Author: jcgosj

“WHY DO WE GET MISUNDERSTOOD AND REJECTED?”  (Luke 4:24-30):  25 February 2008 (Monday)

Today’s Readings

Some years ago I was involved in a local production of “Sino Ka, `Shua?” (“Who Are You, `Shua?”) starring the late RJ Leyran.  The video was adapted from a one-man play in English written by Rev. William Burke   It’s the story of Jesus (“Y’shua” in Aramaic) as narrated by a fictional childhood friend who reminisces about his best friend years after the crucifixion.  He does so with regret because like so many others, even as he tells his story, he fails to understand the strange and radical prophet that his friend has turned into.

“MUST WE GO HUNGRY FIRST?”  (Lk 15:1-3, 11-32):  23 February 2008 (Saturday)

Today’s Readings

I hadn’t really paid much attention to British singer Robbie Williams until someone lent me a DVD of his Knebworth concert.  It was a great concert that featured some really profound and provocative songs.  At one point, he listened to the millions in the audience sing the words to his song “Feel.”  He looked around him self incredulously and broke down.

“WOULD YOU GIVE UP YOUR THRONE?” (Mt 20:17-28):  20 February 2008 (Wednesday)

Today’s Readings

I recently saw “Elizabeth: The Golden Age” starring Cate Blanchett, a sequel to her 1998 film.  Although like the first, it struck me as a bit too anti-Catholic and anti-Jesuit, the movie nevertheless offered a moving portrait of Elizabeth I, who had to deal with the threat of Spain’s rising power as well as Catholic plots against her life.  Central to all these conflicts was her cousin, the Catholic Mary Stuart, whom many Catholics believed to be the rightful queen of England and whom Elizabeth had imprisoned and was forced to execute.  

“CAN YOU LET YOUR SHADOW TAKE THE CREDIT?”  (Mt 23:1-12):  19 February 2008 (Tueday)

Today’s Readings

There is an ancient story about a man who was so good that the angels asked God to give him the gift of miracles.  God wisely told his angels to ask the man first if that was what he wanted.

So one day the angels visited this holy man and offered him the gift of healing by hands.  But the saint—for that was what he was—refused.   Then they offered him the gift of converting souls.  Once again the good man refused.  Finally, they offered him the gift of granting virtues.  The good man smiled politely, but again he turned the angels down.  The angels insisted that he choose a gift or they would choose one for him.