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Posted by on Mar 7, 2026

Water – Gentle or Wild?

Water – Gentle or Wild?

Living beside the ocean for over 35 years, I have seen water’s gentleness and fury. Sometimes the surface of the ocean is flat – barely a wave to be seen. Not many surfers seen either on those days! Other times, the ocean wildly rages – waves crashing against the cliffs and roaring as they hit. Large sections of the mudstone rock of the cliffs fall into the water, as if sliced by a great knife. No surfers those days. It’s just too dangerous.

A few years ago, we had one of those long winter storms. Major areas of the cliffs were washed into the ocean. One in particular was impressive. The slice fell off from a section of cliff that jutted out into the ocean beside a beach. The rocks sat there as if wondering what to do. But by the next day, they too had been washed away. Only the sand remained.

Sand is washed away and beaches become much smaller in the stormy winter months. Then the more gentle waves of spring bring back the sand and the beaches grow larger again.

Most of the time, the ocean waves are not too high and not too low. However, the ocean is never to be trusted. Sneaker waves have caught more than one person who turned their back to the ocean, sometimes with disastrous results, others with rather funny ones. A person I heard speaking at a conference once told of the time he had turned his back on the ocean, gotten caught by a wave, and emerged without his swim trunks. He didn’t make that mistake again!

Swimmers caught in a rip tide are all too frequently found a few days later as their bodies wash up on shore somewhere else along the coast. Coast Guard helicopters fly back and forth over the water. Fire department surf rescue teams go out to try to find them. But the water is simply too cold for them to survive very long and they are gone.

These thoughts come to mind as we ponder the images of water and the Lord’s gift of protection and life in the readings for this Third Sunday of Lent. The water in question in the readings was not found in oceans but rather was hidden behind walls of rock or deep below the surface of the land. Much less easily accessible and more controlled, but even more precious because it could be consumed and used to sustain life there. Ocean water is too salty for drinking and watering crops.

Water in the desert

Water is essential for life as we know it. Wandering in the desert, far from the lives they had known in Egypt, the Hebrew people felt how tenuous life could be. Where would food be found? Where was water? It was so very, very dry. At least in Egypt, though they weren’t free, at least they had food and water! Whose fault could it be that things were in such a difficult state now? They hadn’t asked to be led into the desert. Well, maybe they had asked the Lord to deliver them, but through the desert? That hadn’t been part of the plan. Why not an arrangement to be free again in Egypt as once they had been?

And so, as humans do, they grumbled and complained. “Why did you ever make us leave Egypt? Was it just to have us die here of thirst with our children and our livestock?”

Poor Moses. What could he do about it himself? He hadn’t counted on that either, though he had experienced traveling through dry, desert lands when he left Egypt as a young man.

Wisely, he turned to the Lord he had first met in a burning bush when he was a shepherd. “What shall I do with this people? A little more and they will stone me!”

The Lord, ever faithful and caring, instructed him to go to the front of the people and strike the stone wall there with the same rod he had used at the parting of the Red Sea as they fled Pharoah’s army when leaving Egypt. Water flowed forth from the stone, to the amazement of all.

The event was memorialized through the name given the place at the time – Massah and Meribah.  The names refer to legal accusations and a trial and testing. This was the time and place at which the Israelites argued with and tested the Lord. The answer to their question, “Is the Lord in our midst or not?” was a resounding Yes! (Ex 17:3-7)

Psalm 95 is just one of the songs and references to this event in Hebrew scripture. “Oh, that today you would hear his voice; ‘Harden not your hearts as at Meribah, as in the day of Massah in the desert.’” They had seen his work and still doubted – something all too commonly done to this day among even those who call him Lord. (Ps 95:1-2, 6-7, 8-9)

So at at Meribah and Massah, we see regular water provided in an unconventional way. More commonly, we see things that happen around wells, springs, lakes, or cisterns in more populated regions. One of those occurred as Jesus and his disciples were traveling through Samaria one day.

A new understanding of water from an unexpected visitor

Jews and Samaritans were not on friendly terms, to say the least. There was a solid disdain and even hatred between the two communities. Jews often traveled many extra miles to go around Samaria rather than through it when traveling from Galilee to Jerusalem. But for some reason, Jesus decided to go directly through Samaria.

It was around noon, St. John tells us, and they stopped in Sychar to find food. This town was very near the land Joseph had inherited from his father Jacob. Jacob’s well was there. This was an historic town as a result.

Jesus waited by the well while his disciples went into town to buy food. A woman approached to draw water. The fact that she came at noon rather than in the morning with the other women is important to note. This meant she was not a person of good reputation. Likely, she was shunned by everyone else in town.

Yet Jesus spoke to her. Jews didn’t speak to Samaritans casually or in a friendly manner. Men didn’t speak to women they didn’t know. And a Jew would never think to ask a favor or help from a Samaritan. But Jesus ignored all that and asked, “Give me a drink.”

She was shocked. This was unheard of. “How can you, a Jew, ask me, a Samaritan woman, for a drink?”

Jesus calmly responded that rather than be shocked, she should be asking for “living water” from him. That phrase, living water, referred at face value to running water. So, she was puzzled what he might mean by that. There was no running water anywhere near and he had no bucket with which to collect it!

Jesus explained that the water he came to give to people was different – it would become “a spring of water welling up to eternal life.”  She was a practical woman and responded, “Sir, give me this water, so that I may not be thirsty or have to keep coming here to draw water.”

At this, Jesus asked her to bring her husband. Turns out, she was not currently married, had been married five times and was now living with another man. This was a shock for her to hear. There was no way he could have known that about her. “Sir, I can see that you are a prophet.”

A discussion of where people should worship followed and Jesus told her the time was coming when neither the temple in Jerusalem nor the mountain in Samaria would be the place to worship. “Salvation is from the Jews.” Yet the time had come when all that would change and worship would now occur “in Spirit and truth.” All this would happen because “God is Spirit and those who worship him must worship in Spirit and truth.”

The narration continues for a while, with the return of the disciples and the return of people from the village to meet Jesus, based on the testimony of the woman of Samaria. He stayed there in the town for several days and many came to believe in him. (Jn 4:5-42)

We must choose – Rage or Gentleness?

So, what does this all have to do with water? How does water in its gentle or wilder forms fit into the picture?

