Month: January 2017

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Called To Be Holy: The Communion of Saints

Second Sunday of Ordinary Time (A)

“Paul, called to be an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God, and Sosthenes our brother, to the church of God that is in Corinth, to you who have been sanctified in Christ Jesus, called to be holy, with all those everywhere who call upon the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, their Lord and ours. Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.” – 1 Corinthians 1:1-3

When we gather for Mass on Sundays, we recite the Nicene Creed together after the homily. The Roman Missal gives us another option for this moment in the Mass. We can recite the Apostles’ Creed instead. This version of the Creed is part of the Rosary, and one which many of us learned in Catholic school or in the religious education programs in our parishes. Shorter than the Nicene Creed, it is easier to memorize.  Continue reading “Called To Be Holy: The Communion of Saints”

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A Sabbath in Capernaum

First Week in Ordinary Time: Mark 1:21-39

If you begin to read Mark’s Gospel, you will notice that Mark packs a great deal into the first twenty verses of the first chapter. We are introduced to John the Baptist and his ministry. Jesus appears, is baptized by John, and then goes off into the wilderness to be tested. He returns to Galilee, begins to preach about the Kingdom of God, and calls his first four disciples to follow him. That’s a lot in a few lines.

It’s therefore significant to notice that, when we get to verse 21, Mark slows down somewhat and spends some time describing a sabbath day in Capernaum and its aftermath. The fact that there is this change of pace alerts us that Mark wants us also to slow down and pay attention. Something important is happening here. It’s also very significant to note that it happens during and just after a sabbath day.  Continue reading “A Sabbath in Capernaum”

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Waiting On God

Feast of the Epiphany

On Christmas, we heard the story of the birth of Jesus according to Luke. Bethlehem, we are told, was crowded at the time, like Bar Harbor in the summer. The visitors weren’t tourists (as we understand the term) but people who were descendants of David, there to register for the census. We can imagine the locals complaining about the folks “from away” (even as they appreciate the business), while the visitors may be complaining among themselves about the quality of their rooms or the meals or the service.  Continue reading “Waiting On God”

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Poems

As a little change of pace, I’m going to share with you two poems from one of my favorite poets, Anne Porter. If you’ve never read any of her poems, find her book Living Things. You’ll be glad you did. You will find at least a few poems that speak to you – and of you – directly. Here are two that speak to – and of – me: Continue reading “Poems”

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Naming and Filing

January 2, 2017: John 1:19-28

Today’s Gospel reading begins with John (the Evangelist) telling us that he is about to give us the testimony of John (the Baptist) as to who Jesus is. John the Baptist, as the story begins, is in the midst of his ministry by the Jordan River. Even though this remote region was not easy to get to, people come to John every day to hear him and be baptized. Something about John rings true to them. Continue reading “Naming and Filing”