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4/30/19
Pause for Prayer: TUESDAY 4/30
Three times, Lord!
In Sunday's gospel you greeted us not once,
not twice, but three times with the words,
Peace be with you!
These are words I need and love to hear, Lord,
and especially when they come from your lips,
intended for my ears and my heart...
Peace be with you!
I pray for your peace in the world, Lord:
a world plagued by terrorism and violence;
a world at war over hatred, bigotry and greed;
a world torn by strife and dissension;
a world so much in need of you, Lord,
so much in need of your peace...
And I need your peace, Lord...
I need your peace
to nudge me out of yesterday,
help me through today
and point me towards tomorrow...
I need your peace in my relationships, Lord,
in my family, in my neighborhood,
in my parish, at my school,
where I work and where I play:
I need your peace to mend and reconcile
what comes between me and my family,
friends, neighbors and colleagues...
I need your peace, Lord,
to calm my anxious fears,
to steady my unsure steps,
to settle my mind's confusion
and to heal my aching heart...
I need your peace, Lord,
to forgive my sins and failings,
to redirect my wayward path,
to ease my guilt and shame...
I need your peace, Lord:
enough to share with those in need,
with those who turn to me for help
when what they truly seek
is the peace that's only yours to give...
Amen.
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4/29/19
Pause for Prayer: MONDAY 4/29
Good morning, good God!
Still got doubting Thomas on my mind...
There are certainly times when I’m a doubter, Lord,
but also times when, without a doubt,
I do believe!
No matter how cold, snowy or rainy the winter may be,
no matter how long it stretches into a new year
I do, without a doubt, believe
that spring will come
to warm the cold that chills
my bones and soul…
No matter how long, how dark the night,
no matter how frightening my dreams,
I do, without a doubt, believe
a new day will dawn
with hope of a new beginning,
a fresh start, another chance…
No matter how difficult things may be,
no matter how lonely I feel, how alone I am,
I do, without a doubt, believe
that you and my friends will see me through
‘til better times are mine...
No matter how hurt,
no matter how broken my heart,
I do, without a doubt, believe
that as others’ hearts are mended
so, too, will my heart have its turn…
No matter how conflicted,
how confused I might be,
I do, without a doubt, believe
there’s a wisdom, a light and a path to truth:
a path I seek and want to walk…
No matter how far I stray from your path,
no matter how seriously I fail
to heed your word and do what you ask of me,
I do believe, without a doubt,
that your heart of mercy waits
to pardon and forgive me...
Even in the face of death, Lord,
even with a heart filled with grief and loss,
I do, without a doubt, believe
in your promise of eternal life,
of life with you forever,
in the company of those who’ve gone before me…
If, without a doubt, Lord,
I trust the seasons, the sun and moon,
my friends, my heart’s resiliency
and the promise of a truth that’s pure
and has no end;
if, Lord, without a doubt,
I trust that there’s a heaven, a life with you
where all is healed and all is peace;
if, without a doubt I so believe -
then why do I so often, too often doubt
that you’re always there for me,
and that with trust and surety
I can put my heart and life into your hands?
This morning, Lord, I offer my need
to believe, without a doubt, in you,
to trust, without a doubt, in you,
to hope, without a doubt, in you…
Help me believe that you are Lord
of all the seasons of my heart,
that on every day, in any month,
without a doubt,
you offer me a springtime of hope…
Help me trust that you are Lord
of all my days and nights,
that in every hour, in every moment,
without a doubt,
you offer me a new beginning…
Give me faith that you are Lord
over all my fears and struggles,
that in every difficulty,
without a doubt,
you’re my brother, Lord and Savior…
Help me believe that you are Lord
of my heart and all my needs,
help me believe that all my sin and pain can,
without a doubt,
be healed by your hand’s gentle touch…
Help me trust that you are Lord
of my mind and all my thoughts,
that in your wisdom rests, without a doubt,
the knowledge I need,
the truth I seek
and the peace for which my heart so longs...
Lord, help me believe…
Lord, help me trust…
Lord, help me put and keep my faith in you
- without a doubt...
Amen.
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Homily for April 28
 |
| Image source |
Homily for the Second Sunday of Easter
(Scriptures for today's Mass)
Have you ever heard of the “Shroud of
Turin?”
It’s a length of linen cloth bearing the image of a man
who appears to have suffered physical trauma
in a manner consistent with crucifixion.