As humans, we all too often think that only a strong, forceful response to opposition, oppression, or wrong-doing will bring about a change of heart in the one who acts that way.  We believe that war or other forms of aggression are justified as a way to make others behave the way we see as correct and just. We see the cost in innocent lives as something that can’t be avoided. And yet, when the ocean waves crashing on the shore cause the cliff to collapse, it doesn’t get restored. It simply washes away. There is no possibility of change or “redemption” that keep the destruction from being permanent. The cliff is diminished, and with enough storms, it will eventually be gone completely.

The Lord does not call us to use violence or anger in addressing injustice or oppression. Those only create more anger and a desire for vengeance.  The cycle becomes unending – like a feud between two families that continues generation after generation. There can be no end until someone decides to forgive and find a way to work together.

That is our call as followers of Jesus. We are to be the peacemakers who work to find common ground. We are to work together to find and demonstrate the reality that the Good is not limited. There can be enough of existing resources to go around. No one needs to be left out. It’s just that no one can or should have an excess of those resources either.

It’s absolutely the case that some political systems, some governments, some organizations, are not committed to working towards the common good of their people, to say nothing of all humanity. It’s very easy to want to keep a lavish lifestyle or power over others. All too often that can be phrased in religious language or the language of tradition – “that’s just the way it is!” But violence does not bring about positive change any more than the crashing of the waves against it makes the cliff stronger.

The quiet water of love, reconciliation, respectful communication, good-will in conversation, and solution-seeking is what the Lord offers as a spring that wells up inside us and leads to peace among all humans. Bombs will never change hearts. Drone operators can hit where other weapons cannot reach. Security will never come from violence. Those things only provoke anger and a desire for revenge.

Jesus didn’t come with armies. He came with a promise of living water and its power to change our lives, our traditions, our stories and histories. We haven’t always been good at following his lead. But we are called again and again to remember that Jesus didn’t come with armies to force change. He came and offered himself and his life to reopen our relationship with the Father. The Son through whom God proved his love for us, though we were still sinners who kept trying to do it our own way and failing miserably, proved his love with his life, death, and resurrection. (Rom 5:1-2, 5-8)

We are called to the same on this day as we remember both the water at Meribah and Massah and the living water offered to a Samaritan woman at Jacob’s well.

Readings for the Third Sunday of Lent – Cycle A

 

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Posted by on Feb 21, 2026

Apples in the Garden – Do We Eat?

Apples in the Garden – Do We Eat?

I sat today beside a fountain in the middle of a college campus. It was a beautiful sunny day after a week of torrential rain. More rain is expected again soon. But this day had been gorgeous. Children were playing with sticks in the pool around the fountain. The water, blown by the wind, was sprinkling those of us standing or sitting nearby. School is in session, so families and students were going through the plaza. A group of musicians entertained all who were present, whether sitting attentively listening or hurrying past on the way to somewhere else.

Usually, Saturday is a busy day, filled with activities at home and left-over ones from the work week that urgently call my attention. But today, I was with a grandchild and mother, savoring some time away and seeing the world through the eyes of an almost three-year-old. What a wonder it is! Water splashes. Sticks are laying around on the ground just waiting to be used to stir the water. People are smiling. All is well in the world, in at least some very fortunate places. And we happened to be in one of them.

We are entering into the season of Lent, a season of waiting and of turning away from the busyness and worries and habits of thinking of ourselves first and only secondarily of the needs of others. “Repent and believe in the Gospel”  “Remember that you are dust and unto dust you shall return.” “Turn from sin and believe the Gospel.” All are words we may have heard on Ash Wednesday as this season began.

We hear in the second story of creation that the Lord God created humans from the clay of the earth, blowing his breath of life into them. He placed them in a beautiful garden in the land between two great rivers. Everything they could ever need was provided there for them. Only the fruit of two trees was to be left untouched – The Tree of the Knowledge of Good and Evil and The Tree of Life.

One day, a cunning tempter suggested that the Lord God might not have been totally truthful about the consequences of eating fruit from the Tree of the Knowledge of Good and Evil. Surely, death would not be the result. Maybe the creator just wanted to keep it all for himself! It would taste really good…

The woman decided to try it for herself and tasted the fruit. It tasted good, so she gave some to her husband to try as well. Immediately, they knew more than they had ever suspected – good and evil. Everything in the garden had been good. Now everything had become more complex. There were things to worry about. Things that were to be feared. They found themselves ashamed of their very bodies! So, they hid when the Lord came to enjoy the evening with them in the Garden.

The Lord was very disappointed, made clothes for them, and escorted them out of the garden into a world that was much more difficult and complicated than they had ever imagined. Now they would make their clothes, grow their food, build their homes. All would be different. There was a barrier now between them and the joy of the Lord in the Garden. (Gen 2:7-9; 3:1-7)

I thought about this story as I sat by the fountain. It would be so easy to fret about the time lost when I should be cleaning the house, returning calls to clients, writing posts to share, preparing dinner, planning next week’s activities, and so much more. But here I was, sitting by the fountain. And … I set aside the worries. Decided I might or might not write a post this week. I simply enjoyed the time in the sunshine, with a child delighting in the world and time to rest.

Jesus had a life-altering experience in his baptism in the Jordan River. He went into the desert afterwards to be by himself and pray for 40 days. He fasted and prayed for understanding of what it all meant. What could it mean to be the Beloved Son of the Lord God? What could he possibly have to share with others that they should be told to listen to him?

Three suggestions came to him. Idea number one: change stones into bread. You can eat and feel better. Imagine what people will think about you when you give them bread from stones! His reaction: No.

Idea number two: how about throwing yourself off the top of the Temple. If you’re really God’s son, he will send angels to rescue you. His reaction: NO.

Idea three: Look at all the kingdoms of the world. Just worship me and they will all be yours! His answer: Absolutely not – Only God is to be worshipped.

Then the Lord sent his angels to minister to Jesus. He found peace. (Mt 4:1-11)

In many ways, we too face these same questions and challenges. We leave our Gardens of Eden as we grow from early childhood into more mature stages of life. We begin to learn how to care for ourselves and our families. We learn the ways of our societies and cultures. We experience joys and sorrows.

But sometimes, we need to step back, sit in a plaza by a fountain, being sprinkled by the water blown by the breeze. We step back from the craziness of daily life. We set aside the worries about the conflicts in the world. We rest in the love of the Lord who made such a beautiful world for us to enjoy for a time before we travel on to live with Him.

Today, as we move into Lent, let’s resolve to take the time to rest in the Lord. Take the time to watch the beauty of the world around us. See the innocent joy of the very young children and rejoice in it.

Forty days. A journey begun anew each year. A time for renewal.

