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HOMILIES

TALK OF SHEPHERDS, SHEEP, AND WOLVES

This homily is based on John 10:11-18.

betrayal

This has got to be one of the saddest and truest statements we can read anywhere. It says it so simply and quietly. And when I try to imagine the speaker or the writer, whoever it is, I detect no trace of anger or bitterness in his face or voice; just a sad, quiet acceptance or perhaps a resignation to the way the things are.

No one who has experienced betrayal can disagree with it. What makes betrayal so heartbreaking is that by its very definition, it can, as the statement goes, never come from our enemies. Betrayal is a crime reserved only for those we trust and love.

Categories
HOMILIES

THE GIFT OF EMMAUS

This homily is based on Luke24:13-35 for the 3rd Sunday of Easter.

“We had hoped….”

We can hear the disappointment in the two disciples’ voices as they spoke to the stranger on the road.

“We had hoped…”

In other words, they no longer did.

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Categories
HOMILIES

SPIRITUAL DISINFECTION

This reflection is adapted from an Easter reflection from our online Holy Week Retreat.

Just a little over a week ago, when he was told the incredible news that the disciples had seen the Lord, Thomas did not hesitate to set his conditions for believing: “Unless I see and touch his wounds,
I will not believe.”

The Incredulity of Thomas (Guercino)
Categories
HOMILIES

RESILIENCE

I’m on the lookout for words or thoughts that I can repeat to myself throughout the day as a reminder and as a prayer.

Lately I’ve been thinking about survival and resilience.

Here’s a quote about resilience from poet Jane Hirschfield in her poem called “Optimism.” We all need that today!

Categories
HOMILIES MANTRAS

TODAY’S MANTRA

I’m on the lookout for words or thoughts that I can repeat to myself throughout the day as a reminder and as a prayer.

Lately I’ve understandably grown more mindful of my breathing, constantly monitoring my lungs, checking for any sign of compromise in my inhalation or exhalation–just in case.

Here’s a comforting mantra I learned from yoga.