It is believed by some to be the burial shroud of Jesus
but there’s no absolute scientific proof for this claim.
Nor is there consensus on exactly how the image was created.
I’ve heard people say how wonderful it would be
if science could authenticate that this is, indeed,
the very shroud used to wrap Jesus’ body for burial.
Wouldn’t that be just the proof we need
to convince everyone to believe in Jesus?
It’s a length of linen cloth bearing the image of a man
who appears to have suffered physical trauma
in a manner consistent with crucifixion.
It is believed by some to be the burial shroud of Jesus
but there’s no absolute scientific proof for this claim.
Nor is there consensus on exactly how the image was created.
I’ve heard people say how wonderful it would be
if science could authenticate that this is, indeed,
the very shroud used to wrap Jesus’ body for burial.
Wouldn’t that be just the proof we need
to convince everyone to believe in Jesus?
I’m not so sure.
Whether the shroud of Turin is authentic or not
has absolutely no bearing on my faith, one way or the other.
Should the shroud be proved to be of no historic value
my faith in Jesus would not in the
least be shaken.
And should the shroud be proved to be authentic,
my faith in Jesus would not in the least be increased.
And should the shroud be proved to be authentic,
my faith in Jesus would not in the least be increased.
My faith in Jesus, risen, has nothing to do with burial cloths.
It has to do with whether or not I have
met the risen Christ
in my heart, in my prayer, in the scriptures, in the sacraments,
in the Church: in you.
in my heart, in my prayer, in the scriptures, in the sacraments,
in the Church: in you.
And I have.
I have met the risen Christ in all these places.
I have not met the risen Christ as did the apostles
on that evening of that first Easter day.
I have not, like Thomas, encountered Jesus
showing me his hands and his side.
I have not heard the risen Jesus speak to me
such that I heard him with my own ears.
Contrary to what many people may think,
I do not have a “direct line to God!”
Faith in the risen Jesus was first preached to me
by Ruth and Austin Fleming, my mother and father.
They began by teaching me the story of the nativity scene
atop our TV set in our living room at Christmas
and how God’s Son Jesus was born in Bethlehem
on a beautiful silent night, long, long ago.
My faith in the risen Jesus grew as I’d see, as a child,
every Sunday at St. Mary’s Church in
Danvers,
the large crucifix near the altar
and my parents would tell me the story of Jesus dying
and how he died because he loved us so much.
the large crucifix near the altar
and my parents would tell me the story of Jesus dying
and how he died because he loved us so much.
And my faith in the risen Jesus became
more real for me
as I learned how Jesus, born in Bethlehem,
had supper with his friends on the night before he died
and that he rose from the dead to new life
and comes to me in Holy Communion,
as I learned how Jesus, born in Bethlehem,
had supper with his friends on the night before he died
and that he rose from the dead to new life
and comes to me in Holy Communion,
in the sacrament of the altar.
And then I became a teenager and I wrestled with my faith.
And then I became a teenager and I wrestled with my faith.
I had questions about faith that I was
sometimes afraid to ask
because in the days when I was a
teenager
- you didn’t ask those questions!
But that didn’t keep me from entering the seminary, where,
studying theology, I often found more questions than answers
and I really struggled with faith for years.
And I had doubts:
I had lots and lots of doubts about God and Jesus
and I struggled with reconciling my doubts and beliefs.
And yes, there were times, yes, when, like Thomas,
I doubted that Jesus had risen from the dead.
And I had doubts:
I had lots and lots of doubts about God and Jesus
and I struggled with reconciling my doubts and beliefs.
And yes, there were times, yes, when, like Thomas,
I doubted that Jesus had risen from the dead.
But Jesus came to me in my heart and in
my prayer.
Jesus came to me in the wisdom and truth
Jesus came to me in the wisdom and truth
of his word in the scriptures.
Jesus came to me over and over again in the sacraments,
especially in Communion at the table of his Last Supper.
Jesus came to me over and over again in the sacraments,
especially in Communion at the table of his Last Supper.
And Jesus came to me in my ministry
- and in the people of the Church.
For years and years - and for 25 years here in Concord -
For years and years - and for 25 years here in Concord -
Jesus has come to me through you - the people of my parish.
And through you, and with you, and in
you,
I believe that Jesus is risen in our
lives, yours and mine.