Which apples do we choose? Those of peace or those of stress and worry.

Choose carefully. I will pray for you. Please pray for me too, that we all may grow in joy and peace during this season of Lent.

Readings for the First Sunday of Lent – Cycle A

 

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Posted by on Feb 8, 2026

Let Your Light Shine – Light the Way

Let Your Light Shine – Light the Way

“You are the light of the world … (Y)our light must shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your heavenly Father.”

Jesus spoke one day on a mountainside to the crowds of people who came out to hear his words. He gave them a series of principles to guide their actions in ways that would embody holiness in their daily lives. We call these principles the Beatitudes – “Blessed are they who…”

The Beatitudes might be taken as a beautiful image of an impossible goal, to be achieved by only a few very holy people. But Jesus intended them to be taken as a new way of life. Those words were not just beautiful ideals, concrete actions must follow and Jesus was clear that this was expected of those who would be his followers.

“You are the light of the world.” Light on a mountaintop shining from a city – it cannot be ignored. Light hidden under a basket does no good for anyone. Light must shine. The light of lives based on the Beatitudes is the calling of Jesus’ followers. It leads to the glory of the Father becoming visible. (Mt 5:13-16)

It’s an interesting parallel that the first thing created by God in the beginning, according to the book of Genesis, was light. “Let there be light.”  And light came into the darkness. The light of creation and the creator, bursting forth into the creation of all that is in our universe, will shine through the lives of those who live according to the Son’s teachings that day on the mountain. Through our lives, the light shines forth or not. This light of holiness shining through each of us shows a bit of the wonder and awesome reality of the Father, the Father’s glory.

This is a pretty daunting thought. How can any one of us ever hope to live our lives in ways that will truly shine forth the Father’s love? How can we do anything so heroic that people will throng to the community, begging to become one of us? Is any of that humanly possible?

Fortunately, it doesn’t require superhuman qualities or behaviors or actions to live as children of the Father, shining the light of holiness into our world. It comes through the little things we say and do as well as through the big, bold, brave things we may have to do once in a while.

How will we know what we are to do to share the light? Most of the time, I think we don’t actually know just what this means. We go about our daily lives, meeting people, doing our daily tasks, and sometimes wondering what it all means. We don’t often think about the reality that the little things we do, the way we speak to others, the way we are patient when things or people move slowly, the times we smile rather than scowl at someone we meet on the sidewalk, or in the grocery store, or driving another car, the times we find the humor in an unexpected delay and trust that all will work out in the end – these are the times light shines in the darkness. When we offer a word or a hand of help or comfort – the light shines forth. When we spend time helping as volunteers to feed the hungry or help young people get the training needed for new careers – the light shines forth. When we simply help get our families up and out the door in the morning with a smile to carry on their way to a new day – the light shines forth.

We don’t have to look far and wide to find what we are to do and how we are to serve. Each of us has gifts and talents. Those are what we are to use.

What comes easily to you? What is as easy as falling off a log? What do you love doing? Those are your gifts. Find ways to use them.

What is hard? What do you never quite get around to doing? Those may not be your gifts. Find someone for whom they are easy and become a team! When each of you uses your gifts, amazing things can happen. The light shines forth again.

As bread is shared with the hungry, the homeless are sheltered, those without warm coats for the winter receive ones of their own, and the suffering receive help and hope – the light breaks forth. The glory of the Lord shines forth in support. And the impossible becomes possible. A new, richer community is formed. Life is transformed. Opportunities are broadened for all.

As we move through this coming week, may we remember to trust the Lord to be with us. We don’t have to do it all by ourselves. Most often, we simply have to step out in trust that others will show up to help when we step forward in faith. Sometimes, it seems like people will join the effort simply because they recognize our inability to do it all by ourselves. They throw up their hands and join in – not because they are convinced it’s something that has to be done, but because they know we are sincere and they don’t want to see our efforts fail. And amazing things happen as a result. The light shines forth!

May the Lord be with you this week, shining through each of our lives, pointing the way to our amazing Father.

Readings for the Fifth Sunday in Ordinary Time – Cycle A

 

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Posted by on Jan 25, 2026

Naphtali and Zebulun – Peoples Crushed and Hope Reborn

Naphtali and Zebulun – Peoples Crushed and Hope Reborn

Times of upheaval and turmoil come all too frequently in human history. Tribes or nations move from place to place. Ambitious, greedy rulers seek even more territory and riches. Peoples are crushed as others invade and take their lands. Yet somehow, hope is reborn again and again. Naphtali and Zebulun are only two of the lands in which this has happened.  Those who have taken over the lands of others are themselves defeated and replaced, sometimes by descendants of those originally defeated, other times by people moving in from other lands.

The prophet Isaiah lived during one of those times. Originally, the land into which the Hebrews moved when they returned from Egypt was divided among the 12 tribes descended from Jacob. The tribes of Naphtali and Zebulun lived in lands in the north, an area west of the Jordan River. They and the rest of the tribes in the northern part of Palestine  (known then as Israel) were conquered by the Assyrians after many years of fighting. The residents of those lands were sent into exile in other lands and Assyria took over. The people ceased to worship the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob and instead worshiped the gods of Assyria. It became known as the District of the Gentiles.

The lands in the south were known as Judah. Their king, Ahaz, refused to help Israel and the Syrians against the Assyrians. This didn’t stop the eventual invasion of Assyria into their lands, but it held it off for a while.

Isaiah speaks of the lands of the north having been “degraded” or abandoned by the Lord when they were conquered. However, the Lord would come to the rescue and hope would be reborn. “The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light,” as the Lord smashes the power of Assyria through the power of other nations. (Is 8:23—9:3)

This rebirth of the lands of the north, which came to be known as Galilee, had come to pass long before the coming of Jesus. The connection with the southern part of the country had been reestablished. However, the equality in status of those from Galilee and those from the south was not an absolute given. The fact that Jesus was from Nazareth did not automatically give him status as a person whose ideas were worth hearing. The Messiah was to come from the line of David, rooted in Bethlehem in Judea, the lands of the south.

John the Baptist was from the south and his ministry was at the southern end of the Jordan River, closer to Jericho. Jesus and others traveled there to see and hear the prophet.  After his baptism, Jesus went into the wilderness for 40 days to pray and make sense of all he had experienced. During that time, John was arrested and imprisoned by King Herod. Emerging from the desert, Jesus heard the news and returned to Galilee. However, he did not remain in small town Nazareth where he had lived and worked. He moved to the big city, Capernaum, on the banks of the Sea of Galilee. There he began telling all he met that the kingdom of heaven is near.

