A still small voice

Posted on by
Reply

In 1 Kings 19 we have Elijah the prophet on the run from the wrath of Queen Jezebel who has sent an army to track down and kill Elijah. He is hiding in cave wondering where is God in all this

Then the LORD said: Go out and stand on the mountain before the LORD; the LORD will pass by. There was a strong and violent wind rending the mountains and crushing rocks before the LORD—but the LORD was not in the wind; after the wind, an earthquake—but the LORD was not in the earthquake; after the earthquake, fire—but the LORD was not in the fire; after the fire, a light silent sound.” (1 Kings 19;11-12)

That is the New American Bible (NAB) translation. The other translations are quite similar, but the very last phrase has a lot of subtle variations:  “a still small voice”, “a low whisper” and others. The Hebrew word used demā·mā primarily means “a hush” or “a whisper.”

That comes to mind in today’s first reading from Isaiah: “While from behind, a voice shall sound in your ears: ‘This is the way; walk in it,’ when you would turn to the right or to the left.”

May we always and ever be open to that still small voice that speaks to us to keep us on the path of righteousness.

Preach or Woe

Posted on by
1

Today is the Feast of St. Francis Xavier, the great Jesuit missionary of India and lands of the East. Back in 2013, I was driving back to the parish and heard on the radio that we had elected a new pope, a Jesuit who had taken the name Pope Francis. I just assumed it was in recognition of Francis Xavier, such was the saint’s statue and esteemed life among the Jesuit Order. It was beyond surprising to learn it was St. Francis of Assisi. Either one would have been a great and inspiring choice. Continue reading →

kosmos and oikoumene

Posted on by
Reply

This coming Sunday is the Second Sunday of Advent in lectionary cycle C, the year when the Gospel of Luke is the primary source of our gospels. Today we continue to look at details of the narrative. In this final post, we look at the verses as Luke’s message pivots from the call of repentance to Israel, to a call of universal salvation for all people. Continue reading →

The Social Covenant

Posted on by
Reply

Leonard Pitts of the Miami Herald penned an interesting article recently about the social covenant we all assume is in place. One might call them social norms, but it seems to me “covenant” is also an appropriate moniker because these norms speak to a connection between people. Pitts offers examples: “You don’t stand facing the back wall of an elevator. In heavy traffic, you take turns merging. You stop at the red light even when the street is deserted.” I am sure we can all add our own favorite covenantal norms. I would offer, “you don’t talk during a movie.” Continue reading →

Building a Life

Posted on by
Reply

The scene in the first reading for today’s Mass is Isaiah speaking to a people in exile. It is a message that is surely suited to our Advent season as it is a message of Hope. Isaiah holds up a vision of a city built by God, echoing the Psalmist: “Unless the LORD build the house, they labor in vain who build” (Psalm 127:1) Isaiah promises the Lord will build the city, and at the same times outlines for the people their part of the labor. They are to live in righteousness in word and in deed. Continue reading →

Baptized

Posted on by
Reply

This coming Sunday is the Second Sunday of Advent in lectionary cycle C, the year when the Gospel of Luke is the primary source of our gospels. Today we continue to look at details of the narrative. The previous post discussed “the word of God” coming to John in the desert. Let us consider John’s mission.

He went throughout (the) whole region of the Jordan, proclaiming a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins

Continue reading →

The Strange Attractor

Posted on by
Reply

We all have past lives and stories, experiences, and moments that mark those lives. One thing that might emerge from that milieu is a life-long curiosity about a certain topic. One such enduring curiosity for me is mathematical chaos. I keep coming back to the idea. It certainly shows up enough in posts – for example, “Your phone and chaos.” There are others. If you are curious too, use the “search box” on this blog to explore. Continue reading →

God’s Design

Posted on by
Reply

This coming Sunday is the Second Sunday of Advent in lectionary cycle C, the year when the Gospel of Luke is the primary source of our gospels. In the two previous posts we covered the historical and scriptural context of our gospel reading. Today we begin to look at details and how they help create Luke’s overarching theme: preparing the way. As Luke promised his patron Theophilus, the gospel will be an orderly presentation (Luke 1:3) – and so he begins with  history. Continue reading →

But how can they?

Posted on by
Reply

Today is the Feast of St. Andrew the Apostle. St. Andrew is the patron saint of several countries, notably Scotland and Russia – as well as patron of many other activities, including the Russian Navy. The brother of Simon Peter, he was called as an apostle and sent on mission after the Resurrection of Jesus. There are many reports and claims of his missionary endeavors that range from Kiev to Scotland and the reports of conversions are notable. And so the first reading is well chosen.

But how can they call on him in whom they have not believed?
And how can they believe in him of whom they have not heard?
And how can they hear without someone to preach?
And how can people preach unless they are sent?
As it is written,
How beautiful are the feet of those who bring the good news! (Romans 10:14-15)

Being born and raised in the south, there were lots of people with beautiful feet. It didn’t matter if you were at the Piggly-Wiggly, the five-and-dime, or the gas station. There was someone there ready to give witness because they were sent so that others could be called, hear, and believe. It’s the way it was.

In the Franciscan tradition, people are quite ready to quote St. Francis: preach the gospel at all times; use words if necessary. The problem is that Francis never said that. The attribution to Francis is bogus. Francis believed in proclaiming the Word. That’s why very early in the Order’s history he sent missionaries into the Baltic, among the Germanic people, as far afield as lands north of the Black Sea. Within a generation of Franics, the friars were in China. They were sent to give witness – certainly by their lives – but Francis is clear they are to preach “when the Spirit commands.” (Rule of 1221)

Recently I read a post from a priest who, as a seminarian, wrote to his later self to remind him about prayer. There were 15-20 admonitions, each one starting with (e.g.) “There is a person in despair, who is one prayer away from Hope.”

Out there in your life, there is a person who is one witness, one chat, one invitation away from being called, hearing and believing. It’s up to you. Preach the gospel at all times. Use words.

St. Andrew pray for us.

The Calling of Saints Peter and Andrew by Caravaggio (1603–1606)