforeternity inafeedingplaceforanimals.Seethesimplebandswoundaroundthehelplessbaby, nottheembroidereddress.Seeamanandwomanwearingtheclothesofthepoor.

Seeandsmelltheanimals.Feelthecoldanddirtofthecave,lightedonlybyalittle fireAndadoreyourGod,whotookahumanheartthatcouldknowthegreatestlove andthesharpestpain,armsthatcouldembracethesinners,theoutcasts,thelepers, andhandsthatcouldtouchcheeksrunningwithtears,andbepiercedwithnails AdoreyourpoorandhumbleGod.”

CHRISTMASDAYMASSOFTHESHEPHERDS

Celebratedon25thDecember2022 Luke2:1520

Whentheangelshadleftthemandgoneintoheaven,theshepherdssaidtoone another,'LetusgonowtoBethlehemandseethisthingthathastakenplace,which theLordhasmadeknowntous.'So,theywentwithhasteandfoundMaryand Joseph,andthechildlyinginthemanger.Whentheysawthis,theymadeknown whathadbeentoldthemaboutthischild;andallwhohearditwereamazedatwhat theshepherdstoldthemButMarytreasuredallthesewordsandponderedthemin herheartTheshepherdsreturned,glorifyingandpraisingGodforalltheyhadheard andseen,asithadbeentoldthem.(Luke2:1520)

Whyareyousofavoured,oshepherds?Windsweptandunkemptwiththedank smellofthesheep,whyareyousoprivileged,oshepherdsofIsrael?Fromthetime ofAble,thefirstnamedShepherd,throughthosemanywhofoundyourfavour, Abraham,Lot,Laban,Moses,andyourbelovedDavid.Smellyandunskilled, relegatedtothelowerstrataofsociety,yetthesearetheoneswhofoundfavourin God’seyes;raisedaspriests,prophets,andkings

Farfromthecitydelights,farfromtheelaboratetempleworship,farfromthe debatesatthecitygates,thesearetheshepherdswhotodayannounceGod’swords infulfilmentofapromise,aMessiahisborn.

Thesearetheshepherdswhogazeintothenightsky,freeofdistractionsandall thosemanycompellingdrivesofstatusandachievement,opentohearingGod’s revelationinthebookofcreation.Theygazeuponthedancingstarsthatproclaim themostdistantpastofGod’sdictate,“lettherebe…”.

ThisWordthatspeaksthroughalloftimehasnowbecomeonewithusThisisa revelationalmostbeyondbearingasinthesilencewebegintohearthemelodythat accompaniesthedancingwithachingandexpandingheart.YouandI,merestmote

ofdust,ateaspoonofenergy,andaclotofblood,onewithandpartofGodin eternity. Amysticalinstantoftranscendentinsight,allofus,eachandeveryoneofthose dancingmotesofdust,partofaneternalandongoingcreation,partofthestoryof‘I am’,anoteinthemelodythatspeaksofwhoGodis,Inotethatspeaksofwho‘Iam’. OnthisChristmasmorningwetooareshepherdsfilledwiththespiritofGod, “speakingtooneanotherinpsalmsandhymnsandspiritualsongs,singingand makingmelodyinourhearttotheLord”

TheSongoftheShepherdBoyintheValleyofHumiliation byJohnBunyan

Hethatisdownneedfearnofall, Hethatislow,nopride; Hethatishumbleevershall HaveGodtobehisguide. IamcontentwithwhatIhave, Littlebeitormuch: And,LordcontentmentstillIcrave, BecauseThougavestsuch.

CHRISTMAS:FEASTOFTHEHOLYFAMILY GOD’SPROJECT Luke2:4152

Jesus,Mary,andJoseph,themodelofwhatafamilyshouldbe;yettherecanbeonly oneHolyFamilyofNazareth,andtobehonest,thisdoesn’tlookanythinglikeour families.Mary,the‘virginmother’,holyandconceivedwithoutsin,andherson, Jesus,theSonofGod.Andthenthereisthehusbandandtheprovider,Josephwho appearsinthisstorywithoutdialogue,silentinthefaceofJesusrebuke,“Whydid youseekme?Didyounotknowthatitisnecessaryformetobeinthehomeofmy Father?”Ouch!Thisisareminderofourownseraphicfather,StFrancis,whostrips himselfofclothingprovidedbyhisfatherPietroBernardoneandstandingnakedin thatcourtyardofAssisi,declares,“fromnowonIhaveonlyonefather,whoisin heaven”.LikeFrancisfather,thisisalsothelastappearanceofJosephinthesaga.

Achildbrideandnewmother,withherlabourerhusband,fleeingfromtheviolence ofdespoticleadershiptobecomerefugeesinaforeigncountry.Thisisastorythatis alltoofamiliarinourworld.Astorythatforsomanyendsinrape,torture,rejection, exploitation,andevendeathWeremindourselvesthatthissamerefugee,Jesusthe Nazarene,pointstotheserefugeesoftoday,andsays,“Hereismyfamily,my mother,mybrothersandmysisters”

Weobject,rationalize,afterall‘bloodisthickerthanwater’,areminderthatfamily bondsareeverything.Whenwesaythat‘bloodisthickerthanwater’,weareusing theterm‘blood’inthesamesenseas‘bloodrelations’,thoseinourimmediate family.Itisoftenusedasameanstoshamefamilymemberswhosidewith trespassersandoutsiders.HolyScriptureaffirmssomethingquitedifferent.‘The bloodofthecovenantisthickerthanthewaterofthewomb’;wehavethewhole thingbacktofront. The‘waterofthewomb’,ourfamilyrelationships,aresecondarytothe‘Bloodofthe Covenant’Itisonlybyredemptionthroughthis‘BloodoftheCovenant’,that reconciliation,purification,sanctification,andunionwithGodbecomereal.Wecan onlycallourselves‘blessed’intermsofthisfoundationalrelationshipwithGod.Itis

onlywhenwestartfromGod’stotallyunselfish,vulnerable,andfreeLovethatwe alsolearntheWaytoLoveinTruth.

Jesusstatesthatnoonecanbeatruediscipleunlessheorshefirst‘hatesfather, mother,wife,husband,children,brothers,sistersandevenhisorherownlife’. Familytiescanbecomeidolatrouswhenweallowthesebondstogetinthewayof thehigherdictatesofLoveandrespectwithinourcommondestinywithcreationand asthehumanfamily

Forallitssacrednessandimportance,naturalfamilymustalwaysbesubservientto thehigherfamily,thefamilyofcharity.Jesus,himself,clearlyaffirmsthiswhenhe says,“Whoaremymother,andbrotherandsisters?Thosewhohearthewordof Godandkeepit!”ThisisGod’sprojectandtheblueprintforourjourneyintothe HeartofLove. Weallbelongtofamilies.Manykindsofrelationshipsbondustocertainpeopleand separateusfromothersBlood,ethnicorigins,language,gender,country,religion, politicalaffiliation,ideology,asharedcause,asharedenemy,asharedhistory,or evenasharedwound;thesedivideusfromsomeandformusintoacertainnatural familywithothers

Allthesefamiliesaregood…butonlywhenitispreparedtostepasideateachand everypointwhereitfindsitselfblockingfundamentalLoveandrespectfortheneeds ofthelargercommunity.Allgroupsmustultimatelybesubservienttothefamilyof humanityandthenonnegotiabledemandsofLoveandrespect.Whenmembership inanygroupblocksGod’sproject,itbecomes,atthatmoment,idolatrous.

ThisistheprocessbywhichweexcludeothersandcreatescapegoatsFamilyis sacred,but,unlesstheserelationshipssubmitandaremouldedtothehighercallto Loveandrespect,itbecomesthegoldencalfItisthenthatwefollowourambitions awayfromGod’sblueprintforGod’sfamily,creation,andourlives.Thisotherroad leadstomuchsuffering,sadness,andultimatedespair.

Atthistimewhenverylittleisconsideredsacredorholy,wemustseekto understandwhatitmeanstobeholy,tobeblessed;toidentifytangiblepracticesin ourliveswherewe,togetherwithparents,grandparents,fosterparents,family members,andchildrencometogethertolearnthatsomethingsaresacred, deservingofourreverenceandworship.

SOLEMNITYOFMARY,THEHOLYMOTHEROFGOD

Celebrated1stJanuary2023

NEWYEARSDAY;forsomeofus,thisisagoodtimetothinkonthepastyearand friendsandfamilynolongerwithus;toconsideralsothepossibilityofmakinga significantnewstartinourlives,bothasindividualsandasmembersofourciviland churchcommunities.Withsomanyfamilydisasters,brokenrelationshipsandthe manytwistsofthepastyear,manywillbehappytoreflectonpossibleNewYear’s resolutions,tobringanewqualityandnewvaluesintotheyearjustbeginningNew YearsaredeeplyfeltbymostpeopleasatimeforaskingGod’sblessingontheyear ahead;astillunforeseenfutureholdingamixtureofbothhopeandfear

ThefirstreadingoffersustheassurancethattheGodweloveandworshipisOne whogoeswithusonourjourney,whoisgraciousandfamiliartous.AndtheGospel tellsofthewelcomeGodgivesus,sendingusHisSon,bornfromahumanmother, andbearingthename“Jesus”whichofferstheultimatesolutionforourhuman condition.

TheChurchproposesanotherimportantideatobecelebratedonthissignificant startdayoftheyearInthefeastofwesaythanksforthewonderfullyhumanway thatGodcameclosetous,throughtheMotherhoodofMary,theyounggirlfrom Nazareth.WerecalltherealJewishnessofJesus,whoseparentsbroughthimtothe TempletofulfiltheLawofcircumcision.

Bymotheringhim,MarynotonlygaveJesusabody,shealsofundamentallyshaped hispersonalityandmouldedhisearlyidentity.PartofhershapingofJesus’identity wasinthereligiousupbringingshegavehim,teachinghimthebasicsofprayerand lovetowardsGod,andhandingonthecoreofJewishbeliefinthereliablyfaithful God,whosefaithfulnesswasshownthroughthestoryofhispeople

ThespiritualityoftheMagnificatwouldhavebeentaughttoJesusbyhismother Mary’sMagnificat,atapestryandasongandamostprofoundjourney.Anexultation ofmercy,celebratingreversalsthatismostradicallythedisciple’sjusticeseeking

pilgrimage.ThisCanticleisaBiblicaltheologyinmotion.Itconveysthewhole majesticsweepof"JudeoChristianfaith"fromAbraham,SarahandHagar,through Mary’sgracedevents,untiltheendoftime.

TheMagnificatisarevolutionarydocumentofpassionateconflictandvindication, callingallbelieverstoajourneyofsolidaritywithalloppressedpeoples.Mary’sSong isthegreatnewCanticleofLiberation,praisingaGodwhohaspromised "community"withthosewhosufferfrompersonalandsystemicinjustice,andmore importantlyhasbeen"faithfull"tothosesustainingpromises

Mary’svocationisourvocation.Maryteachesuscourageandsolidarityinall liberatingstrife.Maryliftsupthesmallhorizonofoursightedvisiontotheabundant insightofhereboundarybreakingSon.TheCanticleofMaryisthesongbothofthe MotherofGodandoftheChurch;thesongoftheDaughterofZionandofthenew PeopleofGod;thesongofthanksgivingforthefullnessofgracespouredouton God’sfamilyandthesongofthe"poor"whosehopeismetbythefulfilmentofthe promisesmadetoourancestors,"toAbrahamandtohisposterityforever"(#2619)

FromhishomelifewithMaryandJoseph,Jesusfirstcametoknowthemeaningof faithfulloveinitshumanpracticalityThesecondreadingpointstothecosmic dimensionofMary’srole,thathertotal‘Yes’toGod,theSaviourwas“Bornofa woman,bornunderthelaw;”andsothedivineSontookahumanfaceandreceived ahumanname.

ItisadayforjoininginherdeepponderingontheWordofGod.Ithasbeen suggestedthatourloyaltytoourfaithisfoundedontheChurch’simages,metaphors andstories.TheMagnificatThePrayerOfMary

MysoulproclaimsthegreatnessoftheLord,myspiritrejoicesinGodmySaviourfor hehaslookedwithfavouronhislowlyservantFromthisdayallgenerationswillcall meblessed:theAlmightyhasdonegreatthingsforme,andholyishisName.Hehas mercyonthosewhofearhimineverygeneration.Hehasshownthestrengthofhis

arm,hehasscatteredtheproudintheirconceit.Hehascastdownthemightyfrom theirthrones,andhasliftedupthelowly.Hehasfilledthehungrywithgoodthings, andtherichhehassentawayempty.HehascometothehelpofhisservantIsrael forherememberedhispromiseofmercy,thepromisehemadetoourfathers,to Abrahamandhischildrenforever.(Lk1:4655)

AndthemostpowerfulimageofallisMary,theMotherofGod.Itallbeginswhena motherbringsherlittlechildtoseetheChristmascribThechildgazesinwonderat thisexoticsceneofangels,animals,shepherds,kings,motherandfather,all gatheredaroundalittlebabyinitscot“Whoisthebaby?”thelittlechildasks “ThatisJesus.”...“AndwhoisJesus?’“JesusisGod.”....“Oh.”thelittlechildsays.“And whoisthelady?’“ThatisMary,God’smom.”It’sahardstorytobeat.Itismany children’sfirstintroductiontotheologyandamosteffectiveoneatthat.

Nothinginlaterlifeshakestheirattachment.Theymaydisagreeandsometimes violentlywiththeChurch’spronouncementsoncertainissues.Theymayfallfoulof itsdisciplineinareasasintimateasmarriageandfamilylifeTheymaybe disillusionedbytheleadershipofpopeandbishops,orbythelifestyleoftheirclergy buttheyremainachildJesuswhoisGODWITHUS

ThemostpowerfulobjectofattachmentisthemetaphorofMary,theMotherof God.ResearchonyoungCatholicsshowsthattheMaryimagecontinuestobetheir mostpowerfulreligiousimage.Forsomeolderpeople,veryoftenmen,whose attachmenttoreligionwastenuous,tosaytheleast.Yettheycarriedintheirpockets arosarybeadsandstoppedoccasionallytopraybeforeastatueofOurLady.

There’sastoryheardfromnunswhotaughtgradeschool.OnedayGodmadeatour ofheaventocheckouttherecentarrivalsHewastakenabackatthequalityofmany ofthoseallowedinandhewentouttoconfrontPeteraboutit“You’veletmedown again”hetoldPeter“What’swrongnow?”Peterasked“Youletalotofpeoplein thatshouldn’tbethere.”“Ididn’tletthemin.”“Then,whodid?’“Well,Iturned

themawayatthefrontgate,buttheywentroundthebackandyourmotherlet themin.”

Itisthesortofstorythatmaymakeintellectualsandacademicssquirmornon Catholicssneer.ButitstrikesachordinourCatholicsensibility.Ittallieswellwithour conceptionofmotherandthegospelimageofMary.SheistheMotherofGod;the motheroftheChurchandourmothertooandlikeanymother,shewillnotbe resistedbybureaucraticredtapeorhairsplittingmoralists,whenitcomestothe happinessofherchildren

Iwouldsuggestthatthisisalsoagooddaytoreflectonamothers’loveforherson, Jesus.Herlovewasneitherselfishordemanding.Jesushadhisownvocationtofulfil andMarymustanddoesstandasidetogivefreedomtothelovebetweenMother andSon.ThisleadstoJesus’deepreverenceandrespectforpeopleandespecially thoseontheoutskirtsofsociety,thebroken,thepoorandthedespisedthatwesee soclearlyreflectedintheGospelstories.

TheMotherhoodofMaryandhergreatsongoftheMagnificatgivesusablueprint forourownreflectionatthestartofthisNewYear

CHRISTMASEPIPHANYOFTHELORDGIFTSFORTODAY

Celebratedon2ndJanuary2022(West)8thinAfrica (Mt2:112TheVisitoftheMagi)

Thegreatrevelationbeginswithlocalshepherds,unschooledanduninformed,far fromthecentresofinformationandinfluence.Swiftlyitmovesontothearrivalof foreigners,Zoroastrians,PersiansandMedes,astrologers,dreaminterpreters,and mystics.Hereweseetheforgottengiftsof‘presenceandacknowledgement’added totheworldlygiftssignifyingwisdom,holyspeech,andhumility.

Theseareforgottengiftsnowlittletreasured.Weliveinaworldfilledwithmystery andparadoxLife,death,love,suffering,andeventimeitself,movewithinour consciousnesswithouthavinganyapparentneedforourcooperation,classification, orconsentTheattemptsatmanipulationsoftheserealitiesleadtopride, disappointment,dissatisfaction,andcynicism.

Thisdesireforcontrolisattherootoffearthatfuelsourparanoia,andthatappetite forbadnews.Whenparanoiagripsourleaders,itislikeacreepingpandemicthat quicklyconsumeseverystrandofdailylife.SoitwasatthetimeofHerod’paranoia hadspreadtothepopulationofJerusalem.Apandemicoffearandparanoiais spreadingaroundtheworld.ThisistheantithesisofthejoyofthegospelofJesus Christthathasatitsheartacallto‘metanoia’,theoppositeofthisworld’s ‘paranoia’

Thecontemplativepracticeofthemysticbringsusintoadirectawarenessof presence,acknowledgingthesacrednessandbeautyofallcreationandofevery beingthatsharesinGod’sgreat‘IAm’.CreationandbeingarethegiftsofGodand sowerecognisethateachoneofusiscalledtobegiftstoeachother,aswearealso calledtobegiftstocreationandallbeings.Itisnotourcleverness,ourlearning,our achievements,orourstatusinsocietythatgiveusthisintrinsichumandignity.

TheMagiandtheirgiftspointuseverdeeperintotherevelationofthehumanface ofGodandthedivinefaceofhumanity.TherevelationofLoveincarnated.Thisis

thewonderfuldivineimaginationinwhichwe,allthelittleones,alltheforgotten ones,alltheuntouchables,allthedisplaced,andallthedespised,haveourbeing.

Thecontemplativewayofourmysticcallingreflectsaresponse,enteringinto communionwithallthese‘others’.Itisthecallthatemanatesfromtheinnerdepths ofourbeing,comingtorecogniseourselvesinthefaceoftheother.Incarnatedinto theJesusevent,wecometorecognisethesacrednatureofallcreation.Itisfrom thisrecognitionthatcompassion,mercy,andforgivenesstaughtbyJesusas‘The Way’,becomesasurprisingreality

Thecontemplativepracticeofthemysticbringsusintoadirectawarenessof presence,acknowledgingthesacrednessandbeautyofcreationandofeverybeing thatsharesinGods’great‘IAm’.CreationandbeingarethegiftsofGodandsowe recognisethateachoneofusarecalledtobegiftsalsotoeachotheraswearealso calledtobegiftstocreationandallbeings.

ThroughtheIncarnation,thereflectionofthisintrinsicdignitybecomesvisibleItis thereforustobeholdwhenwebringourawarenesswithinthispresenceYetitis alwaysasurprisinggiftthatastoundsandamazes

Celebratedon9thJanuary2023 (Luke3:1516,2122)

Againandagain;howmanytimes,evenasIreceivegraceupongrace,Idothethings IdonotwishasIleftundonetheworkofLove,tohavemercyandtoshow compassion.ThisanguishedcallofGod’sholysaint,Paul,isechoedinthecriesofthe eminentdoctorofthechurch,Augustine.Toknowourselves,fromthegreatestto theleast,thisismycryasitisyourcry,thecryofallhumanity,thecryofGod’s creatures,andthecryoftheearth.Thisisourwoundedness,theincoherence betweenwill,intention,word,andaction.

Lookingtoourselves,allisdarknessandloss,angerandpain,butforGod,allthings areindeedpossibleTodaywearegiventheimageofourhopeAswegazeonJesus weseetotalcoherence,analignmentbetweenwill,intention,wordandaction.This iswhatitmeanstobebeloved,forGodtotakedelight,forGod’sWordandactionto beinaccordancewiththeblueprintforourlives.

TherecanbenodiscordancebetweenWordthatisalsoGod’sblueprint,incarnated andgiventousagainandagain.ThisWordisthesourceofallthatis,theSpiritof Godthatisitsactiveagent,thatburninglovethatcleansesandbringsjoy.Thatis whyGodspeaksintheformofcommandsthatcomeintobeing:lettherebelight; youmustandyoumustnot;God’sownimperativestowardsactionthatbringslifeto thefull Unfortunately,wedonothavethesamecoherenceasJesus,ourdirectseedoflove throughparents,grandparents,andcarerscometousthroughwoundedness.Itis becauseofthisthatourintentionsaremuddiedandunclearandveryoftenformed byselfinterest,selfishness,andmisguidedunderstandingofthewillofGod.Perhaps thegreatestincoherence,usurpingGod’simperativeformofcommandtoourselves, therightofjudgementandcondemnation.

Thisisthenatureofourhumanjourney;thenatureofourstructuresand organisations;thenatureofreligionitself…Toclaimforitselfinvincibilityofright judgement,oforthodoxy.ThisisalsothestoryofScriptureandthestoryofour woundedness;alwaysclaimingforourselvesthatwhichcanonlybereceivedasagift. Webearthewoundednessofourancestorsclaimontheknowledgeofgoodandevil. Webearthewoundednessofourancestors’claimtoeternallife.Webearthe woundednessofourancestors’prideseekingtomakeanameforthemselvesby reachingintotheheavens Jesusholdsupamirrorforustoseethepossibilityofbecomingthatwhichwe alreadyarewithin,receivedatourveryoriginsinthewatersoflife.Theverybreath ofGod,theRuahaspeakingusintobeing,callingusintobecoming,begettingusalso asBeloved. Throughbaptism,eachofusthroughblessingandhealingofwoundednessbecomes abelovedsonandabeloveddaughterofGod.Recallingandrenewingourbaptismis anacknowledgementoftheawarenessofthisrealitywhichbecomesthedriving forceinourlives

Throughourbaptism,eachofusiscalledbytheSpiritofFireandPower,calledby LovetobecometheLightintheworld,givingbirthtotheWordwithinus.Through ourBaptismwearecalledtogointoalltheworldwithboldnessandconfidence,to proclaimtheGospelingratitudeandpeace,glorifyingtheLordbyourlives.Baptism isforusthecrossroadbetweentheOldandtheNew.AlivedexperienceofGodwho speaksintoourexperiences,walkingwithusinthejourneyofourlives.ThisisGod, theauthorandspeakeroflife;theBirtheroftheCosmos,ourfirstancestor….botha FatherandaMother. ThejourneyofthisNewYearcallsonustowalkagainwithLukeaskingthequestion of“whoisthisGodthatJesusmakesknowntous’

Misdirectionispossible;misdirectionisareality…thehistoriesofourReligionsand ourChurches;thehistoriesofourownfamilies;allgiveampleevidenceof

misdirection,Illusion,andguilt.Thismisdirectionisthebloodiedhistoryofthose wholeadusintotheshadowyworldoftheirowncreation.Throughthismisdirection, wecannolongerseeandknowTruth.Themisdirectionleadsusto‘missthemark’, themeaningofsin.

Lord,teachustofirsthumbleourselvesbeforeyou.Onlyafterwehavebeen baptisedwilltheheavensbeopened,theSpiritdescendsonusinbodilyshape,likea dove,andyourvoicewillproclaimthatweareyourBelovedandyourfavourrestson usLord,guideustobesilentwhenwewouldjudgeandcondemnthroughour prejudiceLetthisbecomearealityinourlivesasweprayeverydaythatwemaynot judgethatweourselvesmaynotbejudged.Then,likeJesus,wewillbereadyto commitourselvestothenewventureyouhavecalledusto.

Lord,forgiveusthatasaChurchwetendtocometootherswithfeelingsof superiority.HelpusratherseeyoursonJesusinwhateverculture,Ethnicgroup,race, orsocialclassyouinviteustoenter.

LetusbecomeGod’sblessingpresentintheworldinourintentions,inourwords, andinouractionsAswewalktowardsthismaturityasyourdisciples,helpusto maintainsilenceuntilourwordscanbringtrueblessingandjoytoourbrothersand sistersandtheworldaboutus.

Insteadofspeakingourown‘mustandmustnot’,letusseektogetherthenatureof God’sblueprintforallofGod’screation,fromtheleasttothegreatest.Loveisthe beginningandLoveistheonlyanswer,God’sLovethatmustcontinuallygiveitself away,neverclingingtoanythingforitself.Judgement,condemnation,and enforcementcanneverreplacethiscallandthisbeginning;firstcomesLove.

ORDINARYTIME

OrdinaryTimeiscalled"ordinary"notbecauseitiscommonbutsimplybecausethe weeksofOrdinaryTimearenumbered.TheLatinwordordinalis,whichrefersto numbersinaseries,stemsfromtheLatinwordordo,fromwhichwegettheEnglish wordorder.Thus,thenumberedweeksofOrdinaryTime,infact,representthe orderedlifeoftheChurch,theperiodinwhichweliveourlivesneitherinfeasting(as intheChristmasandEasterseasons)orinmoreseverepenance(asinAdventand Lent),butinwatchfulnessandexpectationoftheSecondComingofChrist It'sappropriate,therefore,thattheGospelfortheSecondSundayofOrdinaryTime (whichisactuallythefirstSundaycelebratedinOrdinaryTime)alwaysfeatures eitherJohntheBaptist'sacknowledgementofChristastheLambofGodorChrist's firstmiracle,thetransformationofwaterintowineattheweddingatCana

SECONDSUNDAYINORDINARYTIMEYEARA2023

VENDETTAISENDED

John1:2934

Celebratedon15January2023

AndwhentheAdvocatecomeshewillprovetheworldwrongconcerningsinand concerningrighteousnessandconcerningjudgement…John16:8

Fastforward,andeventhissameJohntheBaptistgetsitwrong,doubtingand scandalisedatthegratuityofferedbytheLambofGodOurGodwalkswithus throughthehistoryofwhoweare,whomwearebecoming,andthefinal emblazonedgloryofwhomweweremadetobeasGod’sfamilythatisrevealedin theChristeventandtheongoingprocessofChristogenesis.

Thisisaprocessthatmovesusthroughtheblindingdarknessofunknowingintonew insight,lettinggoofoldparadigmsandpatternsthathavekeptussofearfully enslavedandleadingalwaysintothereactiveviolenceoravoidanceandcompromise Thisisespeciallytruewithinourselveswherewearecalledtofaceourownviolence, ourfear,andourillusions,bringingthemintothelightandallowingtheLoveofGod withinustotransformusalsointothatpatternofChrist

ItwasinspiritualdarknessthatStFrancisplumbedthedepthsandtheheightsof contemplativenonviolence.Heexperiencedthefullnessofnonviolent,sufferinglove forChristandallhumanity.

JohntheBaptisttestifiestoJesusofNazarethastheSonofGod,theLambofGod whotakesawaythesinoftheworld;THEsinThisisJesustheChristwhoexposes theverynatureofthesinoftheworldJesustakesuponhimself,takesintohimself, allignorantviolence,whetherprofaneorsacredfortheyknownotwhattheydo takesintohimselfthroughthatfinallossofcontrolthatleadsintotheheartof darknessofdeath,andtransformsitintonewlifeandlight

JesustheChristtakesintohimselftheworstofthesicknessofevilandviolenceand transformsintowondrousnewlife.Jesusshowsusthatitisnotinreactionary

defence,preemptivestrikes,retaliationorevenbyavoidancethatevilisovercome butbyfusingitwithinourselveswiththatLovewhichisatthecoreofourbeing.

Thisistheway,theonlyway,forbothyouandmetotransformevilintogood…this isthepatternofredemptionforallofhumanitysothatinChristwearenolongerthe victim,nolongerhelpless,forhehasgivenusvictoryoverdeath…victoryoverour addictiontooursuffering,ourvictimhood.

Jesusshowsusonthecrosshowtoholdthepainandletittransformus,ratherthan passitontoothersaroundusLoveconquersviolenceasitconquersdeathWhen weunderstandthiswearetrulysetfree.

InStFrancis,ourseraphicfatherweseetheiconofsuchfreedom.StFrancis embracedsimplicityandpoverty,servedtheneedyandlivedinpeaceand nonviolence,lovingfriendandenemyalike.Thisisthemightysocialethicthatweas Franciscansarecalledtoproclaim.IfthewholeworldpracticedtheFranciscanethic ofsocialjusticeandnonviolence,hungerandwarfarewouldend.

PopeFrancisespeciallyspeaksoutagainstthosewhowoulduseviolenceinthe nameofreligion,“Letussayoncemoreafirmandclear‘No!’toeveryformof violence,vengeance,andhatredcarriedoutinthenameofreligionorthenameof GodTogetherletusaffirmtheincompatibilityofviolenceandfaith,beliefand hatred.”

THIRDSUNDAYINORDINARYTIME-YEARA2023

ENDINGTHEBLAMEGAME

Matthew4:1223

Celebratedon22January2023

ThetribeofZebulunderiveditsmoneyfromitsportsandaccesstotheseaIthelped supportthetribeofIssacharwherethemostimportantscholarsoftheIsraelites originallylivedThetribeofNaphtalihaditsupsanddownsitshistoryincludes incompleteobedienceandshadesofcowardice,butitalsoincludesbraveryunder GideonandGodlysupportofKingDavid

Sophistication,wealthandphilosophycometothisareaoforiginalblessingyetthey weredespisedandostracisedbyobservantOrthodoxJews.Withallofthis,weare toldthattheirpopulationhadmovedintodarknessandintotheshadowofdeath. Howdoesthishappentopeople?Asalways,theansweris,littlebylittle!

Aswithparanoia,thejourneybeginswithpride,havinganexaggeratedsenseofour ownabilities,insight,andimportanceFromthisitisaneasysteptobecoming intolerantofotherpeople’sopinionsandneeds,becomingdisdainful,impatient, angryanddismissive...allthesignsofthebully.Withoutproperillumination,this darknesscansoeasilycreepintoownheartswhereitsflamesarefedbytheego defendingitselfinatranceofdenial…itisalwaystheotherperson’sfault. Rationalizingourmotivesandactionsisthedefaultsetting.

ItisinthisareathatJesusmakeshisheadquartersandbeginshisministry.Itishere thatJesuscallshisfirstdisciplesItisherethatthekingdomofGodisfirstproclaimed Jesushasnotimetheblamegame,andhisstrongestadmonitionsareagainstthe leadersofthosepiousobservantOrthodoxJewsJesustrulydoesbringgoodnewsto thosewhoaredespisedandostracised…thoseonthefringesofreligioussociety.

Jesusteachesusthewaythatweourselvesmustfollow.Thecalltorepentisnot madetoshameordisgraceothers,whichisalwayscounterproductiveby strengtheningthedefencemechanismoftheego.Jesuscalltorepentancerequires ustolookfromanewperspective,tochangeourfocus,movingtheattention

outsideoftheself,understandingourinterdependencewithothers,acknowledging commonhumanity,andincreasingempathyandcompassion.

Itisfromthisdynamiccompassionatestancethatweareabletoengageour awarenessofthepresentmomentinanondefensiveway.Enteringintoanon judgementalmodeofobjectivity,weencounterthetruththattransformsourlives andallowsustogroweverydimensionofourhumanjourney.Thiswasthegreat healingthatJesusbroughtintopeople’slives

Mindfulnessandthedetachedawarenessthatcomeswithit,facilitatesaninclusive identity,especiallyinmomentsofconflictwhenouridentityorcorevaluesare challenged.Ifyouridentityisinclusive,webecomecooperativeandcompassionate towardothersratherthanonlyworkingtohelpourselvesandourimmediatecircle.

ThisisthehealingthatJesusbroughtintopeople’slives.Thisisthehealingthatwe alsoarecalledtoproclaim.

ThisisourwayofgoingaroundtheworldasStFrancisadmonishedus:Itruly counsel,admonishandexhortmyfriarsintheLordJesusChrist,thatwhentheygo aboutthroughtheworld,theyarenottoquarrelnorcontendinwords,norare theytojudgeothers,buttheyaretobemeek,peaceableandmodest,kindand humble,speakinguprightlytoall,asisfitting.

THEBEATITUDES (Matthew5:112)

I’msoblessed,I’vejustlandedmydreamjob!I’msoblessed,Ihavesuchtalented, perfectchildren!I’msoblessed,we’vejustboughtourperfecthome!I'msoblessed toliveinsuchbeautifulcountry.TheseareactualpostsfromSocialmediathat remindsusthatJesusunderstandsourheartstodayasmuchasthoseofhislisteners 2,000yearsagoOurheartsarecorrupt,eventhoughwetrytodisguisethat corruptionoutwardly

Jesususesanumberofimagestodepictourhumancondition:Wearesickandin needofaphysician.Wearelostandneedtobefound.Weareguiltyandinneed forgiveness.Wearedistressedanddowncastandneedashepherd.Weareblindand needsight.Weareindarknessandneedlight.Wearedeadandneedlife.Weare spirituallyhungryandthirstyandneedbreadandwater.Weareinbondageand needfreedomWearepossessedandneeddeliveranceWeareconfusedandneed toknowthewayWearetroubledandneedpeaceWeareidolatrousandneedto knowGod

Anynarcissisticrebrandingexerciseonsocialmediajustain’tgoingtogetthejob done!No,beingblessedisnotaboutsummoningthegenieoutofthelamp!Jesusis accurateindescribingthesufferingsthathavebefallenus.ForHim,however,these werenotthefinalfactsaboutus.OurconditionwasneverhopelessinHissight.Why? BecauseHealwaysviewedpeoplefromthevantagepointofGod’sredemptive purposes.Hecametoseekandtosavethatwhichwaslost!

Jesusstandsbeforeustotellusthat

Blessedarethepoorinspirit,fortheirsisthekingdomofGodBlessedarethe agnostics;thosewhodoubt;thosewhoaren’tsure,whocanstillbesurprised

Blessedaretheywhoarespirituallyimpoverishedandthereforenotsocertainabout everythingthattheynolongertakeinnewinformation.Blessedarethosewhohave

nothingtooffer.Blessedaretheyforwhomnothingseemstobeworking.Blessed arethepoorinspirit.YouarealreadypartoftheKingdomofGodandJesusblesses you.

Blessedarethosewhomourn,fortheywillbecomforted.Blessedaretheyforwhom deathisnotanabstractionbuthaveburiedtheirownlovedones;thoseforwhom tearsareasrealasanocean.Blessedaretheywhohavelovedenoughtoknowwhat lossreallyfeelslikeBlessedarethemotherswhohavemiscarriedBlessedarethey whodon’thavetheluxuryoftakingthingsforgrantedanymoreBlessedarethey whocan’tfallapartbecausetheyhavetokeepittogetherforeveryoneelseBlessed arethemotherless,thealone,andtheonesfromwhomsomuchhasbeentaken.

Blessedarethosewho‘stillaren’toverityet’.Blessedaretheywholaughedagain whenforsolongtheythoughttheyneverwould.Blessedarethosewhomourn.You arealreadypartoftheKingdomofGodandJesusblessesyou.

Blessedarethemeek,fortheywillinherittheearth.Blessedarethosewhonoone elsenoticesThekidswhositaloneatthelunchtablesThelaundryguysatthe hospitalThesexworkersandthenightshiftstreetsweepersBlessedarethelosers andthebabiesandthepartsofourselvesthataresosmallThepartsofourselves thatdon’twanttomakeeyecontactwithaworldthatonlylovesthewinners

Blessedaretheforgotten.Blessedarethecloseted.Blessedaretheunemployed,the unimpressive,andtheunderrepresented.Blessedaretheteenswhohavetofigure outwaystohidethenewcutsontheirarms.Blessedarethemeek.Youarealready partoftheKingdomofGodandJesusblessesyou.

Blessedarethosewhohungerandthirstforrighteousness,fortheywillbefilled.

Blessedarethosewronglyaccused,theoneswhonevercatchabreak,theonesfor whomlifeishard,fortheyarethosewithwhomJesuschosetosurroundhimself

BlessedarethosewithoutdocumentationBlessedarefosterkidsandtrophykids andspecialneedkidsandeveryotherkidwhojustwantstofeelsafeandlovedand neverdoes.Blessedarethosewhohungerandthirstforrighteousness.Youare alreadypartoftheKingdomofGodandJesusblessesyou.

Blessedarethemerciful,fortheywillreceivemercy.Blessedarethosewhomake terriblebusinessdecisionsforthesakeofpeople.Blessedaretheburntoutsocial workersandtheoverworkedteachersandtheprobonocasetakers.Blessedarethe kidswhostepbetweenthebulliesandtheweak.Blessedaretheywhodeletehateful, homophobiccommentsofftheirfriend’sFacebookpage.Blessedaretheoneswho havereceivedsuchrealgracethattheyarenolongerinthepositionofeverdeciding whothe‘deservingpoor’areBlessediseveryonewhohaseverforgivenmewhenI didn’tdeserveitBlessedarethemercifulfortheytotallygetitYouarealreadypart oftheKingdomofGodandJesusblessesyou

JesusdidnotconsiderhisequalitywithGodandsomethingtobeexploited,but insteadcametousinthemostvulnerableofways…asapowerless,fleshandblood newborn.Asthoughtosay,youmyhateyourbodies,butIamblessingallhuman flesh.Youmayadmirestrengthandmight,butIamblessingallhumanweakness. Youmayseekpower,butIamblessingallhumanvulnerability.

ThisJesuswhomwefollowcriedatthetombofhisfriend,andturnedtheother cheekandforgavethosewhohunghimonacrossJesusisGod’sBeatitudeGod’s blessingtotheweakinaworldthatonlyadmiresthestrong,successfuland important.

Maybeyouaremourning,feelingabandoned,abused,unseenorcastaside.Perhaps youarealltooawarethatitisnotyourstrengthandvirtuethatqualifyyoutobe calledblessed,butyourneedforaGodwhomakesbeautifulthingsoutofdustand brokenvessels.

Itisnotyourabilitytodoforyourself,butyourhungerthatqualifiesyoutobefed withthefoodofLifeForitisabeatitudemealthebroken,blessedandgivenbody ofChristSoasyoucome,beholdwhoyouareAndastheblessingsJesus pronouncedonthemountsolongago…knowthatitisherethatyoubecomewhat youreceive.

FIFTHSUNDAYINORDINARYTIMEYEARA SALTTHATPRESERVESCANALSOCORRUPT

Matthew5:1316

Celebratedon5February2023 WecannotlivewithouthopeYoucannotlooktothefutureifyoudonotfirstknow howtovalueyourselves,ifwedonotfeelthatourlife,ourhands,ourhistory,is worthanythinghopeisbornwhenyouareabletofeelthatallisnotlostandfor thistohappenitisnecessarytostart‘athome’,tobeginwithyourselfNot everythingislostIamnotlostIamworthsomething,Iamworthy

Becauseofthepropertiesofsalt,ithasalwaysbeenassociatedwithWisdom.Salt actsinpreserving,purifyingandprotectingfromcorruptionthoseauthenticvalues thatbringforththebestofwhatitmeanstobehuman.Yetatthesametime,salt cancauseusexcruciatingpainwhenappliedtoanopenwound.Whenourteachings andcodesdevalueothers,ourwordscancauseothersgreatpainIfourworthis seenfromaparticularlyprivilegedposition,itisdifficult,ifnotimpossibletotruly understandthedamagewearecausingspeakingaboutyourbeautifultalented childrentothosewhohaveburiedachildTalkingaboutyourluxurycruisetothose strugglingtofindthenextmeal.