St. Matthew links the beginning of Jesus’ ministry in Galilee to the prophecy of Isaiah, noting that when Jesus moved from Nazareth to Capernaum, it was in fulfillment of Isaiah’s prophecy – “Land of Zebulun and land of Naphtali, the way to the sea, beyond the Jordan, Galilee of the Gentiles, the people who sit in darkness have seen a great light, on those dwelling in a land overshadowed by death light has arisen.” With these words, he introduces the active ministry of Jesus. “Jesus began to preach and say, ‘Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.’”

Yet the mission of preaching the kingdom is not limited to one person. If only one man is saying anything, and no one is paying attention or asking to hear more, we humans tend to disregard what is being said. If it’s important, the dream must be shared by others too.

As Jesus walked along the shore, he saw two men working there, casting their fishing nets into the sea. He called to them, “Come after me, and I will make you fishers of men.” Amazingly, they left their boat and nets at the shore and walked away with him. Then he saw two others fishing in a boat with their father. He called them too and they immediately left their boat and father and walked away with Jesus. No hesitation. It was a powerful and compelling call.

The lands of Zebulun and Naphtali were hearing a new voice and the beginning of a new age – the coming of the kingdom of heaven. Jesus “went around all of Galilee, teaching in their synagogues, proclaiming the gospel of the kingdom, and curing every disease and illness among the people.” This renewal and preaching continued for most of the three years of his active ministry.  (Mt 4:12-23)

It wasn’t the well-educated, the wealthy, the powerful, the famous who followed Jesus. With few exceptions, it wasn’t they to whom he spoke. They weren’t the ones who benefited from his healing touch. In fact, they were the ones most suspicious of him. It was the poor, the ill, the handicapped, the powerless, who thronged to him. These were the ones he described as entering the kingdom first, because they relied first on God for their help.

In a similar way, we too are called to follow the example and leadership of Jesus. World conquest, is not to be our goal. Domination of other lands is not a sign of the kingdom. Taking control of natural resources, particularly of those in other lands, is not high on the list of things for followers of Jesus to be doing as part of living the coming of the Kingdom of God.

Who are the ones we are to serve? Who are the ones we are to welcome? Who are the ones whose needs are of greatest concern to the Father? If Jesus were walking physically among us today, where would we find him?

These are the questions we must ask in our lives, especially as powerful men and women work to take control of more and more lands, toss out those who have come seeking a new start in a safe place, and put their individual wishes and desires above concern for the common good.

The situation in Corinth which St. Paul addressed first in his letter is somewhat analogous to ours today. In that case, it was a question of which apostle’s preaching had been responsible for the birth in faith of an individual. Loyalty to that particular apostle and the particular set of memories shared with new converts was dividing the community. Paul reminds all that our baptism does not tie us to any particular preacher. Our baptism is into the life of Christ, including the witness of his cross and resurrection. Wisdom or fancy words are not the key. What matters is how we share in his ministry of service to all. That is where the gospel and its foolishness find their richness. (1 Cor 1:10-13, 17)

Do we choose whom we will welcome and protect? Do those coming to our shores have to pay large sums of money to the powerful to be welcome? Do we look first at skin color or language spoken before we see the human person? Do we assume everyone in a group is exactly the same as every other one?

How do we preach the gospel, the Good News of the Kingdom in our lives today?

This is the critical question for us as followers of Jesus in 2026. What is our response to the needs around us?

I pray that we will have the courage to speak truth to power, to encourage those with the authority to restrain others in their efforts to dominate, and to continue to work for the most vulnerable among us. Because that is where we will meet the Lord. Among those crushed, the Lord brings the gift of rebirth and hope. As his body here and now, it’s our time to provide the hands and heart needed.

Readings for the Third Sunday in Ordinary Time – Cycle A

 

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Posted by on Jan 17, 2026

Dream Big – God’s Vision for Us

Dream Big – God’s Vision for Us

God’s vision for us as humans is amazingly grand – God dreams big. No half measures for God. God “is in it for the long run” as the saying goes.

It’s critically important for us to remember this basic reality as things in our world seem to careen wildly out of control and towards disaster. God dreams of better things, better outcomes for all of us than the division, anger, hatred, and discord we hear in the news and in our encounters with others.

Throughout the Scriptures, the prophets speak of the glory of the Lord that will break through into the world and draw all peoples to unity. Often the texts speak specifically about the Hebrew people. This is totally understandable in light of the fact that the prophets are speaking to their fellow descendants of Abraham, a people who were formed through the experience of being wanderers out of the great civilizations of Mesopotamia into Palestine, then into Egypt and back. They experienced many times of peace and times of conflict. Many of the transitions were not marked by compromise and mutual agreement with other powerful nations but rather by armed conflict and conquest.

Some of the most powerful words came from prophets speaking in times of conflict or of defeat. These are words of comfort and a promise of better times to come. Reminders of God’s dream and patience are commonly part of these prophecies.

Isaiah says: “Now the Lord has spoken who formed me as his servant from the womb, that Jacob may be brought back to him and Israel gathered to him … my God is now my strength!”

Yet the restoration of Israel following times of exile was never the ultimate goal of the Lord.
“It is too little … to restore the survivors of Israel; I will make you a light to the nations, that my salvation may reach to the ends of the earth.” (Is 49:3, 5-6)

Not enough to restore earthly kingdoms and power to any particular people, not even to those chosen long ago. God’s vision is for salvation to reach all peoples.

In a world that is all too often filled with violence as individuals and groups strive to impose their beliefs and their ways on the rest, this kind of vision can be dangerous. Crusaders, missionaries, zealots of many kinds have ridden forth to force others to conform to their own beliefs for far too many years. They follow the paths of conquerors and invading peoples recorded over the past 5,000 years! All were seeking some “good” and justified their violence in view of that.

Yet that is not God’s vision or dream for humanity.

God speaks to individuals, offering love, unconditional love. This is the key to God’s big dream. Love – selfless, offered without expectation of repayment, and to all.

It sounds crazy. Totally impossible, highly risky, sure to lead to disaster, and not at all likely to turn out well for its proponents and those who work to bring it into focus.

Yet God is patient and consistent. Centuries don’t really matter when one exists outside of time itself!

Perhaps more importantly, God is willing to start small – with individual people. Abraham, Moses, Samuel, Isaiah, Micah, John the Baptist. The fields were prepared for many centuries before God became one of us, coming as a carpenter from a small town in a conquered country.

