In truth, I really could not think of a good title. But I guess that is OK. They aren’t my words. They point to the words of Fr. Bryan Massingale, a priest of the Diocese of Milwaukee and a professor of theology at Marquette University. Take five minutes and read his reflection on the trial of George Zimmerman for taking the life of Trayvon Martin. “When profiling is “reasonable,” injustice becomes excusable”
And after reading his reflection, take a lifetime to reflect.
Patrica Datchuck Sanchez had an interesting beginning to her commentary on the Martha and Mary story in Luke’s gospel:
Convinced that there is a discernible wisdom in A.A. Milne’s Winnie the Pooh (Dell Pub. Co., New York: 1926), I consulted the portly bear for a lesson in hospitality, the central theme of today’s first reading and gospel. Edward Bear, known to his friends as Winnie the Pooh, or Pooh for short, decided to visit Rabbit. As he drew nearer to Rabbit’s home, Pooh began to hum. “Aha”, he said, “Rabbit means Company and Company means Food and Listening-to-Me-Humming!” When he called out, “Is anybody at home?” he heard a scuffling noise and then silence. He called again, more loudly, “Is anybody home?” No!, said a voice and then added, “You needn’t shout so loud. I heard you quite well the first time!” “Oh, bother!” said Pooh. “Isn’t there anybody home at all?” The answer came back, “Nobody!”
There is, perhaps, at times, a little of Pooh and Rabbit in all of us. Pooh regarded hospitality as an opportunity for food, fun and attention. Rabbit saw it as a bothersome chore he’d rather forego.
Greek papyrus (Photo credit: Wikipedia)
“Peruse” is an interesting word, according to Merriam-Webster it has an original meaning (15th century): to examine or consider with attention and in detail : study. That makes sense given its derivative from Middle English in which “per” meant completely. But “peruse” acquired a different meaning over time: to look over or through in a casual or cursory manner. Etymology studies only indicate the shift in meaning in the 20th century (some argue for 19th century) – not the reasons why. If I had to offer an uninformed guess, it would be because the word sounds “casual” and so people, not realizing the actual meaning, began to use “peruse” in a different, almost opposite way from its original meaning. Words can be like that. Continue reading
We are promised that whenever two or three are gathered in Jesus’ name, there He will be among us. I have always suspected when the number is more than a billion world-wide, you better have rules. Rules are necessary – even helpful, but we always need to remember the basis of the rule or things get confusing when people interpret rules in differing ways. I suspect a lot of church arguments fall in this category. Believe it or not, the most common “church rule” question I receive is “how many times a day can I receive Eucharist.” There is a set number and conditions – I will leave you the details to research on-line. But when you find the rule (if you do) will you find the basis for the rule? Continue reading
We hold this treasure in earthen vessels, that the surpassing power may be of God and not from us. (2 Cor 7; NAB)
I have a friend who “throws” clay pots. She swears that sometimes as the clay is spinning and she lovingly tries to give shape to the clay – the clay begins to fight back and seek a shape other than what she intends. I suspect that God sometimes has that same reaction with us.
My friend adapts and will work with whatever notion the clay seems to intend, be it a good idea or no. I suspect God is the same way; the potter never abandons us, never gives up trying to shape us to the fullness of what He intends for us.
Everything indeed is for you, so that the grace bestowed in abundance on more and more people may cause the thanksgiving to overflow for the glory of God (2 Cor 15).
Hand soft upon the window
Reaching out to touch the time just past
New York City school yards
In the cold spring
Winds eddy between the buildings
Pushing the laughter and unrestrained excess of recess
Young girls speak their hidden language with furtive fleeting looks
Eyes reveal their hidden whispers
The boys, oblivious and parading
Do what only boys could understand, care to understand
Teachers seize an uninterrupted moment
A passing bit of quiet in the smoky haze
As the day drags on
A respite before they all return
She traces simple lines and arcs in the cold spring frost
On Mercy’s pane
Watching the time just pass
“Yahweh God shaped man from the soil of the earth
And blew the breath of life into his nostrils
And man became a living being”
That breath passes from generation to generation
A chain of life connecting grandmothers, mothers, and daughters
The breath of God flowing
So wondrous
Tears soft upon her cheek
For reasons she does not yet know
Only a child
Someone’s daughter
Soon now a mother
A new link in that chain
Watching her yesterday on the playground
Not yet able to imagine what is lost or what lays ahead
Or the gentle mercy she will need
– June 26, 2001
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