A Hen Gathers Her Chicks I yearn to gather you and your children together as a hen gathers her brood under her wings (LK 13:34, my translation)
Greetings on this the Saturday of the Fifth Week of Lent Readings: Ezekiel 37:21-28; Jeremiah 31:10, 11-12abcd, 13; John 11:45-56
Summary
I will make them one nation in the land, upon the mountains of Israel, and there shall be one king for them all. They shall never again be two nations, never again be divided into two kingdoms. [Caiaphas] prophesied that Jesus was going to die for the nation, and not only for the nation, but also to gather into one the dispersed children of God.(Ez 37:22; Jn 11:51b-52).
Reflection
Holy Week is fast approaching. Sunday we celebrate Palm Sunday. It is at once the gathering of all peoples by the Lord and the offering of himself for our sins.
The Paschal mystery is upon us. Let us prepare ourselves for this stupendous love and life giving divine action.
Personal Reflection
If possible, receive the Sacrament of Reconciliation as soon as possible. Be set free. Be gathered.
Sometimes you have to wipe your glasses to see clearly.
Greetings on this the Friday of the Fifth Week of Lent Readings: Jeremiah 20:10-13; Psalm 18:2-3a, 3bc-4, 5-6, 7; John 10:31-42
Summary
He went back across the Jordan to the place where John first baptized, and there he remained (Jn 10:40).
After giving witness as follows: If I do not perform my Father’s works, do not believe me; but if I perform them, even if you do not believe me, believe the works, so that you may realize [and understand] that the Father is in me and I am in the Father (Jn 10:37-38).
Jesus pleaded with them to believe the works (Signs). They didn’t. So he returned across the Jordan, where John was (previously) baptizing (Jn 1:28b).
Jesus already explained to them the hopes of Abraham and Moses.
Jesus is pleading with them (by way of remembering) to believe John the Baptist’s Testimony to Jesus.
The next day he saw Jesus coming toward him and said, “Behold, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world. John testified further, saying, “I saw the Spirit come down like a dove from the sky and remain upon him. The one who sent me to baptize with water told me, ‘On whomever you see the Spirit come down and remain, he is the one who will baptize with the holy Spirit.’ Now I have seen and testified that he is the Son of God.” (Jn 1:29, 32, 33b-34).
Reflection
I love you, O LORD, my strength, O LORD, my rock, my fortress, my deliverer (Ps 18:2-3a).
Everything John said about this man was true (Jn 10:41b).
Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world.
The one who will baptize with the holy Spirit.
I have seen and testified that he is the Son of God.
The Seven Signs of the Gospel of John weren’t enough for the detractors. So Jesus reminds them what happened at Bethany. The witness. I saw the Spirit come down like a dove from the sky and remain upon him (Jn 1:32).
Personal Reflection
Sometimes in our faith journey we need to go back across the Jordan to the place where John first baptized, and there we remained for a while. To contemplate the marvels of John the Baptist ministry, his witness of Jesus and the beginning of Jesus’ ministry. Then the signs make sense. Then the relationship with the Father becomes clear. Then the promises to Abraham and Moses come into focus.
When belief fades, return to where you first encountered the Lord. Go back… and see again.
Then we can say confidently: Your words, Lord, are Spirit and life; you have the words of everlasting life (John 6:63c, 68c).
Greetings on this the Thursday of the Fifth Week of Lent Readings: Genesis 17:3-9; Psalm 105:4-5, 6-7, 8-9; John 8:51-59
Summary
Jesus hid and went out of the temple area (Jn 8:59b).
To be clear Jesus had no fear of those attempting to kill him. You can use: But he passed through the midst of them and went away (Lk 4:30) as an example of divine confidence in the face of opposition, if you will.
You can also rest assured that every action Jesus takes is for the salvation of souls. So the action of Jesus ‘hiding’ or ‘passing through’ are not signs either of indifference but of deep pastoral concern for those who are in conflict with him.
So they picked up stones to throw at him (Jn 8:59a). So they again picked up stones to throw at him (Jn 10:31). Just a few days ago, in a similar way, Let the one among you who is without sin be the first to throw a stone at her (Jn 8:7b).
Divine love helps us avoid the deeper errors. It’s not about the rock, it about the hardness of the heart.
If today you hear his voice, harden not your hearts (Psalm 95:8).
What should we hear?
When Abram prostrated himself, God spoke to him: “My covenant with you is this: you are to become the father of a host of nations (Gen 17:3-4). The Lord remembers his covenant for ever (Ps 105:8b).
Recalling
Recall the wondrous deeds that he has wrought, his portents, and the judgments he has uttered (Ps 105:5). The Lord remembers his covenant for ever (Ps 105:8a).
Reflection
Drop the rock and melt the heart.
Personal Reflection
May my hands not hold rocks to throw but palms outstretched to give and receive.