John the Baptist came preaching repentance, like so many prophets before him. The time for the coming of the anointed one of the Lord is coming close. “Prepare the way of the Lord.” Yet similar words had been spoken by prophets through the ages. Who could have imagined the time had actually come!

One day, after his baptism in the Jordan, Jesus was walking towards the people again gathered there. John had a group of followers, disciples, who believed his message and gathered to help prepare the way, whenever it might come. John looked up and saw his cousin, Jesus.  He exclaimed to his disciples, “Behold, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world.” This man, this man you see with your own eyes. This man is the one for whom we have been waiting.

In the Gospel according to St. John, the Baptist goes on to explain. “I did not know him, but the reason why I came baptizing with water was that he might be known to Israel.” In other words, “My job is done!”

A reasonable question would be, how did John know? John’s testimony continued. “I saw the Spirit come down like a dove from heaven and remain with him.” Blessedly, the Lord had told John what to look for ahead of time. “On whomever you see the Spirit come down and remain, he is the one who will baptize with the Holy Spirit.” John declared, “He is the Son of God,” the one who is to come. (Jn 1:29-34)

Once again, God’s dream doesn’t come to pass through great force or massed armies. God’s dream continues to unfold through the Spirit, the Holy Breath of God, coming and remaining with one who is truly human and seeks to do the will of the Lord.

Years later, after Jesus had lived his life and mission, died, and risen from death, the men and women who heard the story of his life and believed his word shared what they had received from the first witnesses.  Bit by bit, the word spread and communities of faith sprang up around the empire.

In Greece, the apostle Paul founded many such communities, including one in Corinth, a major cosmopolitan seaport. As might be expected, as the community grew, Paul kept in touch. In his first letter to the Corinthians, his greeting illustrates the development in his world of God’s dream. He addresses the “church of God that is in Corinth,” to all who shared in the grace poured out through Jesus there and throughout the world. “Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.” (1 Cor 1:1-3)

Grace and peace. These are the dream of God for all of us.

How will it come about? Only through decisions made on a daily basis to care for others. The rich certainly need our prayers and have special challenges. However, those to whom Jesus points us through his words and the example of his ministry are those who don’t have all they need. The hungry, the thirsty, those in prison, those who seek refuge in other lands, those who need work, the unhoused, the sick – all these are part of the dream of God. As the community of people around the world reach out and help, that dream comes closer to fulfillment.

It’s not enough to expect only local communities to be able to assure that all people there have what they need. Some things require people to work together on a larger scale. In our world today, it’s even more important for us to reach across boundaries of community, state, nation, and region to help each other. When some have more resources than they can ever possibly expect to need and others must pick up pennies off the street to get enough money to buy a sandwich, the dream of God is not fulfilled. When nations have funds to build and use massive military weapons but will not spend a fraction of that amount to help children in less wealthy countries get health care and schooling, that dream of God in not fulfilled. When those who can pay large sums of money for permission to live in another country, but that same country turns away or mistreats those whose farm lands and orchards have been mined by drug gangs who have driven them out, that dream is not fulfilled.

So, this week, as we ponder the words of Isaiah, the witness of John the Baptist, and the cry of the Psalmist who prays, “Here I am Lord, I come to do your will,” I pray that we have the courage to continue to work for justice. The strength to keep showing up. The hope to believe God’s promises.

Peace be with you.

Readings for the Second Sunday in Ordinary Time – Cycle A

 

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Posted by on Jan 10, 2026

The Spirit of God Descending on Him Like a Dove

The Spirit of God Descending on Him Like a Dove

How does God come to us? What signs or wonders are seen? Will there be lightning or thunder? Will the earth shake? Will the winds blow fiercely? How does God come to us? Would we recognize his coming when it happened?

All four Gospels describe the moment when Jesus experienced the coming of the Father to him personally.

Jesus’ cousin John, son of Elizabeth and Zacharia, was a prophet. When they were both around 30 years old, John came out of the desert and began preaching and baptizing people in the waters of the Jordan River. He preached repentance from sin and spoke of the imminent arrival of the one who would bring the reign of God to the world. John described himself as a “voice crying in the wilderness.” His role – to call all people to prepare for this world-transforming event.

And then the day came.

Jesus came to the Jordan from his home in Galilee. He listened to John and then approached the river to be baptized. John was taken aback. “I need to be baptized by you, and yet you are coming to me?” But Jesus was adamant. “Allow it for now, for thus it is fitting for us to fulfill all righteousness.” In more contemporary words, “It’s OK. We need to do it this way!”

Jesus entered the water and John poured some of it over him. As he left the river, “the heavens were opened for him, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and coming upon him.” Wow.

As if that weren’t enough, a voice from the heavens spoke: “This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased.” (Mt 3:13-17)

Of those present, John the Baptist also heard the words, because each of the gospels describes them as having been heard. Did all hear them as clearly spoken words? John did, because in at least one instance he told his followers what he had heard. But who knows what anyone else heard. Another gospel says the voice thundered. For those to whom it mattered, the words were clear!

The image of the Spirit descending like a dove is also important here. While the landing of any bird is not without a certain amount of fluttering wings and outstretched feet, a dove coming out of the sky unexpectedly is much different than a bird of prey such as a hawk, falcon, or eagle – smaller and with a much less fearsome beak, among other things!

A dove is a sign of peace. In the time of Noah, for example, it was a dove that was sent forth to see if dry land was appearing again – the earth no longer covered by the flood waters. The return of the dove with a small branch that had leaves was a great sign of hope. God’s anger had abated and the flood would end. People could again live on the earth.

We all too often think only great signs and wonders will announce the coming of important changes or personages. Strong leaders will be needed to bring peace and keep away enemies. Powerful armies will guarantee peace. Organized companies will provide the products and services we need most efficiently. And so forth and so on.

But what all too often happens is that we forget that it’s in the small, everyday interactions that true peace and justice are born. Only there do they gain the traction to spread. Mighty armies and powerful nations simply cannot do it.

Jesus was called by a voice from the heavens. However, it was not a mighty bird but rather a dove that came upon him at that moment. In the same way, when the Lord comes to individuals, it’s not typically with a great display of power and energy. It’s in a quiet embrace of love that permeates every pore of that person’s being and gently says, “I love you.” After receiving that gentle, quiet embrace, everything is different. Nothing can be the same again, because “I am loved.” And if I, who am not perfect, am loved, then so must you be loved.

