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Gospel Reflection for Sunday, September 24, 2006

Scriptural reflection on the readings for Sunday, September 24, 2006. I love the wisdom of Jesus. He is able to convey such powerful and transformational messages through very simple and succinct words. In the Gospel reading Jesus is announcing to the apostles an imminent event, his death and resurrection, an event that transformed humanity. Now, I can empathize with them not really getting what he was talking about. It is much easier for us to look back and interpret history. But instead of talking about the message, they were arguing about success and power. In the second reading James says "Where jealousy and selfish ambition exist, there is disorder and every foul practice." Selfish ambition was affecting them, and it affects most of us on a daily basis. When we are concerned about us, we can't understand Jesus' message, particularly since it is all about focusing on others.

Jesus' teaching was profound and beautiful: “If anyone wishes to be first, he shall be the last of all and the servant of all.” This past weekend I had the opportunity to see this in practice. I was part of a group of 12 men who facilitated a Christ Renews His Parish" retreat for other men in our church. The two day retreat was powerful, deeply spiritual, and life changing. The men executed all their tasks, breakout sessions, and witness talks flawlessly. It went so smooth. Why? We had a great lay leader who embodied servant leadership. But also, the men shared a strong spirit of service and humility, that allowed enough empty space for the Holy Spirit to do the most important work.

When we choose to be last, and to serve all, amazing things happen because we are more likely to be doing God's work, not serving our own selfish interest. God bless you and may your day be filled with humility and service.

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Gospel Reflection for Sunday September 10, 2006

A Scriptural reflection for the readings of Sunday September 10, 2006. In these readings we see the prophet Isaiah proclaiming that God will come and will help the blind see, and the deaf hear, and the mute talk. There's no reason to fear. In Mark, we see Jesus healing a deaf man with a speech impediment. Through his actions, Jesus was fulfilling what was written in the Scriptures. So much so that the crowds said, "He has done all things well. He makes the deaf hear and the mute speak.”

There are so many lessons in these short readings. We learn about the plan of salvation. We learn that we not only need to feel compassion for the poor, the oppressed, and the sick, we need to act with justice, we need to do something. We learn that we need to ask God to help open our eyes to recognize the poor and help them, just as James said in the second reading, "Listen, my beloved brothers and sisters. Did not God choose those who are poor in the world to be rich in faith and heirs of the kingdom that he promised to those who love him?" All of this is true. All of this is important. But sometimes we pray for help in the big things, when perhaps we need help in the little things that make a difference. Let me explain...

Sometimes we get so focused on our lives and what we are doing and where we are going, that we fail to recognize all the people around us. Last night my wife and I were taking a nice romantic stroll through the beautiful streets of Beacon Hill in Boston. We were admiring the old brownstone buildings, and enjoying the character and feel of the unique neighborhood. We were also focused on finding a nice restaurant to have dessert and coffee. We were just about to pass a couple who were probably in their late 70s, early 80s. They were commenting on a window display, we acknowledge them, joined them in their observation, and started to converse. This resulted in the most fascinating 30 to 40 minute conversation with such interesting people. He is a retired nuclear physicist from MIT and she is a PHD in public policy. We talked about politics, the middle east, peace, war, fundamentalism, God, hope, love, and life. We learned so much from this couple and they touched us deeply. Who knows what impact our listening had on them. We exchanged addresses and promised to get together for tea and cookies.

Our eyes could have been blind to them, our ears deaf to hear what they may have had to say, and our mouths mute of speaking kindness ad love. I think we need to be able to do these little things, in order to tackle hunger and other injustices in the world. May we always be open to absorb and interact with this wonderful world.

Peace!

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