Category Archives: Musings

Francis of Assis and Prayer

Posted on by
Reply

When people think of St. Francis of Assisi and prayer, what most likely comes to mind is “The Peace Prayer of St. Francis,” with the memorable line: “Make me an instrument of peace…” It is a moving and noteworthy prayer, certainly in the Franciscan tradition, perhaps inspired by St. Francis, but it dates to 1912 and was first published as a poem in the French spiritual magazine, La Clochette. Later, during World War I, it appeared on the back of a holy card bearing an image of St. Francis and the association of the two became cemented in our minds. Continue reading →

Oh my gosh, did you hear….?

Posted on by
1

gossipIn Sunday’s gospel Jesus encounters the man born blind. Miraculously Jesus gives him the gift of sight and then the poor guy goes through the wringer of one interrogation after another about it all. The Pharisees have a miracle laid right in their laps, and if you are like me, I am wondering, “Wow, how did they miss that one? How could they be so blind!” Which is of course the question we should ask about them. But what about us? Continue reading →

Francis of Assisi and almsgiving

Posted on by
Reply

prayer fasting almsgiving2There are many ideas that people hold about what it means to be Franciscan.  I was once asked, “Where do you friars keep the animals?”  I was living in the Soundview area of the Bronx at the time.  The person assumed that our way of life would always be surrounded by furry friends.  Later, another person wondered why we were not living out our vow of poverty by spending our day begging for alms? Continue reading →

Starring roles

Posted on by
Reply

When asked “What was the first movie that Kevin Costner appeared in?” The average fan of things “celluloid” often responds “No Way Out.” Certainly that was a movie that brought him into the limelight, established his leading man status, and led to his career in many other memorable films. The actual answer is the 1982 Ron Howard film “Night Shift.” He is listed in the credits as ‘Frat Boy No. 1’ and appears at the climax of a frat-style, over-the-top party playing out in a New York City morgue. When the music is suddenly stopped by a frantic Henry Winkler, Costner can be seen holding a beer and looking surprised at the sudden halt of celebration. He has no speaking role, but he appears. (and one might argue “Sizzle Beach, USA” is the real answers, but it was released in 1986 and thus Costner did not “appear” until then) Continue reading →

Paying attention: the mission

Posted on by
1

TransfigThis weekend, my Franciscan brother, Fr. Bill McConville, OFM is preaching at all the Masses as part of the Lenten Parish Mission (which I hope you are planning to attend if you are in the Tampa area).  Having a guest homilist is a secret pleasure for a priest – even if you like the whole process of preparation and presentation (which I do).  Still, it is a like a holiday that shows up at your door step.  Woohoo!!  It is a double blessing because I know Fr. Bill well.  I know his homily will be great and I will get to listen to it.  At least I hope I listen, pay attention, and even more, consider all that Fr. Bill has to say about this wonderful gospel describing the Transfiguration. Continue reading →

Pushing out into deep waters…

Posted on by
5

PFrancis-on-loggiaHere on the anniversary of Pope Francis (happy anniversary, Holy Father!) there is growing speculation that there may be some change in the pastoral approach to divorced and civilly remarried Catholics. One only need glance at national newspapers and on-line sources here in the United States to know that it is a topic that is continually asked of Bishops.  And there is a context for the interviewer’s question. Last month the Cardinals of the Catholic Church met in Rome for a meeting on family life in our times. Pope Francis invited Cardinal Walter Kasper of Germany to give the opening remarks for the gathering. The Pope’s choice of Cardinal Kasper was enough to begin the speculation. While the opening speech will be published later this March (in German and Italian), there have been many reports regarding the content of the talk. Continue reading →

Being Intentional

Posted on by
Reply

SwimmingSomeone asked me why I get up most mornings for 5:30 swim practice – wouldn’t I like an extra hour or so of sleep, or maybe be able to stay up a little later the evening before? Extra sleep – sure. Stay up a little later – maybe. But the basic reason I get up so early is because I am intentional about having some semblance of a balanced life and that includes physical exercise. Once I am back at the parish, the course of the day may go as planned…or not, but I am free to respond without wondering if I can squeeze in a workout later in the day. It is liberating, even if a little bleary-eyed. Continue reading →

Witness and Watching

Posted on by
2

HomelessThere is folk wisdom which says never argue with a fool because a third person will not be able to tell the difference. Myself, I am partial to the wisdom from the West of Kenya which says, if you are bathing in the stream and someone steals your clothes don’t chase them. I had to think about that one at first – but in thinking about what the third person sees – it then became clear. Continue reading →

Being Salt and Light

Posted on by
Reply

Sacred Heart, Tampa - ready for the Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe

Last week I wrote about the Sermon on the Mount, which contains the Beatitudes and is one of the great discourses in the Gospel according to Matthew.  I thought I would provide some more food for thought as our Sunday gospel continues with the Sermon on the Mount – better described as the Discourse of Discipleship.

In our reading today, Jesus uses two of the most well-known metaphors:  “You are the salt of the earth.” and “You are the light of the world.” (Mt 5:13-14)  Two things that are vital to human life – not nice, but vital.  Several years ago, NPR aired a report about an isolated area of Myanmar (Burma) with no natural salt deposits – at least my memory says Myanmar (my search of NPR failed to uncover the story).  This very fertile land was unoccupied because of that reason until an earthquake moved a mountain and a road was opened to the region.  At least then people could live there and travel to market to buy salt.  Salt is that vital to human life.  But beyond the life-sustaining aspect, salt gives flavor and is used to preserve, to prevent corruption.

“You are the salt of the earth.”  This is what Jesus proclaims to the disciples, to the ones who have already responded to his call to follow him.  And all of this is in connection with the Sermon on the Mount’s focus of letting disciples know the demands of the kingdom.  Disciples of Christ need to be life-giving, need to add the distinctive flavoring of being “blessed,” and to preserve others for life in the eternal kingdom.

Disciples, if we are true to our calling, make the earth a purer and a more palatable place.  But we can do so only as long as we preserve our distinctive character:  tasteless salt has no value.  The Rabbis commonly used salt as an image for wisdom (cf. Col. 4:6), which may explain why the Greek word translated as “lost its taste” actually means “become foolish.”  A foolish disciple has no influence on the world; a foolish community makes no difference in its locale.

It raises the questions whether as a community or individuals – are we salt for the earth?  What is distinctive about us as disciples?  Our church buildings are very distinctive.  But are we? If we are not, then we are simply foolish.