Asthereligiouswordsthatdevalueothershavebecomecanonised,havebecome ritualisedandsacralizedoverlongperiods,wearenolongerabletoseethesuffering thattheycause.Thisisthenatureofdiscriminationthatseparatesandexcludes, ‘wordswhichmakeyoufeelsecondrate,evenfourthrate’.HowoftenGod’sWord withinScriptureiscaptured,manipulatedandusedtoenslave,tobelittleandto corruptButperhapsthegreatesttemptationthatwemayfaceisthepresumption thatwearecalledtodefendGodandtodefendournotionofGod’swillandGod’s HolyWord.

Dothereligiouswordsthatweusehaveintegrityandcoherence?Ontheonehand, wewillspeakbeautifullytheexaltedstatethatthelaitysharesthroughbaptism: “Thefaithfulexercisetheirbaptismalpriesthoodthroughtheirparticipation,each accordingtohisvocation,inChrist’smissionaspriest,prophet,andking”(CCC1546).

Aslongasthesepriests,prophetsandkingsremainsilentintheassemblyofthe churchallaswell.Whenitcomeshowevertoactionagainstdisgracedclergy,we speakofthembeing“reducedtothelaystatus”.Thelanguageusedbecomes strippedofitsintegrityandcoherence.

Clericalismmakesitsclericssuperiortotherestofthechurchinpower,the presumptionofholiness,absoluteparochialauthorityandasthekeepersof accountabilityItmovesclericslightyearsawayfromtheJesuswho"didnotsee beingequaltoGodathingtobeclungto"

Thetheologyofpriesthoodinsiststhattheontologyofthemalehumanbeingis changedbypriestlyordination.Translation…themalepriestisnotlikeotherhuman beings.Ordinationgivesthemaspecialmark,aneternalone.Then,fromthat reasoningtheyconnecttheirspecialcharacter,theirspecialplaceinthechurch,their specialauthority,theirspecialholiness.Thistypeofdoubletalkwhichlacksintegrity andcoherencebecomesforusstumblingblockaswegrapplewithwhatitmeansto have‘intrinsichumandignity’

Thislossofintegrityandcoherencecausesadissonancewithinourselvesa disquietingdisconnectThepreachertothePapalhousehold,ReneiroCantalamessa, referstotheintellectualsuicidethataccompaniesalltypesoffundamentalism. Thereisanevendarkersidetothisgreatdisconnect,thisinternaldissonance,which takesholdofourhearts;thisishypocrisy!

Hypocrisyisdefinedassimulatingqualitiesinafalsepretenceofbeingholyor virtuous.Hypocrisyhasplayedasignificantroleinthehistoryofbigotry,wars, persecution,churchstaterelationships,and‘selectiveindignation’.Jesusstrongly condemneditandtheprojectionwhichnamecallingaccusationsandscapegoating ofteninvolve

Darknessofheartwillgrandstand,“lovethesinner,buthatethesin”,aphrasethat injures,demeans,judges,andostracisespeoplewhoaremadeintheimageofGod. AttheheartofJesus’lifeandministryisthewayhedrewpeopleclosetohim,

listenedtothem,touchedthem,brokebreadwiththem,weptwiththem,and treatedthemwithdignity,asequals.

Ourseraphicfather,StFrancis,understoodhowsuchcreepinghypocrisycouldenter intoourheartsandsowarnedusnottogoabouttheworldcontendingabout words…“Whentheygointotheworld,theyshallnotquarrel,norcontendwith words,norjudgeothersasbecomestheservantsofGodandthefollowersofmost holypoverty”

ThisistheholypovertythatsavesusfromimposingourwillonthemeaningofGod’s Word.

SIXTHSUNDAYINORDINARYTIMEYEARA

THEENDOFVIOLENCE

Matthew5:1737

Jesusextendsthehorizonsofunderstandingbeyondphilosophyandevenbeyond humanwisdomJesusaccomplishesthedemandsofthelawandinstitutesthenew kingdomofGod,hereandnow,withyouandwithme,eachoneofusasGod’schild andasGod’sfriendThisisthenewage,thenewdispensationandthenew CovenantofLoveBeyondthehorizonsofthelaw,eachfamilymemberisnow valuedbeyondmeasureandnooneistobeaccountedasfoolish,empty,ofno account..asworthless.Inthelightofthesenewfamilyties,thisbondoflovemoves usfarbeyondthedemandsofthelawandthehurdlesoforaltraditionsurrounding thatlawasscrupulouslyfollowedbythescribesandthePharisees.

TheinterchangingofkingdomofGodforkingdomofheaveninMatthewreflectsthe piousJewishinjunctionagainsttheuseofGod’snameJesusisteachinghisdisciples asheisteachingus,howtolivewithinthisnewdispensation,thisnewcovenant withinthenewageofreignofthekingdomofGodThisisnotsomeescapeplanfor afterourdeath,thisishowwearetoliveintheworldasGod’sfamilyandas brothersandsisterstoeachother.ThisistherealityandthetruthoftheEucharist thatweshare,thebodyandbloodofChrist,separateineach,yetoneinall.Godnot onlywithus,butinusasweinturnbecomeoneinChristBody.Assoonaswecan begintoseetheTruthhere,theTruthwillbeseeneverywhere.

ThevistaofthisnewhorizonthatJesuspresentsisasawesomeasitcanbe disconcertingTheparadoxofthecrosshasindeedlaidbaretheintentionsofour heartsandthetruenatureofallviolenceSacrificeandsacredviolenceisbuiltinto theverypsycheofhumanityasthatcommercialexchangeofunblemishedvictim scapegoatonbehalfofthecollectivegroupThepassionanddeathofChristwithin thismould,isoftenportrayedastheperfectsacrifice,beingthepatternforourown lives,withtheresurrectionandglorificationbeingseenasGod’ssealofapproval. Thisistheblueprintforallreligionofsacrificeandsacredviolencesincetheearliest dawnoftime.JesustheChristbrakesthismouldtoteachusanewway.

Godhasbeenwalkingwithusthroughallthishistory,replacinghumansacrificeas hesaveslifeofIsaac,endingthecommercialexchangeinanimalsacrificeasJesus freestheanimalsfromthetemplecomplexandthenfinallytakingtheplaceofthe sacrificiallambandtheescapinggoat(Scapegoat).Throughthecross,theIncarnate WordofGod,Jesus,becameascapegoatatthehandsofsinfulhumanityinorderto freeusfromthesinofscapegoating,ourbrokenconceptionofavengefulGod,and thefoundationalsinsofrivalrywithGodandeachother

WithoutapersonalrelationshipwithGodwhoiswithusandinusineachand everyeventofourlives,andinhishumanityasJesus,wecontinuetobefearfulof theterrorofhistoryandwillreturnagainandagaintothetradingfloorandtothese foundationalsinsofrivalrywithGodandeachother.Judgingothersaslesser,as unworthy,openingthedoortoangerandviolence.Whenthisjudgementand condemnationisplacedwithinareligiousandspiritualarena,itbecomesthevilest formofabuse.

Let[thebrothers]notbeangry,for“whosoeverisangrywithhisbrothershall beindangerofthejudgement.Andwhosoevershallsaytohisbrother,Raca, shallbeindangerofthecouncil.Andwhosoevershallsay,Thoufool,shallbe indangerofhellfire”Andletthemloveoneanother,astheLordsays:“This ismycommandment,thatyouloveoneanother,asIhavelovedyou.”And letthemshowtheirlovebytheworkstheydoforeachother,accordingas theApostlesays:“letusnotloveinwordorintongue,butindeedandin truth.”Letthem“speakevilofnoman,”normurmur,nordetractothers,for itiswritten:“WhisperersanddetractorsarehatefultoGod”Andletthembe “gentle,showingallmildnesstowardallmen(sic).”Letthemnotjudgeand notcondemn,and,astheLordsays,letthemnotpayattentiontotheleast sinsofothers,butratherletthemrecounttheirowninthebitternessoftheir soul.(FIRSTRULEOFTHEFRIARSMINORPar11)

SEVENTHSUNDAYINORDINARYTIME LOVETHATHEALSANDRESTORES

Matthew5:3848

Celebratedon19February2023

But…suchasmallword,yetpackedwassomuchpowerJesususesthispowertoday toraiseoureyesfromournavelgazingtoahigherlevelofthatnewhorizonwithin theKingdomofGodHereweareshownthetruenatureofGod,ourownnatureof Godwithin,Godwithus,andthenatureofallcreationdowntothesmallestquark andlepton

ButJesushasalsolookedintothedarknessoftheabyssandunderstandsthetrue natureofevilandwarnsusinthemostdirect,thestarkestterms,thatwemustnot giveoursharedpowerofcreationtoanyevilJesusisnottellingustosubmittoevil, buttorefusetoopposeitonitsowntermsWearenottoletevildictatethe methodsofouropposition

Jesusisurgingustotranscendbothpassivityandviolencebyfindingathirdway,one thatisatonceassertiveandyetnonviolentThecorrecttranslationwouldbetheone stillpreservedintheearliestrenditionsofthissayingfoundintheNewTestament epistles:"Donotrepayevilforevil"Thepowerfulandtherichmayscoffatsuch paltryeffortstoconfrontevil,butletusrememberthatthepowerofthecrosswas alsohiddenforthosewhosawitasascandal

Evilmustandwillalwaysengulfitselfwithitsowndarkmatter,extinguishingitselfin itsbanalityThesethewordsofHannahArendtasshealsolookedintotheabyssof darknessbutproclaimsthatonlygoodhasanydepthGoodcanberadicalevil canneverberadical,itcanonlybeextreme,foritpossessesneitherdepthnorany demonicdimension

Howoftenwealsousetheword,buttoextinguishthelightofthegospelto trivialiseandtodomesticatethewordsofJesus?Thusitisthatevilcanspreadlikea fungusoverthesurfaceoftheearthandlaywastetheentireworld

StAugustineagreedthatthegospelteachesnonresistance,andthereforedeclared thataChristianmustnotattemptselfdefence,BUTifsomeoneisattackingmy neighbour,thenthelovecommandmentrequiresmetodefendmyneighbour,by forceofarmsifnecessaryThusisopenedthedoortothejustwartheory,the militarydefenceoftheRomanEmpire,andtheuseoftortureandcapital punishmentFollowingthislead,Christianshaveeversincebeenjustifyingwars foughtfornothingmorethannationalinterestas"just"

Evilcomesfromafailuretothink.Itdefiesthoughtforassoonasthoughttriesto engageitselfwithevilandexaminethepremisesandprinciplesfromwhichit originates,itisfrustratedbecauseitfindsnothingthere.Thatiswhatistermedas the“banalityofevil”.Discoveringhoweasyitisforeachoneofustoslipinto fundamentalismandthis“banalityofevil”issomethingthattakesmostpeopleby surprise…anditisalessonwehavetolearnoverandoveragain.

Discoveringthishigherlevelandthisnewhorizonofthegospelmessageasopposed toatritemessagethatsuitsuscanalsobeapainfulsurprise.TheGospelwarnsus aboutreadingthemessagethroughourculturalandethnicprejudices…against judgementsthatwesolightlymaketoostraciseandtoexcludeourbrothersand sistersfromthecommunityofthechurch,thetableoftheLord,andthekingdomof God.

Wearewarnedaboutdisregardingthefirstandonlycommandmentofuniversal loveandcompassion…ignoringthehiddenhorrorsofsexism,racism,elitism, culturalimperialismandreligiousintolerance…alltheseevilthingswhichcomefrom withintheworstofthehumanheartandmakehumanity,makeus,andour communitiesunclean.Wemaypostureandcryoutintravail“neveragain,never again”,butunlesswereachintoourownheartstoextinguishthosehiddentiesto the“banalityofevil”,thedarknessoftheabyssisbutabreathaway.

Takepityonus,Lord,takepity: wehavehadourfillofcontempt Oursoulshavehadtheirfill ofthelaughteroftherich, ofthecontemptoftheproud

Beyondevil,thegospelisastoryofhealingandHope,andwearecalledtobe peopleofHope.LovehealsandLoverestores.Ithinkthateachofus,nomatterwhat wehavegonethrough,nomatterwhatwehaveseen,havewithinusthatdeep desiretoreturntothepuritythatlieswithinus.Thatisthedignityofallcreationthat loverestores.

LENT:AJOURNEYINTOTHEDESERT

RetreatingtothesolitudeofthedesertmeansthatwearestuckwithourselvesIn thetraditionofMosesandJesus,thedesertfathersandthedesertmotherswho wanderedintothedesertenteredawild,fierce,unknownplacewheretheywould encounterboth‘demonsandangels’;theirownshadowyselveswhereinliesboth goodandevil,goldandleadThesemenandwomenrefusedtodeceivethemselves byimaginingthatretreattoadesertmeantfreedomfromtheworldThehardest worldtoleave,theyknew,istheonewithintheheart Ourjourneyintothedesertisnotaccomplishedbycompletingatodolist.Lossand griefareanintrinsicpartofallaspectsofourlivesincludingourspiritualjourney.Life ischangeWeundergochange,loss,andgrieffrombirthonwardEveryventurefrom home,everymove,everyjoborstatuschange,everylossofaperson,apet,belief, everyillness,everyshiftinlifesuchasmarriage,divorce,orretirement,andevery, kindofpersonalgrowthandchange;acauseforgrief.Theseareour‘littledeathsof life’. Afterwehaveencounteredandembracedthisdeathandgrief,thelossofour investmentintheassumptionsaboutself,life,andtheworld,wearecapableofthat spaciousnessneededtotakeGod’shand.Itisonlyafterthisdeathandgrief,thatwe openourselvestothatvulnerabilityofleadingalifeofdailyconversion,centredon prayer,metanoia,andcontemplationItisonlythenthatwecanhearGod’sWordso astolivefrom‘GospeltolifeandlifetoGospel’

ItisonlythenthatwewillbecomeheraldsoftheGospelandinstrumentsof transformationandpeaceintheworld.Withoutthismetanoiawehavenothingto saytotheworld.

THEUNFOLDINGSTORYOFSIN,RIGHTEOUSNESS,ANDJUDGEMENT

Nevertheless,Itellyouthetruth:itistoyouradvantagethatIgoaway,forifIdo notgoaway,theAdvocatewillnotcometoyou;butifIgo,Iwillsendhimtoyou. Andwhenhecomes,hewillprovetheworldwrongaboutsinandrighteousness andjudgement:aboutsin,becausetheydonotbelieveinme;aboutrighteousness, becauseIamgoingtotheFatherandyouwillseemenolonger;aboutjudgement, becausetherulerofthisworldhasbeencondemned.(John16:711)

…Forgiveusourtrespasses…

Forgiveusoursins

…Forgiveusourdebts…

TRESPASSING UNHOLYAPPROPRIATION

Interactionwithtranscendence,thatwhichissacredandholy,hassincethedawnof Shamanicreligionbeensurroundedbytaboos,interdicts,andprohibitions

Trespassingintosuchholyspace/time,holygroves,mountains,andforests,without theproperpreparationandpurification,wasconsideredasunholyappropriation. Suchtrespassingwasseenasleadingtohubrisorevenmadnessanddeath.This contagionwasconsideredtoinfectnotonlytheperpetrator,butthewhole community,eventhroughmultiplegenerations…theprayerisalwayscommunal… forgiveus…herewefindnoscapegoatingbypassingoftheappleandpersonal exoneration

WithinJewishScripturethisisalsotranslatedastransgressiontodescribethe betrayalofarelationship,thebreakingofatreaty,treachery,violatingatrustwith someonewhoshouldbetrustworthywithinthatrelationship,afamilymember,a neighbouroreventhestatetowardsits’citizens.

StPaulespeciallydevelopsthisthemewithAdams’betrayalofGod’strustleadingto awebofviolenceanddeaththatinfectsthehumanrace.WiththenewAdam,Jesus theMessiah,thesetransgressionsandtheirconsequencesarevicariouslycarriedon behalfofhumanitysothataneweraoffaithfulness,trustworthinessandintegrity wouldbeusheredin

HerePauldrawsfromthepromiseofthenewcovenantofgracethatGodrevealsto theProphetJeremiahasanewdispensation;“Inthosedaystheyshallsaynomore: thefathershaveeatensourgrapes,andthechildren’steetharesetonedge…but everyoneshalldieforhisowniniquity;everymanwhoeatsthesourgrapes,his teethshallbesetonedge.”

AccordingtoJewishlaw,a‘trespass/guiltoffering’,asopposedtoa‘sinoffering’,was requiredwhenapersonunintentionallyviolatedavowor‘Holythings’suchasthe sanctuaryitselforaportionoftheofferingsreservedforthepriestsThetrespassor guiltofferingisprimarilyaboutmakingreparationsItdemonstratestheseriousness ofviolationsagainstGod,evenaccidentalones,andagainstone’sfellowman.

AnatoningsacrificehastobemadebeforeGod,andrestitutionhastobemadeto man.Thetrespassofferingwasabloodydemonstrationofatonementand reconciliation,butitwasalsoademonstrationofgraceasprovisionwasmadefor reparationsforthewrongdoing.

THEBURDENOFSIN

PASSINGTHEAPPLETOTHESCAPEGOAT

DuringthefirstJewishtempleperiod,sin(HebrewAvon:Sin/Iniquity),missingthe mark,failingtomeettheobjective,strayingfromtherightpath,wasseenasa burden,anoppressionofguiltandshame,aweightcarriedbythesinnerandthe community.Thisdescribesthehumanconditionasfailuretoloveourneighbour madeintheimageofGod,asinagainsttheneighbourandagainstGod.

Thisheavyburdenbentthesinnerandthecommunityintoacrooked,painful, hunchedoverposition,bentoutofshape,unabletoseecorrectlyandnotfully human.Theeffectsarehurtandsufferingpeople,brokenrelationshipsandcyclesof retaliation.Withinscripturethisismostoftenshownasbeingconfusedbetween rightandwrong,justifyingouractionsbyredefininggoodandevilaccordingtoour ownwisdom.Thisdeeplyrootedjustificationofouractionstobenefitattheexpense ofothersisdonethroughourillusions,tellingourselvesstoriesthatvalidateour actionsasnecessaryandgood,anongoinginfectionandpowerthatrulestheworld.

Punishmentforsuchsinistheallowancetoletpeopleexperiencetheconsequences oftheiractions,bearingtheiriniquityCarryingthisiniquityonbehalfofthepeopleis thecommonHebrewphraseforGod’sforgiveness,andformercy

Anyviolationofthe613commandmentsandcountlessothertraditions,constituted asin.

Thisburdenofsincouldbetransferredontoanotherpartytoactasthe‘scapegoat’, theonewhotakestheblameonbehalfofthecommunity.Twogoatswerebrought tothetemplewhereonewassacrificedwhilethesecond,the‘escapinggoat’,was chasedfromGod’ssight,beittothedesertortoGehenna,asaplacedesolateand awayfromGod’spresence,a‘Godforsakenplace’

TheprophetIsaiahforetellsthe‘servant’,whowillembodyGod’sforgivingloveand whowillabsorbandbecrushedbythesesins.Theservantwillemergefromdeathto

lifetoofferthisnewlifetootherssothattheymaywalkuprightwithGodandwith eachother. Here,thecharacteristicsofGod’sforgivenessarerevealedwithinthreeconcepts:the ideaofGod’ssovereigngrace;theideaofthesubstitutionary,vicariousand redemptivedeaththatsacrificialbloodsignifies;andtheideaofaresponsible obligationtoGod’slaw.AccordingtotheJewishworldview,God’sforgiveness alwaysrequiresthesacrificialsheddingofbloodThesacrificesymbolisesGod’s sovereigngracethatisgrantedthroughredemptiveoffering

AccordingtotheJewishphilosopherandcontemporaryofJesus,PhiloofAlexandria (ca.20B.C.E.50C.E.),God’sforgivenessdependsonritualpurification,indicating anemphasisonethicalachievement,suchasrepentance,prayer,areturnto righteousness,andsupplicationofthedeity.God’sforgivenessisgrantedthrough actsofcovenantalfaithfulness,suchasrepenting,confessingsins,abidingbyGod’s law,andtrustinginGod’ssovereignty.

Confusingcauseandeffectisacommonfallacythataccompaniesourjourney throughhistoryTheJewishunderstandingofatonementandredemptionhad evolvedfromGod’smercifulforgivenessleadingtorepentancetothepointthat God’ssovereignactionofforgivenessorpunishmentbecomingdependantonour actions. Butyouaremercifultoall,foryoucandoallthings,andyouoverlook people'ssins,sothattheymayrepent.Foryouloveallthingsthatexist,and detestnoneofthethingsthatyouhavemade,foryouwouldnothavemade anythingifyouhadhatedit.Howwouldanythinghaveenduredifyouhad notwilledit?Orhowwouldanythingnotcalledforthbyyouhavebeen preserved?Youspareallthings,fortheyareyours,OLord,youwholovethe living(Wisdom11:2326)

SINTHATDEMANDSPAYBACK SINBECOMESBIGBUSINESS

AftertheexiletoBabylon,whichwasagreatcommercialcentreoftrade,boththe Hebrewlanguageandmetaphorschanged.Sintookonadecidedlycommercial aspectasadebttoberepaidratherthanasaburdencarried.ThisBabyloneffect infectedtheunderstandingsin,righteousness,andjudgement.

Thisbecamesignificantforthemeaningofredemption;asignificancethatwestill carrywithustodayDebttoberepaidrequiredanagreementBondsofsuch agreementwithtermsofrepaymentswererecordedonclaytabletsandstoredin theroyaltreasury.Whenthisdebthadbeenrepaid,theclaytabletwouldbebroken tosignifycancellationofthedebtandtheindebtednessofthedebtor.

Therewashoweveranotherwaythatthiscouldberepaid.Thenewlycrownedor victoriousrulerwouldascelebration,ortogainfavourandsupportofthepopulace, replacethesedebtbondswithfundsfromtheroyaltreasury.Wefindthisstory portrayedintherichmanwhowritesoffthedebtsofaservant

Suchdebtbondswouldthenbebroughtfromthetreasuryandceremoniously brokentosignifythecancellationofanyamountsowingOutofthiscustomgrewthe beliefinaMessiahwhowouldalsobreakthe‘bondsofsin’andthatdebtaccruedby sinwhichwasthecauseofallIsrael’shardships.

RIGHTEOUSNESS,JUDGEMENTANDPUNISHMENT

HONOUR,ANGER,REVENGE,ANDVENGEANCE

“HonouratoncebringsupthethoughtofvengeanceItmustbeso;hewhothinksof honourmustsayvengeance,notonlybecausethetwoarealwaysfoundtogetherin thestories,butmorebecauseitisonlythroughvengeancethatwecanseethe depthandbreadthofhonour.Vengeancecontainstheilluminationandthe explanationoflife;lifeasitisseenintheavengerislifeatitstruestandmost beautiful,lifeinitsinnermostnature”VilhelmGrønbech,TheCultureofthe Teutons:Volumes1and2

Fromthemistsofhistory,theterrorandfuryofthedisastersofnature,floods, droughts,firesandthedarknightmaresofourimaginings,haveturnedoureyesto theheavenstoplacatethemanyvengefulandangryGods.

TodaywemayfeeldiscomfortwithimagesofanangryGodandthewaysthat religioussentimentcanfuelandlegitimiseviolence.InancientEgyptandtheGreek states,thepowerfulrulingclassesusedfearbychoosingdeformed,crippled,or otherwisemaimedcitizensasthebloodsacrificeofscapegoatsofferedtoappeased theGods

AlthoughmostpeopleresistandrecoilfromanynotionthatGodkillsandmaims, Scriptureisrepletewithreferencestodivineindignation.IntheBookofRevelation, sevenangelspouroutbowlsofGod’sfury,whichturnstheseaintoblood(16:3), burnsblasphemerswithscorchingheat(16:9),andrainsdownhugehailstoneson thewicked(16:21).“GodrememberedBabylontheGreatandgaveherthecupfilled withthewineofthefuryofhiswrath”(16:19b).

PaultellstheRomansthat“thewrathofGodisbeingrevealedfromheavenagainst allthegodlessnessandwickednessofpeople”(Romans1:18),andtheGospelof JohndeclaresthatGod’sangerremainson thosewhodisobeytheSon(John3:36)

Patristicauthorsweredeeplyuneasywithreferencestodivinewrathandemployed arangeofstrategies(DenialandDistancing)inordertominimizethepotentialharm, scandal,ormisunderstandingsuchbiblicalpassagesmightengender.Allwereaware

ofstrainsinancientphilosophythatdeniedthegodscouldbeangryand,likenon Christianinterpretersofclassicaltexts,mostwereattunedtotheproblemsof anthropomorphism…Humanragecannotbetheframewhereinwecometo understandwhatGod’sangermeans.Inaworldwheremisguidedragecaneasily masqueradeasrighteousindignation,itisnosmallthingtoexercisegreatcaution whenwearetemptedtoprojectourwrathontoGod.(McCarthyMC:DivineWrath andHumanAnger:2014)

FEARANDTHEEVOLUTIONOFSATAN THESTRUGGLEBETWEENGOODANDEVIL

Manyancientreligionshavestoriesdetailingthestrugglebetweengoodandevil. StartingwithintheancientPersianworldwiththekindofdemonic,divineforcethat wasresponsibleforevilthataroseoutofthenotionthatagoodGodcouldnotbe responsibleforbadthings. EvilinclinationsarehoweverseenwithinJewishScriptureasagiftofGod’screation leadingthroughchallengesandstruggletoovercomingthistendencytowardeviland thedevelopmentthefullownershipof‘Good’withinusThereisnotraditional JewishideaofanevilentityasanadversaryofGodtemptingGod’screationaway fromtherightpath.WithinJudaism'smysticalteachings,alightsideandadarkside ofhumannatureisnoted,butthedarksideisnevergivenequalpowertothelight.

TheserpentintheGardenofEdenisIntroducedas‘themostcleverofallofthe beastsofthefieldthatGodhadmade’.Satandoesnotmakeanappearancein GenesisbecausetheconceptofthedevilhadnotyetdevelopedThebooksof NumbersandJobwerewrittenlongbeforethebookofGenesisWhiletheword satanappearselsewhereintheJewishScriptures,itisneverapropernamesince thereisnodevilinancientIsrael’sworldviewThenounsatan,Hebrewfor ‘adversary’or‘accuser’,occursninetimesintheHebrewBible:fivetimestodescribe ahumanmilitary,politicalorlegalopponent,andfourtimeswithreferencetoa divinebeing.InNumbers22,theprophetBalaam,hiredtocursetheIsraelites,is stoppedbyamessengerfromIsrael’sGod,describedas‘thesatan’actingonGod’s behalf.InJob,‘thesatan’isamemberofGod’sheavenlycouncilandoneofthe divinebeings,whoseroleinJob’sstoryistobean‘accuser’,astatusacquiredby peopleinancientIsraelandMesopotamiaforthepurposesofparticularlegal proceedings

IfGodisgood,thensomeoneorsomethingmustbebadIfmenareintrinsically goodandmadeintheimageofGod,thensomeoneorsomethingmustcausethe decayinhumanity.Essentially,theincreasingdevelopmentofanevilpersona

fulfilledtwogrowingneedsofhumanitywhichwerethatofneedingsomeoneto blame,andtheotherwasinneedingtosupporttheevolvingbeliefinaGodwhois purelyandentirelygood.Thismirrorshumanstrugglesofthetime.AccordingtoT.J. WrayandGregoryMobley’sbookTheBirthofSatan,Satancanoftenbeenseenin paralleltothefallofman(e.g.intheGenesisstoryofAdamintheGardenofEden, bothAdamandSatanarepunished)“ItisasifSatanisanallegoricalrepresentative ofthehumanrace”

StudyingSatanandallthatherepresentswelearnmoreaboutourownculture,our world,ourhistory,andhumanityasawhole,becauseweblamehimforthepartsof humanitythatwedon’twanttoacknowledgeexistThroughahistoricalanalysisof Abrahamictexts,itisapparentthatSatanbecameanecessary element/entitywhichexplainstheaspectsofhumanitythatwecannotacceptcome fromGod.(Huneidi,Hanan,"AHistoricalAccountoftheConceptualEvolutionof SatanintheAbrahamicBeliefTraditions"(2014).SeniorTheses.52)

InthebookofJob,theprogressionmovingtowardsthemorefamiliarformofSatan inanidentifiablebeingformInthisstorySatanwasnotnecessarilydepictedasan eviladversarytoGod,butratherachallengingassociate,andevenan“aspectofGod” (MaloneMSC,Peter"TheDevil"Compass431(2009):1425)

JesusconverseswithSataninthedesertconfirmingSatanasasingularcharacterin theBible.DuringthisconversationSatanoffersJesuspowerandgloryifJesusagrees toworshippingSatan.InthisstorySatanisaveryusefulcharacterinsolidifyingthe divinenatureofJesusasasupremeleaderforhisJewishfollowers.Evenaseparate individualinthisstory,SatanisstillactingasanarmofGodintestingJesus’devotion toGodandGodalone.Andyet,thisisamarkedshiftforSatanfromthetraditional Jewishbeliefsystem,inwhichSatanhas(oratleastclaimstohave)powers independentofGod(Malone18)

he(theAdvocate)willprovetheworldwrongaboutsinandrighteousnessand judgementSinisapathology,asickness,anillusionthatweauthorisetodefineusas victims,ratherthanprojectingourGodimage.TheonlyantidoteisLove,not condemnationordamnation.

INSEARCHOFAUTHENTICITY

Matthew4:111

Strugglecaneitherformus,oritcandeformus.Weallknowwhatitmeanstolivein aworldthatisanxious,fearful,undergreatstressandendlesslydriven.Inour familiesandamongourfriendstherearesomanywhosufferfromdesolationand desperation,feelinglostanddepressed,alwaysrunningforthenextfixLentisan opportunityforeachoneofustowalkwithJesusintothedesertofourownlivesso astofindconsolation,authenticity,andpeace

Crossingthisdesertandlearningtoletgo,toseeclearly,andtolivesimply,thisis thewayofthedesertfathersandmotherswhohaveshownusthispathfromthe fourthcentury.Astheauthorof“crossingthedesert”,RobertWicks,remindsusthat learningwhatnottotake,isasimportantaswhattotakeonthisjourney.Thisis oftena“who”thatweneedtoletgoof;thosewhopullusdown,holdusbackand bindustoallthatisdestructiveforourlives

Thejourneyofourtransformationintothedesertrequiresinnerfreedomcentredon spiritualwisdomandcompassion,movingawayfromerratic,selfserving,and undisciplinedlivestowardssingleheartedness,purityofheartandpeace.Thedesert AbbasandAmmasfollowedtheroadofbeingdesertapprentices,alwaysbeginners forthepurposeofbeingspiritualmentors,becomingforothersthathealing presencethroughthelisteningspiritweareallcalledtoprovidetoeachother. “Happinessconsistsinfindingoutpreciselywhatthe"onethingnecessary"maybe, inourlives,andingladlyrelinquishingalltherest.Forthen,byadivineparadox,we findthateverythingelseisgivenustogetherwiththeonethingweneeded.” ThomasMerton,NoManIsanIsland

Jesus,inthelineofsagesandprophetsbeforehim,constantlywithdrewintothe wildernessforsilenceandsolitude.Jesus’priorityforsolitudeandsilenceistobe foundeverywhereintheGospels.Fromthebeginningofhisministrytoevery

importantdecision.ItwasinsolitudeandsilencethatJesusdealtwithpainful emotionslikegrief,theconstantdemandsofhisministry;silenceandsolitudewere howJesuscaredforhisownsoulandhowhetaughthisdisciples,andfinallyhowhe preparedforhisowndeathonthecross.

ForJesus,thewildernesswasaplaceofpreparationandaplaceofmakingdecisions. Inthekingdomofthisworld,itisgreed,power,andprestigethatruleaworldof dominationasweseeinthetemptationsofChristInthisworldlykingdom,thereare allkindsofdistinctionscreatedbyourhumansocietyAge,wealth,fameandpublic imagearerankingsthatweusetoslotpeopleintoNearlyeverysocietyinthe historyoftheworldhasdevelopeditsclassorcastesystem.Circumstancesofbirth, wealth,privilegeandeducationhavedividedmenandwomenfromeachother.This isthekingdomoftheworldasopposedtoGod’sKingdom.

PopeEmeritusBenedictthe16th,speaksaboutthiscallintothedesert,“Thedesert isaplaceofsilenceandsolitudewherewestandapartfromtheeventsofeveryday. ThereweescapefromnoiseandsuperficialityThedesertistheplaceofthe absolute,offreedom,whereourdeepestneedsconfrontusItisnotbychancethat thedesertiswheremonotheismisbornInthissenseitisthehomeofgracewere emptiedofallourconcerns,wemeetourCreatorGreatthingshavetheirbeginning inthedesert,insilenceandpoverty.Weourselvescouldnotknowhowtotakepart inthemissionoftheGospelwithoutenteringintothisdesertexperiencewithits nakednessandhunger.TheblessedhungerofwhichourLordspeaksintheSermon ontheMountcouldnotcometobirthoutofthesufficiencyofthewellfed.Letus notforget,either,thatJesus'desertdidnotcometoitstermwiththefortydays followinghisbaptism.HislastandfinaldesertwouldbeexpressedinPsalm22[21]: MyGod,myGod,whyhaveyouabandonedme?Itwasfromthisdesertthatthe watersofthelifeoftheworldwouldwellup

Therealityofthedesertteachesusaboutthenecessityofrelationships,hospitality, andcompassion.Itiswithinthisvisionthatwecanreevaluateourlivesandcometo understandwhatstandsinthewayofourinnerfreedom.Theapproachofthedesert

mothersandfatherswasthewayofordinarinesspractisingsoundpractical knowledgetocometofullwisdomsoastoattaintheirfullhumanity.Theythus createdforthemselvesapurespaceuncontaminatedbyinsecurity,selfinterest, prideandthosemanyinnerDemonsthatplagueus.

Theonethingthatstandsoutlikealightinalloftheirlives:inthem,therewasno guiletobefound,theirlivesweretransparentandfree.Theirwordswerenever twistedorusedinanywayofdominance,therewasneveranysarcasm,cleverwitor philosophy;theirwordwastheirwordInthiswayofsimplicity,theydiscoveredtheir ownauthentichumanitythatledthemtolivelivesthatwerefilledwithcompassion andgentilityintheirdealingswithothers.

ThiswasthewaythatStFrancisalsofoundcenturieslater.Therecanbenotraceof clevertrickeryintherecoveryofourauthentichumanity.Returningtoourtrue humanityinthislittlewayofordinariness,theyfoundthestrengthtoovercome prejudice,defycompulsionsandstrikeoutfearlesslyintotheunknown.

MaytheLordcontinuetowalkwitheachoneofusaswejourneyintothedesertthis Lent

SECONDSUNDAYINLENT TRANSFIGURATION

(Matthew17:12)

Thosewhowishtobeinareligiousmannerinsolitudeshouldbethreeorfour brothersatmost…andtheyshouldbezealoustopreservesilence…livingthelifeof Mary(MarthaandMary)(StFrancisRuleforHermitages/StFrancisDocumenton Solitude)

Silenceisthespringboardtoenterintosolitudeformeditativeandcontemplative prayer.StFranciswrote:“Inclinetheearofyourheartandlistentothevoiceofthe SonofGod.”Oneentersthesilencepreciselyforthistohappen…byacceptinghis invitationfor‘thosewhowishtobe…insolitude’,wecontinueonourjourney ‘crossingtheDesert’intotheheartofGod.

Learningtoseewith‘theeyeoftheheart’soastobecome‘fullyhumanandfully divine’,theembodimentofnondualconsciousness,becomingcomplete, enlightened,pureandholyThisisaninvitationtobecometheimageofthe Exemplar,theDivineImprintoftheChristwithin,openingupthenewspacethat leadstofreedomandlove,andthatpeacetheworldcannotgive

Wearegivenachoice.Thisisaninvitationtogainanewperspective,anopportunity tometanoia,tograspthatinnertruth,thatinnerrealityofwhoweareandtofully appreciateallourinnergiftsaswellasourcurrent‘growingedges’,andhowweare tolive.Thisisaninvitationtotransformandtobetransfiguredreflectingthat beautifulinnerspaceforourselvesthatwearecalledtosharewithothers.

Thischoicewearegivenisalsoacalltoaction,acalltoletgoofwhatiscapturedour hearts,preoccupiesusunnecessarilyandhasmadeusinsecureandanxiousBeyond insightandspiritualmaturity,ourfoundationmustbehumilityThisisthewisdom thatrecognisesthatthelightiswithinus,standsinawe,yetrecognisesthatweare notthesourceofthatlight.

Itisonlybythisprocessofkenosis,emptyingourselvesthatwecometounderstand thatourlearningmustbeginagain.Withoutthishumilityoursenseofperspective willalwaysbeskewed,andourgratitudesubvertedbeneathentitlement.Itiswith thishumilitythatourknowledgebecomestransformedintowisdomandtheability todifferentiatebetweenunnecessarysufferingandthatpainthatmustalways accompanytransformation.Thisisthewisdomtofaceandunderstandallour worldlydefencesandavoidancestrategiesagainstpain;allthathasbecomeablock toourtransformationandTransfiguration

AsJesuswasaccompaniedbytrustedfriendsandasStFrancisadmonishedhis followers,wealsorequireatrustedcircleoffriendstoholdupthemirrorthat reflectswhoweareandwhowearebecoming.

RobertWickssuppliesuswithalistofthosebeautifulspacesinourinnerlifethat humilitydramaticallyopensforus: 

spaceofsimplicityandwiththecomplexdemandsofbothhomeandoffice; 

spaceforsolitudetolistentothemessagesofourquietspiritlesttheybe drownedoutbythedaysnoise; 

aspaceforpacingourselveswhileresistingthelureofspeedandnew technology; 

spaceforgratefulnessandgiftednessinaworldfilledwiththesenseof entitlement; 

spaceforhonestyandclarityratherthanspinningthetruthtoourown advantage; 

spacefortheoldrelationshipsinplaceofmeremanipulationofothers; 

spaceforrestraintinsteadofinstantgratificationandaggression; 

spacefordoubtanddeeperquestionsratherthanfillingourselveswithfalse certaintyandpatanswers; 

spaceforreflectionsothatcompassiondoesn’tleadtoundisciplinedactivism; 

spaceforgenerositywherepreviouslyonlystridentselfintereststood; 

spacefortransparencywhereopaquedefensivenessisournormalrule;

spaceforsoundselfrespectinlieuofinordinateselfdoubtorunbridledself assurance;

spaceforintrigueorcuriosityaboutouractionsandmotivationssowedon’t wanderdowntheblindalleysofprojectionorselfcondemnation;

spaceforforgivenesssowedon’tfallpreytorigidityandselfrighteousness;

spaceforwhatwillalwaysbetrueratherthansolelyhavinganinterestin whatiscurrentlyinvogue;and

spaceforthecourageneededtobeordinaryinsteadofwastingallourtime chasingafterwhatwebelievewillmakeussomeonespecial

BeforeanycanonofScripturewasestablished,theearlychurchdependedonthe oraltraditionthesayingsofJesus.Thedesertfathersinthedesertmotherswho followedJesuscrossingthedesert,havealsogivenusarichtraditionofsayingsthat canaccompanyusonourownjourney.

