Hey Theopholis – lover of God?

Today Jesus declares “‘the year of God’s favour”. This is one of the most powerful passages in the New Testament. If Jesus were running for president, this would be his campaign speech. The ‘year of God’s favour’ refers to a Jewish concept of Jubilee where all debts are cancelled and there is a redistribution of wealth and property amongst the community. In the OT this is said to have been declared every 50 years as God interrupts the human systems that create poverty. Imagine a community that lived in such a way. When things went wrong or when people got into trouble, we declared ‘Jubilee’ and started afresh. Jubilee is so called after the ram’s horn that was used to declare it. Jubilee was meant to dismantle structures of inequality. It shows us God’s unending compassion, mercy, generosity and justice. It was a year of restoration. Remember the year 2000 (Jubilee) ‘Drop the Debt campaign’? Imagine a world where every few decades we declared the year of God’s favour and all debts were cleared, slaves set free, and wealth redistributed amongst the community. That is economics according to God. That is how the early Christians tried to live. And so we continue a reading of Luke’s Gospel – one that is concerned with justice, poverty and the rights of all.

“Although they heard you Lord, they failed to listen. They heard only what they wanted to hear. The truth hurt them, you made them feel uncomfortable, and they rejected you…Show us how we may seek your Kingdom and help to bring peace to a troubled world” (Christian Aid ~ Tony Singleton). Jane Mellett ~ Intercom 2013

2nd Sunday in Ordinary Time ~ The Wedding Feast at Cana

As we leave behind the Christmas season, we move into the stories of Jesus’ earthly ministry. In the Church calendar we have entered into what is called ‘ordinary time’. However, there is nothing ‘ordinary’ about ‘ordinary time’ as it is during these weeks that we hear about all the extra-ordinary things that Jesus did during his earthly life. Today’s gospel of the Wedding at Cana is no exception. It follows on from the story of the Wise Men, and of Jesus’ Baptism in revealing to us who Jesus is. For Jews, a wedding was a great symbol of the Kingdom of God. John calls this account a sign, something that is pointing us to a deeper reality. We don’t know whose wedding it is and no one is addressed by their name apart from Jesus. It is a strange story. We can focus on the generosity of the gift in this story. Each stone jar could hold between 20 and 30 gallons of water, six of those would be 120 gallons of water. So how much wine did Jesus provide for the wedding? Let’s say about 120 gallons (500 litres!). This was no small amount of wine that Jesus gifts to the couple.

It is showing huge generosity and quality (he saved the best wine until last). We can thank God today for the abundance of gifts that he has given us – family, friends, creation, food, health. What else are you thankful for today? Jane Mellett Intercom 2013

Sunday 13th Jan 2013 ~ Be A Signpost

John the Baptist was a man whose life was driven by one mission: to point people to Jesus. We may think today of all of those people in our lives who have inspired us, strengthened our faith and pointed us to Jesus. Luke places a special emphasis on Jesus at prayer in his gospel. Jesus prays at the most important moments of his life. In today’s gospel, while Jesus is praying we hear that the heavens opened. That doesn’t mean it started lashing rain but in Jesus’ time it meant that the barrier between this world and the next had been opened. We get an image of the Trinity as God’s voice is heard and a dove descends. These are all signs to show us that Jesus is the Beloved Son of God, and that this is the beginning of his mission. We can think of our own baptism today and what that means. We are all sons and daughters of God and have been moved into the life of God at our baptism and at our Confirmation. That means that we have a responsibility to be part of God’s mission. We are called to take on that responsibility in our parishes, communities, families and in society. We have a responsibility, like John did, to point the way to God. Jane Mellett Intercom 2013

January 6th ~ The Epiphany

A new born baby usually tends to attract visitors and gifts. The Magi are described as wise men from the east. They may have been astronomers or philosophers but most definitely they were people who had their eyes, ears and minds open to the events going on around them, to the signs of their times. We see in today’s Gospel, how God is working through the people that we least expect. The wise men were not considered to be ‘religious’, or ‘the people of God’. Yet, God is working through them in lots of different ways. They may not have been considered ‘righteous’ in their time, but they are certainly people who have come to bow down and worship God. This story has a clear message: that Jesus has come for all people, not just a select few. Today, perhaps we can think about times when we found God in unexpected places. How did we react? What star, what guidance had brought us there? What gifts did we leave there? What gifts were we given there?