Another prophet, Isaiah, spoke of the coming of the Lord’s servant long ago. “Here is my servant whom I uphold, my chosen one with whom I am well pleased, upon whom I have put my spirit.” This chosen one is not a person who is going to go out shouting at people, breaking things, or otherwise breaking up the society and world in which they live. This servant is coming to establish justice on earth. How? What will be the sign of the coming of the servant? This person will be “a light for the nations” who opens the eyes of the blind, releases prisoners, and brings people into the light out of darkness. (Is 42:1-4, 6-7)

Is this for one nation only? Blessedly, not at all. As the apostle Peter discovered when he was called to the home of the Centurion Cornelius and found the Lord had already poured the Spirit out on that household as well, “God shows no partiality. … in every nation whoever fears him and acts uprightly is acceptable to him.” Peter also declared as he spoke that day, “God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and power. He went about doing good and healing all those oppressed by the devil, for God was with him.” (Acts 10:34-38)

With the celebration of the Baptism of the Lord, we close the Christmas season and enter into the mysteries of the adult life of Jesus.

What will this new season bring? How will we live the love we have received? Where will we seen Christ in those around us? What concrete actions will show the presence of the Holy Spirit in our lives, reaching out through us to those in need or those most vulnerable to the harmful results of local, national, or international policies and actors.

Pray with me for the courage to open our eyes, to open our hearts, and to open our ears. The courage to notice the Spirit coming into our lives and hear the voice of the Lord whispering and calling to us, “This is who you are – one whom I love dearly, my beloved child.”

Peace be with you.

Readings for The Baptism of the Lord – Cycle A

Cyprian Consiglio, O.S.B. Cam has a wonderful song I share with you today. This is Who You Are

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Posted by on Jan 5, 2026

Governing With Justice – Rescuing the Poor and Afflicted

Governing With Justice – Rescuing the Poor and Afflicted

“O God, with your judgment endow the king, and with your justice the king’s son.”

With these words from Psalm 72 at Epiphany, we are introduced to a new vision of what it means to govern – to govern with justice.

When the king and his son govern with the Lord’s judgment, the result is not what so often happens historically. Historically, many rulers have come to power through violence or trickery. Others grow up as children of rulers, having their every whim granted. They assume this will continue for the rest of their lives and set out to make it so. The result of this common pattern is not peace and justice for the community. It is all too often oppression, poverty, anger, frustration, and sometimes outright rebellion and wars. The opposite result occurs when governing with the Lord’s judgment.

The psalmist sings of justice flowering and profound peace from sea to sea for all time, and, in a reference some might have heard in recent years, “from the River to the ends of the earth.” The term, the river, refers to the land of Abraham’s birth, in Ur of the Chaldees – a land currently known as Iraq. In other words, this justice and peace are to flow through all the world.

Kings will bring gifts and tribute/money and pay him homage. Nations will serve this king. Why? Because he rescues the poor and the afflicted. He takes pity on the poor and saves their lives. Not a common picture of the typical reason kings or rulers receive tribute from others. (Ps 72:1-2, 7-8, 10-11, 12-13)

The promise of Isaiah for Jerusalem seems in many ways to contrast dramatically with the image from Psalm 72. “Rise up in splendor, Jerusalem! Your light has come, the glory of the Lord shines upon you.” This prophecy speaks of darkness covering the earth until the Lord comes, shining over the land with glory – a light to guide the way of nations and kings. Prosperity, reunion of peoples gathering from afar, rich gifts from the powerful – all will be part of the splendor of Jerusalem. This was a great promise made to a people returning from exile, yet it is much more as well.

Notice, the psalm also speaks of kings bringing tribute and peoples of all nations serving the Lord. This isn’t the kind of kingdom or nation state we see in human history. This is something greater. Jerusalem is not just the capital of Israel. It’s not the city or land over which so many have fought through the centuries and continue to fight. This is the place where the Lord’s justice and glory shine forth. Those who approach it from all over the world bring rich gifts to share with all. Yet it is not those rich gifts that make it the wondrous place that it is. What matters is the presence of the Lord, the light shining forth to the world. Those who come to this place proclaim their praise of the Lord, the Lord appearing in glory. (Is 60:1-6)

St. Paul explains that this gathering of peoples is enlarged through the coming of Jesus to include all peoples of the earth – Jews and Gentiles alike. All are now heirs of God’s kingdom and grace. All are “members of the same body, and copartners in the promise” received through the gospel, the good news, of Christ Jesus. The old barriers that divided the world into those chosen and those rejected have been destroyed. All are invited to this relationship with the Lord whose light shines forth through the darkness. (Eph 3:2-3a, 5-6)

Light shining forth – new understandings – Epiphany.

The Lord came into the world as a baby, part of a normal human family. Yet his coming was not a humdrum event. Born during a census that required people to move from the towns in which they were living to the towns of their ancestors, he was greeted by the poor – shepherds who received word from heavenly messengers.

Shepherds were not the only visitors Jesus received. Wise men from eastern lands also came to visit, according to St. Matthew. Constellations in the sky which they had observed indicated a very special king was to be born in the land of Israel. They set out to visit the newborn and bring appropriate gifts. Being practical people, they first checked in at the palace to see the newborn, but that wasn’t where this king was to be found. The ruling king’s advisors checked the predictions for where the great king, the anointed one of the Lord, was to be born and reported that he would likely be found in Bethlehem.

The wise men, magi, found Jesus and his parents in Bethlehem. They offered their gifts and praise – gifts for a king. A greater king than any other. The one foretold in Psalm 72 and Isaiah. The one who would rule with justice and mercy, caring for the poor.

The magi returned home by a different route, to protect this child from Herod, the local king. They were changed by the experience of meeting this child and his family and carried that with them on their journey home. (Mt 2:1-12)

Shortly after the magi left Bethlehem, so did Joseph with Mary and Jesus – in the middle of the night. Into Egypt they traveled to escape the danger posed by Herod. As political refugees, they left everything behind to protect their child. Had they remained, he would have been killed with the other baby boys by Herod’s soldiers.

How are we to respond to these images and promises today? How and where does the light shine forth through our words and actions. Where do we look to find justice and peace? How do we care for the poor and afflicted? Is this only a personal responsibility or is it a communal one – something local and national governments are also called to do?

As we enter into another calendar year, with wars raging, countries competing economically and ideologically, arguments among peoples who have different visions for the future and understandings of who is responsible to help the young, the old, the newcomer, the neighbor, we will be forced to address these questions.