ThebrothersinScetisoncemetandbegantodiscussMelchizedekthepriest,but theyforgottoaskCoprestocomeLater,theysummonedhimandaskedhimwhat hethoughtaboutthequestionHestruckhismouththreetimesandsaid,“Alasfor you,CopresYouhaveleftundonewhatGodcommandedyoutodo,andyouhave daredtoinquireintothingsthathedidnotaskofyou”Atthesewordsthebrothers scattered,eachtohisowncell.

Ahermitwasasked,“Whatishumility?”Heanswered,“Humilityisagreatwork,and aworkofGod.Thewayofhumilityistoundertakebodilylabour,andbelieve yourselfasinner,andmakeyourselftheservantofall.”Abrothersaid,“Whatdoesit mean,tobetheservantofall?”Heanswered,“Tobetheservantofallisnottolook atthesinsofothers,alwaystolookatyourownsins,andtopraytoGodwithout ceasing”

THIRDSUNDAYINLENTYEARA2023

THESAMARITANWOMANATTHEWELL

John4:542

OurjourneycrossingthedesertwithRobertWickscontinuesonthisthirdSundayin Lent.Todaywearecalledtotheepiphanyofwonderandawe,tositattheedgeof mysteryandtounlearnthatwhichhadpreviouslybeenourguide,butisnolonger needed,nolongerusefulHereinthedesert,wecometoaskthequestions,tolisten andtoheartheanswersthatwillopentousthequiet,powerfulvoiceoffreedom

OnthisjourneywefollowtodaythewayoftheSamaritanwomanatthewellto experiencealsothatepiphanyofwonderandawe,tositattheedgeofmysteryand thentoletgoofwhatisnolongerneeded,leavingbehindthejarofwaterasshealso overcomescenturiesofresentmentwithallitsunduestressandangerthatsooften leadstoviolence.Thisistheroutetofollowintothenewwayoffreedom.

Throughthegreatagesoftheages,wehaveheardthesamestoryisrepeated, becomingthebackdropforourprejudiceandourblindnessThestorieshavebeen toldandretoldoftheSamaritanwomanatthewellasaslothful,wantonsinnerand anoutcastfromhercommunity

Thesearethestoriesthatbeginandareentwinedwithourchurchhistory: Heranswer[toJesus]isaformofconfessionbecauseshetrulyhasnolegitimate husband(Origen).Jesus’requestexposesherguilt(Chrysostom)becausesheis involvedinanillicitunion(Augustine).Jesusmakesherunderstandthatsheneedsto confesshersinsandchangeherlifebeforeshecanobtainthislifegivingwaterof grace.

Theseareatypeofadhominemattacksthatappealstoourprejudices,emotions andspecialattachmentsthatisasurefirewayofgainingthemoralhighgroundthat blindsustoourownmotives;eveninthesaints.Thispointingafingeratothersis

thegreatestobstacletoinsightandtheflowofgrace.Whentheaccusatoryfingeris pointedtowardsanother,myownneedandmyownthirstisdenied.

ThestoryoftheSamaritanwomanatthewellisthelongestrecordeddialogueinthe GospelsandeclipsesthealltoooftendullardinteractionsbetweenJesusandhis disciples.TheSamaritanwomanistheologicallyastute,politicallyawareandfeisty. ButperhapshergreatestqualityisthatopennesstolisteningandhearingJesus withoutselfjustifications

LetusalsotrytoclearourmistyvisionThenarratorremindsusthatJewswon’t haveanythingtodowithSamaritanswhowereconsideredrituallyunclean,and contactwithSamaritanswouldmakethemuncleantoo.Thepridethatalltoooften hidebehindthesmokescreenofritualpurity.ThisiswhereJesusfoundevilandsin andthisiswherewealsomustsearchforevilandsinwithinourownhearts.

Itwasnotuncommonforwomentobemarriedseveraltimes.Inantiquity,women usuallyweremarriedwhentheyweretwelveyearsoldorso;theirhusbandswere generallytentofifteenyearsolderthanthemItwouldbecommonforawomanto bewidowedatayoungage,andsincesocietyoperatedonthebasisofmale centeredhouseholds,shewouldneedtoremarrytogainaccesstolegal,economic, andsocialstatus.

TheSamaritanwomanhasbeenwidowedordivorcedseveraltimesover.Itwas commonformentodivorcetheirwives,perhapstomakeamoreadvantageous match,orformorepersonalreasons.Again,adivorcedwomanwouldneedto remarrytosurviveinsociety.

Itwasalsonotuncommonformenandwomentolivetogetherwithoutmarriage Officialmarriagewasaccompaniedbylegalrestrictions:slavescouldnotlegally marry,forinstance;Romancitizenscouldnotlegallymarrynoncitizens;within Judaism,priestscouldnotmarryoutsidethepriestlyline.

Economicreasonsmightalsolimitthepossibilityofanofficialmarriage.Perhapsthe manwaswealthybutthewomanwaspoor,orperhapsthemanhadgrownchildren fromanearliermarriageandthereforewouldnotwanttodilutetheinheritanceby addinginchildrenfromasecondmarriage.Inthesecases,insteadoflegalmarriage, peoplecouldsimplylivetogether;wecallthisa‘commonlawmarriage’today.Itwas aformofmarriagewithoutthelegaloreconomicconsequencesofofficialmarriage.

TheSamaritanwoman’smaritalstatusmaybeunusualandshedoesseemtohave beenparticularlyunluckywithrespecttoherhusbandsHermaritalhistory,however, doesnotmakeherthesinnerofthestorySowhydoesJesusbringuphermarital status?TheanswerisintheverynextversewhenJesustellsthewomanherown storyandsherealizesthatheisaprophet.

AswithNathaniel,Jesus’revelationofthewoman’spersonalhistoryrevealshisown identitytoher.Shelateruseshisknowledgetoencourageherfriendsand neighbourstomeetJesus;anothersignthatJohndoesnotpresentherasasinneror socialoutcastsinceeventhoughnowomancouldbearwitness,herneighbours listentoher So,thisdialogueisaboutGraceandsalvationThequestionofsalvationherecentres ontheidentityofthepeopleofGod.Hereiswherethelocationofthestoryin Sychar,ancientShechemandmoderndayNablus,atJacob’swell,becomes important.

ApartfromthetombspurchasedinGenesis23,thislandwasthefirstbitofthe PromisedLandownedbyAbraham’sfamily.ButbyJesus’day,itwaspartofSamaria, inhabitedbythedespisedSamaritans.Moreover,theSamaritanshadbuilttheir templeonMtGerizim,loomingoverthecityThewellsymbolizescontestedspace Asasourceoflife,thisisascenarioendlesslyrepeatedatthegrassrootslevel throughoutAfricaandtheMiddleEast

WhenthewomanasksJesusaboutworshipin,sheisnotdeflectingattentionfrom hermaritalstatus;she’srathertakingherchancetoquestionthisprophetonthe issueattheheartofthecenturieslongdividebetweentheJewsandtheSamaritan. ShouldGodbeworshippedinJerusalem,liketheJewssayoronMt.Gerizim,asthe Samaritanssay?WhichpeoplearetrulyGod’speople?

Jesustellsthewomanthattheplaceofworshipisnotimportant.Withthissimple statement,hedismissesthebattleforspace,forownershipofthelandHedoesnot dismissthequestionofidentitycompletely,howeverInfact,heupholdstheidentity oftheJewsasGod’struepeoplebutHegoesontosaythatthisidentityischanging: “Thehouriscoming,andnowis”.Rightnow,inRomanoccupiedPalestine,inthe cityofSychar,asJesusistalkingwithaSamaritanwoman,thingsarechanging.The questionofidentityisnolongeraboutJeworSamaritan,butabout“spiritandtruth”.

Intwentyverses,John’sstorymovesfromthespectreofracismtoaquestionover nationalandreligiousidentityandfinallyendswiththevillageofSycharbelieving thatJesusis‘Saviouroftheworldalltheworld’Andthewomanwiththe unfortunatemaritalhistory,thewomanwhohappenedtocomeforwaterasJesus wasrestingbythewell,isthecentreofthestory

SherecognizeswhoJesusis,andshetellsherneighboursabouthimwhileJesus’ disciplesareasworriedaboutfeedingJesusastheyareaboutsocialconventionand ritualpurity.ThisnamelessSamaritanwomanisalreadyoutdoingtheworkofJesus’ ministry;doingtheworkofonewhoissent.

TheChurchproclaimsthateverybaptisedChristianparticipatesinChrist’sthreefold officeofprophet,priest,andking,yetwithsleightofhandwomenaredeniedthe rightasproclaimersoftheGospelTheargumentthatthepriestlyfunctioncanonly beperformedbymeninpersonaChristCapitis,inthePersonofChristasHead, impliesandgraspsformenequalitywithGod’smanhood,whichdeniesthe universalityoftheCosmicChristthatpervadesallofcreation;theChristwho‘fillsthe universeinallitsparts’.

LeteachofuspraythisLentforthatinsightandgracetoexposeourparticular prejudices,unrulyemotions,andspecialattachmentsthatblindusfromourown collectiveparticipationinanythingthattearsaparttheBodyofChrist.Letus especiallyprayforthosewehaverelegatedassinnersthroughourliesof convenience,calumny,anddetractionthatdestroyscommunityandhealthysocial relationships. Wecannotopenourselvestoreceivinggracewithoutrecognizingourneedforliving water;byourtruerepentance,byconfessingourcomplicityandbyreceivingthe antidotetothepoisonthathasinfectedus.

ADDICTIONTOOURILLUSIONS

John9:141

Thesearetheelite,studentsofthelaw,teachersoftheprophetsandtheoral traditionsofthepeople;theysee,theyknow,theyunderstand,andthereforethey passjudgement!ItisinthesejudgementsthatweseethePhariseesasaloof, separate,andsuperior

ThereisperhapsthisPhariseeinallofusthatalsoimprisonsusbecauseoffamiliarity, habit,andfearofchange.Weimpulsivelymovetofamiliargroundwithkneejerk negativeinterpretationsandresponsesbasedonouranger,ourfear,orour resentment. HereistheSonofMan,JesustheChristandthemiracleworker,givingfullevidence of‘God’sworkwithus’,yetthePhariseessubstitutetheirtraditionsfortheactual GodexperienceHowoftendowealsoreplaceGodwithallthosedoctrinesthatgive uscontrol,thatgiveuspower?Howdoweunlearntoremoveallthisslaganddross thatwehaveaccumulated?Howcanwefreeourselvesfromtheillusionsthathave captivatedourhearts?

InthisfourthweekofLent,wecontinuecrossingthedesertwiththosefourth centuryAmmasandAbbaswhosoughttoembracethespiritoflettinggoinaworld andchurchthathadbeencaughtupandfilledwiththedesireforpower,worry, tensions,pride,greed,andfear.Wearegivenbeforedesertquestionstoaskof ourselves:

·WhatamIfilledwithnow?

·Whatpreventsmefromlettinggooftheseburdens?

·HowcanIemptymyself?

·Whatisitthatwillsatisfyme,yetleavemeopenandavailableformore?

Hereweseethatgracecannotbepossessed,itmustbereceivedafresh,againand again,beginningeachdayanew.

Seventeencenturieslaterweareinaworldobsessedwithsecurity,greed,fame, stayingyoung,denyingdeath,selfinterest,andcompetitiveness.Thisheadypoison ofneedskeepsusdrivenandobsessedasidolsthathaveentrappedus.

Needsarelookedupontodayasiftheywereholy,asiftheycontainedthe quintessenceofeternityNeedsareourgods,andwetoilandsparenoeffortto gratifythemSuppressionofdesireisconsideredasacrilegethatmustinevitably avengeitselfintheformofsomementaldisorder…Wefeeljailedintheconfinement ofpersonalneeds.Themoreweindulgeinsatisfactions,thedeeperisourfeelingof oppressiveness…Wemustbeabletosaynotoourselvesinthenameofahigher ‘yes’.(RabbiAbrahamJoshuaHeschel)

Hereweseeourhumanconditionfullyexposed,filledandsatisfiedwithourown ego,selfinterest,desires,andselfrighteousnessBeingfilledwithourselves,God hasbecomesuperfluousuntilthatinevitabledaywhenourownabilitiesandsupport structuresnolongergiveussolaceThisistheconflictbetweenlightanddark,truth anderror,sightandblindness,innocenceandguilt

Itishereinthedesert,withalittlehumility,intrigueandafewcarefulquestionsthat wecancometorecognizethatlackoffreedomwithinusandtoacknowledgeallthe baggagewearecarryingwhichisunnecessaryanddestructivetoourlives.To recognizethethingsthatfillusandconsumeus,weaskourselveswhereIspend mostofmytime,energy,emotionandpreoccupation.WhatdoIbelieveisessential formyhappiness;whatdoweneedformylifetobeperfect?Havethesebecome idolsthatrobmeofmypresenthappiness,joy,andpeace?

WhenGodbecomessuperfluous,thevisionofourownimagebecomesblurred,we nolongerseeGodintheother,inourbrothersandsistersorinGod’screation.This

leadsontothetaleoffear,ofdisorderedrelationshipsbetweenpeople;withman rulingoverwoman,andbetweenhumanityandcreationindisorderandconflict.

Wealsoknowthatwecannotseewhatwehavenotbeentoldtolookfor;weare boundwithinparadigms.Therearealsotheproblemsofculture,ofourupbringing, ofoureducation:oftheverylanguageweuse;ourfearsandourprejudicesandour falseperceptions.Thesearethefactorsweuseinjudgingsituationsandpeople; placingeverythinginourownparticularcategoriesofgoodorevil,ofrightorwrong, ofinnocenceandsinful,andofbeinginsideoroutside

Theblindmaninthegospeldisplaysarareandadmirablereluctancetosaymore thanheknows:“Idon’tknowifheisasinner;IonlyknowthatIwasblindandnowI cansee”.Wearegivennocausetodoubttheblindman’swordorhissituation.They allknewhewasblindandtheyallknowhehasbeenhealed.Whatmoreisthereto say?

Curiously,thePhariseescannotseethetruthbeforethemTheyshowthemselvesto beproud,unyielding,devious,evasiveand,toputitinthetermsoftheGospel,they areblindTheyareunwillingtoaccepteitherthefactsorthetruthTheyarepeople who,althoughtheypretendtowanttodiscoverthelight,reallywanttoobscureit Theywanttheirdarknesstobethelight.ItisnowclearthatJesus,theLight, confrontstwokindsofblindness:blindnessthatknowsitcannotsee,andblindness thatthinksitcan.

Intheirunderstanding,orrather,misunderstandingoftheLaw,Jesusisguilty becausehehealedontheSabbath.Thiswastheirinterpretationandtheywere deeplyattachedtotheirownideas;soattachedtotheirowninterpretationthatthey wereblindtotheactofdivinelovewhichsetapoorblindbrotherfreefromhis lifelongaffliction

FourtimesthePhariseesaskhowJesushadopenedtheman’seyesandtheclearer thetruthbecomestheymoretheyrecoilfromit.Theyrejectitbecauseitoverturns

their‘wayoflooking’,thecomfortableliestheyhadbeentellingthemselvesabout theirprivilegedrelationshipwithGod.Andsothesimplelogicoftheblindmanis deeplyrepugnanttothePharisees.Perhapsonthisjourney,weneedtoask ourselveswhoisitthatIfindrepugnantalso?

Afrightfulthingisdarknesswhichpretendstobelight,ignorancewhichbelieves itselftobeknowledge,pridewhichthinksofitselfashumility,blindnesswhichthinks itissightIt'sverysad,it'sveryfrightening,andit'sverycommonAndsadly,it causesourendlessdisunity,shaming,ostracisingandscapegoatingofothers

Sincethephobic‘investigations’ofthePhariseesdonotproducethedesired outcometheyhaverecoursetotheirlastweapon,theirpower…Andtheydrovehim away.Howmanypeoplehavewealsoturnedawayfromthechurch,excludedfrom thecompanyofthesaintsandturnedawayfromthetableoftheLord?Whoarethe peoplethatweconsiderunworthytoday?

JohnhasalreadytoldusthatJesusisthelightofall,alightthatshinesinthedark, alightthatdarknesscouldnotoverpower(1:45)Tryasitmight,thedarkness cannotoverpowerthelightTheblindmanendsupworshippingJesus,theJew leadersbeingblindendupseekingtodestroyhimTheresurrectionwillbethe witnessofthetruth.

TheGospel,asalways,makeseverythingclear.Itshowsuswherethedarkness actuallylies,wheretheguiltreallyis,wherethetruthcanbefound.Inthebeginning, therewasoneblindmanandmanypeoplewhocouldsee.Intheend,itistheother wayround.Theblindseeandthosewhothoughttheycouldseeareinfactblind.

FIFTHSUNDAYINLENTYEARA2023

WHOAMI? (John11:145)

WhoamI?Tobecalledbymyname,tobeknown,thisistheactoflove,anintimate caressthatcarriesusbeyondandthroughdeathintoresurrection.Thistrulyisthe beginningofHolyWeekthatwillusherusthroughthedesertandintoandbeyond thepassionofJesus.Themostintimatetouchbetweenloverandbeloved,the espousalimageofanointingandhairloose,flowingoverthefeetofJesusThedeep sighofJesusmovedinthespirit,sighingatthegriefofMaryatthedeathofher brother ButnowwithGerardManleyHopkinswealsocry:Enough!TheResurrection,A heart'sclarion!Awaygrief'sgasping,joylessdays,dejection.Acrossmyfoundering deckshoneabeacon,aneternalbeam.Fleshfade,andmortaltrashfalltothe residuaryworm;world'swildfire,leavebutash:Inaflash,atatrumpetcrash,Iamall atoncewhatChristissincehewaswhatIam,andthisJack,joke,poorpotsherd, patch,matchwood,immortaldiamond,Isimmortaldiamond

ThisbeautifullyechoesthewordsofThomasMerton:Atthecentreofourbeingisa pointornothingnesswhichisuntouchedbysinandillusion,apointofpuretruth whichbelongsentirelytoGod,whichisneveratourdisposal,fromwhichGod disposesofourlives,whichisinaccessibletothefantasiesofourownmindorthe brutalitiesofourownwill.Thislittlepointofnothingnessandofabsolutepovertyis thepuregloryofGodinus.Itis,sotospeak,Gods’namewritteninus,asour poverty,asourindigenceandasourdependence.Itislikeapurediamond,blazing withtheinvisiblelightofheaven.

NowJesuscriesout,“RollawaythestoneLazarus,here!Comeout!Unbindhim,and lethimgo”

ButwhataboutLazarus?Hehadbeendead,andnowhewasalive!Yes,hewasalive fornow,buthewouldhavetofacethedeathprocessalloveragain.Whatwerehis

thoughtsandemotionsatbeinggivenbackhislife?Somanythousands,the witnesseswehavetoday…comingbacktoalifecompletelychanged,redirected withallfearevaporated.

Insomanywayswealsoexperiencethegiftofbeinggivenbackourlivesthatare everybitastraumaticastheLazaruseffectoranyneardeathexperience.Wecome outofperiodsofmourningandgrieftoanewrecognitionofthepulsinglifeand purposewithinusWecomeoutofperiodsofdreaddiseaseandillnessslowlyand pensiveatfirst,butwithevergrowingconfidenceandawilltowardsanewlifeanda newwaytoreturnloveforloveWegothroughspiritualawakeningtherichand complexexperienceofdissolutionofone’sillusionofidentityasaseparateself.We arecalledoutofperiodsofdesolationanddespair.Ourlivesaregivenbacktous!

Lazarus,here!Comeout!Lazarusgropeshiswayoutofthedarktombwithhishands andfeettiedupinbandages,andhisfaceallwrappedup;afacelessmanwithout anyidentity,amanrottingawayinthetomb.ItisthecallofJesuswhogivesbackto LazarushisidentityjustasthefathergivesidentitytoAdamandEvewhenhe stitchesthemnewclothesintheGardenofEden

Howveryeasytoloseouridentity,tofallintoourownillusions,ourgrandstanding andourpretences.Therottingfacefromthetombhasnoillusions.Itisthecallof Jesusthatgivesitbeauty,givesitlifeandgivesitanidentity.

“Unbindhim,andlethimgo”.Lazarusstumblesoutofthetomb,buttherewasno wayhecouldunbindhimselfjustasthereisnowayforustofreeourselves.He needsthecommunitytodothatforhim.ByunbindingLazarusandsettinghimfree fromthedeathshroud,thecommunityisacceptingLazarusbackasoneofthem. Eachofusiscalledtowalkbackfromdeathintothecommunity

OftenwewouldprefertoremainunconsciousofourowncomingdeathThere’sa thingaboutdeath…ittakesusprisoner,intothedarkness,andlocksusawayforever untileverytraceofourhumanselveshasdisappeared.Inourgospeltoday,the

curtainofdeathispulledback.ThepainfuljourneytothatdaystillliesbeforeJesus but,inaway,heisstandingbeforehisowntomb,withus,gazingathisandourown future. ThismiraclewasthefinalonebeforeJesus'owndeath;itwasthemiraclethatthe PhariseeswoulduseagainstJesustojustifythekilling.AndJesusknewit.Didn’the saytohisdisciplesafewdaysago,“Thissicknesswillnotendindeathbutthrough it,theSonofGodwillbeglorified”Heknewhisturnwascoming,thathewould soonbe‘glorified’ontheCrossThisisourmodelandourwayalso!

HowcanwecooperatewithGodtoexperienceGod’sresurrectionpowerinour livesandinourworldinthehereandnow?Howdowereactwhenwearegiven backourlives?Thereisnooneinthestory,notevenMaryorMartha,whobelieved thatJesuswouldbringLazarusbacktolifeafterfourdaysinthetomb.Noone expectedhimtodoit…theemphasisinthestoryisonhowwecooperatewitha miracleworkingGodineachofourlives.

Eachoneofusiscalledtohelpcreateacultureoflifeandresurrectiontounbind eachotherfromourfearsanddoubtsaboutthislastenemy,deathWemustsee thattheworldisbathedinthelightandthroughourlivedwitnessallowothersto cometothissameseeing.Deathinthedarknessofthetombdoesnothavethefinal word.LetusbecomewitnessestothecallofJesus…letuscallothers!

ImagineyourownnamebeingcalledandrecognisingJesus,justasMaryrecognised thebelovedinthatintimatespeakingofhername;ournameonthebreathofthe belovedwhobringsuslife.ThisisLoveandResurrectionintimatelyentwined…thisis ourimpendingEasterstory.

TheseasonofLentgiveswaytothecelebrationofEasterinHolyWeek,themost sacredperiodoftheliturgicalcalendar.

HolyWeekincludesboththeChurch’smostsolemnobservancesandjoyousfeasts.

Unique,beautifulliturgiesfilltheperiodoftimethatbeginsonPalmSundayand culminateswithEasterSunday.

HOLYWEEK2023SCHEDULE

PALMSUNDAYAPRIL2

Godcanforgiveeverysin

HolyWeekbeginswithPalmSunday,adistinctliturgythatbeginswitha GospelreadingofJesus’journeytoJerusalemattheentranceoftheworship space. Thoseattendingtheservicereceivepalms,areminderofScripturetellingus thatpeoplewelcomedJesusbylayingdowntheircloaksandwavingpalm branches(John12:13)

PalmSundayisthefirsttimeweheartheLord’sPassionintheliturgical calendar.

HOLYTHURSDAYAPRIL6

HolyThursdaybeginstheEasterTriduumthethreedaysleadinguptoJesus’ ResurrectionItsformalnameisMassoftheLord’sSupper,whichwasthe firstcelebrationoftheEucharistOtherbranchesofChristianityrefertothis dayasMaundyThursday ThisliturgyincludesthereceptionoftheHolyOils,inwhichtheOiloftheSick, theOilofCatechumens,andtheHolyChrismareprocessedthroughthe church,tobeusedfortherestoftheyear.Theseoilsareallblessedbythe localbishopshortlybeforetheliturgy. AlsonotableattheHolyThursdayserviceisthewashingofthefeet,inwhich thepriestwashesthefeetof12parishioners.Jesusdidthistodemonstrateto hisdiscipleshowtheyaretoserveothersthroughselflesslove

Originally,onlymenwereinvitedtobeamongthe12tohavetheirfeet washed.AdecreefromPopeFrancisin2016openeduptheritualtoall.

AttheendofMass,consecratedhostsremainonthealtarwhileeverything elseisstrippedaway.Asincensefillsthechurch,thepriest,donningaspecial garbcalledahumeralveil,takestheBlessedSacramentandprocessesoutof thechurchtoachapelorotherareaforadoration.

GOODFRIDAY–APRIL7

GoodFridayoftheLord’sPassion,commonlyknownasGoodFriday,isthe onlydayintheentireyearinwhichnoMassiscelebrated

It’sasolemndaythatcallsforfastingandabstinence

StationsoftheCrossarepopularonGoodFriday.ThemainserviceonGood Fridayfeaturesnoprocession.ThePassionisreadandtheEucharist (consecratedonThursday)isdistributed.

VenerationoftheCrossandsolemnintercessionsasetofsharedprayer intentionsoffereduniversallyonthisdayareotheruniqueelementstothe GoodFridayservice

HOLYSATURDAYAPRIL8

TheMassonHolySaturdayistheEasterVigil,thoughitsfullreferenceonthe scheduleofdailyreadingis“EasterSundayTheResurrectionoftheLordHoly SaturdayAttheEasterVigilintheHolyNightofEaster.”

Thisisthemostuniqueandperhapsmostimportantliturgyoftheyear.The EasterVigilendstheTriduumandbeginsEastercelebrations.

TheservicecanonlybeginoncethesunhassetOutsidethechurch,afire lightsthePaschalcandle,andtheflameissharedthroughoutthechurchto individualhandheldcandlesTheLiturgyoftheWord,whichnormally includesninereadings,beginsindarkness.

ThereadingsdemonstratetheconnectionbetweentheOldandNew TestamentsandhowJesusfulfilledScriptureandachievedsalvationforall humanity.

TheLiturgyofBaptism,whichfollowstheGospelandhomily,marksthe culminationoftheRiteofChristianInitiationofAdults(RCIA)program. Catechumens,whohavebeenpreparingtoentertheChurch,arebaptised, confirmed,andlaterreceivetheirfirstHolyCommunion

TheEasterVigilisajoyous,celebratoryliturgy,filledwithrichsongs Althoughtheservicesendslateatnight,churchestypicallyhaveareception afterwardstocontinuethecelebration.

EASTERSUNDAYAPRIL9

ComparedtootherHolyWeekservices,EasterSundayMassesaremost similartothosethatoccurduringOrdinaryTime.

ThefestiveatmospherecontinuesfromtheEasterVigil,withtheworship spacedecoratedwithbeautifulflowers,especiallywhitelilies

Easter,thebiggestfeastthattheChurchhas,isalsoamongthemostwell attendedservicesoftheyear.

ANOINTINGOFTHECHRIST

TheactofredemptiveandhealinglovebecomesourRosettastonefortheJesus event.Letusendeavourtorefrainfrominterpretingthenarrativethroughour familiarity.Ratherthanmoney,itiscontrolandmanipulationthatsees“loveflyout ofthewindow”. Lovebeginsandendswiththevulnerabilitythatonlytheexperienceoftruelovecan teachusIfweinterpretredemptionaspaybacktime,wewillinevitablyactoutour own“fishlove”asaformoftransactionalismthatsadlyenteredourtheologyasthe “Babyloneffect”.

Scratchalittlebelowthesurfaceandwefindthiseverywhere,infamilyrelationships, inpoliticsand,yes,evenattheheartofreligion…power,influence,andbudgetare attheheartofouractionsanddecisions.Wecanrecognizethistransactionalismin thecalculatingcoldnessoftheeyesandthelackofresonancewithtruthandbeauty. Itistheicyrecognitionthatwehavebecomeanopportunity,adollarsignanda positiontobefilled Jesus'actofredemptivelovethatwecelebratethisholyseasonstartswiththe anointingbyMaryMagdaleneasanactoflove,totallyvulnerableandforgetfulof self.ResonatingwithSolomon’sSongofSongs“Lethimkissmewiththekissesofhis mouth!Foryourloveisbetterthanwine,youranointingoilsarefragrant,yourname isperfumepouredout…Setmeasasealuponyourheart,asasealuponyourarm… forloveisstrongasdeath,passionfierceasthegrave.Itsflashesareflashesoffire,a ragingflame.Manywaterscannotquenchlove,neithercanfloodsdrownit.Ifone offeredforloveallthewealthofone'shouse,itwouldbeutterlyscorned.”

Transposedagainstthislove,reviewtodaytheactionsofthecrowd,singing exultantly,“HosannatotheSonofDavid!Blessedishecomesinthenameofthe Lord!Hosannainthehighest!”WhenJesusdoesnotfulfiltheirdemandfor transactionalgain,theywillshoutequallyasloudly,“Lethimbecrucified!Lethimbe

crucified!”Hereweseehowsubtletheshiftinourheartscanbecomewhenwesee apersonasvaluetoserveus…cold,harsh,andvindictive.

LettheSongofSongsbeginourmeditationofJesus'actofredemptivelove.Letthe humbleandvulnerableactofawomananointingthefeetofJesusmoveourproud heartssothatwemayseeourownsecretmotivesrevealed.Letusearnestlyseek TruthsothatHealsomaysetthatsealuponourheartsthisisthesealoflove beyonddeathandlifebeyondthegrave

Letusreplaceourwininganddiningofthejudges,thebuyers,andthebenefactors, withatrueanddeeperpresencetothosewhoarelonely,thoserejectedbysociety, thoseconsideredoflittleornovalueinthesupplychain,theoutsidersandallthose considered“theleastamongus”.

Ourhumanjourneytogetherisalltoobriefanditcanonlybethatinembeddingour livestogetherintheanointedoneofGod,intheresurrectionoftheanointed belovedthatourlivesbecomethatflamethatburnsbeyonddeath,burnsineternity

HOLYTHURSDAY

ThefeastofCorpusDominiisinseparablefromtheHolyThursdayMassofinCaena Domini,inwhichtheinstitutionoftheEucharistisalsocelebrated.

OntheeveningofHolyThursdaywerelivethemysteryofChristwhooffershimself tousinthebreadbrokenandwinepouredout,andtoday,incelebrationofCorpus Domini,thissamemysteryisproposedtotheadorationandmeditationofGod's people,andtheBlessedSacramentiscarriedinprocessionthroughthestreetsof townsandvillages,toshowthattherisenChristwalksamongusandguidesus towardstheKingdomofheaven

TodayweopenlymanifestwhatJesushasgivenusintheintimacyoftheLastSupper, becausetheloveofChristisnotconfinedtothefew,butisintendedforall….the breadandwineintendedtotransformourlivesandusherinthetransformationof theworld.

EverythingstartsfromtheheartofChrist,whoattheLastSupperontheeveofhis passion,thankedandpraisedGodand,indoingso,withthepowerofhislove transformedthemeaningofdeathwhichhewasabouttoencounterThefactthat theSacramentofthealtarhastakenonthename"Eucharist""thanksgiving" expressesthis.ThechangeinthesubstanceofthebreadandwineintotheBodyand BloodofChrististhefruitofthegiftthatChristmadeofhimself,agiftofalove strongerthandeath,loveofGodwhichmadehimrisefromthedead.Thatiswhy theEucharististhefoodofeternallife,theBreadoflife.

FromtheheartofChrist,fromhis"EucharisticPrayer"ontheeveofhispassion, flowsthedynamismthattransformsrealityinitscosmic,humanandhistorical dimensionsAllproceedsfromGod,fromtheomnipotenceofhisloveOneand Triune,incarnateinJesusInthisLovetheheartofChristemerges,soHeknowshow tothankandpraiseGodeveninthefaceofbetrayalandviolence,andthuschanges things,peopleandtheworld.

Thistransformationispossiblethankstoacommunionstrongerthandivision,the communionofGodhimself.Theword"communion",whichweusetodesignatethe Eucharist,sumsuptheverticalandhorizontaldimensionofthegiftofChrist.The beautifulandeloquentexpression"receivecommunion"referstotheactofeating thebreadoftheEucharist.Infact,whenwecarryoutthisact,weenterinto communionwiththeverylifeofJesus,inthedynamismofthislifewhichisgivento usandforus.

FromGod,throughJesus,tous:auniquecommunionistransmittedintheHoly EucharistWehaveheardasmuch,inthesecondreading,fromthewordsofthe ApostlePaultotheChristiansofCorinth:…"Thecupofblessingthatwebless,isit notaparticipationinthebloodofChrist?Thebreadthatwebreak,isitnota participationinthebodyofChrist"(1Cor10:1617).

SaintAugustinehelpsustounderstandthedynamicsofHolyCommunionwhen referringtoakindofvisionhehad,inwhichJesussaidtohim:"Iamthefoodofthe maturegrow,then,andyoushalleatmeYouwillnotchangemeintoyourselflike bodilyfood,butyouwillbechangedintome"(Confessions,VII,10,18)

Therefore,whilethebodilyfoodisassimilatedbythebodyandcontributestoits maintenance,theEucharistisadifferentbread…wedonotassimilateit,butit assimilatesustoitself,sothatwebecomeconformedtoJesusChristandmembers ofhisbody,onewithHim.Thisisadecisivepassage.Indeed,preciselybecauseitis Christwho,inEucharisticcommunion,transformsusintoHim,ourindividuality,in thisencounter,isopenedup,freedfromitsselfcenterednessandplacedinthe PersonofJesus,whointurnisimmersedintheTrinitariancommunion.

WhiletheEucharistunitesustoChrist,weopenourselvestoothersmakingus membersoneofanotherwearenolongerdivided,butonethinginHim Eucharisticcommunionunitesmetothepersonnexttome,andwithwhomImight notevenhaveagoodrelationship,butalsotomybrothersandsisterswhoarefar away,ineverycorneroftheworld.Thusthedeepsenseofsocialpresenceofthe

ChurchisderivedfromtheEucharist,asevidencedbythegreatsocialsaints,who havealwaysbeengreatEucharisticsouls.

ThosewhorecognizeJesusintheBlessedSacrament,recognizetheirbrotherwho suffers,whoishungryandthirsty,whoisastranger,naked,sick,imprisoned,and theyareattentivetoeveryperson,committingthemselves,inaconcreteway,to thosewhoareinneed.SofromthegiftofChrist'slovecomesourspecial responsibilityasChristiansinbuildingacohesive,justandfraternalsociety

Inourtimewhenglobalizationmakesusincreasinglydependentuponeachother, ChristianitycanandmustensurethatthisunitywillnotbebuiltwithoutGod, withouttrueLove.Thiswouldgivewaytoconfusionandindividualism,the oppressionofsomeagainstothers.

TheGospelhasalwaysaimedattheunityofthehumanfamily,aunitynotimposed fromabove,orbyideologicaloreconomicinterests,butfromasenseof responsibilitytowardseachother,becauseweidentifyourselvesasmembersofthe samebody,thebodyofChrist,becausewehavelearnedandcontinuallylearnfrom theSacramentoftheAltarthatsharing,loveisthepathoftruejustice

LetusreturntoJesus’actintheLastSupper.Whathappenedatthatmoment? WhenHesaid,“Thisismybodywhichisgiventoyou,thisismybloodshedforyou andforthemultitude”,whathappened?Jesusinthatgestureanticipatestheevent ofCalvary.Heacceptshispassionoutoflove,withitstrialanditsviolence,evento deathonthecross.Byacceptingitinthiswayhetransformsitintoanactofgiving.

Thisisthetransformationthattheworldneedsmost,becauseheredeemsitfrom within,heopensituptotheKingdomofHeavenButGodalwayswantsto accomplishthisrenewaloftheworldthroughthesamepathfollowedbyChrist, indeed,thepaththatisHimself.ThereisnothingmagicinChristianity.Thereareno shortcuts,buteverythingpassesthroughthepatientandhumblelogicofthegrain

ofwheatthatisbrokentogivelife,thelogicoffaiththatmovesmountainswiththe gentlepowerofGod.ThisiswhyGodwantstocontinuetorenewhumanity,history andthecosmosthroughthischainoftransformations,ofwhichtheEucharististhe sacrament.

Throughtheconsecratedbreadandwine,inwhichhisBodyandBloodistruly present,Christtransformsus,assimilatingusinhim:heinvolvesusinhisredeeming work,enablingus,bythegraceoftheHolySpirit,toliveaccordingtohissamelogic ofgift,likegrainsofwheatunitedwithHimandinHimThusunityandpeace,which arethegoalforwhichwestrive,aresownandmatureinthefurrowsofhistory, accordingtoGod'splan.

Withoutillusions,withoutideologicalutopias,wewalkthestreetsoftheworld, bringingwithinustheBodyoftheLord,liketheVirginMaryinthemysteryofthe Visitation.Withthehumbleawarenessthatwearesimplegrainsofwheat,we cherishthefirmconvictionthattheloveofGod,incarnateinChrist,isstrongerthan evil,violenceanddeath

WeknowthatGodispreparingforallpeoplenewheavensandnewearthwhere peaceandjusticeprevailandbyfaithweglimpsethenewworld,thatisourtrue home.AlsothiseveningasthesunsetsonourbelovedcityofRome,wesetout againonthispath:withusisJesusintheEucharist,theRisenOne,whosaid:"Iam withyoualways,untiltheendofworld"(Mt28:20).

Thankyou,LordJesus!Thankyouforyourloyalty,whichsustainsourhope.Staywith us,becausetheeveningcomes."Jesus,goodshepherdandtruebread,havemercy onus;feedusandguardus.Grantthatwefindhappinessinthelandoftheliving". Amen

GOODFRIDAY

THESCAPEGOATTHATONESHOULDDIEFORTHEMANY

Watchpeopleataboxingmatch;watchthematanysportsevent;watchthemwhen thereisafreemeal,whensomethingisbeingofferedatadiscount.Thecrowds surgeandbecomelikesardines.

Observethosebeingaccusedofsomewrongdoing;surelynotI;haveyouchecked thatoneoverthere!!Asaspecieswetendtonotonlycopyothers,butalsotoblame othersforourmisfortunesThisiscalledscapegoating

Thisisasocialactionforrelievingourfrustrationsandfear,andtoavoid responsibilitythroughasubstitutevictim.Throughthisscapegoating,wedistinguish betweenordinary,punitiveanddestructiveviolence,andsanctionedsacredviolence whichisviewedasconstructive.