You’ve invited me to into your
vulnerability,
invited me to put my hand into the
wounds of your hurt,
and there I’ve found, I’ve met the
risen Christ.
My experience of and relationship with you,
My experience of and relationship with you,
and the sacraments, especially the
Eucharist,
and the wisdom of our tradition,
and the wisdom of our tradition,
and the truth of God’s Word
and the experience of finding Jesus
and the experience of finding Jesus
in my heart and my prayer:
all of this is so much more real to me than any burial cloth
all of this is so much more real to me than any burial cloth
that
may or may not have been wrapped
around
the body of Christ.
Neither you nor the sacraments,
nor the wisdom of the scriptures and
the Church,
nor my own prayer can prove the Resurrection to me,
but in each of these, in different ways, I meet the risen Jesus
who comes to me again and again with the same message:
nor my own prayer can prove the Resurrection to me,
but in each of these, in different ways, I meet the risen Jesus
who comes to me again and again with the same message:
“Peace be with you…”
It’s good to know that Thomas
It’s good to know that Thomas
(someone so close to Jesus
historically)
- also had doubts.
But what a shame that we’ve come to know Thomas as the doubter
when, indeed, he ends up being the believer.
Anyone who seeks to believe should not be surprised by doubt –
it comes with the territory.
- also had doubts.
But what a shame that we’ve come to know Thomas as the doubter
when, indeed, he ends up being the believer.
Anyone who seeks to believe should not be surprised by doubt –
it comes with the territory.
But let’s pray that none of us gets lost or stuck in our doubts
but that we open our minds and hearts to the all the ways
the Risen Jesus comes to meet us to strengthen our faith.
And what better place to pray for this than right here,
gathered with who-knows-how-many doubters and believers,
listening for the wisdom and truth of the scriptures,
in the shadow of Cross of the One who died for us,
who rose for us, and who comes to meet us, Risen now,
in the Bread and Cup of the sacrament
of this table.
The scripture tells us:
The scripture tells us:
“Although
you have not seen him, you love him;
even though you do not see him now, yet you believe in him…”
even though you do not see him now, yet you believe in him…”
And as Jesus himself said in the
gospel:
“Blessed are those who have not seen and have believed…”
One thing I do not doubt at all is this:
Jesus comes to meet every single one of us
in more ways and more often than we know or can imagine.
“Blessed are those who have not seen and have believed…”
One thing I do not doubt at all is this:
Jesus comes to meet every single one of us
in more ways and more often than we know or can imagine.
Let’s pray for one another that the
Spirit open our minds and hearts
and lead us through and out of our doubts - to faith in the Risen Jesus
- in our prayer, in the scriptures, in the sacraments, in the Church,
and in the faith we share with one another here at his Table today.
and lead us through and out of our doubts - to faith in the Risen Jesus
- in our prayer, in the scriptures, in the sacraments, in the Church,
and in the faith we share with one another here at his Table today.
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4/27/19
Pause for Prayer: SUNDAY 4/28
 |
| The Incredulity of Saint Thomas by Cope Amezcua |
Thomas was a doubter, Lord,
and sometimes
I'm a doubter, too...
Sometimes I doubt you, Lord:
your love for me,
your care for me,
the mercy and the peace
you offer me...
And I often doubt myself, Lord:
though others believe in me
I often doubt and second-guess my self:
when doubt backs me into a lonely cornerThomas needed to see your suffering's wounds
and leaves me short on hope...
when doubt blinds me to the truth
though the truth is right in my face...
when doubt renders senseless
any wisdom I have in me...
when doubt plays the devil
when an angel's help is what I need...
before believing in your risen glory:
sometimes it's my own wounds, Lord,
that keep me from believing
that you're always there for me,
that you're always by my side,
that you always have my back
and want nothing but the best for me...
Thomas needed to see
your suffering's wounds, Lord:
don't let my wounds, my suffering,
keep me from discovering, discerning
and delighting in the peace you offer me...
Help me to look with Thomas, Lord,
to look upon your wounds
to remind me you're no stranger
to whatever suffering may be mine...
Remind me how my pain marks
just the place where you, Lord, come to meet me,
to mend and heal my soul and doubts,
to lead me to your risen peace...
Like Thomas, I'm a doubter, Lord:
deepen my faith, my trust and my hope
and make me a believer, too..
Amen.