Epiphany, light shining forth, new understandings – justice and wise judgment as gifts from our God – may all these be characteristic of all who are followers of the Lord God. May we keep our eyes and hearts open to find the child sent from on high, bringing light and life to our world. And may we be partners in the great task of serving those least able to protect themselves and prosper. With this heavenly king, may we have pity for the lowly and the afflicted, reaching out to save the lives of the poor.

Readings for The Epiphany of the Lord – Cycle A

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Posted by on Dec 21, 2025

I Do It Myself – A Step in Growing Up But Not the Goal

I Do It Myself – A Step in Growing Up But Not the Goal

“I do it myself” declares the young child as a new skill is proudly claimed. Mom, Dad, Brother, Sister – “I can do it on my own. I don’t need your help for this” is the way we older folks might express the same thought.

Sometimes we simply smile when we hear a young child express such feelings. It’s a sign of growing maturity and competency with the skills they will need throughout their lives. Other times, it can be very frustrating for those of us who must stand by and wait for the child to accomplish the task or do it less perfectly than we might like to see. After all, time doesn’t wait for anyone and sometimes we need to get out the door!

This reality struck me as I was reading some background information on King Ahaz and his response to the Lord’s work spoken to him by the prophet Isaiah. “I will not ask! I will not tempt the Lord!”

In a world and society in which doing things ourselves is highly valued, these words seem rather admirable. Why not act responsibly and behave like grown-ups? Isn’t that what Ahaz is doing?

Well, as it turns out, that’s not what Ahaz should have been doing. Ahaz was king of Judah, the southern kingdom. Judah was being threatened by Syria and Israel (kingdoms to the north). Those kingdoms, in turn, were being threatened by Assyria. As a king from David’s line, Isaiah reminds him, he can call on the Lord for insight and help in making the decision about how best to protect his people. The Lord has traditionally come to the aid of leaders who ask for this help.

But Ahaz refused to ask.

Isaiah didn’t simply tell Ahaz that whatever he wanted to do would be all right. He spoke a prophecy – a sign the Lord would send. “The virgin shall conceive, and bear a son, and shall name him Emmanuel.” (Is 7:10-14)

The meanings of the words are important here. Emmanuel means “God with us.” The original Hebrew term used to describe the woman who would bear the child was “almah,” meaning essentially a young woman who was old enough and free to marry. When the scripture was translated into Greek, the word used was “parthenos,” which is translated as virgin.

The technical details of how it would all come to pass were left to the Lord to figure out.

Centuries passed before this promise came to fruition. By the time Jesus was born, the nation had passed through the Babylonian captivity, the return to Israel when Persia defeated Babylon, and later conquests by other regional empires. Finally, under the Roman empire, the prophecy was fulfilled.

St. Matthew described the reaction of Joseph, an honorable man who discovered that his bride-to-be was expecting a child before they were married. Shocked, he still did not want to denounce her for punishment, but he planned to divorce her quietly and move on with his life. However, the Lord’s messenger, an angel, appeared to him in a dream before he acted.

“Joseph, son of David,” said the angel, “do not be afraid to take Mary your wife into your home. For it is through the Holy Spirit that this child has been conceived in her. She will bear a son and you are to name him Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins.”

Joseph believed the angel, God’s special messenger, and took Mary into his home as his wife. He cared for her and the child born to them, loving and supporting them both for the rest of his life. (Mt 1:18-24)

Joseph’s approach was in many ways the complete opposite of Ahaz, who assumed he knew just what to do and could do it himself. Joseph accepted the word that came to him from the Lord and trusted that the Lord would be there to help. Rather than “I do it myself,” he trusted the Lord enough to go against tradition and love Mary and raise a son with her as a loving father.

After Jesus’ death and resurrection, as the community of believers grew and expanded out from Israel into surrounding lands, St. Paul received a call to share the Good News with non-Jews, those known as Gentiles. In his letter to Roman Christians, Paul begins by introducing himself as subject to the rule of Jesus, the Christ, called to share the gospel, the Good News, of God with all. Though Jesus was descended from David, his power and authority stem from being the Son of God. This power and authority open to all peoples the gift of sharing in the life of grace in the new kingdom of God. He concludes his introduction with a special greeting and blessing. “Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the lord Jesus Christ.” (Rom 1:1-7)

Hear these words with fresh ears again today. They are meant for all of us too and echo across the ages. “Grace to you and peace.”

Although we have been encouraged to be independent and earn everything on our own, in reality, “I do it myself” is a reflection of childhood and a stage of growing into adulthood. As we grow, we are to learn wisdom as well. We learn to trust our God and Father to be there to help. We help each other and in doing so, we grow in God’s life (grace) and experience the peace of knowing God is there supporting us.

The coming of the Lord is near. We remember his birth so long ago. We remember his parents and their “yes” to God’s request of them. We listen to hear God’s request of us.

Grace and peace be with you in this time of quiet waiting for the Lord’s coming.

Readings for the Fourth Sunday of Advent – Cycle A

 

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Posted by on Dec 14, 2025

Still A Time to Rejoice

Still A Time to Rejoice

In the mist of world and national turmoil, it’s easy to wonder today if there’s any reason for hope or rejoicing. Nations are at war with other nations. Some nations are in the midst of civil wars. Some nations are acting as if they were formally at war, despite minimal evidence and war never having been declared or approved. It’s not a pretty picture this December.

And yet, we have reached the Third Sunday of Advent, a Sunday known as Gaudete Sunday – Rejoice Sunday. So what signs are there of hope? For what are we to rejoice?

Isaiah speaks of a promise made long ago regarding the power of the Lord coming into our world. This power isn’t manifested in massive movements of earth or great signs in the sky. It’s not found in the arrival of armies or the newest, greatest weapons available to powerful nations or warriors. It’s not met with great fanfare.

No, none of the things we usually associate with power is among the signs Isaiah tells us to watch for. Instead, “the desert and the parched land will exult; the steppe will bloom with abundant flowers, and rejoice with joyful song.”

What? That sounds like Springtime. Here on the central coast of California, it sounds like the land looks after the first rains of Fall arrive and the birds and butterflies return from their journeys to the north. The fields resound with the chatter of the birds, telling each other of all that they have seen and all the family and friends they met in their travels. Flowers spring up. Butterflies flutter through the air.

Nothing and everything spectacular to see – is this part of the way the Lord comes?

When God comes, what will happen?

Isaiah assures us: “Then will the eyes of the blind be opened, the ears of the deaf be cleared, then will the lame leap like a stag, then the tongue of the mute will sing.” Again, these are not earthshaking events, except to those who experience this healing, those whose lives are transformed by the power of the Lord. (Is 35:1-6a, 10)

But that was all a long time ago, some might say. Surely, when the Lord actually came, the signs would have been different. But were they?