“Whenever the Christ in one of us meets the Christ in another, there will be an exchange of gifts. Let this thought protect us from the patronising attitude that we must ‘convert’ the other to our own way of living the Christ-life” Margaret Silf. Jane Mellett Intercom 2013.

30 Dec Lost in the Temple? (Luke 2:41-52)

In this Gospel we get a glimpse of Jesus as a young boy as he disappears for three days while the family are on pilgrimage to Jerusalem. Searching for a lost child for even 20 minutes is a most nerve wracking event for a parent. But to lose the Son of God for three days is something else. You might think that Jesus is even being disobedient to his parents in this story. We should remember that ancient writers often included a scene from the childhood of their hero in order to show the signs of great things to come. Jesus is eventually found sitting with the teachers in the Temple and is revealed as a very wise teacher.

While this gospel gives us a glimpse of the young boy Jesus, it is also a reminder of our own helplessness to do anything but let God’s dream be dreamed. Jesus knew this in a way that his parents could not fully grasp: “Why have you done this to us?” Mary and Joseph experience the tension between the anxieties of our world and the need to listen and live centred on God. Today we celebrate the feast of the Holy Family, we pray for families everywhere, for parents and children and ask God to be with them, to guide them and protect them. “The attraction of the journey is stronger than the pull of all the picnics on the way” ~ Margaret Silf.

"RABBI!... I want to see!" 30th Sunday in Ordinary Time

Mk 10:46-52

In today's Gospel we hear about Jesus' healing of Bartimaeus. What is remarkable about this story is the courage of Bartimaeus and his expectant faith. We pray for those who are on the margins of society and those who are suffering. Some of the crowd attempt to silence Bartimaeus. We pray for those who persecute others. We pray for those whose voices cannot be heard. Bartimaeus calls out louder because he has the kind of faith that speaks up and acts up. If Bartimaeus had believed quietly in Jesus, he would not have been noticed. We pray for those who are persistent in their faith and in their actions for healing and justice regardless of the consequences. Some of the crowd encourage Bartimaeus telling him to have courage and get up. We pray for those who work on the fringes of society, whose eyes and ears have been opened to the voiceless. Jesus asks "what do you want me to do for you?" We pray that we may have the courage to ask God for what we need no matter how impossible it may seem. Bartimaeus wants to see. We pray that we may all have our eyes opened to the realities of the world around us, that we too may take courage and ´get up´. We pray for those who do not want to have their eyes opened because they are afraid. Bartimaeus' healing is immediate and he follows Jesus on the way. We pray that we may receive the same insight as Bartimaeus so that we can follow Jesus on 'the way'.

Mission Sunday 2012

“For the Son of Man did not come to be served but to serve” (Mark 10:35-45) Today, Mission Sunday, Catholics worldwide are asked to recommit themselves to mission, to the Gospel message. Many people think of missionaries as those who travel to so-called developing countries and dedicate their lives to serving the poor and spreading the Gospel. Today we pray especially for them but we also recommit ourselves to following the Gospel message in prayer, in our daily lives and relationships with others. We live in an extremely unequal world that is in desperate need of the Gospel message of hope, solidarity, peace, love and equality. The Mission month of October reminds us all that we are bearers of that message. We are all called to be missionaries wherever we live; we are all invited to love and serve God by loving and serving others. That’s how we share our faith with the world. The Mission month of October offers everyone the chance to renew their commitment to the Gospel message. Can we be missionaries to our own families and to the people around us?

The impossible is often the untried...

Today’s gospel (MK 10:17-27) reminds me of the Olympic games in London a few months back as I was literally glued to the TV for two weeks of good news stories, images of solidarity, humanity at its best and the universal language of sport breaking down all cultural and political barriers (if only for 16 days). What struck me most was the interview given by Katie Taylor right after she won her gold medal, her first words being “Where would I be without God in my life?” Katie decided aged 11 she would be Olympic champion and aged 26 that’s exactly what she achieved. Katie talks of the Bible as her psychological tool and Jesus as the strength in her life.