Sacredviolencebringsthecircleofordinaryviolencetoanend.Societythereby valuesandfeelsgoodabouttheoutcomeofthis‘sacred’violence

Thescapegoatislaterdivinisedandtheviolentformationeventmarksthe foundationofreligion‘Primitivereligionisthebindingupofthecommunityby bindingbacktothemomentofitsorigins,themomentwhenitgatheredtogether arounditsfirstvictim’.

TheGospelsfullyrevealtheinnocenceofthescapegoatvictimastheIncarnateGod. Farfromdemandingavictimasproposedbymanyofthemodelsofsalvation,Jesus identifieswiththevictimratherthanwiththesocialstructuresandexposesthe substitutevictimmechanismasafraudanddeception.

Thisdeceptionbeginsinsocialstructuresthattakethemoralhighgroundofjudging whoisin,andwhoisout,accordingthegroup’sacceptedpurityandmoralstandards ThisgivesusnewinsightintotheGospelmessagethatcallsustodrastic transformationinsteadofemptyconformation.

ConsidertheParableoftheGoodSamaritan.Intheparable,thepriestandtheLevite areintimatelyconnectedwiththetempleandthesacrificialcult.Incontrast,the Samaritans,whoweremarginalised(scapegoated)forbeingrituallyimpureand sociallyunacceptable,whileacceptingtheTorahandobservingtheSabbath,rejected theJerusalemTempleandthesacrificeofferedthere.

Byunderminingculturalandreligiouspresuppositionsaboutpurityandmoral rectitude,Jesus’parableconfrontshisaudience(thePharisees)withthefactthat theycannolongerjustifythemselvesorthecosmologyofviolencebythesacrificial systemsandscapegoatingmechanismsthattheythemselveshavecreatedfor preciselythatpurpose.Byreadingthisparableasamoralexhortation(asitnormally is),Christianshaveotherwiserendereditharmless(Fredricks1998:158).

JesusthusrevealsforusthefaceofGodwhoalwaysrespondstoourcollective ‘sacred’violencewithnonviolentlove.TherealisationthatGodisonthesideof victimsisthecentreofbiblicalrevelation.

ThisfinalrevelationinthepersonofJesusisthemissiontorescuehumankindfrom thecycleofviolence,thathiddendarknesswithineachofourheartsthatcanonlybe transformedinthefieryfurnaceoflove

ThisdeathofJesusisnotasacrificetoavengeful,andwrathfulGodwhosought repaymentforthesinofAdamandEveandallhumankind.Byexample,Jesus critiquespowerandshowsushowtobefullyhumanandhowtorespondtoour tendencyforthecopycatviolenceandscapegoating.

Anyideaofaharshandabusiveprocessofrepaymentforsinscommitteddoes violencetotheconceptofGodwhoistotallynonviolent

HumanityisintheimageandlikenessofGodAnydistortedviewofGodimpactson ourunderstandingofwhoweareandimpairsourdevelopmentandintegrationof thewholeperson.

IntheWest,thechurchhaslargelylosttheconceptofsalvationastheprocessof ‘divinization’thatisstillincorporatedintothespiritualityandtheologyoftheEastern ChristianChurches.

Thisconceptofdivinizationdiscernsthehumanpersonasengagedintheprocessof ‘becoming’;movingtowardsgreaterconsciousnessandhumantranscendence, ratherthanconstantfixationonthenegative,diseasedhumannature

Thistranscendenceisseenasthe‘becoming’ofthe‘divinitywithin’,that transcendentessencebeyondhumanpersonalitywithitsvariousinclinationsand characteristics.

HowweseetheworkofChristfulfilledinthecrucifixionwillbeourviewofGodand thustheviewwehaveofourownhumanityinthelikenessofGod.

THERESURRECTIONOFTHELORD

ThereisabitofthePhariseewithineachoneofus;“don’tdisturbmewithyour alternatereality,IknowwhatIknowandthatisenough”.Evenastheireyes witnessedmiracles,thedeadbeingraised,theblindbeinggiventheirsight,andthe deafbeinggiventheirhearing,thePhariseeshadtheScripturesandthatwas sufficient.

ThePhariseesdidnotrecognizeanencounterwithGod,theywereunabletosee TheytriedtouseScripturetoentrapJesus“TellusteacherwhatthelawsaysYes, thisiswhatthelawsays,butItellyou…”Jesusalwaysliftingtheirsighttoanew horizon,buttheywouldnotsee,theycouldnotsee.

TastethesadnessandthedisappointmentasJesusresponds…“NeitherwillItell you!”Wehaveallheardthesametypeofambiguityinthecourtroomparlance, “haveyoustoppedbeatingyourwife,yesorno!”Thisfallacyofequivocationisas ancientasScriptureitselfandalwaysstemsfrompride,prejudiceandalackof compassion,alackoflove

Sooften,wealsolikethePharisees,andeventhosedevotedtoJesus,areunableto see.HaveyouevernoticedthatJesus'followershaddifficultyrecognizingHimwhen HeappearedtothemafterHisresurrection?HeappearedtoMaryandshethought Hewasagardener.Heappeared,walkedandtalkedwiththetwodisciplesonthe roadtoEmmaus,andtheydidnotrealizeitwasHim.Heyelledtothedisciplesinthe boatfishingandtheydidnotrecognizeHim.

WhydidtheynotrecognizeHim?Didtheirgriefblindthem?Humanpainand sufferingcandothatItcangivetheillusionthatwe'reallaloneandwedonot recognizethosearoundus,evenourclosestfriendsCouldithavebeentheirlackof expectation?JesushaddiedTheyknewdeathwasfinal,sotheydidnotexpectto seeJesusagain.EvenifthismanlookedlikeJesus,itcouldnotbeHim.Hewasdead. Sometimeswealsohaveourownagendas,puttingGodinourcornerandinourbox.

CoulditbethattheywerekeptfromrecognizingHim?Coulditbethattheywere beingtaughtanewhorizon,anewwayofseeingJesus?Perhapsthisnewwayof seeingJesusmustbegininthedarknessofthetomb,thedarknessoftheCloudof unknowing,thathumbleacknowledgementthatthiscannotbemydoing,cannot comeaboutthroughmyrighteousnessoranyformofworthiness.

ThoughtheyeachdidnotrecognizeJesusrightaway,theydidhavetheireyesopen Ineachcasesomethinghappenedthatopenedtheireyestothestartling realizationit'sJesus!MaryrecognizedJesuswhenHespokehernameThetwo discipleshadtheireyesopenedwhenJesustookthebread,gavethanks,brokeitand gaveittothem.ThefactthatitwasJesusontheshoredawnedonthedisciplesin theboatwhentheyhadthemiraculouscatchoffishafterfollowingHisinstructions.

Thegospelwriters'careindetailingtheseeventsmakesustakenotice.Itwould seemthattheseeventstaughtthesedisciplesthathumansightcouldnotseethe resurrectedJesusSpiritualsensesareneededtoseeHimnowItisalsonoteworthy thateacheyeopeningincidentrefersbacktoteachingthatJesushaddoneearlier NowHewasshowingthemandusjustwhathemeant

Whatthesediscipleslearnedisessentialforustolearn.Thewayinwhichtheywere taughttoseeJesusisthewaywe,whohaveneverseenJesusphysically,aretosee andrecognizeHim.InChrist,wehavethegraceandsensesneededtosee.Just becausewedon'trecognizeorhearHimdoesn'tmeanthatHeisnotwithus.

WeneedtolearnwhereandhowwecanseeandhearHim.Theseincidentsreveal importantlessonsforustolearn.

Mary’seyesswollenfromcryingandinshockfromhavingfoundJesus'tombempty, MaryturnsandseesamanstandingofftothesideShethinksHeisagardenerThen HecallstoherbynameandthescalesthatblindedherfromrecognizingJesusfell away.

SheknewthenitwasJesus!ShedidnotrecognizeHimwhenshelookedathimorin theshortconversationpriortohisspeakinghername.Itwashisvoicecallingher namethatbroughttherecognition.JesusearliertaughthisdisciplesthatJesus knowshissheepandhissheepknowHim;hecallshissheepbynameandtheyknow hisvoice.

MaryneededtolearnthatalthoughJesuswouldsoonnotbewithherphysically,he wouldalwaysbewithherShewouldbeabletorecognizehimwhenhecalledher nameShewouldknowhimbyhisvoice

ItisvitalthatwelearnthelessonMarylearned.WearetorecognizeJesusinhis voice.Therearemanyvoicesscreamingforourattentiontoday.Theycaneasily distractus.Theloudestonestendtogetourattention.Theymustnotdistractus. Rather,wemustdrawuponGod'sgraceandprovisionstotuneourearstohisvoice.

Itisnotabouttone,inflectionormannerofspeaking;itisaboutGod’sSpirit witnessingandresonatingwithourspiritthatenablesustorecognizeGod’svoice

ThereareprejudiceandconditioningtoovercomeButitisimperativethatweknow thatGodhasgivenustheabilitytohearandtoseenewhorizonswherethekingdom ofGod,thekingdomofloveispossible. AttheverybeginningofourstoryinourjourneyasGod’speople,thereisagarden plantedbyGodandinwhichGodwalksandtalkswithusinthecooloftheevening, callingusbyname.Thenthereisabreakinourrelationshipaswechosetotakefor ourselvesthatwhichcanonlybereceivedasgift.Oureyesopenedtoknowour nakednessandshameandsowebecomeblindtowhatGodhascreated,blindto whatisgood;forGodsawallthathehadmade,anditwasverygood

ItisatthetableoftheLordthatwecometogetherasbrothersandsisters,asGod’s family,toshareourhunger,toshareourneedandtorecogniseJesusatthebreaking ofbread;thisistheEmmausjourneyforeachoneofusalso.

DIVINEMERCYSUNDAY SECONDSUNDAYOFEASTER

(John20:1931)

Inasingleinstant,theworldofThomasisthrownupsidedown.Touchingthe woundsoftheChrist,alltheteachings,allthestructures,alltheheritageofthe generations,andalltheheavyburdensoftheagesfallaway,meaningless…totally absurd.TouchingthewoundsofChrist,Thomashastouchedtheuniversalpatternof undoingdeathallthestrivingandallthedesires,everythingthathadbeen importantuptothisinstant,discardedliketheskinofthecaterpillar

EachoneofushasnowtouchedthewoundsofChrist,ineachotherandalsowithin theworldthatweallhavecreated…somuchpain,somuchsuffering,andsomuch despair.Wehavetouchedthewoundsandwehavefeltthepain,andourworldof todaycanneverbethesameagain.Donotdivertyourgaze,lookuponthewounds, seethemandtouchthem.Ourferociouscaterpillarappetiteisexposedandseenby everyonefortheselfishnesswhichitis.

WhatdarewenowhopeforastheButterflyemerges?Howwaywehopethatallwill besaved,thatallmaybereconciledandredeemed?Howcanwereturntothisvision giventousbytheChristevent?

Yes,thebutterflyofanewconsciousnessisemergingandweasapeoplearefacing theadventureofnewpossibilities,butfirst,wemustdiscardtheoldwineskinsand imagesthatnolongerserveusasGod’sfamily.

MuchofreligionhasclungtenaciouslytotheimageofanembodiedmaleGod,the GodofMars,theGodofWar…aGodmadeinourownimageinallwecansubdue, inallwecanownandsubjugateofmanandbeastalike,entitledanddominatingWe mayacknowledgethatGodisspiritandthatthechurchisourmother,yetthismost ancientimagesofthemenofEmpireandsubjugationclingstoourlanguage,our liturgy,andourart.

Thechurchisourmotherandwesodesperatelyneedthecompassionofamother. PerhapsthislackofamotherlyGodimageisthereasonforourwelldeveloped muscleofpettyandalltoooftenspitefulandprejudicialjusticewhileMercyhangs limplyfromthesocket.

Withoutthismercyandforgivenessformyself,forothersandforallofcreation,we arenotfree;andbecauseLoveneedsfreedom,unforgivenessblocksusfrom experiencingLove;blocksusfromexperiencingGod;blocksusfrombeingauthentic toourpurposeasGodimage

Thisdominionovertheearth,sometimesunderstoodinaonesidedandsuperficial way,seemstoleavenoroomforMercy.Ifwedonotacceptthatwehavebeen madebyGodwhoisgood,madebyLove,andthatthepurposeofourlivesmustbe toLoveandtobeLoved,ourheartswillbeforeverclosedinonourselves,emptyand avoidofjoy.

Lovecannotexistwithoutforgivenessasmuchasitcannotexistinindifference, becauseunforgivenessisalwaysaboutmeandthepastisalwaysaboutmy preciousmyopinionsmyhonourmyhurtmylossandmyneedsWhileLove isalwaysabouttheotherLoveneedsthegoodoftheotherLovemustbeinthe presentNOW.

Thisisourgreatdoubtandthegreatneed…thetensionbetweenJusticeand Mercy…thetensionbetweenourgreatneedforforgivenessandourdesirefor retribution.Withoutfindingthatpossibilityofforgivenessinmyownheart,Ihave blockedmyselfofffromthegraceMercy.Withoutforegoingmyowndesirefor compensation,forretribution,IhaveclosedthedoortothegreatgiftofMercythat Loveoffersus Togetherletusseektodiscardalloftheseoldimageswhichcanneverportraythe truthandbeautyoftheemergingbutterfly.Likethebutterfly,wemustalsolearnto

walklightlyincreation,tofeelandparticipateinthatenergyofGod’sspiritthat pulsatesthroughouttheuniverse.

whenhesensedthedangerofwildbeastsorpaddledhiscanoeover treacherousrapids? Hesaid,“Goandfindoutforyourselves.”Toguidethemhedrewamapof theriver. Theypounceduponthemap.TheyframeditintheirTownHall.Theymade copiesofitforthemselvesAndallwhohadacopyconsideredthemselves expertsontheriver,fordidtheynotknowit’severyturnandbend,how broaditwas,howdeep,wheretherapidswereandwherethefalls?

ItissaidthatBuddhaobduratelyrefusedtobedrawnintotalkingofGod.Hewas obviouslyfamiliarwiththedangersofdrawingmapsforarmchairexplorers.

FirstcomesLove,andonlythencanwerecogniseJesusinthebreakingofthebread. ThosetwodisciplesontheroadtoEmmausweredejectedanddisappointed…the greatprophet,Jesus,hadnotliveduptotheirexpectationsItwasonlyoncetheir heartshadbecomeinflamedbyGod’sincarnatedLovethattheyunderstoodthe ScripturesItwasonlyinthisflameofLovethattheEmmausdisciplesrecognise JesusinthebreakingofthebreadItisnocoincidencethatLovefindsitsbest expressioninpoetry:

Myintellectseeswhathashappened, butitcannotexplainit.

Itcansee,andwishestoexplain, butcanfindnowordthatwillsuffice; forwhatitseesisinvisibleandentirelyformless, simple,completelyuncompounded, unboundedinitsawesomegreatness

WhatIhaveseenisthetotalityrecapitulatedasone, receivednotinessencebutbyparticipation

Justasifyoulitaflamefromaflame, itisthewholeflameyoureceive.

ItwasourFranciscanbrother,JohnDunsScotus,wholedthewayforus;weLove becauseGodfirstLovedus(1John4:19).Ratherthanknowledgeandunderstanding, itisLovethatleadstoLove.Lookintotheeyesofthemotherandthefatherasthey gazeuponthenewbornbabe.ThisistheongoingEasterimageofresurrectionand newlife.

God’srevelationtousintheeternalWord,IncarnatedinthepersonofJesusthe Christ,isaninvitationforusalsotoparticipateinthisdanceoflife,presentinthe hereandnowofhistoryThisisourparticipationinthelifeofGod,eachoneofus withourownparticularcommunionofgifts.

God’sFamilycomingtogether,kneelingtogether,singingtogether,listeningto Scripturetogether,prayingtogether,andsharingtogetherinGod’sgreatestgiftof Love,theEucharist,andourcommunion.Astheintroductiontothenewlectionary says,“Ineveryageandineveryplace,comingtogetherasGod’speopletopraiseand toworship,insupplicationandinthanksgiving,intimesofcelebration,intimesof commiserationandintimesofdanger”

Yesweknowthatthereisgreatdanger,thereisselfishness,thereisdisorderand thereisthediseaseofsin,butwealsoacknowledgeourhopethatwhereverthese abide,God’sgraceabidesthegreater.

Nowisthetime,nowistheopportunity,nowisthecalltohumanityclearandloud… wearecalledtogetherasonepeople,onthispalebluedot,toupholdandtosupport theweakandthehelpless,toshareintheampleresourcesofthisOneWorld,toput asideourguns,ourgreed,andourgrievances,toputasideourangerandourwars, andtoparticipateinthedanceoflifethroughunionandcommunionInthisgreat abundanceofgrace,thereisanabundanceofallofourneeds

Onourcurrenttrajectory,thereisnowinner’spodium,noprofit,ormarketina dyingpeopleonaforlornandfracturedplanet.Thisisourcalltojointhedisciples andtoturnbackfromtheroadtoEmmaus.

FOURTHSUNDAYOFEASTER LIFETOTHEFULL

(John10:110)

Wehaveenteredintothesilenceofunknowing,replacingthebrutishhumanchain ofproductivityforanewopportunity.Inthesilenceofourmonstermachinesto listenandtoobservetouseourcreativitytoseekadifferentwayofbeinga humanwithincreation

Inthistimeofupheavalandwarthatcoversthefaceoftheearth,manyofuslisten obsessivelytothenewsofdisastersandofpeopledying.Weareperhapsespecially curiousofthoseeffectedwhoaretheinfluential,therich,thefamous,thestars,and allthoseglitzyidolsofourtime.Forsomeofustheremayevenbeawrysmileatthe tarnishnowappearingonthosesameidols.Thereisanewunderstandingemerging, arealizationthatweourselvesbyourdesirefordiversions,havesupportedand enabledtheseidolsintheirlavishandoftenoutlandishexcess.

Adearfriendandformerparishionerrecentlycommentedonsocialmedia

NextyearIdon’twanttohearanythingabouttheOscars,Grammies,orGolden globesIdon’twanttoseeasingleactor,actress,celebrityorsportsstaronanyred carpettryingtopushtheir(bs)politicalagendaonusall!NextyearIwanttosee nurses,doctors,military,firstresponders(police,EMS,fire),socialworkers, caregivers,supportworkers,shopworkers,truckdrivers,pharmacists,teachers,the FARMERS.....allhavingfreeredcarpetpartieswithawards.Weneedtohonourthe realheroesinoursocietyforachange!

Yes,toturnawayfromallthosediversions,toturnawayfromallthatisfalseand illusionThisisalsothecentralcallofthegospeltoturntowardsTruthand repentance,tometanoia,toturnawayfromallourprojections,fear,illusionsand distractions,torecognizeourparanoiaandallthatisfalseJesusassertsthatthisis thegiftofGodwithus,Truth,theveryJesuswhobringsus‘LifetotheFull’.

Ifsomethingistrue,itistruealwaysandeverywhere,universally,oritisnottrueat all…thisisthenatureofreality,oftruth.

Fromourexperienceweknowthatchoosingagiftforsomeonecanbedifficult,yet thereareanumberofassumptionsthatguideus…therecipientissomeonethatwe careaboutdeeplyanddoesnotalreadyhavethatelusivegift…theymayneverhave hadit,oritmayhavebeenlostordestroyed.Wealsoexpectthattheyneedandwill appreciatethegiftthatwechoose

Althoughwealsobuygiftsforthedead,sometimesoutofregret,recollection, endeavouringtorecoverwhathasbeenlost,publicdisplay,orevenfear,yetweare innatelyawarethatsuchgiftsaremerelyillusionsreflectingourprojectionsand servenomaterialbenefitforthedead.

Jesusisspeakingtoustodayasclearlyashedidtothosedisciplestwomillennia ago…whatistrue,istruealwaysandeverywhere.Jesusistheonewhobringsuslife tothefull,obviouslysomethingwedon’thave,maybeneverhadorsomethingwe havelostPerhapsthisisthesamereflectionthatinspiredthewritersofGenesis 1,500yearsbeforetheChristevent

Asineveryage,thismustalsobeourreflectiontoday:“whatiskeepingmefrom havinglifetothefull”;notjustlifeasamasqueradeoftruth,butalifethatis authenticandmeaningful.Torecognizeandtoacknowledgethatourlivesareoften acharaderequirescourage.AsWinstonChurchillalsoagonized,“ifIamnotthe fightingman,whoamI?…WhoamI?”Therearemany,who,becauseofdoubtand fearwillscoffatthisquestion;buteveninthissarcasmwecandiscoverthemask hidingourfear…fortoseemyselfintheeyesofthebelovedistodiscoverthetruth thatIam

WhenTruthspeakswithinmyheart,myentirebodyresonateswiththeallureofthe melody;‘comejointhedance,thisisyourpartintheGreatComposition’.Ihave beenspokenintoTruth,evenwhenIdonotseetheroadaheadoreventhenext

stepofthisgreatadventure…‘fromthebeginning...thingslive,andthingsdie,and thingsliveagain’.

Thereissolidarityandsimilitudeamongallcreation…allhavethesameartist,all evolvefromthatsamepotentialityandareallareorderedtoGod’sglory.Weare brothersandsistersnotonlyofeachother,butwithallofcreation.Thewordsof FrancisfromCanticleoftheCreaturesincarnatesthisideaandiscentraltoour spiritualityasFranciscans

Wearecalledtoaspiritualityofexuberantjoyintheartistmadeevidentthroughthe artwork…thedialogueoflivedexperiencethroughwhichwedeepenourspirituallife withinthevibrantcoloursofGod'sspiritualLove.

Thisrequiresfullinvolvementandparticipationinthecreativeprocessofbecoming thatwhichismost“authentic”,thatwhichistrue.Tolivewithinthisunionwith ChrististoinvolvemyselfintheChristprojectofongoingcreation…thehopethat buildsbridges,bringingtogetherthatwhichisseparated,splinteredorexcludedby ourmanyillusions

Thisisadarktimeofunknowing,atimeofuncertaintyandatimeofdestruction,yet ifwegraspthismomentinChristasanewopportunitytocreateanotherwaytolive, thepromiseofLifetotheFulliswithinthegraspofusall.

FIFTHSUNDAYOFEASTERYEARA ONLYLOVEKNOWSTHEWAY

(John14:112)

…andMarysaid,“Knowledge,understandingandwisdomarenotsuperiortoLove, forthesecomefromunionanditisLovethatunites.OnewhohasLovewillhave knowledge,understandingandwisdom,butwithoutLovenooneiswise”.

“Godalwaysbeginswithwomen,always,theyopenwaysTheydon’tdoubt:they know;theyhaveseenHim;theyhavetouchedHimTheyhavealsoseentheempty sepulchreTodayalsothereistheoptioneitherourbetwillbeforlife,forthe resurrectionofthepeoples,oritwillbeforthegodmoney…toreturntothe sepulchreofhunger,ofslavery,ofwars,ofthearmsfactories,ofchildrenwithout education...thesepulchreisthere.”(PopeFrancisAPRIL13,2020)

Weloveyou,ourbeautifulMotherChurch,visiblesignofloveandunityinthegreat diversityofthenations,spotlessBrideofChrist,holyyetalsosinful.Weaschurchdo rightfullyspeakofthefemininegeniusoflove,aLovethatunitesThisLovethat unitesisourparticipationintheTrinitarianprocessioninwhichallpeoplesandallof creationparticipates JesusspeakstousofthisparticipationandunionwithGodashisreality,asitisalso ourreality.JesustheChristintheFather,thefatherinJesusasJesusisalsoinus, andweareinJesus.ThisisthewondroustruthofourcommunionintheEucharist.

Thisisourunionwiththeoutpouringsourceoflovewhoisformless,withGodwhois formintheincarnatedwordwhoistheChrist.Thisisourparticipationinthe dynamiclifeandLoveenergybetweenwhatisseenandtheunseenasweproclaim inourcreedsthroughthecenturies

Yes,holyyetsinfulAllofus,allofcreationandworthyofredemptionbyGod’sown Word,yeteachofushavealsoparticipatedinthegreatdividethatthreatensto engulfusaswegazeeverdeeperintotheabyss.ForgiveusLord,dearestBeloved,

forourparticipationinallthosewhoareexcludedbyourcleverwordsandour manipulations.ForgiveusespeciallyOLordforourparticipationintheexclusionof femininegeniusoflove,fromouraltersandfromourpulpits.Ourexpensive diversionskeepusinsulatedandmindlesstothehorrorsthatwehavehelpedcreate.

Eachoneofushasbeenaffectedandinsomewayinfected…eachoneofushas participatedinunionwiththesufferingofthePeoplesofthisgeneration.Noonehas beenexemptedfromthejourneyofisolationandpurificationSufferinganddeath arenolongerindifferentdistantimages,buthaveenteredintoourhomes,ourmalls, ourcommunities,ourfamiliesandintotheveryheartofourbelovedchurch

Wehavebeencarriedintoparticipationandunionandforsomanyofus,heartsare brokenwideopen.Fragilepromisesandhopekeepusclingingtoouroldwaysoflife withgrimdetermination.Thingswerealwaysbetterwhen…Butitisaboveallfear andrivalryforresourcesthatdrivesthehumanracetoconstrict,toerectbarricades andtoformunholyalliancesthatexcludesparticularlythatfemininegeniusoflove.

Theproblemofsinandevil,ourpainandoursuffering,cannotbeconfronted throughsomepiousplatitudesevenlessbyabloodthirstyandvengefuldeityor thescapegoatingofanallpowerfulsatanicattackScriptureinformsusthat bitterness,anger,resentmentandtransference,leadsalwaysandonlytoacycleof violence,retaliationanddeath.

Howcanwetomoveoutofthisdeadlycycle?Intoday’sgospelJesustellsusthat,“I amtheWay,theTruthandtheLife.NoonecancometotheFatherexceptthrough me.”Howcanthisbecomemyrealityinthemidstofthechaosthatsurroundsus?

Muchofthetimeweattendchurchforafewmomentsofreliefandinorderto escapefromthisworldandenteradreamworldofsweetness,beautifulchanting andsinging,vaguepoetry,anduniversalcharm,aplaceofrefugefromtheworld thatiscold,hard,greedyandoverlycompetitive.Butthetruthisthatwearecalled tobechurchinordertoenterintotheworldastransformedpeople…anewcreation.

GodhassenttheIncarnatedWordintotheworldwiththepurposeandmissionof transformingitandgivingitbackitstruevalueandmeaningfromwithin,andthatin Christ,Godissendingustodothesame.

ThepurityofMary’sheart,theheartofamother,leadsusalwaystothecentrethat isinChristtheWay,theTruthandtheLife.Thereisnootherwayandthecallis alwaysurgent Fartoomanyofushavebeendeeplyhurt,physicallyandemotionallybythechurch andbyorganisedreligionandnowmustlivewiththesescars.Manyofusare nauseatedbythetriumphalismofourchurchthathasbecomesointertwinedwith empire,poweranddomination…yet,justlikemybrotherRichardIalso “Can’tgiveuponhealthyreligion,becauseitaloneispreparedtopointusbeyond themerepsychologicalorpersonal…tothecosmic,totheuniversal,totheAbsolute.

Onlyhealthy,greatreligionispreparedtorealign,heal,reconnectallthingsand repositionusinsideofthebiggestpossiblepictureBasically,whenwesaywelove God,wearesayingyouloveeverythingNoexceptionsThatispreciselywhatit means,andwemustbegintomakethatclear”

SIXTHSUNDAYOFEASTERYEARA BUILDINGANEWWORLD

(John14:1521or17:111)

ThirtyyearsagoIwastravellingwithagroupoffriendsreturningfromcelebratingan eveningMassinEdenvale,Johannesburg.Iwastravellingatabout80km/hdown Langermanndrive,amainarterialroutetoKensington.AsIapproachedatOcean Street,aminorintercessionleadingfromRhodesPark,avoicewithinmyhead exploded,“STOPNOW!”AsIslammedonthebrakes,themotorcarskiddedsome distancebeforeshudderingtoastopAtthatsamemoment,anothervehiclewithout anylightspassedjustinfrontofus,havingjumpedthestopStreetonOceanStreet. Thewarningmaynotalwaysbespokensoloudly,butitisalwaysspeaking.

TheSpiritofTruth,anamazinggifttoaccompanyusthroughtheagesofhumanity. ThisisthespiritoftruththatScripturespeaksaboutasthejudgeoradvocate (dayân),astheintercessor,consoler,andcomforter(paraklētos),andthirdlyasthe speaker,theforensicadvocate,andorator(rhētōr)

Withthiswonderfulgiftwithusandwithinus,wemustaskourselveswhywe,asthe humanspecies,havechosenandjudgedsopoorly,haveactedsorashlywhywe havedistortedtruthandspokensuchselfservinguntruthstoeachother.Asthe poetsofthisageaffirm,wehavenotputontheweddinggarment…wehave normalisedgreed,inequity,exhaustion,depletion,extraction,disconnection, confusion,rage,hoarding,hate,andlack.

Howhasthishappened?Howarewetochange?Whatmustwedo?

LetourheartsbebrokenchangemustalwaysbeginwithabrokenheartOnlyin thatmomentofhumility,inthatmomentofcompletehumiliationaswestandon theprecipiceofdestruction,isourpridesufficientlysilencedsothatwecanhearand understandtheterrorswehavewroughtuponthefaceoftheearth.

Perhapsthisisthepurposeofourcurrentstruggletocometoknowledgeand understandingandtostitchanewweddinggarment.Awonderfulopportunityto evaluateexactlywhereIstandasafollowerofChristwhocallsonustobelight bearersintotheworld.IcannotgivewhatIdonothave.Whenlastdidsomeonesee Jesusinmyreflection? Perhapsovertheyearswithallitsstruggles,betrayals,anddisappointments, grapplingwithalltheoverconfidentreligiousideologiesandtreacherouseconomic doctrines,wenolongerreflectthatWord,thatburninglightwithinusPerhapsI havebecomeavictimofabuseandmanipulationOncewenolongerreflectthelight, weareinthedarkness.

Perhapsinbitterness,Ihaveblamedothersforsolong,thatthelightofChristisno longervisibletomeorinme.RecognisingmyneedIcometoanadmissionofmy guilt,takingresponsibilityandbecomingreconciledtothesource.

PerhapsIhavepoisonedthewellatthesourcesothoroughlythatIhaverejected God’sWordandalsopoisonedthewellspringwithinmeHaveIbrokenmyvowsand commitmentsasapriest,orasaparent,orasachild?Ineedtobereconciledtothe sourceandthecommunityandtoaccepttheantidoteofferedbyChristfromthe TreeofLife. EachoneofusiscalledtoreflectChrist,becomeveryLovethatwemirror.Theability toLovecomesaboutthroughopeningmyselfupinvulnerability,lookingsquarely intotheheartofpainandsuffering,allowingthedepthofthisrealitytofullyenter intome,allowingempathytogrowintocompassionthattransformsindifference intoLove.

AsIlookuponmycorporatecomplicitywithincreation,Iamnolongerthecentral referencepoint,evenmyweaknessesandfaultsInthiscentralreferencepoint,the guardedseparatenessofmyselffromothersbeginstodissolve.

Thiscompassionategazebreaksmyheartandeventhoughitissoincrediblyhardto bear,thisgazeexpandsmyhearttoevergrowingandgreatercapacity.

Perhapswehavedivertedourselvestoowell…forwhenIdivertmygaze,divertmy mindandbusymyselfwithsuperficialdistractions,Iblocknotonlytherealityofthat painandthesufferingbutalsoblockempathy,compassionandtrueintimacythatis necessaryforLove.Itisonlyinthisopennessofabrokenheartthatanothertouches meandunionbecomespossible,heartbeatingtoheart

Ineedempathyandcompassionformyweaknessesandfaults,forgivingmyself becauseIhavebeenforgivenandlovingmyselfbecauseIamloved.Somuchharmis doneinourworldbythosewhowouldimposeuponthemselvesandothersthose unlovelypuritycodesandcensures.Thischoiceoflawandsacrificeratherthangrace toredeemdisfigurestheheart,leavesusbrittle,harshandjudgemental.

Thisisthenatureofprideandhypocrisythatwefindhidingbehindamaskofpious religiosity,eveninourownheartsPrivilege,prestige,andpoweraretheAchilles heelofvulnerability

LivingwithintheheartofLoveisthatcontinuouscircleofrecognition, acknowledgement,surrenderingtodeathandresurrection.Inthisresurrection,we cometorecognisethatloveisstrongerthandeathandgracemoreaboundingthan sin.

Inthisverymomentofourage,weareofferedachancetobeginagain…tobe unitedwiththesourceofLightandLife,tobeunitedwitheachotherandtobe unitedwithGod’screation.ThisistheonlyWaythatwecanoncemorebethelight oftheworldtobeonewiththesourcesothatwemayhaveLifetothefull ThroughJesus,inrelationshipwiththeWordmadeflesh,IcometobeinChrist,with allofcreation LetusfollowthecallofPopeFrancispeakingonDivineMercySunday,

"Maywebeprofoundlyshakenbywhatishappeningallaroundus:thetimehas cometoeliminateinequalities,tohealtheinjusticethatisunderminingthehealthof theentirehumanfamily…Letuswelcomethistimeoftrialasanopportunityto prepareforourcollectivefuture,becausewithoutavisionthatembraceseveryone, therewillbenofutureforanyone…Letusshowmercytothosewhoaremost vulnerableforonlyinthiswaywillwebuildanewworld”

THEASCENSIONOFTHELORDYEARA

(Matthew28:1620)

Withouthope,lifebecomesameaningless,dreary,greymonotony…acycleof familiarandrecurringevents.Withoutthediversionofdailytoil…thediversionsof orrichandfamousidols…thediversionsofgreatarenaofsportandcompetition… wemustfacethesufferingofourworldandourownmortality.Wemostcertainly arenotallinthesameboat,yetweallfacethesametempest.Wemusthavehope!

Indarktimes,werememberthepromiseofJesusattheLastSupper:“Letnotyour heartbetroubledYoubelieveinGod,believealsoinmeInmyFather'shousethere aremanymansions.Ifnot,Iwouldhavetoldyou:becauseIgotoprepareaplacefor you”(John14:12).

Thehopethatspringsfromourfaithisexpressedasacomingtogetherasa communityofcommonbelieverstoexpressthathopeandThanksgiving,ourjoyin thegospel.Asthecommunityofbelievers,theChurchistheassembly(ekklesia)of allwhobelieveinJesustheChrist;orthefellowship(koinonia)ofallwhoarebound togetherbytheircommonloveforChristtheRedeemer

TheCatholicChurchhasbeendefinedasaunionofhumanbeingswhoareunitedby theprofessionofthesameChristianfaithandbyparticipationofandinthesame sacraments.AttheSecondVaticanCouncilthisconceptoftheChurchwasqualified subjectivelysoastoincludeALLwhoarebaptisedandprofesstheirfaithinJesusthe Christ.TheyarethePeopleofGod,whomGodhaschosentobeGod’sownandon whomarebestowedthespecialgracesofhisprovidence.

Today’sgospelreadingfromMatthewwascoinedinthe17thCenturyasthe‘great commission’Thereisalongstandingandoftenacrimoniousdebateinregardtothe exegesis,hermeneuticsandthepolemicsthathavebeenused,ordependingonyour view,abused,bytheproponentsofmissionaryactivitycoupledtoslavery,conquest andcolonisation…theterrorofgunboatsfollowingtheirmissionaryzeal.

ManyyearsagoaschaplainatthePretoriaUniversity,Ireceivedanearlymorning telephonecallfromoneofthestudents.Hewascallingmeonhismobilephonefrom anambulanceafterhavingbeeninvolvedinaterriblecaraccident.Fearfulofdeath anddamnation,thisyoungpersonmadehisconfessiononlineandIspokethe wordsofabsolutionandGod’smercyandcompassion.

IfanysinglesacramentcanbecomesuchaninstrumentofGod’slovewithoutdirect physicalconnection,surelyallsacramentsmustcarrythissamepowerofGod’s transcendentabilityPerhapsnowisthetimetolookbeyondlawanddiscoverthose linksbetweenourfaithandsciencewhenitcomestosuchtranscendentliminal moments,momentsbeyondtimeandspace,momentsofparticipation,unionand communion. Anewanduniversalwayofhope…smallcommunitiesformedbyandwiththose neighboursaroundus,comingtogetherinsolidarityandprayer.Comingtogetherto sharethenandthereinourhomesinthatbreadandwine,tosharethenandthere inourhomesthatBodyandBloodofJesustheChristthattranscendstimeandspace Jesussaidtothem,"Iamthebreadoflife,whoevercomestomewillneverhunger, andwhoeverbelievesinmewillneverthirst"(John6:35)

Initiallytheremaybemuchlongingfordaysthatarepassedandthosegreat gatheringsinthegreatcathedrals.Initiallytheremightbegreatangerandgrinding teethatthelossofpowerandthelossofrevenue.Ibelievethatwithpatience, compassionandperseverance,anewwayforwardwillbefound.Perhapsinthisnew povertyandvulnerabilitywecanjourneytogethertowardsdiscoveringthat transcendentpowerofLove…toseewiththeeyesofGodasGodlooksuponthat goodcreationandsofullypartakeinthatparticipationandunionthatisthenature ofLove

Thisperhapsisabettertranslationofthegreatcommissiontogoandproclaimthe goodnewstoALLofcreation.ThisisareflectionofGod’slovethatextendstoallof creationandtoalllife.

NowistheuniversalChristpresentineveryspaceandtime,closetoeachoneofus. Inourlivesweareneveralone…wehavethisAdvocatewhoawaitsusanddefends us.Weareneveralone.Withustherearemanybrothersandsisterswho,intheir familylifeandtheirwork,intheirproblemsanddifficulties,intheordinarinessof theirjoysandhopes,dailylivingthefaiththatbringustogether,God’slovetothe world

InJesustheChrist,risenandascendedintoHeaven,wehaveanAdvocateinevery cornerofspaceandtimeaswehavethehopeofourowndestiny.

PENTECOSTSUNDAY2023 (John20:1923)

Likequantumentanglement,nowweseeithere,thenoverthere,nowawhispering breezeinthedarkness,theninagreatcrescendooftheorchestra…aquickglimpse here,thenthroughthedarknessofunknowingandwearegiftedwiththosegreat ‘aha’moments.Thesemomentsmaybeasfleetingasmistinthemorningsun,yet alwaysthemelodyremains:

There'sathreadyoufollowItgoesamong thingsthatchangeButitdoesn'tchange

Peoplewonderaboutwhatyouarepursuing. Youhavetoexplainaboutthethread.