Greetings on this the Tuesday of the Fifth Week of Lent Readings: Numbers 21:4-9; Psalm 102:2-3, 16-18, 19-21; John 8:21-30
Summary
Prefiguring the Cross of Jesus
So Moses prayed for the people, and the LORD said to Moses, “Make a saraph and mount it on a pole, and whoever looks at it after being bitten will live.”
The I Am – the Saraph – derived from the purifying fire of Isaiah 6 – on the pole
So Jesus said to them, “When you lift up the Son of Man, then you will realize that I AM.
(See also Jn 3:14-15 – And just as Moses lifted up the serpent in the desert, so must the Son of Man be lifted up, so that everyone who believes in him may have eternal life. And, Jn 3:12, 32, 34)
Reflection
So they said to him, “Who are you?” Jesus said to them, “What I told you from the beginning. I have much to say about you in condemnation. But the one who sent me is true, and what I heard from him I tell the world.”
O Lord, hear my prayer, and let my cry come to you (102:2).
Personal Reflection
Who can stand under the withering judgment of Jesus in regards to His Person, the Truth and the Father? Each error we make (sinning against one another) is a reflection of how we truly feel about Jesus. But for his love and mercy the criticism would be most severe.
But thanks be to God that is not the path we choose nor the one the Lord desires for us. He hears our prayer and he sees our anguish of our cry.
When teaching the OCIA Elect about Holy Week I make mention of the dialogical liturgy – entering into the passion of Jesus. We may hesitate when speaking our roles but these are precisely the reason Jesus came. We do indeed sin with other Kings and we do crucify Jesus with our sins.
We have no King but Caesar. Crucify him!
The purpose is to ‘confess’ together our need and the truth of our situation.
Greetings on this the Monday of the Fifth Week of Lent Readings: Daniel 13:1-9, 15-17, 19-30, 33-62 or 13:41c-62; Psalm 23:1-3a, 3b-4, 5, 6; John 8:1-11
Summary
In our sacred readings today, we are given a juxtaposition of two events.
One is an allegory from the Prophet Daniel regarding Susanna, an innocent and devout woman. The other an historical event in the life of Jesus with ‘this woman was caught in the very act of committing adultery‘.
Susanna’s story is one of Justice triumphing over evil.
But Susanna cried aloud: “O eternal God, you know what is hidden and are aware of all things before they come to be: you know that they have testified falsely against me.
In the second story Mercy blends with Justice over strict constructionists of the law bringing meaning to the psalm Love and truth will meet; justice and peace will kiss (PS 85:11).
But when they continued asking him, he straightened up and said to them, “Let the one among you who is without sin be the first to throw a stone at her.”
Confronted by the truth, they could no longer carry out judgment without mercy. Only Jesus and the woman remained.
Then Jesus straightened up and said to her, “Woman, where are they? Has no one condemned you?” She replied, “No one, sir.” Then Jesus said, “Neither do I condemn you. Go, [and] from now on do not sin any more.”
Reflection
I take no pleasure in the death of the wicked man, says the Lord, but rather in his conversion, that he may live (Ezekiel 33:11).
The juxtaposition is the way in which we encounter justice and mercy becomes not just a reflection of what we do but also the state of who we are.
The two corrupt judges in the Suzanna story found death for their dishonesty and wickedness. The Elders in the Jesus story retreated (and I pray, repented) of their wickedness – that is to say – law without mercy.
God’s justice reveals truth. God’s mercy restores life
And in Jesus, the two are never opposed.
For both women, liberation from injustice.
Suzanna → injustice of false accusation Woman → injustice of merciless condemnation
Personal Reflection
Sometimes law should be embraced not as absolutes because the law is not meant to destroy, but to call the heart to conversion..
Greetings on this the Saturday of the Fourth Week of Lent Readings: Jeremiah 11:18-20; Psalm 7:2-3, 9bc-10, 11-12; John 7:40-53
Summary
Then each went to his own house (Jn 7:53).
The phrase “went to their own house” is a well testified phrase in sacred readings. In general terms it represents the conclusion of a public gathering or completion of a meeting and off to perform the functions agreed to between those meeting.
In our case, it is the more solemn purpose. Where the individuals return to their private life and residence. A disconnection.
The conjoined phrase is: Then each went to his own house, while Jesus went to the Mount of Olives (Jn 7:53-8:1)
Geographically is symbolized as it is a lookout over Jerusalem. Specifically for Christians, a key site in Jesus’ life:
Prayers in Gethsemane
Triumphal entry
Ascension into heaven
Place of the promised return.
Jesus goes there alone. Everyone else disperses.
Jesus regroups and comes back the next day. Thank God!
Reflection
The part we must grapple with: each went to his own house.
A faith journey is hardly a return to one’s house but a journey forward. It is permissible to understand the return here as a rejection of the person, teaching and signs of Jesus.
