Recently I was teaching grade school children at our parish school. The topic was regarding the 40 Hour Devotion that was coming up in the parish. The children would be participating and so I was asked to let them know a little bit about the history and spirituality of the devotion. In one of the grades I had been given a lot more time than the other grades. As a result there was time for questions and answers about anything. Continue reading
Today’s morning Mass marks the beginning of the parish’s 40 Hour Devotion – and as such today’s readings are taken from the Solemnity of the Most Holy Body and Blood of Christ.
There are lots of odd names that appear in the Old Testament. One of them is Melchizedek, king of Salem. The name literally translates as “king of righteousness.” Melchizedek appears pretty much out of nowhere in the storyline of Abraham. Melchizedek hands Abraham the gifts of bread and wine and Abraham gives Melchizedek 1/10th of everything he has. These are very covenantal actions. Continue reading
Today, March 14th, is the annual celebration of the mathematical constant π (pi). Pi Day is observed on March 14 (3/14 in the month/day format) since 3, 1, and 4 are the first three significant digits of π. And it is not just because some mathematicians got together and said so, on March 12, 2009, the U.S. House of Representatives passed a non-binding resolution (111 H. Res. 224), recognizing March 14th as National Pi Day. So, its official… in a non-binding kind of way. Continue reading
I have a picture of Jeff Pierce that has moved with me from place to place over the last 35 years or so. You probably have never heard of Jeff. He was a professional bicycle racer. He rode for the 7-Eleven team back in the late 1980s when they were the first American team to race in Europe. In the 1987 Tour de France, Jeff was a domestique, a rider whose principle task was to be a support. To carry the water bottles, protect the top riders from the ravages of wind, and at the end of the day to struggle across the finish line well after the leaders. Against all odds Jeff won the grand finale, the last stage in Paris on the Champs Elysees. Won against the greatest riders of his day. An American in Paris. The picture on my wall captures that perfect moment. One gendarme in the background of the photograph stares in disbelief, the other looks back down the road looking for the race leaders. Jeff is alone. Crossing the finish line, arms raised in unbelieving triumph. To say that Jeff is ecstatic is simply an understatement. I just have to glance up to know that perfect moments are possible. Continue reading
The first reading is from Ezekiel, a priest in exile in Babylon and the first person commissioned as a prophet outside the traditional lands of Judah and Israel. We read but a part of Ezekiel 18 and so miss the context which is given in verse 2 of the chapter: “what is the meaning of this proverb that you recite in the land of Israel: ‘Fathers have eaten green grapes, thus their children’s teeth are on edge’?” Continue reading
In the epic novel The Lord of the Rings, the elves of Lothlorien admit that they are losing their forest lands. But they battle on. The describe their struggle as “fighting the long defeat.” This is source of the comment made by Paul Farmer, who recently passed away. Farmer fought a “losing battle” for health care for the poor. In Tracy Kidder’s biography of Farmer called Mountains Beyond Mountains, Farmer says, “I have fought the long defeat and brought other people on to fight the long defeat, and I’m not going to stop because we keep losing… I actually think sometimes we may win… So, you fight the long defeat.” Continue reading
In today’s readings we hear from the Book of Jonah and Jesus’ reference to “the sign of Jonah.” I think we have been conditioned to think: “Jonah, three days in the belly of the whale. Jesus, three days in the tomb. Ok, the “sign of Jonah” must be Jesus’ Resurrection.” Maybe. Continue reading
Today’s first reading is one of my favorite chapters of the Old Testament: Isaiah 55. Starting in Isaiah 40, the prophet begins to describe the end of the Exile period and the triumphant return of the People of God to Jerusalem. Isaiah 55 provides a fitting conclusion by affirming the effectiveness of the prophetic word. It is the crowning validation of the reliability of prophecy and the power of the God of Israel. The 13 verses of this chapter offer some of the most recognizable passages showing up in the New Testament, liturgy and prayer of the Church. Rather than provide a commentary, let me leave you with the Word of God that you might ponder a part of the verses here on this first Tuesday of the Season of Lent. Continue reading
On this Monday of the first week of Lent we encounter the “shall nots”, the “did nots”, and the “dids” of Christian life. All of them centered around the all encompassing yet nuanced command to love our neighbors.
The first reading is from the Book of Leviticus’ section on the holiness code. It describes the “thou shall not” and then lists behaviors that are against one’s neighbors. The list includes the expected thou shall not steal, slander, gossip nor cheat, but also includes this: “nor shall you stand by idly when your neighbor’s life is at stake.” Continue reading
The great thing about the internet is that you have access to all kinds of information. Think of all the medical sites available allowing you to research in great depth all your current symptoms – real or perceived. My sisters and many of my cousins are medical professionals. You can imagine how thrilled they are to have a conversation start, “I was reading on WebMD….” Continue reading