Butitishardforotherstosee. Whileyouholdityoucan'tgetlost. Tragedieshappen;peoplegethurt

ordie;andyousufferandgetold. Nothingyoudocanstoptime'sunfolding Youdon'teverletgoofthethread

TheWayItIsWilliamStafford(19141993)

ThisisthecreativenatureoftheSpiritofPentecost,everunfoldingcreationinto liminalreality,creatingnewhorizonsandpossibilitiesbeyondallourimaginings.We arepartofthethreegreatepochsmarkedinSacredScripturethatareheraldedby God’sHolySpiritatworkwithincreation.

Atthegenesisofthehistoryofcreation,GodbreathstheWordthatbecomesthe matrixandblueprintforallBeing…bringingorderandlighttotheprimordialchaos.

Atthegenesisofthemysteryofconsciousnessofourhumanspecies,Godbreathes thatsameSpiritintoourancestors,generatingthatselfawarenessandautonomy outofwhichflowsthepossibilityofLove,imagingGod’sveryownuniversalTriune essence.

Atthegenesisoftheassemblyofthechurch,God’sSpiritisoncemorebreathedon theapostlesandthedisciplesinitiatingthesupernaturalspiritualconsciousnessout ofwhichanexperienceofGod,whoisSpirit,becomespossible.

ItisthisawakeningofGod'sSpiritwithinusthatfreesusoffear,healsour woundedness,resonateswiththetranscendentandanimatesthatrelationshipthat teachesusTruth,JesustheChristwithinGod,andGodwithinusandwithinallof creationThisistheSpiritofTruththatguidesourlives,leadsustoworship,and bringsusjoy AsmylifebecomesmoreandmorecentredonthisrelationshipwiththeSpiritof Truth,IambroughttoaprofoundlyattentiveawarenessoftheoneSourceof unconditionalLoveandLight.Itisthisawarenessthatexposesanyselfishegocentric distractions,violence,hypocrisy,guilt,arbitrarypower,andthatfearoflossthat manifestsitselfasclinging,graspingacquisitiveness.

AssoonasIrecognisemyownwoundsreflectedagainstGod’sLoveandLight,Iam ledtorepentanceanewwayofseeinganewwayofbeingItisinthejoyof God’sgoodnessthatIweepatthisgreatsorrowIhaveencounteredonmyjourney Godoffersusthegraceto‘weep’overoursins,tohumblyrecognizeourtotal relianceonthisgraceratherthananymeetingofGodhalfway.“Itisakindof weepingandakindofwanderingthatkeepsusboth“askewandawake.”

Thisacknowledgementofhowthesesinshaveaffectedourrelationships,bonding myselfinchainsasIbindothersalsototheirpastmistakes.Eachoneofusinunion asbothvictimandperpetratorineverysorrowfulsinandeveryjoyfulredemption… theongoingdramaofcreationredemption

Thisisourunitiveexperienceofallthesorrowsandallthejoyofcreationmyself astheoceanandwaves,withthebeachthesand,withthefishthebirds,andmost importantlywiththatterrible,stickyblackoilthatdestroyslifeandbeauty.

JesustheresurrectedChristtellsallofhisfollowersthatthroughtheHolySpiritwe areenabledtobearwitnessandtoseteachotherfreeinthejointproclamationof theforgivenessofsins,theunbindingallbonds.ThisHamartia,thismissingthemark, thissin,issecondarytoanyparticularmoralcode.Thissintowhichtheblessed apostleJohnrefersisanontologicalinabilitytoseeandrespondtothatwhichisreal.

WithoutthisawakeningofSpiritualconsciousness,weremainblind,unableand unwillingtoholdthetruthofGod’smanifestationandactioninthecosmosThis blindnessleadsustotheretainthosebonds,thosesinsthatstuntourgrowth,and perpetuateacircleofwoundedness,theperpetualvictimhoodthatnotonlyrobsus oflifeandjoybutalsotransmitsitsdiseasetoallothercreationandeventoour motherEarth.Thesewoundsthatcorruptouractionsareasmuchwithinour corporateinstitutionsastheyarewithinus,themicrocosmreflectingthemicrocosm.

God’sHolySpiritisleadingmoreandmorepeopletodaytorecogniseour connectedness,togetherwithallcreationconnectedtothatonesourceThisisour hopeforthefutureaswecometoexperiencethismysticalawakeningof connectednessthatrecognisesthegiftthateachoneofusistotheother,recognises ourdignity,thedignityofothers,andthedignityofcreationItisthismystical awakeningthatcreatesthatsacredspacewithinwhichourdiversitycanbe appreciatedsothatthevaluesofequity,justice,peace,andreconciliationare becomingarealitybeyondourimposedstratifications.

ThisongoingPentecostallowsustorecognisethatthereiswithinourselvesboth goodandbad,lightanddark,selfcenterednessandgreatgenerosityaswellas violenceandpeace.Thisrecognitioncomeswithanunderstandingofthenecessity tostandinhumilitybeforetheotherwiththeeyeofcompassionate

Thisisastancethatseeksneithertohide,tojudge,topredictortomanipulateOnly withinthishumbleandcompassionatestanceisthepossibilitytounderstandeach

otherbeyondjudgement,culture,languageandallourotherdefinedboundaries. Onlylovecantrulyspeaktotheheart.

“Theheartofhumanitycanbefullofsomuchpain,evenwhenthingsare exteriorlyallright.Itbecomesallthemoredifficultbecausetodayweare usedtothinkingthatthereareexplanationsforeverything.Butthereisno explanationofmostofwhatgoesoninourownhearts,andwecannot accountforitallNouseresortingtothekindofmentaltranquillizersthat evenreligiousexplanationssometimesofferFaithmustbedeeperthanthat, rootedintheunknownandintheabyssofdarknessthatisthegroundofour being.Nouseteasingthedarknesstotrytomakeanswersgrowoutofit.But ifwelearnhowtohavedeepinnerpatience,thingssolvethemselves,orGod solvesthemifyouprefer…butdonotexpecttoseehow.Justlearntowait, anddowhatyoucanandhelpotherpeople.Oftenitisinhelpingsomeone elsewefindthebestwaytobearourowntrouble."ThomasMertonfrom hisChristmasletter,1966.

ItistheSpiritofTruththatleadsustoforgiveeventheunforgivableandtohealour deepestwoundsanddivisionsItisthesameSpiritofTruththatnowleadsus towardsliveslivedsimplyinserviceofotherswithoutthegreattriumphalistslogans andbannersthatseparateusfromthoseothersanddulloursensestoreality.

Thoseothers,brothersandsistersarealsomadeinthesameimageofGodandshare withmethesameexperiencesofpainandthesameexperiencesjoy.Thisbringsus toacceptthatitisnotin‘fixing’situationsorin‘helping’theotherinsomeprocesses ofreconciliationthathealingtakesplace.

WhenJesusbentdowntowashthefeetofhisdisciples,heshowedusthatservicein arelationshipbetweenequalsdrawsusintothatLoverelationshipthatwillhealus aswellasothers

THEMOSTHOLYTRINITY

(John3:1618)

ThediscipleswereabsorbedinadiscussionoftheMaster’spronouncement,"Those whoknowdonotsay;Thosewhosaydonotknow."WhentheMasterentered,they askedhimexactlywhatthesewordsmeant.SaidtheMaster,"Whichofyouknows thefragranceofarose?"Allofthemknew.Thenhesaid,"Putitintowords.”Allof themweresilent.

Perhapslookingintotheeyesofaloveroryournewlybornchild,someofusmay haveexperiencedtruegiftlovethatchangesforeverwhoweareandhowwesee everythingintheworld.

SomeofusmayevenhaveseentheheroicpowerofgiftLovethattranscendsall selfishnessandeventimeitself.Wemayevenhaveknownthepainofgivingoneself inunansweredgiftLove.

Greatpoemshavebeenwritten;wonderfulmonumentshavebeenerected,ballads havebeensungtotellofthesestoriesYetwithoutlookingintotheeyesoflove,our replyalsomustbesilence

God,theBlessedTrinity,isacommunionofLove…theLoveoftheSourcewhichwe callFatherforanother…theLoveoftheotherwhoistheeternalandcosmicWord whotookonfleshandwhomwecalltheSonreturningthatlovetothesource…the LoveitselfasessenceoftheunityandjoybetweenFatherandSonandwhomwecall theHolySpirit.

God'sTrinitarianLoveisaLovewhichseekstogiveitself…Godlovesinordertogive God’sselfThatisthenatureofagapeLoveitmustgiveitselffortheother

ThiseternalwellspringofLoveissogreatthatitspillsover,asitwere,andseeksto giveitself…mustgiveitself,becausethatisthenatureofgiftLove…givingitself away.

Thisiswhythecosmosiscreated,whyangelswerecreated…thisiswhywewere created. OurChristianfaithtellsusthatitisintheimageandlikenessofthisLovethatwe werecreated…itisbuiltintous,asitwasbuiltintothebodyofJesus.

SELFGIVINGisthefundamentalnatureofourbeing,ofwhoweareandofwhatwe weremadeforThemysteryofcommunionintheselfgivingLoveoftheTrinityis writtenintoourverybodiessothatwecanneverforgetthat'givingourselvesin love'isthecoremeaningofourlives

ThisiswhyJesusgavehisbodyforus.Thecrucifixionisamanifestation,the definitivemanifestation,inhumanterms,ofthenatureoftheinnerTrinitarianlifeof God,becauseontheCrossJesusfirstofallgiveshimself,inthebody,toandforthe Father,andonlythen,toandforus.

Inrevealinghimself,therefore,astheSonreadytodiefortheFather,helaysbare thenatureoftheLovetowhichweareallcalledAnd,giventhatwearehuman,itis onlyinthebodythatwearecapableofthisLove

Althoughtherehasbeenevilinsubvertingthedignityofthehumanperson throughouthistory,itwasthe20thcenturythatsawaconcentratedeffortin pervertingtheworld'sconceptofthemeaningofthehumanbody.

Theslaughterofthetwoworldwars,abortion,traffickinginhumanorgans…so muchtoobscureourunderstandingofGod'scallinscribedintheveryblueprintof ourbodies…theintrinsicdignityofthehumanperson.

JustasthefullhumanityofJesuswasbroughtintounitywiththeWord,wealsoare calledtobringourveryself,ourcommunity,andtheentireworldintounitywiththe TrinitarianMysteryoutofwhicheverythingarises.

Ontheonehandtherearethosewhorejectthisintrinsicdignityofthehuman persontogetherwithreligionasanobsoleteculturalartefactandevenharmfulto ourdevelopmentandtherebywouldalsorejectourspiritualnaturetiedtoour transcendentvocation.Thisrelegateslovetomerechemicalreactions.

Ontheotherextremetherearethosewhoseethehumanbodyasavenueof defilementorasarepulsivesourceofsuffering.Theyreject,sublimateortrivialize ourunchosenhumannaturestoaperceivedhigherconsciousness,freeofsuffering, leadingultimatelytoadisembodiedspirituality

Bothextremesandthosesubtleshadesthatignorethecentre,hidethetruthand beautyoftheIncarnationthatJesuswasbothfullyhumanandfullydivine…erosand agapeentwined. ItisinthisunionthatChristhasgivenusthepathtooursalvation…aunitythatis possibleintheimminentrealityofthehereandnow.Thisisaunitybywhichweare transformedintoalivedrelationshipwithLovethatalreadylieswithinus

WhatcanwesayofthemysteryoftheTrinitywhatmaywesayofthemysteryof lovetheremustbeaLoverandaBelovedandthisgiftbetweenthemthatwecall Love…likethescentofarose!

FrancisofAssisihasinfluencedthewaywethinkaboutGodandrespondtoGod,the waytheyseethemselvesandrespondtoothers,thewaytheyseetheworldwhich Godhascreatedandentrustedtothehumanfamily.

InFrancis'daymanypeoplehadimagesofGodtheFatherasjudgeandpunisherof sinWithoutdenyingthoseimages,Francislivedoutotherbiblicalimages,inviting peopletothinkofGodtheFatherasagenerousandlovingcreator,toseeGodthe SonaslivingproofofGod'sloveandclosenesstothehumanfamily,toappreciate GodtheSpiritastheOnewhomakesusholy,preparingusforoureternalunionwith thesourceofLove.

Asthen,alsonow,manypeoplemorereadilythinkofJesusasdivineratherthan human.Francisrespondedbypromotingtwodevotions…theChristmascriband Christ'sdeathonthecross,powerfullysymbolizedintheStationsoftheCross,which Francis'followerspopularizedafterhisdeath.

PriortoFrancis,WesternEuropeanreligiousartoftenreflectedtheByzantineartistic style,portrayingthecrucifiedJesusintriumphwithverydiscreetwoundsandhardly adropofbloodonhimChristlooksstraightintotheviewer'seyesasiftoask,"And howareyougoingtorespond?"

AfterFrancis,WesternartbegantoportrayJesusasslumpedonthecross,looking down,morebloody,amuchmorevividreminderofhissufferings.Francishas influencedthewayweseeourselvesandrespondtoothers.Heemphasizedthe virtueofhumility,beinghonestaboutwhowearebeforeGodandinrelationtoone another.

Inaworldwhichoftenspokeofholinessasthoughpriests,monksandnunshadthe "insidetrack,"FrancissetuptheSecularFranciscanOrder,invitingmenandwomen, singleormarried,tofollowthegospelofJesusChristrightwheretheywereintheir dailylives!Youdidnothavetobeordainedorenteramonasteryinordertoliveout theGoodNews.Generous,selfsacrificinglovestartedwhatGod'sgracewould complete.ThefirstSecularFranciscansrefusedtotakeuparmsinwarfareandmade willstoavoidfamilyfightsoveraninheritance.

FrancisburnedwithadesiretosharetheGoodNewswithothers.Heandhis followerspreachedthegospelincitystreetsratherthanwaitforpeopletocometoa monasteryorchurchtohearitpreachedWordsalonewillnotspreadtheGood Newsunlessthosewordsarebackedupbyholylives

InaworldtemptedtoseecreationassinfulandleadingpeopleawayfromGod, Francisbywordandexampleaffirmedthatcreationwasfundamentallygood,no matterhowpeoplemighttwistittodestructivepurposes.

Francis'confidenceintheChurch'ssacramentsreflectedhisconvictionthatGodhas chosentocometouswithinhumanhistoryandthroughseeminglyordinarythings likewater,oil,breadandwine.FranciswelcomedevenSisterDeath,seeingheras thegatewaytothatunionwiththesourceofeternallife

THEBOOKOFNATURE

Somepeople,inordertodiscoverGod,readbooks. Butthereisagreatbook: theveryappearanceofcreatedthings. Lookaboveyou!Lookbelowyou! Noteit.Readit.

God,whomyouwanttodiscover, neverwrotethatbookwithink InsteadHesetbeforeyoureyes thethingsthatHehadmade Canyouaskforaloudervoicethanthat? Why,heavenandearthshouttoyou: "Godmademe!"SaintAugustine(354430)

THESOLEMNITYOFCORPUSCHRISTI

(John6:5158)

InChrist,ourcontemplationfocusesonthecentralpointoftimeandspace…aswe extendourarmsandourbeinginthisunion,wetouchnotonlythepastandthe futurebutreachintothatliminalspacethatisbeyondalltimeandbeyondallspace.

Intheexperienceofthemysticswecometoknowthatthisissacred,repeated alwaysandeverywhereitisonlyourfocusthatisdiffused,misdirected,and scatteredTheshapeofliturgydirectsusbackintotheholyexperience

“Dothisinremembranceofme.”Withthesemostancientandunchangedtexts, withtheapostlesandtheSaints,thisistheonecommandofLovethatresonates throughtheages.Today‘this’stilltakesholdofourlives,healingandtransforming.

AtthecelebrationoftheEucharist,thepastandthefuturearemanifestedinthis presentmoment,thisEternalNOW.ThroughChrist,mypastandmyfuturebecome presentinthisEternalNOWtobehealedandtransformedbytheactionofJesusin theChristevent AswecontemplatetheChristevent,theLastSupperandCrucifixioncomingtogether intheone‘eternal’moment.ThisistheChristeventatthecentreofhistory…the birth,death,andresurrectionofGodofeternitywithus,hereandnowwithintime andspace…Thisisthethresholdintoeternity.

Thisiswhereweencounterthetwothatarereallyoneandthesamesacrifice.Not thesamesacrificerepeated,buttheonesacrifice,thetableofthelastsupperisthe cross.ThisisgiventousastheWay,theprocessofdivinizationthathealsand transformsourpasttorecreateouractionsforthepurposeofGoodandredirects ourfutureinaccordancewithGod'seternalplan,spokenintheWord

Thismysteryisproposedforourcontemplationandadoration…toshowthatthe risenChristwalksamongusandguidesustowardtheKingdomofGod.Todaywe

manifestwhatJesushasgivenusintheintimacyoftheLastSupper,becausethelove ofChristisnotconfinedtothefew,butisintendedforALL.

ThisCommunionisstrongerthanallourlittledivisions,thecomunionofGod himself.Theword‘communion’,whichweusetodesignatetheEucharist,sumsup theverticalandhorizontaldimensionofthegiftofChrist.Whenwe‘receive communion’,theactofeatingthebreadoftheEucharist,weenterintocommunion withtheverylifeofJesusfromGod,throughJesus,intouauniquecommunion istransmittedintheHolyEucharist

InChrist,inEucharisticcommunion,IamtransformedintoChrist,myindividuality, openedup,freedfromselfcenteredness,andplacedintheheartofChristinthe PersonofJesus,whointurnisimmersedintheTrinitariancommunion.

TheEucharistunitesmetoChristandopensmetoothers,makingusmembersone ofanother…Wearenolongerdivided,butoneunityinChrist.Eucharistic communionunitesmetomyneighbour,eventothoseIconsiderasenemies,and alsotomybrothersandsisterswhoareineverycorneroftheworld

WhenwerecognizeJesusintheBlessedSacrament,wecometorecognizealsoour brotherandsisterwhosuffers,whoishungryandthirsty,whoisastranger,naked, sick,andimprisonedsothatImaycommitmyselftotheirneed.

FromthegiftofChrist'sLovecomesourspecialresponsibilityasChristiansinbuilding amore,justandfraternalsociety.ThisunitywillnotbebuiltwithoutGod,without trueLove.

Becauseweidentifyourselvesasmembersofonefamily,thesamebody,thebodyof Christ,welearnfromtheSacramentoftheAltarthatcommunion,Loveisthepathof truejustice

WhenJesussays:“Thisismybodywhichisgiventoyou,thisismybloodshedfor youandforall”,Heacceptshispassionoutoflove,withitstrialanditsviolence, eventodeathonthecrossandbyacceptingitinthiswayhetransformsitintoanact ofselfgivingLove.

ThisishowGodcontinuestorenewhumanity,history,andthecosmosthroughthis chainoftransformations,ofwhichtheEucharististhesacrament.

Throughtheconsecratedbreadandwine,inwhichhisBodyandBloodistruly present,Christtransformsus,assimilatingusinhimHeinvolvesusinhis redeemingwork,enablingus,bythegraceoftheHolySpirit,toliveaccordingtohis samelogicofgift,likegrainsofwheatunitedwithandinChrist.

Waseveranothercommandsoobeyed?Forcenturyaftercentury,spreading slowlytoeverycontinentandcountryandamongeveryraceonearth,this actionhasbeendone,ineveryconceivablehumancircumstance,forevery conceivablehumanneedfrominfancyandbeforeittoextremeoldageand afterit,fromthepinnacleofearthlygreatnesstotherefugeoffugitivesinthe cavesanddensoftheearthMenhavefoundnobetterthingthanthistodo forkingsattheircrowningandforcriminalsgoingtothescaffold;forarmies intriumphorforabrideandbridegroominalittlecountrychurch;forthe proclamationofadogmaorforagoodcropofwheat;forthewisdomofthe Parliamentofamightynationorforasickoldwomanafraidtodie;fora schoolboysittinganexaminationorforColumbussettingouttodiscover America;forthefamineofwholeprovincesorforthesoulofadeadlover;in thankfulnessbecausemyfatherdidnotdieofpneumonia;foravillage headmanmuchtemptedtoreturntofetchbecausetheyamshadfailed; becausetheTurkwasatthegatesofVienna;fortherepentanceofMargaret; forthesettlementofastrike;forasonforabarrenwoman;forCaptainso andsowoundedandprisonerofwar;whilethelionsroaredinthenearby amphitheatre;onthebeachatDunkirk;whilethehissofscythesinthethick Junegrasscamefaintlythroughthewindowsofthechurch;tremulously,by

anoldmonkonthefiftiethanniversaryofhisvows;furtively,byanexiled bishopwhohadhewntimberalldayinaprisoncampnearMurmansk; gorgeously,forthecanonisationofS.JoanofArconecouldfillmanypages withthereasonswhymenhavedonethis,andnottellahundredthpartof them.Andbestofall,weekbyweekandmonthbymonth,onahundred thousandsuccessiveSundays,faithfully,unfailingly,acrossalltheparishesof Christendom,thepastorshavedonethisjusttomaketheplebssanctaDei theholycommonpeopleofGod

DomDixTheShapeoftheLiturgy

THEHARVESTISRICHBUTTHELABOURERSAREFEW

(Matthew9:3610:8)

AsktheLordoftheharvesttosendlabourers…buttheservanthasbecomethe sentinal,thegatekeeperoftheharvest. Prideisalwaysthatdesirewithinmetobemoreimportant;moreattractive;more acknowledgedthanothers.Pridefailstoacknowledgethegoodworksofothers.In StFrancisadmonitionnumbereight,thereisgreatinsightintotheenvythatfollows suchprideStFranciswritesthatenvyofanotherinwhatGoddoesthroughthemis blasphemy,becauseinrealityweenvyGodwhoisthesourceofallgoodThatiswhy thisemptyarroganceoftenhidesbehindthelaw,behindbeingright,beingrighteous; hidesbehindafaceofvirtue,respectability,selfsacrificeandextremediligence.This isthefacethatpridewearsasitcrucifiestheChrist.

Perhapswehaveforgottenthatweareapeopleonajourney.Andwhenwesetout onajourney,whenweareonapath,wealwaysdiscovernewthings,thingswhich wedidnotknowPerhapswehaveclosedourselvesofftotheGodofsurprisesDoI believethatthestoryendswithJesusChrist'sdeathandresurrection?Or,doI believethatthejourneymovesforwardtowardmaturity,towardthemanifestation ofGod'sglory?

AmIcapableofunderstandingthesignsofthetimesandofbeingfaithfultothe Lord'svoice?Itisnecessarythatweaskthesequestions,andasktheLordforaheart thatLovestheLove.ThiscallstomindthetearfulmorningofStFrancis,“Loveisnot Loved”.

Itisclearthatwecannotgivewhatwedonothave,onlytransformedpeople transformothersthroughthegraceofChristChrististheMasteroftheharvestYet ascorporateBody,theChurchhascreatedasystemofelite‘labourers’,asystemof patronage,corruptionand‘GatekeeperPolitics’thatregulatesaccesstothe resourcesandopportunitiesthroughthiscontrollingthatelite.

Ifweallowourselvestobecomeenculturatedintothesevaluesweloseourabilityto begospelbearersandpeacemakers.Transformingourownwoundsthroughthe lightofChrist,webecomepeace.Ifwedonottransformourwounds,ourpainand suffering,wewillalwaystransmitthistoothers.

Theeffectofthesicknessofsinisalwaysalossthatleadstofragmentationand estrangementbetweenpeople,Godandtheveryearththatisourhome.Suchaloss ofLove,isthelosstheverylifebloodoftheheartandleadstodeaththegreat infectionthatleadstoallgreed,sufferingwaranddeathPraytheLordofthe harvesttosendlabourers

ThomasMertonwarnedthatit’sariskythingtopray,andthedangeristhatourvery prayersgetbetweenGodandus.Thegreatthinginprayerisnottopray,buttogo directlytoGod.Ifsayingyourprayersisanobstacletoprayer,cutitout.Thebest waytoprayis:stop.Letprayerpraywithinyou,whetheryouknowitornot.This meansadeepawarenessofourtrueinneridentity.Itimpliesalifeoffaith,butalso ofdoubtYoucan’thavefaithwithoutdoubtGiveupthebusinessofsuppressing doubtDoubtandfaitharetwosidesofthesamethingFaithwillgrowoutofdoubt, therealdoubtWedon’tprayrightbecauseweevadedoubtAndweevadeitby regularityandbyactivismItisinthesetwowaysthatwecreateafalseidentity, andthesearealsothetwowaysbywhichwejustifytheselfperpetuationofour institutions. Thereisapervasiveformofcontemporaryviolencetowhichtheidealistmosteasily succumbs:activismandoverwork.Therushandpressureofmodernlifeareaform, perhapsthemostcommonform,ofitsinnateviolence.Toallowoneselftobe carriedawaybyamultitudeofconflictingconcerns,tosurrendertotoomany demands,tocommitoneselftotoomanyprojects,towanttohelpeveryonein everything,istosuccumbtoviolenceThefrenzyofouractivismneutralizesour workforpeaceItdestroysourowninnercapacityforpeaceItdestroysthe fruitfulnessofourownwork,becauseitkillstherootofinnerwisdomwhichmakes workfruitful.”

Therehavebeenmanyrefoundingofordersandfoundations.Itisalwaysascary prospecttobeinvolvedinsuchenterprises.Peoplebecomethoroughlyinvestedin protectingtheircomfortzone,theirauthorityandtheirpower.

Butsoonerorlater,lifeleadseachoneus,asitdidJesus,intothebellyofthewhale, intoaplacewecan’tfix,control,explain,orunderstand.That’swhere transformationmosteasilyanddeeplyhappensThat’swhenwe’reuniquelyinthe handsofGodbecausewecannot“handle”itourselves

ThekingdomofGodlieswithinus;thegloryofGodburstingtoshineoutintoour world.ArewegettingintheWayas‘protectivegatekeepers’,notgoingthrough ourselvesbutbecominginsteadstumblingblockstothosetheMasteriscalling?

DONOTBEAFRAIDOFTHOSEWHOKILLTHEBODY (Matthew10:2633)

Caughtintheembracinggazeofthebeloved,Iamsurprisedtofindmyown woundednessreflectedinthesufferingoftheother.Inthebloodiedheartofthe other’ssuffering,Ibecomeblinded,sightlessandrudderless…nowsubsumedinto theheartoftheother,wheretherearenolongertwoheartsonlyoneheart beatingItisinthisbeatingoftwoheartsbecomeonethatIfindthebirthingofmy soulidentityTodenythisidentityistoseekannihilation

Inthisalltoofleetingspaceoftime,inthisNOW,Ibecomeonewiththeheartofthe cosmos.Iamamongthetreesthatembracethedivinebreath.Igazeintothe heavensandtheaweofagessingswithinme.Thesunriseandthesunsetenvelops meinthemajesticdivinemelody.

AsIbendtositwiththebrokenhearted,thebereftandthedying,somethingnew awakenswithinmeIwascalledtobringthesacramentstoadyingwomanTheaged andweatheredmatriarchofthegreatclanofchildren,grandchildrenandgreat grandchildrenAsherfinalmomentsarrived,herfacestartedglowinginradiantlight Asthislightfilledtheroom,thegreatgatheringoffamilyaroundherdeathbed movedintoasacredhushedsilence.

Whatawonderfulandawfulmanifestation;thisdyingwomanwasalreadythe sacramentIpresumedtobringtoher.Thatwhichwaswithinheralready,echoed thedivineandweallstoodtogetherwithherinthatluminousdoorwaybetweenthe imminentandthetranscendent.

Yeshuasays,“Ifyourspiritualguidessaytoyou,‘Look,thedivineRealmisinthesky,’ wellthenthebirdswillgetthereaheadofyouIftheysay,‘Itisinthesea,’thenthe fishwillprecedeyouNo,divineRealityexistsinsideandallaroundyouOnlywhen youhavecometoknowyourtrueSelfwillyoubefullyknown,realizingatlastthat youareachildoftheLivingOne.If,however,younevercometoknowwhoyoutruly

are,youareapovertystrickenbeing,anditisyour‘self’whichliesimpoverished.” (Logion3,TheGospelofThomas)

WhereistheLove?Canitbefoundintherecitingofourcreeds?Canitbefound somewherealongthewaylikesometreasurethatmakesthejourneyworthwhile? OrisLovethejourneyitself?Orisitthedreamthatmakesthejourneypossible?

ThesethoughtsranthroughStFrancismindonedayashelistenedtoBrotherLeo readingtohimtheletterofStJohntheapostleGodisLove,andifyouabidein Love,youabideinGodandGodinyou

Yet,ifyoufoundGod,youalsofoundLove.Butthatwasonlythebeginningofthe quest,forwasFranciseversureofhavingfoundGodorevensureoflookingforGod intherightplacesandbytherightroad?

Francis’experienceinthecaveassuredhimthatJesusdwelledwithinhim,thatGod wasnowherefartherthanhisownheartThatiswhereLovewas,thatiswhereGod wasanywhereandeverywhere

TofindGodinthepoorercrumblinghousesofPoggioBustone,tofindGodinthe Castleofacount,inacaveonMountSubasio,aswellasintheEucharistreservedin thetinychapelofStMaryoftheAngels.Francissuddenlyrealisedthatsomewhere alongthewayhehadbegunfindingGodeverywherebecauseGodwaswithhimall thetimehebroughtLovewithhimontheroadandthatiswhyhefoundLoveall alongtheway.[TheJourneyandtheDream.ByMurryBodo,2011.]

Itwasallsosimplewhenhethoughtaboutitnow.Lovecomestothosewhohavea LovealreadyYoufindwhatyoubringwithyouinyourheartGodhaslovedusand thatgiftisoursbeforeweeversetouttofinditThisisoursoulidentity

Thisistheexperienceofourspeciesnowmovingoutintotheworldafterthe darknesswithinthebloodiedheartofcreations’groaning.Ourspeciesrenewedonce

moreinouryoungpeople,baptisedinmysticawakeningtoexperienceallthatunites ustoeachother,toothercultures,tootherlifeforms,totheearthandtothe cosmos. Thus,theybecomethirdpartnerswiththeearthandtheheaven.Assuch,theyare authorised,havetheauthority,tospeakforandasthewholecreation.Thisisthe awarenessthatignitesthefireoftrueprophecy.Itistheauthoritytospeakwiththe presenceoftheauthor,ofChristLogos,ofChristtheprophetConfirmation ‘confirms’themysticandopensthehearttothefiresoftheprophet[TheModern ChristianMystic:FindingtheUnitivePresenceofGodByAlbertJLaChance,2007]

FISHLOVE (Matthew10:3742)

Whatperson,possession,orthing,iflost,could,orwouldvirtuallytakeawaymy hope,myjoy,andmyreasontolive?Mydeepestemotions,anxieties,fears,grief, anddespairpointsmetothegodofmycreation,myveryownsacredidol.Theseare theemotionsthatcanleadtouncontrollableangertowardanyobstacleorperson thatstandsinthewayofmypossessingit,despairifIcannothaveit,andthento bitterness,outrage,violence,anddestruction

Thisisuncomfortablestuff,abitoflosingmylifebeforeIcangainit,andquitealot gazingintotheabyssofunknowing.ThismayleadmetocryoutwithStAugustine, “Lord,makemechaste,butnotyet”.Thisisacryvoidofallhumourandstrippedof allhope.

ItisonlywithgentlenessandwithgracethatwecantakethisjourneyofdiscoveryIt isonlybyholdingontoJesusasthestaffoflife,thestaffofpower,andthestaffof wisdom,thatweareabletoundertakethisdiscernmentHereisnothingofmyown toleanupon,neitherlawnorsacrifice

Weallneedrelationshipsaswealsoneedphysicalcontactwithothersinorderto surviveandtothrive.Yetthegospelwarnsussternlythatwemustdiscerntheidols inourlife,exposethem,whethertheybefamily,friends,reputation,oranyother possessions,forwhattheyare,andthenreorderourlove,ortheseverysameidols willdestroyus.

SpiritualmaturityleadstothatLovethatistheonlypowerthatovercomesevil, indifference,andviolenceSonowweaskourselves,whyisitthatmylovebringsso muchpain,somuchsuffering?

Therabbiaskstheyoungman“whyareyoueatingthatfish?”“BecauseIlovefish”, repliedtheyoungman.“Oh”,saystherabbi,“youlovethefishsomuch,andthat’s whyyoutookitoutofthewater,killedit,andboiledit.Don’ttellmeyoulovethe fish,youLoveyourselfandbecausethefishtastesgoodtoyou,thereforeyoutookit outofthewater,killeditandboiledit”.

Somuchofwhatisourloveis“fishlove”.

Andso,ayoungcouplefallsinlove;theyoungmanandayoungwomanfallinLove Whatdoesthismean?Itmeansthathesawinthiswomansomeonehefeltcould providehimallhisphysicalandemotionalneeds;andshethinksshecanwriteonher status“thisisLove”.Buteachoneislookingoutfortheirownneeds.It’snotlovefor theotherbutrathertheotherpersonbecomesavehicleformygratification.

Toomuchofwhatiscalledloveis“fishlove”.

ExternalLoveisnotsomuchwhatI’mgoingtoget,butwhatI’mgoingtogiveThe ethicist,RabbiDesslernotedthat“Peoplemakeaseriousmistakeinthinkingthat yougivetothosewhomyouLove,buttherealansweristhatyouLovethoseto whomyougive”HispointisthatifIgivesomethingtoyou,I’veinvestedmyselfin you.AndsinceselfLoveisagiven,thatpartofmehascomeintoyou,there’sapart ofmeinyouthatILove. Itwasmydearlatebrother,RobertStewart,OFMwhowroteanarticleon“The SpiritualityofConflictaccordingtoStFrancis”inwhichhehighlightedspiritual immaturity,leadingtoalackof“realLove”,asthecauseofconflict.

Whatisthis“realLove”?

Jesustakessomethingthatissacredsacrosanct,acceptedinlawandinthe commandsofGod,familyties,andappearstorendthemapart.Jesusunderstands ournaturealltoowell.WesoeasilyskipacrossthefoundationthatmustbeinGod

assourceofallLove,tocreateforourselvesouridols,turningwhatisgoodintogod. Thisisdisorderedlove,lovethatisinthewrongplace.ThisiswhatScripturecalls idolatry. Whatthing,ifIlostit,wouldmeanthatIalmostlosethewilltolive?Whatthing,lost, gonefrommylife,wouldmeanthatalmostallvalueandsignificance,identityand worth,wouldbedrainedoutofmylife?Whateverthatthingis,theBiblecallsitan idolIt’sanalternategod,acounterfeitgod,anythingthatismorefundamentalto yourhappiness,senseofvalue,oridentity,otherthanGodAnythingyoulovemore thanGodorrestyourheartinotherthanGod

AllofGod’screationisgood,buttheyareallcreated.Wesooftenlooktowards thesecreationstoestablishourtrueworthandvalue…family,spouse,clan,country, comfort,health,friends,body,intelligence,position,achievements,virtue,or reputation.Yetwemayfailtorecogniseandacknowledgethecreator.Itisherethat wefindgooddistorted,defiled,andcorrupted.

EverycrisisisalsoanopportunityforasoulauditVulnerabilitiesandimbalances standoutmorestarklyinsuchtimes,allowingustocontemplatethemanyidolsin ourlivestoday

Letustakeastepbackandevaluatehowwespendourtime,oureffort,andmoney.

Whatdrivesme?WhathaveIbecomeobedientto?Whatshapesmydecisionsand directioninlife?

Perhapstheidolsarenotoutthereinwood,orstone,orgoldenedifice,butinthe eyeofmychaoticheart,venomouspoisoncoiledwithintheholyandveiledchalice itself Lord,helpmetosee!

14THSUNDAYINORDINARYTIMEYEARA LONELINESS

(Matthew11:2530)

Thefondestimagesofmyself…learnedandwisesage,independentandfree,in control! Yetthereremainsthelittlewhisperthatsomethingismissing,somethinghasbeen lostLost,thecapacitytobealone,lost,wefillourliveswithbusyness,diversions, andwiththings.Andsoitwasatthegreatdiseasecreptintoourliveswhilewe slumbered.

Thegreatesthungeroftoday,loneliness.Alltheknowledgethatweseekonlya Googleclickaway,alltheassurancesofourfreewill…thethirstforidentity,andyet weareunabletobealone.Clingingtothoseresponsibilitiesthatappeartoanchor myidentity

Onlythesoul’sjourneycanleadmetothatfirststepofselfknowledge,thatgraced ‘aha’momentthatrecognisesmyillusionsforwhattheyare,shiftingsandinthe hazyview. Thencomesthedawningawarenessthatjustperhapstheseillusionshavepower overme.IamrepelledandsoIlookaway,Iamdeterminednottobeinfluenced.I amincontrol.Yetslowlythegiftedawarenessgrowsthatthesepowerfulillusions mustbeshatteredifIamtogiveupmycherishedidols.

Yeteveninsolitude,thesoulisindangerwhendependingonitswisdomandgifts becomingaplacewherenewidolsarehewnHighidealismandexpectations becomestumblingblocks

Itisonlywithhumbleemptyhandsthatsolitudebecomestheiconoclast,whichwill toleratenootherGodthantheone,livingandtrueGod. Therearetwosidestoseekingsolitude;thosewhoarerunningawayfrom somethingandthosewhoarerunningtowardssomething.Thefirstarethosewho seeksolitudeasarelieffromtheirfreneticandbusylifestylesinthecitywithits crowds,noise,thestressoftheworkplace,andhecticsociallife.Theyseektimes andplacesofsolitudeforrestandrenewal.Forthem,solitudeisanendinitself.

Thensomedesiresolitude,detachedfromcompetinginterestsbecausetheyare runningaftersomethingTheearliestdesertfathersandmothers,solitaryhermits andmysticsshowusthewaytoseeksolitudetofindsomeone,toseeour countenancereflectedinthedivineexemplarandtoenterintoamoreintimate relationshipwithGod. JesusteachesusthatHeisTruth,theeternalandunchangingLogosofGod,the divineexemplarthathaschosentobeonewithus,onewithGod’screation.Truthis alwaysarelationship,OnewithanotherThisistheonlyrelationshipthatcallsus outofourlonelinessthatisbereftandbarrenandtowardsthatLovethatiseternal andunchanging Thisisourfaiththatgivesusaplacetostand;thatgivesusourhopeandisthe sourceofourpeaceandjoythattheworldcannotgive.

Eachoneofushasburdenswearecalledtocarry,butitisinthesharingofthese withloveastheenergythattheyaremadebearable.“Cometome,allyouwho labourandareoverburdened,andIwillgiveyourest.Shouldermyyokeandlearn fromme,forIamgentleandhumbleinheart,andyouwillfindrestforyoursouls. Yes,myyokeiseasyandmyburdenlight”

ThesearethebeautifulwordsoftheGospelthatinviteusintoarelationshipwith God’sWordIncarnated.Godwantstoshareourjourneyaswellasourburdens.