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A recap for those of us with some doubts...
 |
| The Doubting Thomas by Rocco Normanno |
I hope these variations on Caravaggio's The Incredulity of Thomas (just below) might pique your interest and lead you to this coming Sunday's texts and commentary and to spend some time with them along with these images. (And if you're bringing children to church, check here for tips for helping them prepare to hear the Lord's word this coming weekend.)
 |
| The Incredulity of Thomas by Caravaggio |
 |
| Incredulidad de Santo Tomas by Reubens |
|
| The Incredulity of Saint Thomas by Cope Amezcua |
 |
| Doubting Thomas by John Gregory Granville |
 |
| Image source for Doubting Thomas |
 |
| Doubting Thomas by Generic Art Solutions |
 |
| Doubting Thomas by Jonathan Hilson |
.jpg) | ||||
| Resurrection by Peter Sheesley -with the artist's permission. |
 |
| The Doubt of St. Thomas by He Qi |
 |
| Doubting Thomas by Ben Steele |
 |
| Doubting Thomas by Krishen Khanna |
 |
| Doubting Thomas by Michael Smither |
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4/26/19
Pause for Prayer: SATURDAY 4/27
 |
| Image source |
It doesn't seem possible, Lord,
that just a week ago this morning
I was in church with some good friends,
preparing the sanctuary for the Easter Vigil...
A fire needed to be prepared,
the font needed to be washed and filled,
the new Paschal Candle was unpacked
and adorned with wax rosettes,
signs of Christ's holy wounds...
Lilies were arranged,
the Sacred Chrism set out
and bread and wine prepared
for the feast of victory for our God!
Just a week ago tonight
we lit the new fire,
greeted the Paschal Candle, the Light of Christ,
and feasted first on Israel's scriptures
and then on the word of the new law...
With joyful song, the Alleluia banner
was once again unfurled and shown the gathered worshipers,
all prelude to the story of the women who came to the tomb
and left in haste to tell their brothers the good news:
Jesus had risen from the dead...
And then at fonts around the world
men and women were born again in baptism
and brothers and sisters welcomed to full Communion
and we made room for them at your table, Lord,
that they might share with us in the Eucharist,
the sacrifice of your love shared with us now
in the Bread and Cup of your Table...
All just a week ago, Lord!
Keep fresh in my mind and heart, Lord,
keep alive in my prayer and my soul
my memories of Easter 2019
and the joy that that comes in confessing
that you have been raised up,
that you live among us in the power of your Spirit,
that you are Lord of our lives
every day of the year...
Risen Jesus,
we hold your dying and rising
deep in our hearts:
living, now we remain with you,
our Brother, our Savior,
our Lord and Redeemer...
Amen.
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Pause for Prayer: FRIDAY 4/26
Who'll be the boss of me today, Lord?
Fear?
Fantasy?
My schedule?
The past?
Boredom?
Envy?
Booze?
My work?
Loneliness?
Food?
Illness?
Resentments?
Anger?
Others' expectations?
Money?
Anxiety about tomorrow?
Pleasure?
Self-doubt?
Routine?
Jealousy?
My will?
A relationship?
Drugs?
Worry?
Guilt?
Debt?
Stubbornness?
Laziness?
My toys?
Shame?
Grudges?
__________?
__________?
__________?
I've got so many masters, Lord,
each one vying to be my boss,
to run my day,
influence my choices
and decide my direction...
So I pray, Lord,
I pray for you to set me free:
free me from serving anyone or anything
that keeps me from serving you;
free me from giving in to anyone or anything
that fails to bring me peace;
free me from choosing anyone or anything
that does not make me whole,
that does not make me more honest, more healthy,
more loving and giving...
Be the boss of me today, Lord,
and make me more and more
the person you love and created me to be...
Be the boss of my life today, Lord,
and the master of my heart's desires...
Amen.
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4/24/19
Pause for Prayer: THURSDAY 4/25
 |
| Used with permission |
It happens every Christmas, Lord,
but please don't let it happen
now at Easter, too!
By the day after Christmas
the merry is fading,
the joy receding,
the generous giving's over and done...
Let the joy of Easter last, O Lord,
for near as long
as lilies trumpet joyfully
your rising to new life...
Let Friday's passion
warm my soul
with deep desire,
fired by your sacrifice...
Wrap Thursday's towel
'round my heart,
reminding me to serve you
in everyone I know and meet...
