For the Northern Hemisphere, the Church’s liturgical year seems to often be in sync with nature – even though we struggle culturally to live that rhythm in the way the Church envisions. The readings we hear proclaimed these past several weeks; the feasts of All Saints and All Souls; the shorter days and longer nights; our secular celebration of Remembrance Day; barren trees; snow – during November, the focus of the Church and the world seems to be …
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Two Dutch people spring to mind whenever I hear the parable of the Prodigal Son – painter Rembrandt and priest Henri Nouwen.
In 1986, Fr. Henri Nouwen spent several hours gazing at Rembrandt’s painting The Return of the Prodigal Son at the Hermitage in St. Petersburg, Russia. One of Rembrandt’s last paintings, it was painted, Nouwen says, “after a life of suffering.” First captivated by the painting when he spotted a replica of it on a poster …
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The Gospel we hear proclaimed today, and the first
reading taken from the Acts of the Apostles, are like the conclusion of Part 1
and the beginning of Part II of Luke’s story.
We know that Luke wrote both the Gospel attributed to him and the Acts
of the Apostles. Throughout the
liturgical year, the only time we hear from Acts in our Sunday liturgy is during
the Easter season when it replaces the Hebrew Scriptures (Old Testament) as …
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“This is the curiosity about sin – it is far
more easily recognized in another than in ourselves. Matthew’s Gospel asks: “Why do you see the
speck in your neighbour’s eye, but do not notice the log in your own?” (Mt 7:3) Ironic isn’t it, that uncanny
ability humans have? Luke says it
differently as we hear today: “Let anyone among you who is without sin be the
first to throw a stone at her.”
by admin “God doesn’t call the qualified; he qualifies the called,” is a quote I see frequently. Each of today’s readings has someone being called to do something for which they feel unworthy. Rarely do three readings align so well as these three do. While usually Peter is my guy – the one whose actions and words speak to me most poignantly – today, it is Paul’s words that resonate: “By the grace of God I am what I am” and who …
by admin Last spring, I received a text from a dear niece requesting prayers for a good friend who had a few months previously been diagnosed with a rare form of cancer. Two weeks ago, this young lady died. She was 23. A last Facebook post, presumably written by her family, states: “I’ve been battling cancer for over a year now, it was one mighty battle and I went further than any of my doctors believed possible but sadly this battle ended …
by admin It is rather amazing when you think about it – what James and John do. The arrogance of it! Imagine! “Teacher, we want you to do for us whatever we ask of you … Grant us to sit … in your glory.” I can’t envision ever going to any teacher of mine and asking such a thing. Jesus’ final response is an explanation that for James and John and all the apostles, glory will involve service.
For the Christian, …
by admin Always and Never. Two words, which, I frequently argue, should probably be removed from the English language. Of course, this is usually during a heated discussion with my husband: “I have never done that,” or “You always say that.” Still, I would suggest that at the very least, we need to be more circumspect in our use of them.
The Passion of Our Lord Jesus Christ gives one much to chew on – not least of which is the …
by admin Wouldn’t we all want to know the future? Let me rephrase that …wouldn’t we all want to know the future if everything in the future were going to be okay! The psalmist sings, “Lord, make me know your ways.” It’s a little like asking, ‘Let me know the future.’ Maybe … but not if it’s bad news. Good news is what Jesus is speaking when he arrives in Galilee. Mark tells us that “Jesus came to Galilee, proclaiming the good …
by admin The first reading of the capable wife from Proverbs proclaimed this morning is one that is sometimes used at funerals for wives and mothers. Initially, there seems little connection between it and the Gospel, where a bond is usually evident. However, I will never again hear that reading, without thinking of a very dear friend who died in September; because of who she was, the links are clearly visible. My friend epitomized the capable wife, and friend, and Christian …
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