Lord,wepraytodayforthosewhofeelcalledtoundertakesomeburden,toaccept deathorillness,toforgiveanenemy,toletalovedonego,toinvolvethemselvesina struggleforjustice.Helpthemtotrustyouwhoknowhowtheylabourandare overburdened,thatyouaregentleandhumbleofheart,andtheywillfindtheyoke easyandtheburdenlight.

Pasttheyokeofloneliness,solitudeisnecessaryforustothrive.AsthepoetMay

Sartonhassaid,“Lonelinessisthepovertyoftheself,solitudeistherichnessofthe self”

CANTICLE6 byMaySarton

Aloneoneisneverlonely:thespirit adventures,waking

Inaquietgarden,inacoolhouse,abidingsinglethere;

Thespiritadventuresinsleep,thesweetthirstslaking Whenonlythemoon’sreflectiontouchesthewildhair

Thereisnoplacemoreintimatethanthespiritalone: Itfindsalovelycertaintyintheeveningandthemorning

Itisonlywheretwohavecometogetherboneagainstbone Thatthosealonenessestakeplace,when,withoutwarning

Theskyopensovertheirheadstoaninfiniteholeinspace; Itisonlyturningatnighttoaloverthatonelearns

Heissetapartlikeastarforeverandthatsleepingface (Forwhomthehearthascried,forwhomthefrailhandburns)

Isswungoutinthenightalone,soluminousandstill,

Thewakingspiritattends,thelovingspiritgazes

Withoutcommunion,withouttouch,andcomestoknowatlast

Outofasilenceonlyandneverwhenthebodyblazes

Thatloveispresent,thatalwaysburnsalone,howeversteadfast.

15THSUNDAYINORDINARYTIMEYEARA SEEDSOFMINDLESSNESS

(Mt13:123)

Describinghumanityandourexistenceasaclotofblood…deaf,blind,and unknowingmayappearparticularlycynicalandcheerless.Yet,Jesushimselfspeaks ofpeople’sheartsthathavegrowndull,withoutperception,withoutunderstanding, lost,andforlorn.Hegivesusashortlistofthingsthathappeninourlivesthatlead tothisstateofjoylessconfusion,raginglikeratsinashallowmazeTribulations, persecution,andthedeceitfulnessofriches

Intheparlanceofmodernpsychology,wemighttalkofthisaslivingin‘bubblesof illusion’,seekingalwaysconfirmationofourbiasandprejudice.Perhapstherereally isaverylargeholeinthebucketwhenIarguethat‘Ithink,thereforeIam’.

Mostofusthinkofourselvesasbeingincontrolofourownthoughtprocessesand thatourmindsareinfactourmostprivateandintimatedomainsandthecentreof whoweareourseparateandtotallyindividualcharacter

WhenIpaycloseattentionhowever,Ibecomeconsciousofmyawareness,an observerofthosethoughtsthatIassociatewithmybeingthoughtscomingand going,butIamnotmythoughts.EventsandthoughtscomeintomyawarenessandI classifyandstorewhatisnecessary…thisisn’tthat,thisis,andthisisn’tusefultome.

Thesememoriesof‘momentsofnow’arestoredindifferentplaces;abitoverhere classifiedasanemotion;abitoverthereclassifiedasawarningandabitsomewhere elseclassifiedasgoodtoeat!Thatiswhyourmemories,unlikecomputers,areso unreliableandopentomanipulation.

Welookforevidencethatwillvalidateourparadigmandmissthat‘whichis’, becomingcapturedinourownlittle‘bubbleofillusion’Fromthis,Ialsolisten withouthearinginordertoimposemyparticularcommentaryonyourperceived reality.

TherecentBBCprogramme,‘BeingHuman’showedhowtheintroductionofa strangerintoaclassreunionbecameanacceptedand‘sharedmemory’assoonas oneoftheclass‘recalled’thepresenceofthispersonintheirclass.Assoonastwoor threeoftheclassbecamecommittedtothisfalsebelief,therestofthegroupfell intostepandtheillusionbecameanaccepted‘reality’.Wemakethesamekindof commitmenttoourperceivedmemories.Thisiswhyitissodifficulttomovebeyond that‘groupthink’thatseekstostifleandtosubjugatethosewhowouldexpose theseillusions

In2015,IattendedaworkshopinWellington,runbyAnnaBreytenbachwhoisa professionalinterspeciescommunicator,animalactivist,andconservationist.This communicationwithcreationtakestheformofprojectingmentalimagesratherthan words,butmustalwaysbeginbystandinginaplaceofhumilitywithoutany intentiontomanipulate.

Anyaimwhichisformedbypersonalmotivesorachievementwillblock communicationWestandonholygroundpurelyaslistenersandobservers

Althoughitispossibletoprojectmentalimagesofcertainoutcomesbasedon certainactions,themostcommonformofcommunicationonlyrequiresanopen presencetotheother.Throughthis,weareallowedintotheexperienceoftheother.

Interpretationandjudgementofthisexperiencemustbeputasideasthisblocksthe rawexperienceofthemomentthatconnectsmetotheotherintheNOWofGod.

Acquiringthisskillassistsnotonlyinprayerandmeditationbutalsointhepractice ofrelatingtoothers…trulyawareoftheother…listening,hearing,andseeing.

WhenIhavechosenaninterpretation,Iamcommittedtoaparticularunderstanding ofrealitythatpredictscertainoutcomes,andthisinturnblocksmyawareness,my hearing,andmyvision.Inevitably,thisleadstoarigidcoldheart.

Evenwhenwefindourselvesattendingtothepresent,wemaydiscoverthatwhat ourmindschurnoutisfairlyworthless.Mostofusareconstantlymaking instantaneousjudgementsaboutwhatweexperience.Thisis…thisisn’t…overand overagain…judgingandclassifying.Asweallowthesetrainsofthoughttocontinue, wefindthemleadingtootherthoughtsandjudgementsthatdonothaveanyreal substanceorvalue. No,we’renotordinarilyincontrolofourminds,despitewhatwemaythinkWe can’tturnthemoff,andwecan’talwaysmakethemdowhatwewantJudgements, thoughts,andemotionsseemtoariseunbiddenandoftenunwelcome

Sincemindfulnessistheskillofopeningourselvestorealitywithoutjudgement,itis importantthatweapproachthepracticeofmeditationinthisspirit,relinquishing preconceptions,andexpectationsaboutthediscipline.Itisalsoessentialtoprovide aspiritualandphysicalcontextconducivetomeditation.

MindlessnesscomesataveryhighcostLivingwithamindthatwedon’tknowvery well,thatisoftenoutofcontrolandsemiconsciousmuchofthetime,causesusand otherstosuffergreatly,probablyfarmorethanwerealize

“Whateveranenemymightdotoanenemy,orafoetoafoe,theilldirectedmind candotoyouevenworse.”Isitanywonderwesofrequentlyattempttosilenceor alterourmindswithdrugs,amusements,sex,retailtherapy,andotherformsof distraction? Fortunately,mostofusdon’treachaminddrivenpointoftotaldespair,butwe nonethelessenduretheconsequencesofanimmenselypowerful,butunrulymind.

Wefindourselvesentertainingthoughtsthatservenowholesomevalueinourlives Wemakesnapjudgementsaboutindividualsbasedontheslimmestandmosttrivial ofevidence.Wespinoutfalsehoodsthatweourselvescometobelieve.We’re constantlycomparingourselvestoothers,apracticethatinevitablyleadstopain.

Allofthis,andmore,drivesustoleadfrenziedlives,oftenonthevergeofmisery. Mindfulnessisthepowerofheightenedawarenessandsensitivitytoourselvesand ourworld.

Thesenseofdissatisfaction,ofwhichwearemoreorlessconsciousatdifferent timesinourlives,impelsustofindsomething,anythingtobringrelief.Unfortunately, ourmindshavebeenconditionedtoseeksolutionstoitstormentinthemost unhelpfulways

Thebeliefsthatcompelustokeeplookingsomewhereelseforsomethingtobringus reliefaresocommonthatwerarelyconsiderthatitmightbetimetotryanother approach.Ratherthanseekhappinessthroughtheusualineffectiveandcounter productivemeans,thereisadifferentway.

It’spossibletocultivateawholesomemindthatwillproducethoughtsthat contributetoourwellbeingandtothewellbeingofthewholeworldWecanshape ourmentalfunctionsinwaysthatwillremovethefrantic,driven,distracted,semi consciousqualitiesfromourlivesbutitisnotaneasyjourney

Whenourillusionsareexposedandrefuted,wearefreedofourcoldandrigidhearts, findingsomethingwonderfulandnewemerging…ourbeingisreborn,nurtured,and everexpandinginalanguagethatusesessenceasitsLover,ratherthantheacid mindofcontrolandmanipulation.

16THSUNDAYINORDINARYTIMEYEARA THECAVEOFTHEHEART (Matthew13:2443)

Admonition28ofSt.Francis

Wherethereischarityandwisdom,thereisneitherfearnorignorance. Wherethereispatienceandhumility,thereisneitherangernordisturbance.

Wherethereispovertywithjoy,thereisneithergreednormaterialism Wherethereisrestandmeditation,thereisneitheranxietynorrestlessness

Wherethereisaheartfullofmercyanddiscernment,thereisneitherexcessnor hardnessofheart.

Thejourneyisinwards,returningtothecaveoftheheart.Itisinthegloomandthe darknessthatwefindourpathbacktothelightgiftedatourbirthing.Itisherethat weseekouttheweedsandthemoss,thelichenandalltheotherfungithatobscure ourvision…hereinthiscorneralittlebitofvanity…overthere,someanger, resentment,andspiteandoverheadthatanxietythatgnawsatourconsciousness

Thisisnotapathwewouldsofreelychoose,tolookuponwhatwewouldrathernot seeThefirststepalwaysthehardest,humility,andvulnerabilityinthatplaceof unknowing.Thisistheinteriorway,theprayerinthecaveoftheheart,andthat universalcalltocontemplationfollowedbythelittlemanfromAssisi,StFrancis.

Yetineverygroup,ineveryassociation,andmostassuredlyineveryreligious gathering,ouractionsshowcontemptforsuchaway.Herewefindtheexpertonall things,fromconstitutionallaw,microbiology,etymology,andofcourse,allthings orthodox…theyknowitall!

ItispreciselyherethatwemustfacethegreatparadoxwithineachoneofusWhen IdonotknowthatIdonotknowIpresumetoknowallALLthatthereistoknow Whenmyillusioniscoupledtopower,itbecomesamostdistortedanddangerous illusion.

Withoutanyselfknowledge,Ihavenowheretostand,andseektohidebehind intimidationofselectedscapegoatsandloftysoundingideologies.Inmy ‘righteousness’Iwillpointtoeasyvictimsandwillstartlashingoutatanyoneor anythingthatIthinkofasathreatorthecauseofmypainandsuffering;‘those othersoverthere’.Layeruponlayerofparanoiaandirrationalbehaviourinfectthe intellectandpoisonthewatersoflife.

Wecannotsitsafelyonthesidelines,pointingthefingerattheBannerBrigade becausethisvirusofparanoiaandfearhasnotonlyinfectedworldleaders;even withinthechurchthecallto‘orthodoxy’understoodas‘rightthinking’,becomes anotherweaponofdiscrimination,hate,exclusionanddomination.

Thereappearstobeinnateviolencewithinusthatseekstodestroyourenemies… wewouldseethemcrushed,humiliated,andpurifiedintheirownjuices…forever burninginalakeofsulphurousfireashotasthesun.

TheeasewithwhichweimposethistorturedandirrationalviewonalovingCreator whomwewouldcall‘Father’,isasimpressiveasourpropensitytoerectourmany ‘idols’

Tangledrootsinmuddywater.Jesuswaswellawareofthedifficultyofgetting throughtopeoplewithalltheirhangupsandmixedmotives...asthenalsonow... tangledrootsinmuddiedwaters.Itisnowonderheusedthemetaphorofearsof cornwhenreferringtoourhearingability.

Jesusspeaksintohistimeinhistory,toapeoplewhoarelost,withleadersbattywith powerandfarremovedfromthelivesofthepeople.Jesusspeakstothepeoplein thelanguageandimagesthatarecloseathand

JesusinviteshislistenerstowatchthefarmerashesowsTheonlookermayhavethe impressionthatheisjustthrowingawayboththeseedandhisenergy.Itisdifficult toseehowanythingcouldgrowinanunpreparedfield.Havingsowedtheseedthe

farmerploughs…pathsaremarked,thornsandweedsareuprooted,stonesare removedandthefieldthatseemedsounproductivewillsoonbecoveredbyearsof corn.

Jesustellsthisparableatadifficultjunctureinhislife.Hehasbeenthrownoutofhis owntownofNazarethandatCapernaumtheytreatedhimasifheweremad…the Phariseeswanttogetridofhimhisdisciplesareleavinghim.Hispreachingseems tohavefallenondeafearsConditionsareunfavourableandhisWordseems destinedtodie

Jesusisteachingusthatdespiteallobstacles,thisWordwillyieldabundantfruit becauseitholdswithinitselftheirresistibleforceoflifeandalightforthenations.

ThecomingoftheMessiahwasnotaglamorousevent.Hispresenceintheworld wentalmostunnoticed.Hedidnotbringaboutanysocialorpoliticalchangeamong hispeople.TheBaptistwasfarmorewidelyknown.

Jesusdisappearedlikealittleseed,weak,insignificant,almostinvisibleAndyet, slowlybutsurely,itbegantogrowHisGospelbegantopenetratetheworld

LetusthinkofthepowerthattheGospelstoreswithinitself…itislikeaseed.Jesus ishalfwaythroughhispubliclifeandherealisesthatveryfewpeoplehaveaccepted hismessage.Isthissurprising?No,saysJesus.TheprophetsoftheOldTestament werenotlistenedto.InIsaiah'stimeforinstance,peopleblockedtheirearssoasnot tohearthewordofGodandhardenedtheirheartsandrefusedtolisten.

Jesusspeaksinparablesinanattempttobreakthroughthisunbelief.Aparable forcesustoseekoutitshiddenmessage,tothinkandmeditateItinvitesustolook atourselvesandsoleadsustoconversion

TheinterpretationoftheparabletellsusaboutthedifficultiestheWordofGod encounteredintheearlyChristianChurchandstilldoestoday.

Wemayfeeltemptedtolistpeopleweknowanddecidewhichgrouptheybelongto.

Letusnotwasteourtimetryingtoclassifyourneighbours.StJeromeremindsus thatweshouldnotjudgethatwhichisinthehandsofGod.

Thefourtypesofsoilaretofound,toagreaterorlesserextent,inallofus.Ineach ofus,therearethorns,stones,hardroads,butalsogoodsoil.Wemustbeawareof thisandtrytoimproveourownfield,ourownheart,sothattheWordofGodmay produceitsfruitinus

Thegentlekindnessshownhereandthelightburnsthroughsomeweeds.Patience andhumilityinthepresenceofdisrespectandscornandthefireconsumealittle moreofthelichen.Wesuspendouranxietyanddespairtobringhopetoastranger andthemossalsoweathersintheflames.Weletgoofourrestlessstrivingto encourageanother,andthelightcontinuestogrowandpulsatewithinus.

ThisisthepoweroftheGospel!

17THSUNDAYINORDINARYTIMEYEARA

GODHASAPLAN (Matthew13:4452)

Eachoneofuswillatsomestagehavetowalkintothedarkness,lettinggoofallthat weclingtointhislife.Thisisourcross,thecentrepointwhereweareunitedwith Christtobetransformedintosomethingnew,andsomethingwonderfulItisatthis convergencethatourconsciousnessisexpandedbeyondthedivisionsandfalse boundariesintothatconnectednessasImagebearersofLightandLove,our connectednessasthehumanfamily…Butfirsttheremustbethelettinggo,a purging.

Beforethefirstmomentoftimeexplodedintobeing,totheremotestbirthingofthe starsofthecosmos,Godhasaplan.InduetimethisplanofGodwasspokenandthe Wordresonatedwithinthattimeandinspace.Togazeintothedepthsofcreation,is toseeGod’splanrevealed

Forus,asthehumanfamilyofthisearth,GodalsohasaplanFromthefirstmoment ofourcreation,Godbreathesintousthemostintimatekissoflifesothatatevery breaththatwetake,fromourbirthuntildeath,givesglorytoGod’sname.We breatheinandwebreatheout;“Yahweh,Yahweh,Yahweh…”ourfirstancestorand theBreathofLove.

ThroughthesacramentsofBaptismandtheEucharist,wearebornagainintothe LifeofChrist,theLifeofGodandthebodythatmakesupthefamilyofGodwithin thecommunityofbelievers.Yes,therewillalwaysbethosewhoseektoappropriate tothemselvesGod’sgiftsformisdirectedandselfishmotives,butGod’splancannot bedefeated ThisistherevelationofGod’splanwhichItrust…theplanthatgivesmehope…the lightthatnodarknesscaneverovercome.InGod’splandarknessandevilare

overcome,sothatevendeathdoesnothavethelastsay.ThisisGod’splanandso wearenotafraid. Whetherwearegenerousorselfish,richorpoor,academicscholarorsimple gardener,conmanorphilanthropic…wealldesiretobehappy.Allouractions,even whenmisguided,areaimedatdiscoveringthisgoal,thistreasurebeyondallother possessions.

JesususesthiswordtreasuretodescribetheKingdomofGodthenotionof somethinghiddenwaitingtobefoundIguessthisiswhythewordtreasureisso alluring…it'saninvitationtoadventure,toseeking.Theadventureitselfisalsoakind oftreasure…welearnsomuchfromthejourney.

Butunlikethefairytales,mosttreasurejustmakesusricher,itonly'incrementally' changesourlives.ThetreasureJesusisspeakingofchangeseverything…itisthe greatesttreasureinexistence.

Themanofthegospelfindsthetreasureinafieldbychanceunlikethemerchant whoissearchingforthistreasure,andhehidesitagainItseemsthetreasure belongsinthefieldandhecanonlyownthetreasureifheownsthefield

Themangoesoffhappy.Lookatthesmileonhisfaceandthebounceinhisstep! Butwhereishegoing?He'sgoingofftoselleverythingheownssohecanbuythe field.Everythingheowns!HisrelationsprobablythoughthewassufferingfromPTSD.

ThisisincontrasttoanothermanwhoisofferedthetreasurebyJesus.Hetoohasto selleverythingheowns,buthedoesn't…hecan't.Hegoesawaysadbecause'he wasamanofgreatwealth’Thereissomethingaboutthetreasurewhichmeasurea person,somethingwhichuncoversthetrueorientationand'attachments'ofour hearts

Theparableleavesuswithsomequestions.Whatisthetreasure?Isitenoughtosay thatitisthekingdomofGod?Andwhatisthefield?Whycanthetreasurenotsimply beremovedfromthefield?Andwhatwasthe'everythingheowns'thattheman sold?

Theparableofthesowerandthefieldleadsustotheanswer.Thefield,ofcourse,is ourhearts,wherebothgoodandevilaretobefound.Astheparablestates,the treasureisthereignofGod,theKingdomButthereissomethingmuchmorehereas JesushasstatedsomethingmorethantheWisdomofSolomonthedivine WisdomintheLogoswhohasbecomeforustheway,thetruthandthelifeJesus himselfisthetreasure.

TotakepossessionofthekingdomsothatGodmayreignwithinus,wehavetotake possessionofourselves…thefieldthatisourhearts.Wehavetodivestourselvesof 'everythingweown',allthosepossessionsthatruleus…noeasytask.

Andoneofourmostbelovedpossessions,isthecontrolweexerciseoverthe directionofourlives,inotherwords,ourplansforourselvesWeallhavethemThey arethepathwaystothetreasureweimaginewewantOurplansleadtotheplace wherewethinkourhappinessistobefound,andalltoooftenourtreasure,andthe happinessweimagineitwillbring,haslittletodowithGod'splansandultimately littletodowithwhatwillmakeustrulyhappy.

Thefulfilmentofourplansusuallydependsonouropinionsandourperceptionsof externalcircumstances…thingshavetogoright.God'streasureisnotlikethat. God'streasureisentirelywithinusandtoreachthisplacewehavetoentirely abandonourvaluableopinionsandplans.Wehavetosurrenderourplans,even whenthingsappeartobegoingwrong

Themaninthegospelglimpsedthetreasureandhurriedoffeagerlytosethimself freefromallthathadnowsuddenlybecomeworthlesstohim.Itwouldbea wonderfulthingifsuchachangecouldbedefinitivelymadeinaperson'slifewithno

secondthoughtsorclumsystumbles.Unfortunately,thetemptationtotakeback whatwehavegivenisalwayspresent…wearesoattachedtoouropinions,our perceptionsofstatus,andourplans.

Godunderstandsallthat,andworkswithus,sharingtheloadandtheburdensothat ourgoaloftotalpossessionofbothfieldandtreasuremayonedayberealised…is alreadyrealised,butnotyet!

Patiently,everynowandthen,atatimeofGod’schoosingGodtakesfromusoneor otherlittletrinket,somelittleplanwehadbeenhidingfromGodandclingingto EachtimeGodgivesusanotheropportunitytorenewourcommitmenttoboththe journeyandthegoal,andespeciallyourcommitmenttoeachother.

Christispresent…intheEucharist,inthepersonofthepriest,inthewordofGod, andalsoinoursouls.Whenthefirsttwoaren’tavailable,wearecalledtodevelopan understandingofandappreciationfortheothertwo.

Jesusinviteseachoneofus,asanindividualwhostandsbeforehiminallour freedom,tolethimshowusthetreasureburiedinthefieldofourtrueself,theplace whereourtruehappinessishiddenwaitingtobefoundThejourneyinwardallows ustoreadthebookofGenesiswithanewawarenessandalovingembraceofthe elementsoftheuniverseasbrothersandsisters…brotherwind,sisterwater,brother fireandsisterearth.ThiswasthevisionofStFrancisthatredeemsandtransforms despairintohope.

TRANSFIGURATIONOFTHELORD

(Matthew17:19)

...therewassolitude,theheightofthemountain,greatquietness,atransfiguration fullofawe,apurelightandacloudstretchedout(Chrysostom,CyrilofAlexandria).

CanterburyCathedral…Abeautifulpearloftimelessprayerinaneverchangingvista ofcolourandmoodstrulybeautifulandglorious

Alucidrecognitionofaprocessionofpeople,slowlybeginningtheneverquickening fromthosearoundmetofamilyandfriendsinmydistanthomelandfromthe livingtothoselongsincegone.

Fallingintotheforgottenpast.Thegreateventsandpeopleofhistoryandtheir crumblingmonumentsslippingthroughmomentsofmyawarenessintotheblazing explosionofgalaxiesandstars.

Anothermomentandthenachurningfallthroughthebrilliantlightinto theabyssofStygiandarknessnoupordownnothiswayorthatthe emptinessofnowhereandthedesolationofunknowingAgiddy, nauseousfallingintodarkness,a‘lettinggooflettinggo’NOTHINGtoholdonto

Thiswasanexperienceofcold,grey;joylessandhopeless.Everythingthathadbeen importanttobecomesabsolutelymeaningless.Functioninginsuchaseaofdespair wasimpossibleduringthisperiodofdesolation.

TheapostlesPeter,JamesandJohnrecognisethegloryofGodinJesus beyondfearthroughatearinthefabricoftheirreality.Theyseethedead whoarealiveandwhotalktotheliving.Theirtruthtornawayinaninstant andtheillusionsaregoneandTruthwhoisLightisrevealed

ItisthetouchoftheLightthatiswithinusthattransformsourrealitysothat wemayseetheLightofGod’sBeingthatisreflectedineverygrainofsand,

bladeofgrassandmomentofhistory.Somethingmustdie…somethingmustbe givenaway,mustbesacrificedsothattransformationcantakeplace.Thisismy Transfigurationalso…toseepastdeathtothelifethatliesbeyond…onlythencanI befreedfromallfearandmoveintoajoythatcanneverend.

Eachgloriousmomentofencounter,eachgloriousachievementalreadycontainsin itsmomenttheseedsoffearknowingthatallcomestoanendandknowsdecay.

“Wefearthatthismomentwillend,thatwewon’tgetwhatweneed,thatwewill losewhatwelove,orthatwewillnotbesafeOften,ourbiggestfearisthe knowledgethatonedayourbodieswillceasefunctioning.Soevenwhenweare surroundedbyalltheconditionsforhappiness,ourjoyisnotcomplete.”Onlythis graceofsacrifice,this“death”canleadmebeyondallthebeautifulgloriesthatare myfadingidols,theaccoladesthatIhoardinmylittletreasurechest;these posturings,myimaginedselfimportance,thedelusionthatIhavesomeprivileged position.

InChrististhelightthatgiveslightInChrististhelifethatgiveslifeInChrististhe TruththatgivesWisdomInChrist,Itooamtransfigured,becomingatransformed beingInChristIseemyowngloryreflectedintoeachbeadofcreationNo,even throughdimmingvisionorblindedeyeslikeStFrancis,theLightofChristisalways burningandsomyjoyiscomplete.

TheTransfigurationspeakstoeachonofus…anending…anewandgloriousre birth…aredemption.

18THSUNDAYINORDINARYTIMEYEARA

GENEROSITY

(Matthew14:1321)

CapturedbytheRussianarmyduringWorldWarIIandaccusedofbeingaspyforthe Vatican,WalterJ.Ciszek,aJesuitpriest,spenttwentythreeyearsinSovietprisons andtheSiberiangulagsfrom1940to1963.Withgreatsimplicity,herelatesthe eventshelivedthroughandthatledhimdownapathofgreatdetachmentandever moretrustingabandontoProvidence,totheinteriorserenitythatpreservedhim fromthe‘arroganceofevil’thatsurroundedhim

Hetellsofhisdistress,hissufferings,butalsooftheinteriorprogresshemade.With faithandthehelpofdivinegrace,herealizedhowallevents,eventrials,areagiftof ProvidenceandtheexpressionoftheholywillofGod.“Allthroughouttheseyearsof isolationandsuffering,GodgavemeanunderstandingofLifeandLovethatonly thosewhohaveexperiencedthemcanunderstand”.

FaithwithoutsubmissionmasksourdesireforcontrolThisarroganceofevilis encounterednotonlyintheSiberiangulags,butalsoinourownheartsthecloserwe movetopresumptionSpiritualprideliesattherootofpresumptionandcontrolsits deception

EachoneofusrequiresthattrustthatacknowledgestheultimategoodnessofGod, thesourceofeverygood,andthesourceofLoveitself.Itisonlyoutofthisground thatwecanlearntoloveinabetterwaywiththatabundantgenerositythatis alwaysdisplayedbyGod,mirroredforusintheactionsofJesus.

ItisonlywhenwearerootedinGod’slovewhichiskenoticandeternal,thatwe cometoshareinthatgenerosityofsupraabundanceHerethereisnoscarcityor shortageofresourcesallaresatisfiedallarefedItisherethatwefindthe interiorserenityintroubledtimes

AtthetimeofthestoryofJesusfeedingthemultitudes,Jesusishimselfbesiegedby anavalancheofcomplexhumanneeds…thesearetroubledtimes.Thecrowdshave arrived,somemerelycurious,someareillanddiseased,mostoffilledwithanger andresentmentasanoccupiedpeopledowntroddenandabused.

Jesusownlifeisinperilandhehasglimpsedthehorrorofhiscomingmurder.Jesus hasjustheardthenewsofthebrutalkillingofhisfriendandfamilymember,John theBaptistJesusismourning

Todaywewouldprobablybeencouragedtotake'compassionateleave'fromwork andperhapssomeweeksofcounsellingtohelpuscope.Jesus,too,feelstheneedto withdraw,thecalltoprayer,andheadsbyboatto'alonelyplace'wherehecouldbe alonewithhisdisciples,butthepeoplefrustratehisplans.Insteadofrestand healinghefinds'alargecrowd'.

Canyouimaginereading:JesusinstructedtheTwelvetogotothecrowdandtell themthattheMasterhadjusthadsomebadnewsandwasn'tfeelingtoowell:'Tell thecrowdtocomebackinafewdayssoIcanhavesometimeout'?Insteadweread: Soashesteppedashorehesawalargecrowdandhetookpityonthemand healedtheirsick

Whatwouldyoucallthat?Generosity?Compassion?Selfforgetfulness?Ifthishad beenanexceptionaloccasionofputtingtheotherfirstwemightbecontenttocallit somethinglikegenerosity.'Oh,rememberthatday,whenhewaslookingforpeace andquietbutthecrowdwasthereinstead…wasn’thegenerous?'

Butfrommyownexperience,IlookonJesusactionswithsomeawe.Thereis somethinghereofmadextravaganceofhistotal'beingthereforme'Perhapsdivine generosityisabettertermDivinegenerosityisnotjustsomethingtothankGod foritbringsustoworshipGodItis'goodnesswithoutlimits'perhapsbestimaged bythetwelvebasketsfullofscrapsleftoverfromthemiraclewhichfollows.

Ourscarcity,ourlittlefiveloavesandtwofish,hasbecomeanabundance…feeding all,satisfyingall.

Jesusisjustlikethat.More…alwaysmore…Impossiblymore!Morepatient,more forgiving,moreloving,moreunderstanding,moremerciful,moreselfgiving…an encounterwithJesusisalwaysawesome…awesome,abundantdivinegenerosity.

Thecrowdshavereceivedmorethanafreemealitisafreemealpointingthemto afullnessoflifesustainedbyafoodbeyondtheircapacitytopurchaseThiswasthe burdenofJesus'entiremissiontoleadthem,andus,beyondthemerelymaterial toincorporatethespiritualtruelifeandtothefull!

Isaiah,inthefirstreading,criesoutwiththeverywordsofGod,imbuedwithakind ofdesperatelongingforourresponse:Oh,cometothewaterallyouwhoarethirsty; thoughyouhavenomoney,come!Whyspendmoneyonwhatisnotbread,your wagesonwhatfailstosatisfy?

ThisimpassionedinvitationfromtheLordhimselfissearchingforearscapableof hearingandvaluingitformenandwomen,andchildren,whohavesomehow learnedtopiercethegaudybrightnessofthisworld'sofferingsandhaveglimpsed theeternalbeautyandjoyoftheanotherway,whereallourscarcityisreplacedby supraabundance.

Money…wages…canbuyfoodforthislife;foreternallifewemustdrawcloseto Lord…encounterJesus…encounterthatawesome,abundantdivinegenerosity.

WhenthecrowdshavegoneJesussendsthedisciplesacrosstotheothersideofthe lakeandhimselfgoesupintothehillstopray.Heshowsusthesourceofthe strengthandtheintegrationofhisinner,psychologicallifeJesusletsabsolutely nothingstandinthewayofhisprayernotabusydaynotatragedynotthe acclaimofacrowdnotevenhisdeathonacrossJesusdiedpraying

Onedaywhilewalking,Franciscameacrossapoormanalongtheroad.Seeingthe man’smisery,Franciswasmovedtocompassion.Hetookoffthecloakhewas wearingandsaidtohistravellingcompanion,“Itisfittingthatweshouldrestorethis cloaktothispoorman,foritishis,andIaccepteditonlyuntilIshouldfindsomeone poorerthanmyself.”Whenhiscompanionobjected,Francispersisted,“Ishouldbe countedathiefbythegreatAlmsgiverwereItowithholdthatwhichIwearfrom himwhohasgreaterneedofitthanI.”

ThethingswehavearetobeusedintheserviceofthepeopleweencounterThe Lord’sPrayerfindsusaskingfordailybreadNottomorrow’sbreadorbreadfornext week.Jesustellsustoaskforwhatweneedandnothingintheexcess.Howmanyof ushavemuchmorethanweneed?Howmanyofusstoreupgoodsinattics, basements,garages,andstorageunits?

Prudentsavingandgoodplanningwemayclaim.Yetarewekeepingforourselves whatcanbeputtobettermoreimmediateusebysomeoneelse?Howcanwe honourthememoryofFrancisofAssisibybeinginstrumentsofGod’sexpansive generosityintheworld,particularlytowardthosemostinneed?

StClareofAssisimighthavebestresponded:“Webecomewhatweloveandwho weloveshapeswhatwebecome.Ifwelovethings,webecomeathing.Ifwelove nothing,webecomenothing.ImitationisnotaliteralmimickingofChrist,butrather, itmeansbecomingtheimageofthebeloved,animagedisclosedthrough transformation.ThismeanswearetobecomevesselsofGod'scompassionatelove forothers.”

HowmightyouandI,asfollowersofStFrancisofAssisi,beaninstrumentofGod’s expansivegenerosityintheworld

REBIRTHOUTOFCHAOS

(Matthew14:2233)

Genesis…bringingorderoutofthechaos…acallforustoremember…toreturnto ourvocation…tobetrulyhuman.Thisisourprojectofbringingthegardenof creationtoflourishandtobloom,toreflectGod’sgoodnessintoourworld,andthen toreflecttheongoingunfoldingofcreationbacktoGod.Thisistheongoingcallto rebirthoutofchaos

TheFrenchFranciscan,EloiLeclerctellsthestoryofchaos,anxietyandsufferingin the‘TheLanguageoftheSoul'sNight’fromhisbook‘TheCanticleofCreatures’: ItisApril,1945:AlengthyfreighttrainismovingslowlyalongthelinefromPassauto Munich,withthousandsofexilespackedintoitscars.Theyhavebeenshutupthere fortwentyonedaysnow.Hundredshavealreadydied;hundredsmoreareatdeath's door,deliriousfromhunger.ThetrainstartedfromBuchenwaldandhasmadealong detourthroughCzechoslovakiaandthemountainsofBohemia;nowitisheadingfor DachaunearMunichSuddenly,incredibly,singingcanbeheardfromoneofthecars; itisFrancisofAssisi'sCanticleofBrotherSun!"Allpraisebeyours,myLord,through allthatyouhavemade,andfirstmylordBrotherSunAllpraisebeyours,myLord, throughSisterEarth,ourmother"

WhatbringsusinsuchcircumstancestopraiseGodforandthroughthegreatcosmic union?Theorieshavenoplaceinourutterconfusionofspirit…theyoffernoshelter againstthestorm.Theonlythingthatremainsandispricelessinoureyesisthe patienceandfriendshipthisorthatcomradeshowsyou.Suchanactbysomeone who,likeyourself,isimmersedinsufferingandanxiety,isarayoflightthatfalls miraculouslyintothewretcheddarknessthatenvelopsus.Itrecreatesyou,makes youahumanbeingonceagainSuddenlywelearnalloveragainthatwehuman

Andwhensuchanactoffriendlyhelphasbeendonetoyou,youinturnareableto doitforanotherandthusrespondtothereignofbruteforcewithafreedomand Lovethatbearwitnesstoanotherkindofreality...

Atsuchamoment,astoundingthoughitseems,weexperiencewonderbeforethe world;weexperiencethesacredintheworld.Onlyinutterdistressandneedcanwe fullyappreciateamouthfulofbread,asipofwater,arayofsunlight.Thetinydrops ofrainthattrembleonthetelephonewiresintheeveninglightafterastormare filled,totheselflesseye,withboundlessinnocence.Andthebroadrainwashed heavenshowsushowluminous,howpureitis!Alltheselowlythingsthatwecan contemplatefromthefloorofourcararenottheresultofpassingchanceThey speaksweetlytothesoul

Nietzschesaid:"Onemust...havechaosinoneselftobeabletogivebirthtoa dancingstar."Wecertainlyhavenotbeensparedchaos.Devastationiseverywhere, aroundusandwithinus.Historyhassweptlikeacycloneacrossourlives.Andyet, overthisheapofruins,therenowshines‘thegreateveningstarofpoverty’.

Becausethisvisionwasgiventous,wewereable,onanAprilmorningsomewherein Germany,togatherroundourdyingbrotherandsingofthesunandthestars,the windandthewater,thefireandtheearth,andalsoof"thosewhograntpardonfor loveofyou" Today,manyofusalsofindourselvesinthemidstofuncertaintyandchaos;stuckin oneoflife'sstorms,andnomatterhowhardwetry,nomatterwhatwedo,itseems thatwecannotmakeanyheadway.

Everywhere,weseeunravelling,anger,resentment,anddestructionabounding. Somefacingfinancialruin,hunger,sicknessordeath.Manyconfusedandalone.We allhavetofacetimeslikethis,whenitseemsthestormwillneverendandthatthere isnopossiblegoodthatcancomefromwhatwearefacing

Thestormsoflifeareterrifying,buttheycanalsoproducecertaingraces,some hiddenblessingsinourlivesthatwesometimesmaydiscernonlyyearsintothe

future.Wedonotknowwhatkindofstormyouarefacingatthispointinyourlife, norareweabletoforeseetheextentofthestormsoverthehorizon.

Theremaybetimeswhenwefeelthatthingsareattheirdarkest…asthoughwe havelostthebattlewithourstorm.YettheGospelremindsusthatjustassurelyas theLordisincontrolofyourblessings,Heisalsoinchargeofthestorm.

Thatverythingthatwemostfearthatverythingthatthedisciplesfeared,the chaosoftheragingsea,thedwellingplaceofterrifyingnightmares,wasthevery thingGodusedasamediumtocometothem

TheLorddidnottellthemthatthestormwasnotfierce…Jesuswastellingthem thatHewasgreaterthanthestorm.Hisprayerandsolitudeonthemountainwasa linkwiththesourceoflifethatgavehimthepowertowalkacrosswater.

ThiswasthepowerthathealsogavetoPeter…thepowerthathealsogivetous. ThepowertowalkacrossthewaterofthestormsthatwoulddestroyusAsPeter startstodoubttheLord,hebeginstosinkintothedeadlywatersWithoutthatfaith intheLordassolemasterofthefuture,Peternolongerhasanywheretostand WithoutourfaithintheLord,wealsohavenoplacetostand

ThesestormsoflifecanrevealGodtousinawaywemightneverhaveconsidered before.WhenGodcomestous,walkinginourstorm,Godgivesusthesame messageofhopethatwasgiventothedisciplesthatstormynight.

Godgivesuspeaceinourstorms.JesuscommandedtoHisdisciples:"…donotbe afraid."WhenweacceptthatJesusisincontrolofeveryareaofourlives,thatHeis God,andthatHepossessesallpower,thenwecancometothatplacewherewecan trusthimfullythroughallthestormsoflife

WhenPeterheardthecalloftheLord,PeterwantedtojoinJesusinwalkingonthe water.JesussimplytoldPetertocome.Peterobeyedandhetoowalkedonthe

water.JesususedthestormasameansofhelpingPetergrowinthefaith…justas theLordhelpsustogrowthroughourownstormsoflife.

Duringthesestormsofourlife,greatandwonderfulgracescanstarttomanifest themselves…theseedsofagreatandwonderfultransformationthatspeakofnew beginningsandarebirth.

Sometimes,itmaybehardtoseetheblessingsthatmaycomefromthesestorms SometimesitishardtoimaginetheLordbringinganygoodoutofwhatwearegoing throughSometimeswerebelatthetyrannyofchaosSometimeswemaydenyand abandonourvocationtotheresponsibilityofothers.

