Category Archives: Musings

Spiraling

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We are in the middle of an extended conversation between Job and three friends. The basic message his friends deliver is (1) God does not make mistakes, (2) God punishes sinners, (3) you are being punished, (4) admit your sin, ask forgiveness, and be restored. Job has been defending himself in that he knows not his sin but his friends essentially say he is in denial and prideful. Slowly Job is spiraling downward. The great expressions of faith in the beginning chapters are gone. Continue reading →

Lessons from Suffering

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In the first reading, Job was nearly crushed by the pain of suffering. He tore his robe, shaved his head, and fell to the ground when he heard that his children had died (Job 1:20). He then cries out in despair:

“Job opened his mouth and cursed his day. Job spoke out and said: Perish the day on which I was born, the night when they said, “The child is a boy!” (Job 3:1-3) Continue reading →

In Season

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As a confessor you encounter all kinds of people whose perspective on sins runs the gamut from everything is sin (most mortal!) to “well… I haven’t killed anyone, so I must be good.”  Of course there are very few who inhabit the extremes.  Most folks are somewhere in the middle, trying to be Christ-like in all things and all times, and like us all, falling short now and then. The folks “in the middle” try to be attentive to their life of prayer, worship, and service. They are reflective about their lives and come to the Sacrament of Reconciliation to confess, get some perspective, and above all to receive the healing grace of forgiveness. Continue reading →

Sacrifice and Love

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When Jesus encountered the scribe who asked what is the greatest commandment, Jesus answered to which the scribe’s response was: “Well said, teacher. You are right in saying, ‘He is One and there is no other than he.’ 33 And ‘to love him with all your heart, with all your understanding, with all your strength, and to love your neighbor as yourself’ is worth more than all burnt offerings and sacrifices.” I think most people gloss over the ending words. Continue reading →

Showing the Way Home

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In today’s gospel, Jesus talks about the light of our faith, to not keep it hidden. A lighted candle has its proper place – not under a basket, but in the lamp stand where it can provide light to the room, so too our faith has a place in the world, not hidden away, but on display for all to see.  The gospel continues: “For there is nothing hidden except to be made visible; nothing is secret except to come to light.” Continue reading →

Moving Parts

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Historically, humans have always formed tribes, clans, and eventually cities, nations, and empires, driven by the need for cooperation, structure, and survival. It’s a natural part of human development. It serves as a way of managing resources, cooperation, and conflict. This tendency stems from both biological and psychological needs, including survival, security, and social bonding. Continue reading →

Worthy

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Whether it is a business meeting, a social gathering, a volunteer organization planning meeting or any number of similar situations – and you discover you are not invited. Our reactions vary depending on our expectations, track record on previously having been included, and a host of other instincts, hopes and fears. Our reaction oscillates between wounded pride and hopeful humility, between wondering “did I do something wrong” and “what could they possibly be thinking,” and a whole collection of other free-ranging reactions. Continue reading →