John the Baptist came, calling the people to change their ways and prepare for the coming of the Lord. As prophets so often do, he got in trouble with the ruler, in this case King Herod, and was thrown into prison. He heard of the teaching and healings being done by his cousin, Jesus, and sent his followers with an important question. “Are you the one who is to come, or should we look for another.” A very reasonable question. If Jesus denied being the one who was to come, then who would it be and where would he be found?

Jesus responded by reminding them of the ancient prophesies. “Go and tell John what you hear and see: the blind regain their sight, the lame walk, lepers are cleansed, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, and the poor have the good news proclaimed to them.” He added, “And blessed is the one who takes no offense at me.”

The Lord is acting in the everyday world of those who suffer and who are abandoned by their society, just as the prophets foretold.

Jesus went on to remind the people who had come to hear him teach that John did not come as a member of the powerful ruling elite of his country. He came as a prophet – one sent to prepare the way for the Lord. “Yet the least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he.” (Mt 11:2-11)

The kingdom of heaven – the new creation, the new reality that began with the coming of Jesus into the world. The new world of blessing he proclaimed to all.

The earliest followers of Jesus took his words seriously. The kingdom is at hand. All will be new. None will know the day and the time when all will change and the kingdom become obvious in the daily reality of human life in this world. So they lived in hope and expectation.

Centuries have passed now and things still seem to be going rather poorly among humans. We can appreciate the impatience of the early Christians who heard the words of James the apostle telling them, “Be patient … until the coming of the Lord.” Farmers have to wait for their harvest. The rains come when they will. And we too must be patient and filled with hope, because “the coming of the Lord is at hand.” (Jas 5:7-10)

And so, we wait. We wonder when the wonders of the Kingdom will become the way of the world. We may even lose hope at times.

Yet Isaiah’s words, and the words of Jesus and St. James are again here to remind us. The Kingdom is at hand.

Where do we see it today? We see it in programs set up to feed the hungry. We see it in community clinics that provide care for those whose income is too low to pay for what the treatment for their conditions really cost. We see it in tutors who work with children who are struggling in school and may still be learning the language of the nation among whom they are now living. We see it in networks of people who gather to welcome and support immigrants and asylum-seekers. We see it in the quite ministry of a retired nurse who helps care for her elderly neighbor across the street every evening. We see it in children who befriend newcomers to their school or neighborhood. We see it in local and national leaders who speak up and work to establish policies that protect the vulnerable and find solutions for the challenges that are too large to be successfully handled by individuals or small communities.

The kingdom is alive and well in our communities. It is growing quietly and sometimes under the radar, to protect those in danger of harm from the powerful. But it is here. It is growing. It will not be overcome by those who seek to destroy it by force.

And so, we again rejoice. We give thanks to the Lord for working with and loving so deeply the everyday ordinary people of this world. And we do our part to build up the kingdom – one day at a time, one meal at a time, one smile at a time.

Peace be with you. Rejoice, for the Kingdom is at Hand!

Readings for the Third Sunday of Advent – Cycle A

 

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Posted by on Nov 29, 2025

Come Let Us Climb the Lord’s Mountain

Come Let Us Climb the Lord’s Mountain

Most of us don’t live on mountains. We live lower down, where the land is flatter and living is easier. But hills and mountains are special places in our experience. It takes some effort to get up or down a hill and even more to get up towards the top of a mountain. Some mountains are easier to climb than others, but all offer a special something that leads us to them.

When we get up on the mountainside, the views that stretch out in front of us are amazing. From a simple meadow, we look down into valleys, across to broad fields or other mountains rising in the distance. The worries and concerns of the day can slip away as we see the broader world and its beauty. As we open to take it all in, we find refreshment and rest before we return to the day-to-day activities of our lives.

In ancient times, mountains were the site of encounters between God and humans. Moses was called up to the top of Mt. Horeb to receive the Law from the Lord. The prophet Elijah waited high up on the same mountain to meet the Lord, who came to him in a quiet whisper of voice. The temple itself was built on a mountain. It wasn’t the tallest mountain in the area, but it was certainly a point of focus within the city of Jerusalem because this was the place of the dwelling of the Most High, rebuilt after the exile in Babylon.

Isaiah describes this mountain, Zion, as the house of Jacob’s God. People from all over the world come to this mountain, seeking to learn how to walk in the Lord’s paths. There they will turn from war to peace, learning to “walk in the light of the Lord.”

The view from the Lord’s Mountain turns towards peace and acceptance of others, regardless of which nation is their homeland, because the Lord calls and guides all peoples. “Come let us climb the Lord’s mountain” – all are welcome and called. (Is 2:1-5)

Jesus too traveled to the mountain of the Lord, the temple in Jerusalem. He was known to pray by himself on mountains and hillsides as he traveled through the land. Yet he didn’t focus on the mountaintop experiences. His mission was to all who lived ordinary lives.

He made clear in his teaching that the kingdom of God begins here and now. It’s not something far away. Nevertheless, the day and time that the Son of Man will come is unknown. “Stay awake” he tells us. “Be prepared … at an hour you do not expect, the Son of Man will come.” (Mt 24:37-44)

With the coming of Jesus, we have a change. No longer is God to be found mainly on mountaintop temples. God has become one of us, living in the everyday world with us. All will end one day, but in the meanwhile, look around. The Lord is here, present in each person we meet.

St. Paul reminded the people of Rome, “it is the hour now for you to awake from sleep.” Salvation is near and getting nearer every day. The risen Christ will come again. It might be very soon, but that is no reason to simply take it easy and sleep away the time until then. Be awake and actively living. Move away from rivalry, jealousy, and other negative actions. Turn always to the light and live as the Lord would. (Rom 13:11-14)

Climb the Lord’s mountain and find him also on the way, along the path, through the day-to-day activities. Sometimes, those daily patterns can be as challenging as climbing a mountain. Then remember to take time out, step onto the mountain for a bit, and see the bigger picture. Rest in the Lord’s presence for a while, before returning to the everyday challenges and joys.

Advent is here. We wait for the Lord’s coming. We celebrate the promise of the Lord’s coming. We rest in a bit of quiet as the world races around us, knowing that it is in the quiet times and places that we will find him newly born in our hearts.

Come, let us find the Lord together in this new year.

Readings for the First Sunday of Advent – Cycle A

 

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