Thisisthepromise…rebirthispossibleafterchaos.Whenallofourillusionsof controlhavebeenshattered,whenwealth,status,andideologieshavefailedus, whenevenscienceandtechnologycannotsaveus,Godisstillwithusandhas overcomeevendeathitself.

Jesusdidnotcomequicklytothedisciples’rescueHewastrainingthembytheir fearsandinstructingthemtobereadytoendureGentlyandbydegreesheexcites andurgesthedisciplesontowardgreaterresponsiveness(StChrysostom)

Welcomethestorm!

ASSUMPTIONOFOURMOTHERMARY(20thSundayA)

celebratedinSouthAfricaontheSunday (Luke1:3956)

Swirlingshardsofkaleidoscopicmemories,thebreathandthebirthingofwhoIam ashuman,offamilyandfriends,ofteachersandlovers,ofsupportersandenemies, ofbreathtakingdiscoveryandheartstoppinglosses,thebooksandthepoetry, gazingatthestars,theseas,andthemountains;thisistheeverexpandingwhothatI am!YetinallthesemomentsoffoolthatIam,itisonlyinthemother’sheartthatI havediscoveredsufficientexpansetoholdthecosmos

Economics,slaveryandindigenousgenocidetellussomethingofthedarkheartof whatwehaveembracedasbeinghuman,thefootprintsourspeciesanditscultural institutionshavemadeonmotherearthandinonourverysouls.Weareallstill sufferingfromthetraumaofslaveryandofcolonialism,whetherwebeblackand descendantsofblacksorwhetherwebewhiteanddescendants,notnecessarilyof slaveholders,butoftheprivilegesthatcameourwaybecauseourancestorswere notslavesAsBroderickRodellsaidrecently,“Whetheryouareblackorwhite,you carryinheritedtraumafromslavery”

Godmakesapromise,Godproclaimsit,andHolyScripture,God'sWordaffirmsit…it isthewomanwhowillcrushtheheadofevilanddeceitthatbringsdisintegration anddeath.

ThisisGod’schoiceandsotodayMary,thedaughterofEve,theTheotokos,theGod Bearer,affirmsGod'spromisecomingtofruitioninhergreatgospelprophecyand Fiat:theEmpireoftheGodofWar,theDeathBringer,istobethrowndownfromits’ throneofpower,togetherwiththeirgreatdynastiesinalltheirpridethemoguls, thetycoons,andthecaptainsofindustryallthevictorsofwarThesearethe followersofMars,theoppressivevictorswhohavemadethemselvesintogodsand thevanquishedtheyhaveforcedintotheslaveryofneed.Thisisthegreatprophecy

oftheGodbearer,thatLovewillvanquishevil…amother'sLovewillreplace dominationanddeath.

TodaywecelebratethegreatfeastofthisdaughterofEve,thechosenspouseofthe HolySpirit,andtheGodBearer,beingassumedintoheaven,intotheGodheaditself.

ThisgivesusanewperspectiveofthatmatrixoflifereflectingtheLoveofGod,the LoveofChrist,andtheLoveoftheHolySpiritthroughthelensofamother'sheart

ThisisthenewmatrixproclaimedbyJesusThisisthetransformationof consciousness,thefoundingofGod'skingdom,aneworderbasedonjustice,mercy, inclusivity,andLove.WearebornofLove.Loveisourmother.

AnewunderstandingthatJesushimselfnotedisbeyondthecomprehensionofthe powerfulandtheclever.Thisisawisdomthatcannotbemadeapparentthroughthe warriornatureofdeath,throughourdrivetosucceedandtowin,oreventhrough ourquestforknowledgeThisisthenewunderstandinggiventochildrenwhogaze intoamother'seyesandknowLovethroughtheirneedingandtheirtrust

"Thankyou,women!Youarepresentandactiveineveryareaoflifesocial,economic, cultural,artisticandpolitical.Inthisway,youmakeanindispensablecontributionto thegrowthofaculturewhichunitesreasonandfeeling,toamodeloflifeeveropen tothesenseof‘mystery',totheestablishmentofeconomicandpoliticalstructures evermoreworthyofhumanity."Itisthusthatwecallthechurch‘Mother',and rightlyso!”

Whyhavewesilencedthevoicesofoursistersandourmothers,inthegatheringsof thecommunity?WhythenhaveweexcludedthesewomanfromtheirroleasGod bearersatthetableoftheLord?HowmuchofGodremainsveiledbecauseofthese exclusions?

Wearecalledtochooseanotherway.We,thegreatreligionsandchurchesofthe worldmustbecomepartofthenewwayorwewillbecomeirrelevant.Wearenot doomedtolivewithaselfidentitythatenshrinesadominationneurosisand patriarchal‘value,’asourdefinitionofwhatitmeanstobehuman.

Whenthefeminineguidesthemasculine,masculinity'sactionsbecomemore moderated,softerandmorehumane,andfarmoretrustworthy.Withoutthis feminineguidance,ourmaleanxietyandfearoflosingcontrolleadusintothose compulsiveactionsthatmustalwaysseektodominateForthisreason,feminine guidancemustbeappliedasweseeknewsolutionsinthecrisisfacingourstumbling churchandoursufferingearth.

TheDalaiLamarecentlystatedthatitisonlyLovecansaveourworldfromthecrisis ofglobalwarming.Wemust,therefore,turntothosethatweaffirmasgeniusinthis field,thosewhoabideinthegeniusofLove.

ForthisLovetogrowandflourish,wemustrecognisethehiddenpotentialin weaknessandvulnerabilityWiththisgeniusofLove,weareabletotouchwisdom thatisbothmysteriousandmultidimensionalThisistheawarenessofthe sacrednessoftheother,thesacrednessofrelationshipsaswellasanexperienceof Earth'ssacredness.ThisistheawarenessofLovethatgraspsourinterconnectedness.

Asinheaven,soonearth!Ourpatriarchaldeityhasledustoanearthlycultureof batterersenforcingwhatwewantthroughwillandpowerofredundantroles…all those‘holy’intentionsthatcontinuetotearourlivesandworldapart.

OurmovetonewstructuresmustembracethisLovetoreplacepower,freedomto replacecontrol,andliberationtoreplaceexclusionandoppressionAnycontinued denialofthefemininewithinthepatriarchalDeitywillonlyleadtofurther dysfunction,wrath,judgement,ignorance,jealousy,division,andsegregationallof whichfeedthedarknessofevilthatbothcravesandcanonisesdeathand annihilation.WeareapproachingthetimeofthetriumphoftheheartoftheMother.

Mary,ourmother,assumedintoheaven,giveusthenecessarycouragetodivest ourselvesofthoseprivilegesandthoseexclusiverightsthatseparateanddominate. Helpus,yourprieststoforegothebenefices,therights,andthepompassociated withthoseseparatedand‘raisedtothedignityofthepriesthood'.

Giveusatasteofthatwondrousbeautythatistheintrinsicdignityofeachandevery manandwoman,andineverychildmadeinyourimagefromtheagesunderthe agesGiveusatasteofthatwondrousbeautythatisintrinsictoallofcreation, intrinsictoeveryanimal,toalltheriversandmountains,totheforestsandtheseas

Giveusthecourageatthistimetokneelwiththeexcluded,withourblackbrothers andsisters,thosewhosehistoryandwhoseliveshavebeendiscardedasdangerous andworthless.

20thSUNDAYINORDINARYTIMEYEARA

ENTERINGINTOTHEDOOROFOURADVERSARIES

Afewyearsago,anelderlymonkarrivedinIndiaafterfleeingfromprisoninTibet. MeetingwiththeDalaiLama,herecountedtheyearshehadbeenimprisoned,the hardshipandbeatingshehadendured,thehungerandlonelinesshehadlivedwith, andthetorturehehadfaced.AtonepointtheDalaiLamaaskedhim,“Wasthere everatimeyoufeltyourlifewastrulyindanger?”Theoldmonkanswered,“Intruth, theonlytimeItrulyfeltatriskwaswhenIfeltindangeroflosingcompassionformy jailers”

ThereareenemiesandthenthereareEnemies!

TheCanaanitespracticeddemonworship,occultrites,childsacrificeand cannibalism.TheysacrificedchildrentoMolech,aSemiticgod.Numerousbodiesof childrenhavebeendiscoveredinthefoundationsofbuildingsprovingthatofferings ofthischaracterwerecommonamongCanaanitestostrengthenthewallsofhomes andcitiesThepriestsoftheCanaanites,tocontrolthepopulace,claimedthatthe firstbornchildrenweretobesacrificedinflamestotheirdemongods(Isaiah57:35) Jezebelrepresentingthemodelofallthatisconsideredshameless,impudent, schemingandbloodthirsty,builtagreattemplewiththreealtars,oneforeachBaal, AstarteandMolock.Theywereconsideredcursedanddamnedbythechildrenof Israel.Thisisreallynotanareathatyouchoosetovisitforaperiodofspiritual retreatandrenewal.ButthisisexactlywhereJesusleadshisdisciplesforsafetyand aperiodofrest. TheCanaanitewoman,adesperatemotherhasheardofJesusthehealerandcomes tointercedeforherdaughterwhois“oppressedbyaDemon”.Shehasobviously beenbuggingthediscipleswhoturntoJesusaskinghimto“sendheraway”Jesus repliedtothedisciplesaboutbeingsenttothelostsheepofIsrael,somehow touchesanerveinthedisciplesaresurethewomanintothepresenceofJesus

NowweenterintothisstrangedialoguebetweenJesusandtheCanaanitemother.

Jesustellsherthatsheisaskingforsomethingthatismeantforsomebodyelse… meantforanothernation.Jesusiswellawareofherdesperationasanymother wouldbeforthehealingofherchild.Jesusmovesbeyondthequestionofhealing intothematteroffood,ofsustenance…firstwefeedthosewhoareclosesttous beforeconsideringtheneedsofothernationsandpeoples.

Thewoman’sresponseshowsintelligenceandaquicksenseofhumourandJesus respondsthat“herfaithhassavedher”

Jesusgivestohisdisciples,ashedoestous,anewwayofencounterwithothers, especiallyourenemies.ThisisaprocessthatiswidelyusedbyourcurrentPope Francis…enteringintothedoorofouradversaries…thoseweconsiderourenemies. Throughcompassionwalkingwiththemtowardsreconciliation,truthandlife.

Aslongaswekeepourcompassionfortheother,wecanalwaysmoveforward towardsnewlifeThisisacompassionthatweneedtofindfortheunclean,the oppressorandourenemies Anyotherwayleadsonlytodarknessanddeathforbothoppressedandoppressor Jesusteachesusanewway;perhapswedonotlikeitandperhapswemayevenfind itoffensive,butthereisnootherwaytolifeandlifetothefull!

THEASSEMBLYOFTHEBELOVEDCOMMUNITY (Matthew16:1320)

Thingsfallapart,thereisupheaval,changeanddisintegration…thisisourjourney andourhistoryasthehumanspecies.Yet,theseupheavalsarealsogifted transitionalmomentsthatmoveusfromourslumberingpseudointellectual philosophicmusingstofacethebloodiedrockfaceofourindividualandcorporate identity

Wefaceanopportunityfornewcreativity,lookingevermorekeenlywithinthe depthsofoursoulsforthosethingsthatarereallyimportant,tothenatureofbeing human.Fullyawakenow,wecometodiscerntheillusionsthatwemistookfortruth, goodness,andbeauty. Thisisthecontinuingcircleoflife,dyinganddeaththatgiveswaytonewlife,tonew understandingandtothebirthofnewformsofcommunity,newformsoflivingand interactingwitheachotherandourworld

AswesitonthemountainwithJesusandhisdisciples,weexperiencewiththemthe confusionofapeoplethatarebrokenanddisheartenedHereisJesusinfrontofus, teacher,healer,Prophet,andfriend.Perhapsthereissomeresentmentornegative feelingsattheburdensthisfriendshipdemandsofme,curbingmyfreedomand denyingmywantsorneeds.Perhapsthereisalsosomefearofthevulnerabilityof Lovethatisatthecoreofthiscalltoanewrelationship.

Insecureinmyidentity,inmyresentmentandfear,Ishrinkalittleintothe anonymityofthecrowdwiththerestofthedisciples.SoitisthatSimonPeter, SimonbarJonah,speaksoutonbehalfofthedisciples,andalsoonmybehalf,“you aretheanointed,theSonofthelivingGod”ThisSonofManisalsotheanointed, theMessiah,theSonofthelivingGod;thisisthedefinitiveGodMan

ByPeters’LoveofJesus,hehasopenedhimselfuptotheSpiritofTruththatunifies ustothewillofGod,“toattaintheunityofthefaithandoftheknowledgeoftheson ofGod”.(Eph.4:13)Frombeingacknowledgedasastumblingblocktothewillof God,JesusnowacclaimsPeterasthefoundation,therockonwhichtheassembly, thechurchistobebuilt.

JesusacclaimsPeterasblissful,blessed,inunitywithGod.Peterhastakenonthe identityoftheBelovedaswealsotakeonouridentityintheassemblyasthe BelovedCommunityWehavebeengivenanewcorporateidentityandnolonger arewetobecalledunfaithful,desolate,andbrokenforwehavebecomethe BelovedCommunity.

InthisnewroleintheAssemblyoftheBelovedCommunity,wehavebeengiventhe roleasguidesintheunityoftheSpirittotheKingdomofGod,guidestothewillof GodforthegoodoftheBelovedCommunity.

ItisnotwewhocommandGodtoourwillItistheSpiritthatguidesustothe commandofGod’swillallthatiscommandedbyGodforthegoodofGod’s creationandallthatisforbiddentotheharmoftheBelovedCommunity

ThisnewcorporateidentityandthatunifyingloveinthebodyofChristincludesa ruggedcommitmenttodogoodforthefamilyofGodwhetheryoufeellikeitornot (Galatians6:10).Thisincludesaffectionatelove,notjustsacrificeforthoseyoudon’t like.Itisafeelingofendearment.Wearetohaveaffectionforthosewhoareour familyinChrist.“Loveoneanotherwithbrotherlyaffection”(Romans12:10). “Havingpurifiedyoursoulsbyyourobediencetothetruthforasincerebrotherly love,loveoneanotherearnestlyfromapureheart”(1Peter1:22).“Allofyou, havesympathy,brotherlylove,atenderheart,andahumblemind”(1Peter3:8)

ThisisJesus'promiseandouranchorastheBelovedCommunity

22ndSUNDAYINORDINARYTIMEYEARA CHALLENGEANDMISSION (Matthew16:2127)

Anawakeningreflection…Thebuildingroseintotheheights,averitabletowerof Babelreachingtotheheavensandbeautifultobehold…shimmeringwhitemarble,a TajMahalsetinthethirstysandsofthedesert.Insideandupwardsintothedizzying heightsoftheroof,uponthespirallingscaffoldingthatledintotheheartofthe domedroof

Butnowbeholdtheplacesofrotanddecaywithrottingwoodofthescaffolding givingwaybeneathourfeet.Clingingtothewoodencrossbeamsthatsupportedthe walls,butthesealsoarerottingandpullingawayfromtheiranchoringnails.

Fallingdownwards,levelafterlevelasallthesupportingcrossbeamsshatter,one afteranother.Finally,thefallingstoppedasourfeettouchedthefoundationsofthe building Withoutharm,oncemoreyoung,strongandvirileNowIrecalledthechallengeat SanDamianodirectedbythecrucifiedChristtoourseraphicfather,StFrancisof Assisi:“rebuildmychurch,whichasyoucansee,isfallingdown”.

YouhaveseducedmeLord,andIhaveletmyselfbeseduced,theanguishedcryof JeremiahashetriestocometogripswithGod’smissioninhislife.Thisisthecryof griefandconfusionatwhatJeremiahseesastheindifferenceofGodtotheapparent victoryofviolence,evil,andgodlessness.

InourGospel,wehearthesameanguishedcryofPeterasherecoilsatthe revelationoftheMessiahs’impendingrejection,brutalhumiliation,andmurder,as heblurtsout,"Godforbidit,Lord!Thismustnothappentoyou"Thenthat incredibleharshrebukegiventoPeter,"Getbehindme,Satan!Youareastumbling

blocktome;foryouaresettingyourmindnotonthedivinewill,buthuman ambitions." Jesustellshisdisciples,"Ifanywanttobecomemyfollowers,denyyourselves,take upthecrossandfollowme”.ThiscrossisthestaffofChrist,asthestaffofMoses, thisisthestaffofauthorityandrenewalthatbringswatertothedesert,thestaffof penitents,ofjudgement,andenlightenment.

Thisistheantithesisofthestaffasaweaponofwar,thestaffofselfrelianceand ambition,andthestaffthatclaimsthelandaspersonalpropertyStFrancis,little brother,andfoolofAssisiunderstoodsowellthisdangerofrelentless acquisitiveness.

Godisabundantlyclear…God’swayisnotthewayofviolentpowerandretribution. TheMessiahhascometobringanendtothecircleviolencebythegreatestpowerin theuniverse…thepowerofLove.

WealsostruggletomakesenseoftheLoveofGodwiththeevilthatweseeinthe worldaroundus,ortheonenessofGodwiththefragmentationofcreationan apparentdilemmaYetintheletterofStPaultotheChurchatColossaetheremay beananswertothisdilemma:“Heforgaveusalloursins,havingcancelledthe writtencode,withitsregulations,thatwasagainstusandthatstoodopposedtous; hetookitaway,nailingittothecross,andhavingdisarmedthepowersand authorities,hemadeapublicspectacleofthem,triumphingoverthembythecross.”

Thisisthepromiseandourfaith…Loveultimatelytriumphsoverevil,violence,and darkness.Thisisouronlyweapon.TheillusionofSatan,ofShaytan,theaccuserin contentionwithGodinbringingorderoutofchaos,liesshattered”andGod lookeduponcreationanditwasgood”

Whatdoesthisrevelationaskofus?Whatisthemostimportantinvestmentyoucan makewithyourlife?Jesusposessomeprobingquestionstochallengeour assumptionsaboutwhatismostprofitableandworthwhile.

InthepreVaticandays,werarelyheardanythingaboutconscience.Whenitcameto moraldecisionmakingourmindsweremadeupforusbychurchauthorities.They tolduswhatwasrightandwrong.Ourjobwastoobeywithoutquestion.Allmoral issueswereviewedinaclearcutblackandwhitefashion

ThencameVaticanII,whichbroughttotheforefronttheissueofconscienceandits vitalroleinoursearchforTruth.Thedocumentonthe‘ChurchintheModernWorld’, statedclearlytheimportantroleofconscienceinthelifeoftheChristian.

Deepwithintheirconsciences,menandwomendiscoveralawwhichtheyhavenot laiduponthemselvesandwhichtheymustobey.Itsvoice,evercallingthemtoLove andtodowhatisgoodandtoavoidevil,tellstheminwardlyattherightmoment:do this,shunthatFortheyhaveintheirheartsalawinscribedbyGodTheirconscience ispeople'smostsecretcoreandtheirsanctuaryTheretheyarealonewithGod whosevoiceechoesintheirdepthsByconscience,inawonderfulway,thatlawis madeknownwhichisfulfilledintheloveofGodandofone'sneighbour

Ineverydecisionoflife,wearebecomingacertainkindofperson.Thekindof personweare,ourcharacter,determinestoalargeextentthekindoffuturewewill faceandinwhichourchildrenwillhavetolive…thekindofrelationshipswewill have. Itispossiblethatsomecangainallthethingstheysettheirhearton,onlytowake upsuddenlyanddiscoverthattheymissedthemostimportantthingsofallTogetto thetopoftheladderandfinditwasrestingagainstthewrongwallOfwhatvalueis alargebankbalancetomendabrokenheart,ortocheeralonelyperson;canit replacealostlove,abrokenfamily,oralostfriendship?

Jesusasksthequestion:Whatwillapersongiveinexchangeforhislife?Justlikeour relationshipswitheachother,itisalsopossibletogiveGodourmoney,butnot ourselves,togivelipservice,butnotourhearts.

AtruediscipleofJesushasfoundthetreasureofgreatvalueandgladlygivesupall thatheorshehasinexchangeforanunendinglifeofjoy,peace,andhappinesswith Godwhogiveswithoutmeasure.

ThisisthejoyandpeacethatGodoffersustodayandwhichcannotbediminished byanyparticularsadnessorlossorevenanapparentvictoryofviolence,evil,and impiety.Jesusproclaims,“TheKingdomofGodisathand”.

WearecalledtoliveourChristianityasalifestyle,awayofbeingintheworldthatis simple,nonviolent,shared,andloving.Wemustrejectanyclever‘religion’which seekstoavoidthislifestyleitself.Thiscleverreligionhasallowedthatonecouldbe warlike,greedy,racist,selfish,andvain,andstillbelievethatJesusistheir“personal LordandSaviour”TheworldhasnotimeforsuchsillinessanymoreOursuffering andthesufferingoftheEarthistoogreat

“INMYNAME”FAMILY&COMMUNITY (Matthew18:1520)

“Onlythedeadhaveseentheendofwar”pennedthefamousGreekphilosopher Plato. Welookuponanancientcultureandreligionwithintricatelawsandtraditions.This isasocietyofchildbridesandslavery,asocietyinwhichwomencannotbearwitness Contactwithoutsiders,gentiles,andtaxcollectorsisthecauseofritualimpurityAs Jesusspeaksoftheseancienttraditionsofreconciliationandritualexpulsionfrom thecommunity,wesuddenlyglimpsedsomethinginthecornerofourawareness.

LookcloselyatJesusWordinaction;howdidJesustreattheGentileandthetax collector?AsMatthewthetaxcollectorreflectsonhisownstory,thebondingand bindingareclear“Lovethem!Acceptthem!Invitethem!Eatwiththem!Challenge themtobetransformedintoafaithfulimageofJesus!”Jesusgivesustheformat thatalwaysbeginswithahumbleheartthatnoevilcaneverimitate

Twothousandyearsoftearsandentreatytheprayersandthenovenasofthe ChristianfamilygatheredtogetherasacommunityofbelieversKingsandslaves, parentsandchildren,sinnersandpenitents,judgesandrulers,thewiseandthe foolish,soccerteamsandarmies,popesandheretics,tyrantsandmurderers, hermitsandmoviestars,thehumbleandtheinsolent,allearnestlyprayingtheir demandsinrighteousnessorinvillainy,andthendutifullyappending:“inJesusname, Amen”.HasGodnotpromisedHischildren,“Whateveryouaskinmyname,Iwilldo it?”

Twothousandyearsofbetrayalandshattereddreams,losses,andbereavement, belovedspousesindeathandinbrokencovenants,childrenandgrandchildren dishonouringpromisesandabandoningtheirelderly,leadersforsakingtheiroaths andplunderingtheland,glitzyevangelistscaughtupinliesanddeceit,pastorsand patronscaughtupintheprideoftheirconceit,creatingatechnologyofPastoral

power,disdainful,judgemental,unforgivingandmerciless…unloving,becauseno loveispresentwhenthereisnointegrity,notruth,andnoselfsacrifice.

Somuchforgetfulness,uncompromisinglegalism,separation,excommunication, sorrow,andregret,forwedonotknowhowtoprayasweought:“Ifyouabideinme, andmyWordabidesinyou,askwhateveryouwish,anditwillbedoneforyou.”

AndsoitisthatevenaswegathertogetherastheChristianfamilyandcommunityof believers,webecomecaughtinthiswebofpastoralpowerandoverlookthethings ofGod,thosethingsboundandthosethingsunbound“inheaven”withinthe TrinitarianprogressionofLovethatistheblueprintofourbeing.

Ourseraphicfather,StFrancischallengesustoactivelyseekopportunitiestogiveup controlandtobehumbledeveryday.Somuchofourlivesareworkingtogetour way…inouroccupations,relationships,families,andinteractionswithoutsidersand strangers. Wefindourselvesinconflictwithotherswhoviewtheworldindifferentways Conflictscanbeginfrominconsequentialdecisionslikewhichseattositoninthebus orwhoweareandarenotallowedtopraywithdecisionsaboutwhoisworthyto eatatourtable. WehaveasourroadmapandasourguidethewordsandtheactionsofJesusand thepracticeoftwothousandyearsofSaints.Thisisthepracticeoflettinggoofmy willandhumblyassentingtothedesireofsomeoneelse,nottobeniceortokeep peoplehappy,butanactivedecisiontoimitateandalignourselvestothewillofour LordJesus,“whohumbledhimselfeventothepointofdeath,deathonacross,”and toputintopracticewhatIprayeverydayintheOurFather:

“Thywillbedone”It’snocoincidencethatthesewordsfollowimmediatelyafter “Thykingdomcome”…thetruereignofGod’skingdomisthecompletesubmission

ofourwillstothewillofGod.TheKingdomofGodisnotaboutimposingourwill, buttrustinginGodwhodesiresonlygood,ourgoodandthegoodofallcreation.

TogetherwithFrancis,asonefamilyandglobalcommunity,inoursufferingandour distress,wekneelbeforethecrossofChristkeepingourfocusonthesublimebeauty ofagoodGod,emptyingourselvesofselfabsorptionandanxiety,andaligning ourselvestodissolveintothemysteryoftheheartoflove:

"MostHighgloriousGod, enlightenthedarknessofmyheart Givemerightfaith, surehopeandperfectcharity.

Fillmewithunderstandingandknowledge thatImayfulfilyourcommand."

RESTORATIVEJUSTICE:CREATIVITYANDCOMMUNITY

(Matthew18:2135)

“Thegospelisprofoundlyscandalous,anduntilwehearatleastawhisperofits scandal,werisknothearinganypartofit(Griffith,1993,p.1).”

WhathavewedoneOLord,whathavewedone?Thisisalwaysthefirststep towardsrepentanceandconversionWeaspilgrimsontheroadsofhistoryare calledtoconfronthowthemessageofChristhasbeenandcontinuestobe subvertedandmisusedtoseparateandtooppresswithprideandimpunity.

Beyondpersonalconversion,thisisacallonthewholecommunitytowardsa commitmenttoinfluencethroughservanthoodandnotthroughpower…toseek dailyachangeofheartasthelinedividinggoodandevilcutsthroughtheheartof everyhumanbeing.

Wealsohavepiercedtheheartofthebeloved,sothataswegazeontheonewe havepierced,wetocallout:Whatarewetodo?Whatcanwedo?Whatoughtwe todo?

ReturningtothespiritualrootsofRestorativeJusticewefindourselves,asChristians, challengedtodiscovernewwaysofdoingjustice,learningtodreamnewdreams, andpursuenewvisions.Itisacalltocooperation,partnershipinnewcreativeways.

RestorativeJusticeisacalltobuildnewcommunitieswhereacceptanceand reconciliationarerealitiesthatarelivedinthecommunityofthecovenantoflove betweenGodandhumankind

BeingafollowerofChristcallsustobecomepartofacommunitycommittedto justiceinaworldofinjustices,acommunitycommittedtolisteningtoallsideswhen crimehappens,acommunitycommittedtoatruthbeyondtheguilty/notguilty

dichotomyandacommunitycommittedtoofferingopportunitiesforreparationand peacemakingsothatoffendersandvictimsfindhealinginacommunityofhope.

AssuredofGod’sjusticeandundergirdedbyGod’spresence,weasChristians,are calledtobreakthecycleofviolencebyrefusingtobecaughtinthecycleofrevenge.

Eventhoughourendeavourstoloveourenemieswillalltoooftenfindusalso hangingonacross,itisthiscostlyactsofnonretaliationthatbecomestheseed fromwhichthefragilefruitofPentecostalpeacegrowsapeacebetweenpeople fromdifferentculturalspacesgatheredinoneplacewhounderstandeachother’s languagesandshareineachother’s’goods.

Thebloodyhorrorandtheterrorofourhistory,ourcomplacency,andourcomplicity, forcesustolookawayfromthedarknessthatleadsustotheedgeofmadness.The subvertednatureofJesus’parable,leadsustoconfrontthisheartofdarkness, whereweareledthroughPans’LabyrinthtoconfrontanunimaginableDickensian melangeofgrief

Welookuponthefaceofslavery,anabominationthatseekstoannihilatethisdivine imageandtoimprintuponthesoulthenatureandvalueofpropertyThisisacruel andruthlesssysteminwhichtheslavepaysforthecostoftheirsustenancewith theirstrength,theiryouth,andeverynaturalgiftedcapacity.Alltheirearnings beyondsustenancearefortheaccountoftheslavemasterandtheupholdingof Empire. Itisherethatwecomefacetofacewithamonster…themonsterthatnotonly enslavesbutalsoindebtstheslaveandtheslave’sfamily.Thisisanindebtedness thatthecanneverberepaidfortheslavehasbeenplacedinprisontobetorturedin perpetuityWehavetransposedthenatureofthebeastontothefaceofGodwho nowbecomesthebloodthirstytyrant

Eachoneofus,whetherrichorpoor,doormanorpresident,prisonerorbiker,hasa balancesheet.Accountsowedandaccountsowing.Ithinkthatmostofuswill recognizethatinourworldoftodaywherethevastmajorityofourearth’s populationwillhaveabalancesheetthattendstobeheavilyweightedtowardsthe accountsowingside…ourdebts.

Wearehoweverkeptonthetreadmillbythepromise,bythepossibilityofaseatat thefeastofthehightableYetthishightablereallyneverbecomesanybiggeritis onlytheappetiteofthosewhositatthistablethatcontinuestogrowevermore avariciousPopeFrancisremindsusthatcurrently50oftheworld’srichestpeople, couldatthestrokeofapen,financemedicalcare,andeducationforeverypoorchild intheworld.

Thispossibilityatthehightablekeepsusborrowingheavilyagainstourfuture earnings,whetherthisisforourdreamsorbasicnecessitieslikefood,shelter, transport,andmedicalcosts,orwhetherthisisformoretransientpleasuresor diversions

Sinfulandunjusteconomicsystemsthatenslaveanddehumanizehavealonghistory inourworldFortheconqueredandexploitedpeoplethatheardthesewordsof Jesus,farmers,servants,andlabourers,theywouldhaveunderstoodfullywhatit meanttoowemuchagainstincomethatneverquitestretchedfarenough.

Thenatureofthebeastwasclearenoughtothesepeoplesufferingfrom dehumanizingexploitation.ForthemandforourChurchFathers,itisthedevil,the accuser,theInquisitor,andnotGod,whoillegitimatelyinsistsonthepaymentofthe debtincurredbyhumankind.

Justasintheinterpretationofourdreams,theparablesthatJesususescallsonusto putonthepersonofeachcharacterportrayedAndsowebeginbyplacingourselves intheshoesoftheservantwhosedebtsarewrittenoff.

Wehavebeencalledintothebankandaretoldthatalloutstandingloanshavebeen calledupbutasaspecialbirthdaypromotion,thebondonourpropertyistobe writtenoff.Inadditiontothisgreatboonourcreditcardbalances,bankoverdraft, andmotorcarloanwillbesettledbythebank.Allourdebts,alloursleeplessnights, andallourworrieswrittenoffatonestroke.Imaginethejoyasthebonddocument isceremoniouslytornupandallthesettlementpaymentsmadebythebank.Your lifehasbeencompletelychangedandyouhavebeengivenanewbeginning.

Youarrivehomeandsharethewonderfulnewswiththefamilyandthereisgreat excitementandjoyLaterthateveningit’stimeforyoutopaythewagesofthe householdmaidandyoudeductthesmallloanthatwasmadetocovertransport costs.Thisisalljustinaccordancewiththetermsandconditionsofheremployment.

Asweputourselvesintheshoesofthisontheservant,wecanfeelthebitterness andresentmentagainstthosewhohavesomuchwhilewehavesolittle.

Thebankhowevercomestohearaboutwhathastakenplaceandyouare summonedbacktoappearbeforethedirectorsAllthegiftsthatyouweregivenin termsofthedebtsthatwerewrittenoffandcancelledbythebankofrescindedand everythingnowbecomedueandpayablewithimmediateeffect

Giftsthataretakenback…howcanthisbejustandequitable?Certainly,Godwhois theultimategoodandourmoralcompasscannotactinsuchawayandsoweneed tolookmorecloselyatwhereJesusisleadingus.

Weseeourselvesasupright,justanddeservingofthegiftswereceive…afterall,we arehardworkingandgeneroustoourfamilies.Yetfromthetopofmyladderof successandfortune,therarefiedairislikeamiragethatdistortsmyviewofthe connectednesswiththoseholdingthebaseoftheladderinplace

No,Godnevertakesbackhisgrace,hisgifts…itiswewhoturnawayfromthe connectednesswitheachotherthatleadsustounitywithGod.

ForgivenessandhealingareGod’sgifttouswithinthecommunitywherewehave practicedthisforgivenessandhealingbetweenourselves.Ithinkthatthiscanonly becomearealityfromaheartthatpracticeshumilityandgratitude.

EachtimethatIbecomeangryatanother’swordsoractions,Iamcalledto rememberhowmyownwordsandactionshavehurtothers.

EachtimethatIbecomedistressedandupsetaboutinjusticeanddishonesty,Islip beneathmypracticedmasktolookuponmyowngreedandindifference

EachtimethatIlookuponanother’sincompetence,Icalltomindthetimeofmy ownutterinabilitytoholdbackasingleinstantoftime.

EachtimethatIfeelangerandresentmentagainstthosewhoseemtohaveitall,I lookdeepwithintoseetheeyesofenvystaringbackatmefromtheabyss.

EachmorningisatimetorecallallthegracesIhavereceivedandineacheveningto askforGod’sforgivenessandhealingonthefracturesIhaveleftbehindmethrough myday

Allofusareconnectedbutinourillusionofseparatenessandindependence,we leadourlivesalwaysonthebrinkofanguishandhopelessness.Wehavebeentaught toprayto“OurFather”andnot“myFather”sothatthefirstancestor,whoisboth motherandfatherofallhumanity,maywipeawayourdebtsandourtearsaswe havewrittenoffthedebtsandthetearsofothers.

25THSUNDAYINORDINARYTIMEYEARA ENVY

(Matthew20:116)

That’snotfair!AswelistenedtotheGospelstory,itiseasytoempathizewiththe aggrievedworkers.“That’snotfair,wehavelabouredforafullday,inthehotsun, andthoseotherswhohaveworkedonlyforanhourbuthavereceivedthesame wageaswehave....howcanthisbejust......?”

Haveyoureceivedwhatwaspromised,thewagesofaday’slabour?Yes,butthose others,theyhavedonelessworkandreceivedthesamewagessurelywedeserve more!

Haveyoubeentreatedunjustlyinthewagesyouhavereceived?No,but...those others…theyreceivedmore…!Insteadofrejoicingintheirgoodfortune,weare angryandresentful.

ThisweektheGospelisaboutgoodness,aboutgenerosityWediscoverthatitis difficulttobegeneroustootherswhenwehaven’tyetappreciatedhowmuch weourselveshavebeengiven

IntheAdmonitionno8ofStFrancishestates“Thereisnonethatdoesgood,nonot one.Whosoever,therefore,enviesanotheronaccountofthegoodwhichtheLord saysordoesinthem,commitsasinofblasphemy,becauseheenviestheMostHigh Himselfwhosaysanddoesallthatisgood.”

TheCatechismtellsusenvyisacapitalsin,asinthattendstoleadtoothersinsand itspecificallyreferstothesadnessatthesightofanother’sgood.Itreferstothe immoderatedesiretoacquirethemforoneself,evenifitmeansacquiringthem unjustly St.Augustinesawthisparticularsinofenvyasthediabolicalsin.Hesaidfromenvyis bornhatred…fromenvyisborndetraction,tellingthetruthaboutsomeone’s

gotallthat?HowcomeGodseemstohavegiventhemmorethanme?SurelyI deservemore?”

And,themoreenviousandresentfulIbecome,thelessIamabletoappreciatemy owngoodfortune…thegiftsandgracesthatIhavereceived.

Letusforamomentpictureafamiliarscene.Ineveryclassroomtherewasalways onestudent,sometimesafew,whogetA’soneverytestTheyalwaysbehavedand theteachersometimespraisesthemsaying,“Whycan’ttherestofyoubelike Johnny?(orSusie)”Wehatestudentslikethis

Theymakeuslookbad.Sowhatdosomeofusdo?Weseektopressurethe “teacher’spet”toconformtomediocrity.Ineffectweseektodestroythegoodness orexcellenceinthem.Wetauntthemwithnamesandpeltthemwithspitballs.If ridiculeandisolationdoesn’tworkwe’lljustplainbeatthemup.Thisisenvy…

Sorrowfulandangryatthegoodnessofanotherbecausetheymakeuslookbad,we setouttodestroywhatisgoodinthem

PerhapswecanlearnfromthemortheirgoodexampleButenvyrejectsjoyandzeal andwithsorrowandangersetsouttodestroywhatisgood

Envycanbesubtle…sometimesitismoresubtleandsomethingwedoalmost withoutthinking.Whensomeoneatworkisarisingstarwemayeasilyengagein gossipanddefamationtounderminetheirreputationortarnishtheirimage.Wemay dothisattimesinanunreflectivemanner.Almostwithoutthinking,wediminishand belittleothersandtheiraccomplishmentsbycarelessandinsensitiveremarks.

Weoftendothisbecauseweneedtoknockothersdowntofeelbetterabout ourselvesThisisenvySometimesweshowenvypassivelybyomittingtopraiseor encourageothersorbyfailingtocallattentiontotheiraccomplishments

Envycanbeconcealedwithasmile…Whatalovelydress,butmaybethatcolour makesyoulookfat…Couldthemoneynothavebeenusedtofeedthepoor!Envyis ugly,insidiousespeciallywhenitmasqueradesasgoodness.Itactuallydiminishes andseekstodestroygoodness.Theproperresponsetoexcellenceandgoodnessis andshouldalwaysbejoyandzeal.

LetusmakeaninventoryofeverythingGod,andothers,havegivenus,andwewill finditmucheasiertobegenerouswithothersandtobanishthepoisonofenvyand resentmentthatresultinsomuchsufferinginourworld

INTEGRITYOFLOVE (Matthew21:2832)

Taxcollectorsandprostitutes…traitorsandwhores…Jesusoftenusesthesepeople asexamplesagainstthesupposedrighteousness,orthodoxy,andpurityofthe Pharisees.Whatisitabouttraitorsandwhoresthatgetsthemthethumbsupto entertheKingdomofGod,whileJesushassuchharshwordsforthereligiousleaders?

Jesuschoosesthosewhoareexcluded,thosewhoaredespised;theseJesus befriendsandeatswithwhilethePhariseesrageInsteadofdemandingrepentance andjustice,Jesusmessagethatheproclaimedtothesesinnerswasthat“youare included,andtheKingdomofGodisyours.”Wow,God’sLoveandMercytrumps justiceandsothePhariseesrageandtheirangerwillleadthemtomurder.