Losing sight of their own words:
“This is truly the Prophet.” Others said, “This is the Christ.”
Others, firm in their discontent:
So a division occurred in the crowd because of him. Some of them even wanted to arrest him, but no one laid hands on him.
They answered and said to him, “You are not from Galilee also, are you? Look and see that no prophet arises from Galilee.”
Personal Reflection
We too have heard Jesus, saw his works, and experienced his Signs.
Greetings on this the Friday of the Fourth Week of Lent Readings: Wisdom 2:1a, 12-22; Psalm 34:17-18, 19-20, 21 and 23; John 7:1-2, 10, 25-30
Summary
Two Entries into Jerusalem – One in Secret; one proclaimed.
The Jewish feast of Tabernacles was near. But when his brothers had gone up to the feast, he himself also went up, not openly but as it were in secret.
The very large crowd spread their cloaks on the road, while others cut branches from the trees and strewed them on the road. The crowds preceding him and those following kept crying out and saying: “Hosanna to the Son of David; blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord; hosanna in the highest.” And when he entered Jerusalem the whole city was shaken and asked, “Who is this?” And the crowds replied, “This is Jesus the prophet, from Nazareth in Galilee. (Jn 7:2, 10; Mt 21:8-10).
Reflection
The Lord is close to the brokenhearted (Ps 34:19a).
The ‘secret’ entry of Jesus into Jerusalem is exactly 10 days before his very public Triumphant entry.
We allow the Wisdom of God to help us go from seeing Jesus as secret (hidden, undefined) to known and revered.
For some, they sought the cruelest methods to test him and reject him.
For others they wish to measure the closeness of the Lord.
10 days to decide: Hosanna or Crucify!
Personal Reflection
Lord may these next ten days be a time of discovery and wonder. Not as a testing of the Lord but as revelation on how we are loved and watched over.
May this be the praise on our lips:
The LORD is close to the brokenhearted; and those who are crushed in spirit he saves. Many are the troubles of the just man, but out of them all the LORD delivers him.
Greetings on this the Solemnity of Saint Joseph, Spouse of the Blessed Virgin Mary Readings: 2 Samuel 7:4-5a, 12-14a, 16; Psalm 89:2-3, 4-5, 27 and 29; Romans 4:13, 16-18, 22; Matthew 1:16, 18-21, 24a
Summary
The angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said,
“Joseph, son of David, 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.”
When Joseph awoke, he did as the angel of the Lord had commanded him and took his wife into his home.
Reflection
WOKE – To become conscious / aware of something important.
Joseph awoke. He became aware of what God was doing and responded with courage and care.
In the truest sense, Joseph was awake to God.
The supreme being WOKE, is to know the divine care for us.
There are so many parts that deserve attention.
Today is Saint Joseph’s day, so perhaps we can use his being WOKE as our guide.
God loves Him and Mary.
Joseph is her guardian and that of her unborn Son.
The Spirit of God is present for us within us and communing to us.
God saves – Jesus – is present.
Joseph took Mary into his home – into his safety.
It also WAKES us to:
God is not scandalized by irregular relationships.
We are to protect one another.
The Spirit of God talks to all of us – listen to him.
Jesus is for the salvation of all.
Our Safety is a gift to be shared.
Personal Reflection
Lord, you love everyone. Thank you for the example of Joseph who even went so far as to give the gift of his marital intimacy for the salvation of the world. Safe Care (the phrase) is used in healthcare and in family services. Safe Care is used in the middle ages called a ‘Stay’. It has many names across the ages and cultures.
Being Woke is a core Christian value. Woke to discrimination, prejudice, violence, hatred and warfare. Woke to fairness, freedoms of autonomy, and peaceful coexistence. It is becoming aware of the bruised, injured people needing care.
Woke is taking the rights and needs of others into our safe care.
Be a Joseph to Nations: Iran, North Korea, Ukraine. Be a Joseph to Mothers: the single mother, the pregnant without help. Be a Joseph to Sons: who need male example of righteousness not the phoney baloney toxic masculinity.
Greetings on this the Wednesday of the Fourth Week of Lent Readings: Isaiah 49:8-15; Psalm 145:8-9, 13cd-14, 17-18; John 5:17-30
Summary
The Work of the Son.
But Jesus answered them, “My Father is at work until now, so I am at work.” Amen, amen, I say to you, a son cannot do anything on his own, but only what he sees his father doing; for what he does, his son will do also (Jn 5:17, 19).
Reflection
Our work is a derivative of the Son’s work.
If I, therefore, the master and teacher, have washed your feet, you ought to wash one another’s feet. I have given you a model to follow, so that as I have done for you, you should also do (Jn 13:14-15).
We do what Jesus taught us to do.
Personal Reflection
May this day my work be derived from the Son and centered on the Father’s love.
