Category Archives: Musings

Astounded and Amazed

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In today’s gospel, the Evangelist concentrates upon a single Sabbath when Jesus’ synagogue teaching provoked a reaction from the people present. The two words that describe the people’s reactions are: ekplessomai (v. 22) and thambeo (v. 27) – “astounded” and “amazed.” The first term, more literally means “be beside oneself” – or in the slang, “to be blown away”  It comes from something that is so incomprehensible that one’s mind can’t fathom what has been experienced. Continue reading →

The Time of Fulfillment

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Although only 14 verses into the gospel narrative, Mark has already introduced us to John the Baptist, Jesus has been baptized and tempted in the desert. Then, in a typically abbreviated style, Mark merely refers in passing to the whole story of John’s denunciation of Herod for immorality, and John’s consequent imprisonment and death.

But now, from this moment begins the preaching of the good news by Jesus. Mark’s “gospel of Jesus Christ, the Son of God” began at v.1; now the “good news of God” begins, as Jesus’ first words are heard: “This is the time of fulfillment” (v. 15). Continue reading →

The Significance of Baptism

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One of the habits I hope we all have (or will incorporate into our lives) is to continue to read so as to enhance our spiritual lives. These days there are all kinds of sources: books, podcasts, video, blogs, and more. We do not lack for differing source materials and perspectives. Of course, there is no much, it is hard to know what might be the best mix for you. A good place to start is to try the recommendations of friends, spiritual advisors, folks at church, or links within links within links on what you are currently perusing online. A great way to develop the habit is to sign up for daily/weekly emails or text messages from sources.  Continue reading →

What lays ahead?

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Today, January 6th is the traditional day for the celebration of the Epiphany. It is a word taken from the Greek epiphaneia meaning “manifestation, striking appearance; from epiphanes meaning “manifest, conspicuous,” and from epiphainein “to manifest, display, show off; come suddenly into view.” In a post earlier today, I asked “What is revealed this day.” It was a small reflection, but what came to mind when I thought about all that the Epiphany might reveal.

January 6th a year ago today was an epiphany of another sort. Continue reading →

Office protocols for the future

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Today is typically a day off and that provides some time in the morning to read and write. There is time for a second cup of tea. There is the Merriam-Webster “Word of the Day” to consider. If the Tampa Bay Lightning played the night before I can watch their highlights online. It is a space in the day, after morning prayer, to catch up on the news, emails, and let curiosity lead me where it will. Today, curiosity lead me to an article about “returning to the office.” Continue reading →

Who knows where the love of God goes?

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Some forty-six years ago in November 1975 an intense low pressure system crossed the Great Lakes, with winds gusting to well above hurricane force, and waves the size of mountains. The forecast had been for clear sailing. Over 200 mariners were lost that day. Among the lost souls that day were the captain and crew of the large iron ore carrier Edmund Fitzgerald.

Storms and loss of lives are part of life on the Lakes. This event was made famous by Gordon Lightfoot’s song “The Wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald.” For me, one verse stands out: “Who knows where the love of God goes when the waves turn the minutes to hours.” Continue reading →

St. John Neuman

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When asked how they could possibly feed so many people, Jesus said to disciples “in reply, ‘Give them some food yourselves.’”

Today the Church celebrates the Memorial of St. John Neumann, Bishop of Philadelphia and the first male US citizen canonized. Neumann began life in Bohemia. He was a good son and excellent student. He entered the seminary in 1831 for his local diocese. But in his second year he was enthralled with the call for priests to serve in the United States – especially among the German-speaking peoples. Continue reading →

St. Elizabeth Ann Seton

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“…the people who sit in darkness have seen a great light, on those dwelling in a land overshadowed by death light has arisen.”

Today the Church in the United States celebrates St. Elizabeth Ann Seton, the first native-born American to be named a saint. Born in 1774 she was born into privilege among the prominent people of New York City. She was not born into a Catholic family, but was raised in a dedicated Episcopal family. The practice of the faith was sustaining for her family and Elizabeth. Which was good, as her story is one of a slow unraveling of privilege, security, and family. Her mother died when Elizabeth was three years old. Her father remarried and her new stepmother introduced Elizabeth into social outreach to the poor and sick as a ministry of the church. But that marriage eventually failed. The stepmother left with her own children as Elizabeth’s father moved to London for further medical studies. Elizabeth entered a time of great darkness in her life, grieving the loss of father and a second mother.

“…the people who sit in darkness have seen a great light, on those dwelling in a land overshadowed by death light has arisen.” Continue reading →