Gospel Reflections for Challenging Times

22 nd Sunday in Ordinary Time Gospel – Luke 14:1, 7-11 Humble Pie Anointing Stone, Church of Holy Sepulchre   Remember that school assembly when you were convinced you were getting a special award/recognition?   Remember how much you ‘knew’ you deserved it?   And remember when someone else got the honor and not you?   Were you happy for the other student?   Did you congratulate them?   Or did you skulk away with a scowl on your face and a foul mood in your heart? We live in a very narcissistic, selfish “ME” society these days!   We see it on the news, in ads, in movies and in so many random interactions at the store or in line for food.   There is this singular drive to be #1 – to be the best teacher, athlete, politician, to have the most power or possessions, the biggest house and the most adulation, to have less wrinkles and more money!   And apparently it is all at the expense of others; it doesn’t matter who I have to step on or ...

  Saturday 21 st Week in Ordinary Time Gospel – Matthew 25:14-30 Using Our Talents Wisely Building Our Life                                                                                                                         Lots of work going on at the Tennessee homestead!     Landscaping, planting flowers and shrubbery (not the Monty Python type), paving walkways and footpaths, grading and leveling the driveway!   So much happening!   And, from my perspective, so much craftsmanship, such attention to detail and precision! You only have to watch them place each stone in position, careful to ensure that it’s level and fits precisely to realize how talent...

  Friday – Passion of John the Baptist Gospel – Mark 6:17-29 The Truth Is Out There Along the Jordan River In one episode of the long-running sci-fi series, Doctor Who gives what amounts to a closing speech to his companions.   The words that ring ‘true’ today are these: “Speak the truth and be kind; above all else, be kind. Remember, hate is always foolish, and love is always wise. Always try to be nice but never fail to be kind.” John the Baptist does indeed speak the truth, but it certainly does not come across as kind.   He is blunt and to the point, telling people what they need to hear, not what they want to hear.   It is a necessary part of his mission to call people back to repentance.   And that is what he was doing with Herod, telling him in no uncertain terms that marrying his brother’s wife is wrong! Herod seems to be on the other side of the truth, saying only what he thinks people want to hear.   He is interested only in his popularity...