Gospel Reflections for Challenging Times

  Friday – 30 th Week in Ordinary Time Gospel – Luke 14:1-6 Welcoming Attitude Halloween Hijinks It’s a different kind of Halloween we are celebrating today in Tennessee.   Even though I did buy a huge bag of candy, we do not expect any little trick or treaters to come knocking at the door.   In Chicago, we would normally see a constant parade of little ones as they made their way door to door along our street.   But, here in the country, unless they have a driver license or mom/dad are willing to shuttle them along the road, we won’t be seeing any costumed kids traipsing up the long driveway to our door!   I’m gonna miss the colorful costumes ringing the doorbell.   I’m gonna miss those expectant faces wondering what sugary goodies we will give them.   Most of all, I’m gonna miss those broad smiles of delight and mischief as they bounce down our stairs and dance expectantly to the next house on the block.   Of course, we still decorated ...

  Thursday – 30 th Week in Ordinary Time Gospel – Luke 13:31-35 Fear is the Mind-Killer Along the Via Dolorosa Wow!   Now this is different; some Pharisees are actually concerned for Jesus’ safety.   And they are warning Him to stay away from Jerusalem because Herod wants Him dead.   But Jesus is not deterred; He is not afraid!   He is determined to continue on His mission and will soon come to Jerusalem where He knows He will be put to death, like so many other prophets! I am sci-fi fanatic – Star Trek, Star Wars, Doctor Who, you name it!   Nerd that I am, I do have a Star Trek uniform and phaser, perfect for Halloween when I answer the door.   That devotion also extends to literature. And my all-time favorite sci-fi book is Dune by Frank Herbertc (Yes, I even have a signed copy of the 2 nd book – Dune Messiah)!   Throughout that book and the entire series, the hero Paul Atreides has a mantra that he recites in moments of trial and doub...

  Wednesday – 30 th Week in Ordinary Time Gospel – Luke 13:22-30 A Tight Squeeze Caesarea Philippi Years ago, when I was considerably younger and a bit foolhardy, I took a weekend camping trip with some buddies of mine down to southern Illinois to Garden of the Gods, a beautiful state park with magnificent mountains, rock outcroppings and miles of scenic trails.   One particular path took us through “Fat Man Squeeze”, a very narrow gap between huge slabs of rock.   It was not for the faint-hearted.   The only way through was to squeeze through sideways and holding your breath. It took courage and stamina and the willingness to suffer a bit for the experience.    I took a pass and skipped that little adventure! No thank you!   I will just stand aside and watch someone else navigate that ‘squeeze’. Jesus today talks about striving to enter through the narrow gate.   His intent is clear – entering the Kingdom will take effort and courage. ...