Letusallowourselvestoglimpseforthemomentourownangeras“Godwithus”, Jesus,attendsallthepartiesandweddingsofthesamesexcouples,cheatsand swindlers,sexuallydeviantindividuals,gaysandlesbians?Itissoterriblydifficultto holdontothefirstprincipleofLovethatbringsusjoyandpeace,whilewesobusy correctinganother’sfaults,failingsandweaknesses

InthecontextofJesussermonon“changingourminds”sothatwemayseeand believe,theyareequatedtothesonwhosays“noIwillnotgo”butthenchangeshis mindandgoestoworkinthevineyard.

Nakedintheirneed,itistheoutcastswhorecognisethegiftofLovethatchanges everything…firstcomeslove.Itisdifficulttoseegoodinthosewehaveclassifiedas evil,butitisvirtuallyimpossibletoseetheevilinourown‘goodintentions’.Itisonly byourlivingintheintegrityofLove,thattheworldstandscorrectedItisthis integrityofLovethattransformslives,authentically,worthilyandtruthfully

Perhapswealsorecognisesomeparentsinthisscene,theneedforcontrol,angry, anddemanding.PerhapsthisisourcreationofGod.Wehavetheoptionofplacating

thesourceofpowercontrol,butlosingourinternalintegrity,“Iwillgo”butthenfail tokeepthepromise.Inoursecondoptionthechild’srebelliontakesontheformof sullen,passiveaggressivesarcasm,“Iwillnotgo”,butthengoesintotheVineyard.

Yes,taxcollectorsandprostitutesweredespisedandexcludedfromsociety.Whatis itaboutthisparticular‘classofsinners’thatopensthemuptonewpossibilitiesthat Jesusproclaimed?Whatdoesitfeelliketobedespisedandexcluded?

Researchshowsthatachievingasenseofsocialbelongingisafundamental psychologicalneedItwouldbebadenoughifostracismjustreducedfeelingsof belonging,butbeingrejectedcanreduceselfesteem,asenseofcontrol,andasense ofhavingameaningfulexistence.Neuroscientistshavefoundthatsocialrejectionis experiencedlikephysicalpainasitisconnectedtothesameneuralcircuitry.

Whyisthepainsoacute?Whenyouaretheobjectofaheatedargument,youmay feelangry,butatleastyouareinteractingwithsomeone.Whenyougetthesilent treatment,acommonformofostracism,especiallyamongstnarcissists,youfeelasif youdonotevenexistTheimpositionofsilenceisapowerplaythatexpressesthe ultimatecontemptforthetargetasGeorgeBernardShawputit,“Silenceisthe mostperfectexpressionofscorn”

Theonegivingthesilenttreatmentgetstofeelcontrol,whetherbynotanswering emailorwhat’supmessage,turningawayinthemiddleofaconversation,or pretendingnottohearorunderstandaquestion.Themessageisloudandclear… “Youdon'tmatter.”

ThePharisees,likereligiousinstitutionsareadeptatusingostracismandexclusionas ameansofpowerandsocialcontrolWereadilybuyintothisinstitutionalised maliciousvandalismbecauseitmakesusfeelbetteraboutourselveswearenot likethoseotherswearethechosenones,theinnercircle,worthy,outwardly orthodoxandcompliant…wehavetickedalltheboxes.

Noticehowweinevitablyblametheprostitute,whilethecustomerappearstobe airbrushedoutofthescene…powerandcorruptionalwaysseeksthepowerlessas thereadyscapegoat.Manyreligiousinstitutionsandthestatewieldpowertodayis beyondoursanctionandsoourquiveringfingerpointsattheweak,taxcollector,the sexworker,therefugeeandtheforeigner.

Whenweareignored,ostracised,despisedandexcluded,oursufferingcanindeed bethecauseoffearanddespairJesusspeaksintothisdespairandinflamesour deephungerformeaningandbelonging

Achurchwhichhasbeensanitisedofallthosewewouldcallsinners,nolongerhas Jesusattheheadofthetable.Jesushasleftthebuildingtoeatwiththosewhomwe haveignored,despisedandexcluded.PopeFrancisremindsusoftenthatthechurch doesnotexistforpeoplewithoutfaults,butforsinnersinneedofGod’smercyashe alsolamentsthatsomanypeoplebelievetheopposite.

27thSUNDAYINORDINARYTIMEYEARA

PEACEWITHGOD&HARMONYWITHCREATION (Matthew21:3343)

Onthe4thOctoberwecelebratefeastdayofourseraphicfatherStFrancisandwe reflectonhiswordscontainedintheCanticleofcreation: Bepraised,myLord, forSisterEarth,ourMother, whonourishesusandsustainsus, bringingforth fruitsandvegetablesofmanykinds andflowersofmanycolours.

TheCanticleofCreation:SaintFrancisofAssisi

WealsohavesproutedfromtheEarth,ourmother,withGodwhomwecallfather breathingthespiritoflifeintocreation.GodasthegardenerwhoplantstheGarden ofEden…theonewhoplants,nourishes,andprunes.Godwalkingwithusinthe cooloftheeveningtodelightwithusinthisgreatbeautyGodaslandowner, protector,andthevintnertogladdenourheartsThisbeautifulimageofGodwithus, sharingaglassofwineatsunset,delightinginthefragranceofthisverdantand fertilegarden

TheGenesissagaunfoldswithGodentrustingtheearthanditsresourcestothe commonstewardshipofhumanitytotakecareofthem,masterthembylabour,and enjoyandsharetheirfruits.Thegoodsofcreationaredestinedforthewholehuman race. Cooperation,community,andfraternitybetweenGodandhumanity,andbetween humanityandcreation,falters,andthenewGenesisafterthedestructionofour worldiscomplete,beginswhenthewaterssubsideNoahbegantobeafarmer, andheplantedavineyard(Gen920)

Again,andagainwearefacedbythesamesagaofthedestructionofcreationand therenewalofEden…civilisationsandempiresarebuilt,reachtheirzeniththen crumbletodust.ThisisthecyclethatcontinuesasweforgetourGenesis,adark nightofthesoulfollows,andthenanewGenesis.

Todaythechurchteachesthatinouruseofthings,manandwomanshouldregard theexternalgoodstheylegitimatelyownnotmerelyasexclusivetothemselvesbut commontoothersalso,inthesensethattheycanbenefitothersaswellas themselvesTheownershipofanypropertymakesitsholderastewardofProvidence, withthetaskofmakingitfruitfulandcommunicatingitsbenefitstoourfamiliesand toothers.

WhathasbeentheharvestthatIhaveproduced?Jesus'wordsareareminderthat wetooarecalledtoparticipateinproducingaharvest.Participationinthe realizationofGod’sKingdomisnecessaryforlifethatisverdantandfertile.HaveI perhapsbeensquirrellingawaytheproducenecessarytosustainthelivesofothers?

AsweenterspringhereinSouthAfrica,thevineyardsarewakingtonewlifeTiny budsappearonthebarebranchesandbeforelongthewholevineyardisablazeof delicategreensoakingupsunlightandairDeepinthesoil,therootsdrinkintherain andsearchforthemineralsneededtoformtherichfruitoftheharvest.

Andso,wereflect…HaveyouwalkedwithGodinthecooloftheevening?Haveyou everstoodwiththePeopleontheshoresoftheRedSeatrappedbetweenthe watersandtheangryEgyptians?HaveyouevercelebratedthesecondPassoverin thetotalpeaceandsafetyofthe'desertofSinai'inthewonderful'twilightofthe evening'?Haveyouvisitedwiththeholyfamily,withMary,Joseph,andJesusintheir homeatNazareth?

HappytheonewhofindspleasureintheLawofYahwehandmeditatesonhisLaw, day,andnight.Theyarelikeatreethatisplantedbywaterstreams,yieldingitsfruit inseason,itsleavesneverfading...

Eachoneofuswilleventuallyfulfilourpromiseandarecalling,tofertilisetheearth thatfeedscreation.Bepraised,myLord,forourSisterDeath,whomwemustallface. Ipraiseandblessyou,Lord,andIgivethankstoyou,andIwillserveyouinall humility. LiketheSonwereflect,togivelight,life,andsustenance.Bepraised,myLord,forall yourcreationandespeciallyforourBrotherSun,whobringsusthedayandthelight; heisstrongandshinesmagnificentlyOLord,wethinkofyouwhenwelookathim

(Matthew22:14)

Akingwhogaveafeastforhisson’swedding.Thisisaspecialkindoffeasttherefore, onewhichcelebratestheestablishmentofharmony.Theparablethereforeevokesa momentwhenacommunity,oranindividual,isinvitedtomakeanendof separatenessandabeginningofunity,ofintegrity;withinourselves,intheworld andinourcommunity

Sadlysomepeopleprefertoremaindivided;toseparatethemselvesandtosetup theirown“kingdoms.”Theyarecaughtupintheirownaffairs;sometoa“farm”and otherstoa“business”.Theyrejectthosewho“invitethemtothewedding”.

Thisrejectionmovesthroughdifferentstages;atfirsttheymerelymakeexcusesthat willeventuallybecometheirillusionsandthebedrockoftheirblindness;thenthey reactdisdainfully,andfinallywithanger.

WearethepeopleinvitedasChristianstoassembleandtocelebrateinaspiritof joyfulandthankfulencounterAsonaweddingday,ourclothesarechosencarefully toreflecttheimportanceofthedayinyourlivesStPaulgivesussomeguidanceas totheclothesthatweshouldwear.

ThesearetheclothesworninresponsetoChrist’slove,modelledonChrist’slove, andempoweredbyChrist’slove.First,beclothedinChrist.Thisbeginsandendswith ouridentityaspeoplewhoseprimaryallegianceistoChrist.

ThefirstthingasGod’schosenpeople:forgiveasthelordforgaveyou.Lettheword ofChristdwellinyourichlyasyouteachandadmonishoneanotherwithallwisdom, andasyousingpsalms,hymnsandspiritualsongswithgratitudeinyourheartsto God

ThenwearetoputonCompassion.Literally,aheartofpity.Compassionisaninner attitudewehavetoeachother;afullnessoftendercaringforandabouttheother’s vulnerabilitiesandstrengthswhichwilloverflowintohowyoutreateachother,in publicandinprivate.

LikeourencounterwithChristitbeginswiththeeyes.Whenwesay‘no’toan encounteritalwaysbeginswiththeeyes.Weseethiswhenpeoplerefusetomake anyeyecontact;thereisnocompassion;thereisnoheartofpity

ThenwearecalledtoputonKindness,toalwaysseekthegoodoftheotheraswe dealwitheachother’sweaknessesandsorespots.

WearecalledtoclotheourselvesinHumility.Thisone’sessential.Prideruinsa community.Pridemakesusselfish.Itkeepsyoufromowninguptoyourown mistakes.Itmakesmesay,“I’mbetterthanyou”.

EncounterwiththeotheralsorequiresRespectWhenwearedisrespectful, disdainfulofothers’timeandspacewesubvertGod’sgiftstotheotherWhenI gossip,stealorabusetheother’sproperty;notonlyamIdisrespectfulbutIbecome thatwickedservantwhoisenviousofGod’sgifttoothers.

Theclothingofobedience,ofsubmission;toplaceourworkandourmissionbelow thatoftheFather’scalling.Wearetoworkinwaysthatsupportandbuildupthe bodyoftheChurchhereinourcommunitywithdevotionandsteadfast,loyal commitment.Caringforeachother,buildingeachotherup,andsendingeachother out,stronger,moreequippedbyourlove.

Whenweputontheclothesofgentleness,theothercantakeofftheselfdefensive armourAndwhenthathappens,trustcanthriveandintimacycanreside

Patience;Thisone’shuge.Youcannotexpectperfectionfromeachother.Eachone ofusareflawed,eachoneofushaveweaknesses;havetheabilitytomessup,and bestubborn,anddriveeachothercrazy.

And,overallthesevirtues,aboveallelse,putonlove.Lovekeepsourcommunion; ourcommunitybeingrealratherthanapretence.

ThegreaterpictureofloveisfoundinthecrossChristshowedhislove,bydyingfor thechurch;andhecallsoutthroughthepagesofscripture,throughthescripture thatshoulddwellinyourheartsrichly,loveoneanother,likethis

And…LetthepeaceofChristruleinyourhearts,sinceasmembersofonebodyyou werecalledtopeace…peaceismorethantheabsenceofwar…biblically…peace, shalom,isasenseofblessedness.It’stherightorderingoftheworld.It’stheway thingsshouldbe.

Lethispeacethatpassesallunderstanding,thatcalmness,thatcontentmentthat comesfromhim,ruleinyourlivesLetthepeaceofChristruleinyourhearts,since asmembersofonebodyyouwerecalledtopeaceAndbethankful

Bethankfulinthegoodtimes,andinthebad.Bethankfulthatwhateveryouface, youhaveeachother,andhim.Andwhateveryoudo,whetherinwordordeed,doit allinthenameoftheLordJesus,givingthankstoGodtheFatherthroughhim.

29THSUNDAYINORDINARYTIMEYEARA MADEINOURIMAGE (Matthew22:1521)

“Whoseimagedoyousee?”asksJesus“Whatisthisimagecalled,howisitknown?”

Theyear2099onourwayandquicklybecomingwhatwillitmeantobehumanin thisdistantfuturethathasalreadybegun?Sciencefictionwriters,brainiacthink tanksandseriouslongterminvestorsareallequallyinventiveintheirbeliefs Sciencelooksatourpresentdaymorphing,extrapolatedintothefuturetogiveusan imageofwhatwemaylooklikeinthatfuture.

Artificiallensesimplantedintotheeyestoexperiencethemiracleof20/20vision withallthevibrantcoloursthathadslowlyfadedovermanyyears.Nowthereare thekneereplacementsFormanyofusouttherethelistismuchlongerhearing aids,dentures,implants,pacemakers,plasticandtitaniuminsertsandgastric balloonswiththeoddnipandtuck

Intheamazinglyshorttimeofalifespan,thishasbecomethenewrealityofwhowe are.Atwhatpointwillwebeclassifiedasnolongeroriginalandthewarrantyvoid! Atwhatpointwillwebecometotallyintegratedwithoursmartphoneswithinthe web?Billionsofdollarsalreadybeingspentonpropertyandclothesinthe Metaverse. Aswebecomeintoxicatedwiththeideaofremakingourselves,theimageofwhowe areashumanbecomesevermoreblurredWearenowpluggingourselvesinto virtualrealityforlongerandlongerperiodsTheslickandcleversalespitch,“youcan beanythingyouwant”,requiresanimmersionintoanalternativetruththatisoften salaciousandaddictive

Sciencepredictsthatatsomepointinthealreadybutnotyet,wewillfindvirtual realitysoenticing,thatwewillchoosetoremainpluggedintothematrixaspure consciousnesswithoutbodies.Willwestillbehuman?

“Whoseimagedoyousee?”asksJesus.“Whatisthisimagecalled,howisitknown?”

Withthesexualrevolutionofthe1960sandthedynamicmetamorphosisofwhowe areandwhowearebecoming,traditionalrelationshipsarealsobeingdiscardedas burdensomeandirrelevantinapostmodernage.

Postmodernistsarguethatwenolongerliveinthemodernworldwithpredictable orderlystructures,suchasthenuclearfamilyInsteadsocietyhasenteredanew, chaoticpostmodernstageInpostmodernsociety,familystructuresareincredibly varied,andindividualshavemuchmorefreedomofchoiceinaspectsoftheirlives whichwouldhavebeenunthinkableeven50yearsago.

Newtechnologysuchastheinternet,emailandelectroniccommunicationhave transformedourlivesbydissolvingbarriersoftimeandspace,transformingpatterns ofworkandleisure,andacceleratedpaceofchangemakinglifelesspredictable.

“Whoseimagedoyousee?”asksJesus“Whatisthisimagecalled,howisitknown?”

Ourrailingagainstthisnewage,ourfearthatbuildswallsbetweenpeoples,our distortedlovethatalltooquicklyturnstomalicebehindthemaskofpiety,allour safeboxesofourdogmasandcreeds,cannot,andwillnot,changethis“future becoming”.Itisalreadyhere!

Manyofourpastassumptionsandclassificationhavecausedirreparablehurtand damagetomanyofourbrothersandsisters,tootherspeciesandtheworldaround us.Aswestrugglewiththistransformation,newdimensionsareenfoldingthat requireamorehumble,compassionatestance

Whatdoesintrinsichumandignitymean?Howisthisrelatedtotheanimalkingdom andtherestofcreation?DoIhaveatranscendentvocationthatisinherentin intrinsichumandignity?Isthistranscendentvocationthemissionofaprivilegedfew

thatfitneatlyintomycategoryof‘redeemed’orisGod’sloveandmercymuchwider, andperhapsevenopentoall…maybeevenallofcreation?

HowIanswerthesequestions,willbecomeformetheframeworkwithinwhichI choosetolivemylife.Forme,thisisJesusasGod’srevealedLove.Thisistheimage thatIhopetoreflect.Thisisthecompassionateanointedone,therevelationofGod withuswhocametobringhopetothosewhowereconsideredlostsinners, outsiders,andthediscardedones

WedobecometheimageofourbeliefOurmissionistoreflectthisimageintothe world. SaintFranciswentaboutlovingthebrothersandsistersofAssisi.Hegreetedeach onewith“Paceebene!”“Peaceandgood!”Whenyoucangreetanotherwiththe greetingofpeace,thenyouwillnothavemaliceinyourheart.

ThomasMertonwrote,“Thebeginningofloveistoletthosewelovebeperfectly themselves,andnottotwistthemtofitourownimageOtherwiseweloveonlythe reflectionofourselveswefindinthem”

30thSUNDAYINORDINARYTIMEYEARA

LONELINESSANDDEATH (Matthew22:3450)

Loveistheanswer,loveisalwaystheanswer.Dowefindcommunity,communion, andcompassion…God’sloveispresent!Dowefindrelationshipsthatarebereftof compassion,superficial,possessive,controlling,abusive,devious…therewewillfind distortedlove,disorderedlove,idolatrouslove,andgreatdanger!Lovewithout compassionalwaysleadstobetrayalanddeath

Howimportantthatwegetthemright,becauseitissoeasytogetthemwrong!To putthingsinthewrongorder…tohavedisorderedlove,thisisthemeaningof idolatry.Wegetourrelationshipswrongalltooeasilyandcause,thereby,significant disorderinourownlife,andinthelivesofthosewhoformourrelationshipnetwork.

Whenthekidsorthegrandchildrenhavesotakenourheartsthattheyhavepriority overourspouse.Whenpower,narcissism,andcontroltakeprioritytoboostour image,success,popularity,andfameWhenposteritybecomesdominant,chasing youthfulness,strength,vibrancy,andevenhealth

WhenprosperityandselfinterestbecomethemeasureofourrelationshipsWhen wesacrificeourhumanityandthehumanityofothersinthenameofideology, progress,theinstitute,religion,orpolitics.Whenwesacrificeourworld,nature,and otherspeciesforherownprogress.Whenweseekdiversions,distractions,and opiatestodulloursenseofvulnerability.

Alloftheseareidolsthatwillultimatelybetrayus,fortheycanneverbeeternal, absolute,oruniversal…theywillchange,passaway,leaveus,abandonus,and betrayusTheywillbreakandwhitherourhearts,leavingushopelessandaloneAs Scripturewarnsusthisisaconditionthatleadstodeath

Thislonelinessisthecornerstoneofindifference.Beingunwanted,unloved,uncared for,forgottenbyeverybody,Ithinkthatisamuchgreaterhunger,muchgreater

povertythanthepersonwhohasnothingtoeat.ThewordsofMotherTeresaof Calcutta.'IgetsolonelyIcoulddie.'TheselyricsfromthesongHeartbreakHotelby ElvisPresley.Itseemssomehownatural,puttinglonelinessanddeathtogether.

Ouroveremphasisonsinandredemptionbreedsloneliness,indifference,andfear. Fearaboundswhenreligionconstructsideologiesofsinandsalvationinpreference tostoriesofblessing,goodness,empowerment,creativity,justice,andjoy.The ancientfathersofthechurchwarnthatfearissopowerfulanemotion,itrenders compassionimpossible MadeintheimageofaTrinitarianGod,wearemadetobeinrelationship.Itissaid thatwearewhowearebecauseofwhomweloveandwhomwearelovedby.A personinrelationshipisahumanperson…apersonalone,withoutasenseofloving orbeingloved,isonlyahumanbeing…ahumanwhomerelyexists.

Wearemadeforlove.Withoutlove,humanlifelosesitsmeaningandbecomes alienationwhichgivesbirthtothewords:Igetsolonely,IcoulddieHowimportant thentolistencarefullytoJesus'wordstoday:YoumustloveTheyareframedasa commandbutareananalysisofwhatgiveshumanlifeitsprofoundsignificance

ThefirstthreechaptersofthebookofGenesisshowsthatinthebeginning,fromthe momentofourcreation,Godestablishedusinfourrelationships.These relationshipsarepartoftheverysubstanceofourhumanlives,ourrelationshipwith God,withourselves,withothers,andwiththenaturalworld.

Thesefourrelationshipsshapetheverypathwemustwalktoreachourdestiny.Itis inourrelationshiptoGod,toourownself,toothers,andtothenaturalworld,that wenowliveoutourdailylivesasdisciplesoftheLord

YoumustlovetheLordyourGodthisisthegreatestandthefirstcommandment; why?ThequotingtheShemafromDeuteronomywasquotedtwicedailybyfaithful Jews.WhystartwithGodasoursourceofreference?

ForGodtobeGodtherearecertainprerequisites,certainfundamentalsand attributesthatmustbeintrinsictoGod’snature.Therefore,wehaveGod’s attributesasofthesourceofalleternalbeing,ofgoodness,ofrelationship,ofTruth, andthusofLoveitself.

TogettheorderofourLoverelationshipsrightistobringaboutthe'orderofGod's love'StIgnatiussometimesusedthisbeautifulphraseItisanorderwhichbrings peace,life,health,andfruitfulness

FREEDFROMENTITLEMENTANDSELFRIGHTEOUSNESS

(Matthew23:112)

Thereisnobetterplacetohideinplainsightthanbehindthemaskofpiety.Let's faceitwereallyloatheit,oftenrejectitandsomeofuswouldratherundergoroot canaltreatmentIntrospection,selfcorrectionandreform.

Themorewearehonoured,thehigherweclimbandthebiggertheaudience,the lessablewearetoseetruth,toknowGodandtohumblywalkinthepathoflight Andsoweforgetthecallofthemasterandcoverlovewithauthorityjustaswe placethestoleofauthorityoverthechasubleoflove…andLoveislost.

Christweepsaswe,theother‘Christs’treatthegoodsofourmasterasthe commoditiesofbarter.

Christweepsaswemaskourprideandenvybehindthesmokycurtainofself satisfied,sonorouspiety

Christweepsatoursecretmeetingsandourlittleplansofplunderandmanipulation

ChristhimselfmustweepatourpridefulsilkgarmentsoftheRoyalCourtsof Constantinoplewhileourwidowsandorphansarediscardedintheirdirtyrags.

Christhimselfmustweepasweraiseourpreciousgoldenchaliceswhilethehungry sitbehindthefencesofourchurches.

Thisday,JesustheChristadmonishesusthatwearecalledtoseekoutthelastplace andtoserveasheservedgivinghopetotheoutcastanddefeatedhealingthe untouchableandtheunworthyandfreeingtheirshouldersfromtheburdenoflaw andguilt.

OpenourawarenesstoyourpresenceHere,Now.Grantusthecouragethatwemay gathertogetherasyourchildrenandaslittlebrotherstoeachother.Helpustoknow ourselvesinyourlightandtoopenourselvestoyourgracefreedfromentitlement andselfrighteousness.

Giveusyourstrengthtoreleaseourattachmenttopride,power,manipulationand domination.Freeusfromourillusionsofcontrolandprivilege.Alignourmindsand ourheartstoyourwillforourlives,theOrder,thechurchandourworld

MayyourwisdomwalkwithussothatwemayspeakyourpropheticTruthwith respectandthecharityofhumblehearts.

HearusOLordandanswerus.Amen.

SOLEMNITYOFALLSAINTS

(Matthew5:112)

CelebratedinSouthAfricaonthe31stSundayofOrdinaryTime Already,butnotyet…

SincethesecondcenturyApostles’Creed,theChurchaffirms,“Ibelieveinthe CommunionoftheSaints,theforgivenessofsins,theresurrectionofthebody,and lifeeverlasting?”Thisisacreedalstatement,theCommunionofSaintsThisisthe unionofourChristianfaiththatwehavesharedfortwothousandyears

TheApostlesCreedisabriefstatementofourcorebeliefsasCatholics.Itiscalled theApostle’sCreedbecauseourancienttraditionsdatetheprofessionofourfaith backtotheApostlesthemselves.ItwascreatedforthefirsttimeinRometoward theendofthe2ndcentury.

Anyonewhoaskedtobebaptisedwasrequiredtomakethisprofessionoffaith beforetheirentryintothechurchThisensuredthatthenewCatechumensagreed withthecoreteachingsofChristianity,beforetheywerebaptised

Eventoday,whenwerecitetheApostlesCreedtogether,itisanaffirmationofour agreementwiththetruthsofChristianitycontainedinthesewords.TheApostles CreedisthefoundationofourCatholicfaithandisthefirstpartthattheCatechism oftheCatholicChurchisfoundedon.

IntheNewTestamentScriptures,peoplearecalled‘saints’sixtythreetimes, individualsaintsandcommunitiesofsaints.WhenScripturespeaksofsaints,theone thingallthosepeoplehaveincommon,istheyarenotdead,theyareallalive…the saintsinCorinth,thesaintsinPhilippi,thesaintsinEphesus,thesaintsinyourlocal parishAreminder,first,thatwearecalledtobesaints,andthatoursainthoodis alreadyrootedinthevictoryofJesusChristoverdeath

Weareallmadesaintsalready,byourbaptism,throughtheEucharistbecoming partakersintheredeemingsuperabundantloveofJesus,butsomehow,wemust catchupwithourbestselvesofwhowereallyare.

Weareallonthisjourneyofovercomingourprideandhubris,ouroftendistorted anddisorderedlove,scapegoatingofothers,arejudgemental,condemning,and dismissiveattitudes,andtheangerandviolenceofourvipertonguesthatwemask andhideasrighteousanger

EachoneofushavevaluablegiftstosharewiththeworldHowever,thesegiftswill notcometofullfruitionuntilwestopplacingsomuchofyourvaluableenergyon ‘theother’.Ourmimeticandcompetitiveselfservingdesirestoplacesfullattention onothersandtheirflawsandshortcomingswhilesimultaneouslyrefusingtoseeand acknowledgeourownblackspeckledhearts,ourowndisownedselfservingnatures, yourowndisownedmeanspiritedness,andourownchaoticanddisruptiveenergy.

KnowThyselffullyAndthenyoumustforgiveyourselvesThenyoucanbeginto healandeventuallyTrulyLoveyourselvesandyourneighbourinthatlikeness

Thesaintsthatwenameincludegreatgiantsfromthepast,suchasStPeterand Paul,StAugustine,St.FrancisofAssisi,St.VincentdePaul,StCatherineofSiena,St. ClareofAssisi,thegreatTheresa’sofAvalonandLiseuxandofCalcutta.Morethan 10,000holymenandwomanthathavewitnessedtotheWay,theTruth,andtheLife thatwearecalledtolivewithinthechurch.Thousandsoftheseholymenand womanhavethroughthecenturiespaidtheultimatepriceofmartyrdomas witnessestothistruth.

Inthelikenessoftheearlyapostolicchurchwetooarecalledtorememberand honourthosesaintswhoarealiveamongus,peoplemuchcloseranddearertous,in manycases,ourparents,ourfriends,thosewhohavebeenourinspirationonour ownjourneys.Thesearethepeoplewhoseloveandsacrificehavetouchedus,

upheldus,andinspiredus.WeknowthemandwerememberthemasGodalso knowsourownfirstnameandlovesus.

Andsowecansaytoourbeloveddead,especiallyonthisweekendandthroughthis monthofNovember,“Untilwemeetagain,remaininpeace,blissfulasfaithful friendsofGod,andkeepourlovewithyou”.

32ndSUNDAYORDINARYTIMEYEARA COMPASSIONTHATDARESTOHOPE (Matthew25:113)

Thisisaparableofaweddingbanquet,virginbridesmaids,abridegroomwhois delayed,andashortageofoilforthelampsatmidnight.Astoryoffoolishness,pity, selfpityandentitlement,“giveus…”.Thisentitlementdemandscomplicity…thatis thenatureoffalsecompassion,pity,andselfpity.Thisisawarningofajourneyinto sightlessdarknessthatcanhappentofamilies,communities,andnations

ThefoolishvirginswerethosewhowerelazyandunmindfulTheywerefoolish becausetheywerenotpreparedforthefuturebutonlyforthepresent.Theywere foolishbecausetheydidnothaveworksofcompassion,fortheoilsymbolizes compassion(Epiphanius).

St.Bernardwroteinthe12thcentury,thatChristisourprimaryteacherof compassionbecauseHewilledHispassion[thecross]sothatwecouldlearn compassion

Yet,alltoooftenCompassion'sgreatpopularitytendstoisolatethisvirtuefromall thoseotherfactorsitneedstoremainatruevirtueCompassionisrootedinlove, takesonthepainofthesufferer,butwiththehopethatsomepositivegoodwill emergefromthissharedsuffering.WeasChristianbelievethatsufferingisnot necessarilymeaninglessbutcanberedemptive.

ForaChristiantosharethesufferingofanothermeansthat,bysodoing,theybringa lightintothepainandmiseryofthatperson’slife.Theyblesstheotherpersons existencewithahighermeaning.Christiancompassionisthusboundupwiththe mysteryoftheCross

EveryvirtuehasitsphoneypretendersRecklessnesspassesforcourage,timidityfor prudence,apathyforpatience,obsequiousnessforcourtesy,andcredulityforfaith.

Butthereisnocounterfeitthatismoresuccessfulinobscuringthegenuinearticle, especiallyinthepresentera,thanfalsecompassionandpity.

Pityismoreassociatedwithanaestheticsensibilityandmoralsuperioritythanwith loveandisalwaysdevoidofhope.Separatedfromlove,light,generosity,hope, patience,courage,anddetermination,compassionbecomesnothingmorethana codewordwhoserealnameisexpediency.Suchexpediencyiscomplicitincreating dysfunctionalcodependencyandenablement

Humanisticcompassion,anothervarietyoffalsecompassion,isbasedontheillusion thatitispossibletofreehumanbeingsfromsufferingaltogetherandsupplythem withuninterruptedhappiness.Thisillusionisrampantinthepresenttherapeutic culture,whichbelievesthattheroadtohappinesspassesthroughthesurgeon’s knifeandpharmaceuticalcompanies.Butsincehumanisticcompassionisneither realisticnorrootedinlove,itissimplyanotherformofpity.

TheproblemwithpityisnotthatitisinhumaneItisonlytoohumaneItsproblemis thatitcannottranscendsuffering,findsnomeaninginit,andis,infact, overwhelmedbyitPity,ultimately,issohumanethatitexcludesGodIvan Karamazov,inDostoevsky’sgreatnovel,couldnotbelieveinGodaslongasonechild wasintorment.OneofAlbertCamusheroescouldnotacceptthedivinityofChrist becauseoftheslaughteroftheinnocents.

Thevariousmodesofpopularpitymarkourgaininsensibility,butatthecostof narrowingourvisiontothepointwherepainisallthatwecansee.Christianityand thetherapeuticcultureareatoddswitheachotheronthefundamentalquestionof howweshouldrespondtoanother’spainandsuffering.

Christianitydoesnotlookawayfrompainortheanguishofthesufferer,and,unlike thetherapeuticandavoidanceculture,theChristianbringstohissufferingneighbour love,hope,andthelightoftheCrossandresurrectionofChrist.

Becauseoftheresurrection,wecandaretohopethatourlifedoesmakea difference,wecandaretohopeinthefaceofsuffering,andwecandaretohope evenwhentheonlyanswerissilence.

“Ibelieveinthesun evenwhenitisnotshining AndIbelieveinlove, evenwhenthere’snoonethere.

AndIbelieveinGod, evenwhenheissilent Ibelievethroughanytrial, thereisalwaysaway

Butsometimesinthissuffering andhopelessdespair Myheartcriesforshelter, toknowsomeone’sthere

Butavoiceriseswithinme,sayingholdon mychild,I’llgiveyoustrength, I’llgiveyouhopeJuststayalittlewhile

Ibelieveinthesun evenwhenitisnotshining AndIbelieveinlove evenwhenthere’snoonethere ButIbelieveinGod evenwhenheissilent Ibelievethroughanytrial thereisalwaysaway

Maytheresomedaybesunshine

Maytheresomedaybehappiness Maytheresomedaybelove

Maytheresomedaybepeace….”Unknown

UNIVOCALITYOFLOVE (Matthew25:1430)

DoIhaveloveinmyheart,haveIeverabsolutelyLoved,doIevenknowwhatit meanstogenuinelyLove?HowmuchofwhatIthinkorsayaboutLoveshouldrather beclassifiedasselfinterestandevenselfishness?Doestheevidenceofmylifegive witnesstoLove?

Eachoneofuswasonceyoung,eternal,invincibleoh,thewonderfulbeautyand thebrashnessofyouththatsoconfidentlybeginsknowingnotthatitdoesnotknow. Aswebecomemoreintrospective,perhapsjustgrowingoldandhavingtofaceour ownmortality,thesequestionsofourcorebeingbecomemoreimportantand perhapsevenparamount.AswestandbeforethePantocratorwhocallsusbyour eternallovename,thisisperhapstheonlyverdictthatwilleverbegiven.

Thesinglegreatestgift,thattalentthatreflectsGod’sessence,receivedthroughour parentsandancestorsthroughthedawnofcreation,isLove,eternal,andunivocal JustasourFranciscanbrotherBlessedJohnDunsScotusspokeoftheUnivosityof being,Godasbeingitselfinwhichallcreationparticipates,sowespeakthe UNIVOCALITYOFLOVE. Butwhat,then,isLove?ThephilosopherKierkegaardproposedthatLovemeansto presupposeLove…tohaveLovemeanstopresupposeloveinothers…tobeloving meanstopresupposethatothersareloving,thustoarrivebeforetheminlove… withoutevenwaitingforanythinginreturn.Thus,GodLovedusfirst…This descriptionofLoveofferstheconstantandnormative,andthusuniversaland unsurpassed,phenomenonoflove,sacredaswellasprofaneAnythingthatdoesnot obeythisrequirementquitesimplyisnotworthyofbeingcalled‘Love’“Either lovinghasnomeaningatall,oritsignifieslovingutterlywithoutreturn”

Thisanticipationoftheother’sLoveistheonlywaytoenterLove.ThemoreILoveat aloss,themoreIsimplyLove.Yetinthis‘loss’,infact,welosenothingandwin everything…beginningwiththeverypossibilityofloving.Thereforetheparadox… Lovethatrisksthemostisthemostassured…whenloversseparate,theonewhois mostunhappyistheonewhonolongerloves,nottheonewhostillloves…they havelostnothingbecausetheystillremaintheLover."Forwhoeverhas,tothem shallbegiven,andtheyshallhavemoreabundance.Butwhoeverdoesnothave, fromthemshallbetakenawayeventhatwhichtheyhave"

ThisUnivosityofBeingandofLovegivesusafoundationforunderstandingthe sacrednessofeverythingandourconnectionwitheverything.Astheology, philosophy,andscienceconverge,wecometounderstandallwearealready connectedtoeverything,inherently,objectively,metaphysically,ontologically,and theologically.

Webeginwith‘originalblessing…OurDNAisalreadydivineandthatiswhywe naturallyseektoknowandLoveGodTheremustbealittlebitofsomethinginside youforyoutobeattractedtoit;likeknowslikeYouarewhatyouarelookingfor!

WhereistheLove?Canbefoundsomewherealongthewaylikesometreasurethat makesthejourneyworthwhile?OrisLovethejourneyitself?Orisitthedreamthat makesthejourneypossiblethesethoughtsranthroughFrancismindonedayashe listenedtoBrotherLeoreadingtohimtheletterofStJohntheapostle:GodisLove, andifyouabideinLove,youabideinGodandGodinyou.

Yet,ifyoufoundGod,youalsofoundLove.Butthatwasonlythebeginningofthe quest,forwaseversureofhavingfoundGodorevensureoflookingforGodinthe rightplacesandbytherightroad?Francisexperienceinthecaveassuredhimthat Jesusdwelledwithinhim,thatGodwasnowherefartherthanhisownheartBut theyweretheotherpresencesofGodhesoughttofindhewantedtosearchforGod inalltheplaceswhereyoudwellanyknewthatsucharequestmeantfindingGod everywherealongtheway.

ThatiswhereLovewas,thatiswhereGodwas…anywhereandeverywhere.Tofind GodinthepoorercrumblinghousesofPoggioBustone,tofindGodintheCastleofa count,inacaveonMountSubasio,aswellasintheEucharistreservedinthetiny chapelofStMaryoftheAngels.Francissuddenlyrealisedthatsomewherealongthe wayhehadbegunfindingGodeverywherebecauseGodwaswithhimallthetimehe broughtLovewithhimontheroadandthatiswhyhefoundLoveallalongtheway.

ItwasallsosimplewhenhethoughtaboutitnowLovecomestothosewhohavea LovealreadyYoufindwhatyoubringwithyouinyourheartGodhaslovedusand thatgiftisoursbeforeweeversetouttofindit. (Bodo,Murray.ThejourneyandtheDream.2011p.138)

CHRISTTHEKINGYEARA

FREEDFROMOURADDICTIONTOGLORY

(Matthew25:3146)

Theextravaganttitlesandthehighhatsofthosewhostandonthepodiumof authorityandlawbuthaveforgottentheauthoroftheirpower.

Perhapstooweflirtwiththekingdomofthisworld.Perhapswehaveforgottenthe revelationofGodinGods’creationandinHolyScripture;“IAmthatIAmandI Amnotlikeyou”

Ourintoxicationandouraddictiontothegloryofthekingsofthisworldhaslasted millennia.Perhapswehavealsoinvestedourhope,ourspirituality,andourreligion inthisworldlyglory. HereintheEmpireofthisworld,wewillfindeveryWordofrevelation,everyWord ofGod,pervertedforpersonalgloryandtherotofsubterfugeandcontrol.Wehave replacedourGodofLoveandhealingwithanangryandmalevolentskykingwho giveshischildrenpoisonforbreadandeternaldamnationasmedicine

800yearsbeforetheChristevent,theprophetsofGodwarnedagainstourchoiceof worldlykingshipandglory.Whenweplaceourhopeinourownpowerand achievements,theillusionsofourmind,thenthathopewillsurelyfadelikethemist beforethemorningsun.

Lovealwaysrespectsandobeysthewilloftheother.Whenweturnawayfromthis greatsovereignLove,manglingandmashingLovetoourdesires,andourdemands… ourchoiceisrespected.ButLoveisalwaystherewaitingforustoreturn,toreceive andtogiveLetushurry