Let the lessons of Lent
and my growth in faith
shape how I live, how I pray
and how I generously give...
Let the joy of Easter last, O Lord,
for near as long
as lilies trumpet joyfully
your rising to new life...
Amen!
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Word for the Weekend of April 28 and my annual Gallery of Doubting Thomases
|
| The Doubting Thomas by Rocco Normanno |
I hope these variations on Caravaggio's The Incredulity of Thomas (just below) might pique your interest and lead you to this coming Sunday's texts and commentary and to spend some time with them along with these images. (And if you're bringing children to church, check here for tips for helping them prepare to hear the Lord's word this coming weekend.)
|
| The Incredulity of Thomas by Caravaggio |
|
| Incredulidad de Santo Tomas by Reubens |
|
| The Incredulity of Saint Thomas by Cope Amezcua |
|
| Doubting Thomas by John Gregory Granville |
|
| Image source for Doubting Thomas |
|
| Doubting Thomas by Generic Art Solutions |
|
| Doubting Thomas by Jonathan Hilson |
| ||||
| Resurrection by Peter Sheesley -with the artist's permission. |
|
| The Doubt of St. Thomas by He Qi |
|
| Doubting Thomas by Ben Steele |
|
| Doubting Thomas by Krishen Khanna |
|
| Doubting Thomas by Michael Smither |
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4/23/19
Pause for Prayer: TUESDAY 4/23
 |
| Image source |
Sometimes, Lord, even at Easter,
thick clouds hide the sun
and leave me in the dark...
Lost in dense woods,
a forest deep and drear,
I can't find the way out...
The path is overgrown,
my balance unsteady,
my step unsure...
The forest frightens me, Lord:
take my hand in yours
and lead me to a clearing
when the ache in my heart
echoes my heart's distress,
my longing for your help, Lord...
I worry and I wonder:
where's the light, the way, the path
to lead me from this wilderness?
Rise up as light in my darkness, Lord,
take my hand and show the way
to bring me home and to your peace...
Amen.
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4/21/19
Monday Morning Offering: 4/22
 |
| Image: George Mendoza |
Good morning, good God!
It's Easter Monday, Lord,
and I'm remembering yesterday's story...
I'm thinking of the women who came to the tomb
expecting to find you dead
but finding that you had already risen
from the dead...
I'm thinking of the apostles
hiding in fear behind locked doors...
I'm thinking of Peter,
finally making his way to the tomb
and walking away in amazement...
I'm thinking of the two disciples
walking with you on the road to Emmaus
and not recognizing you until...
Seems like your closest friends
didn't get it right away, Lord:
even when you were right in their faces
they didn't immediately or completely understand
all that had happened...
It took time for it all to sink in...
It took time
for them to wrap their minds and hearts
around what had just happened...
It took time for them to believe -
and more time for them to act
on what they came to believe...
It takes me time, too, Lord...
All these years,
and the message of Easter
is still sinking in, still making itself known,
still making itself real in my life...
And I still don't understand everything about Easter, Lord:
sometimes it seems I get the dying part
much better than I get the rising part...
I want you in my life
but sometimes I hide from you
because I'm not sure what having you in my life
will cost me...
Although I believe you're always with me
I know there are many times when I miss you,
even when you're right in my face...
So this Easter Monday morning, Lord,
I offer you the ways I hope I'll begin to live Easter
more this year than ever before...
I want to learn to wrap a towel around my heart
as you wrapped a towel around your waist:
I want to have a heart wrapped in your love
and ready to serve others' needs before my own...
Help me to see how my sins added
to the burden on your shoulders
on the cross:
help me know how my sins
made your burden heavier...
And help me learn, Lord,
that you are always just ahead of me,
drawing me out of myself,
out of my darkness into your light,
calling me to be closer to you,
beckoning me to follow where you lead
so that I will find you
even though I know you
are always right by my side...
Help me understand
when I don't understand, Lord;
to "get it" when I'm confused;
to take the time to let the Easter story sink in
into the depths of my mind, my heart, my life...
And because I so often miss you
even when you're right by my side, Lord,
open my eyes and ears and heart
to those in need around me
and help me to find you in them,
to serve you in them...
It's Easter Monday, Lord,
and I'm looking back:
draw me out of my darkness into your light,
to see your risen face,
your beautiful risen face,
shining on my own...
Amen.
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