The man in today’s Gospel is a man of faith but he wants to know what rules to obey and what things to avoid so that he can simply get on with things and achieve some deeper existence without too much bother. The man goes away sad perhaps thinking about a goal he had set but not achieved because he was unwilling to give everything. What Jesus asks seems impossible to him. We are not given impossible tasks. We are given dreams that can be achieved but that will involve hard work, determination, perseverance and bouts along the way. There is no easy path to a deeper involvement with life, whether that be in our relationship with God or with a community, a cause or a lifelong dream. We are reminded that ‘all things are possible with God’.

October 7th Mark 10:2-16

In today’s Gospel Jesus is being tested again with a controversial question on remarriage. “Is it legal…?” this honour/shame spectacle is challenging Jesus’ interpretation of the Torah and Jesus immediately tries to take his questioners beyond the letter of the Law. He reminds us of God’s creation and the harmony that exists or that should exist in the world around us. While the questioning refers specifically to remarriage, Jesus’ response is that we are all equal and should strive to stay away from all that causes disharmony.

The story of the little children may appear a separate incident but it again involves human relationships. The word ‘children’ meaning ‘little ones’ is not referring solely to children but to those in society who are considered ‘little’. What does Jesus do for them? He welcomes the rejected, he blesses them, he shows us that they are unique and each have something to teach us. “Lord, there are many things in life which you have made complementary, not two, but together forming one reality: young and old in a community; men and women in relationships; people of different cultures in our one world; body and soul within each of us. It is difficult to make this unity, and so we allow ourselves to divorce these things from each other. We see them as opposed and in competition. We thank you for Jesus who taught us that it was not so at the beginning of creation, and what you have united we human beings have no right to divide” (Michael de Verteuil).

Come away and rest a while....

Gospel for 22nd July 2012 (Mark 6:30-34) The disciples return from their ‘sending out’ and tell all that they have done. They ‘rejoin Jesus’. They have been so busy that Jesus invites them away to a deserted place for some time out. This is the first important point in this passage – even though we are sent out in many different ways we must always come back to the source, stay connected with the message, give time for rest, reflection, prayer and those ‘deserted places’. Only when we do this can we serve the needs of others. Jesus takes pity on the crowd who were “like sheep without a shepherd”. They have no leadership or perhaps fruitless leadership and follow the disciples and Jesus desperate for some new direction. The crowd take a risk in following them. We should not be afraid to follow those paths that may be counter cultural: “The biggest mistake is to sometimes play things safe in this life and end up being moral failures” Dorothy Day. A very apt text this Sunday for those of us taking holidays and finding some deserted places of our own. Here's a few of mine - have a great summer!

Prophets and home towns

Gospel July 8th 2012: I'm sure we can all relate to this Gospel as we imagine the scene of Jesus returning to his family, friends, those whom he grew up with, played with as a child, worked for. The local boy returns after his travels and tell all gathered in the synagogue (or local pub) of all his successes, how well he is doing abroad, how much he has changed and so on. And the response is still the same: “Who does that fella think he is?” “He is an idealist now?” “Today’s story of Jesus visiting Nazareth is well known and probably well related to for many people. There is that saying that the Irish do well abroad… try arriving home to tell the people down the local of your success and you won’t be popular for long. Jesus is having such an experience in today’s gospel as the people of his hometown simply won’t accept him. He may have achieved wonderful things, only last week we heard of the mircales he worked. But the time has come to return home to the home country and to teach there. People simply do not see him in the same way. We can sympathise with Jesus in this story, or perhaps recognise ourselves in those who refuse to accept that the local carpenter is now calling himself the son of God. Locals question him – his authority. He is unable to be a prophet in his own country. Jesus can’t work miracles there because miracles require faith. The Nazarenes are unable to see God working through someone who they knew well. How many times has Jesus been sent to us in the form of someone we knew well but we could not see Him?

"Talitha Cum"

Mark sometimes likes to interrupt a story he is telling with another story – we call it a Markan sandwich. We hear an example of it today (Sunday 1st July) with the healing of Jairus’ daughter and the woman with a haemorrhage. At first glance these stories might not seem to have a lot in common. The woman, a complete social outcast because of her condition is called ‘daughter’ by Jesus. Her social status is completely reversed, she is a child of God, not some outcast that can be shunned by the community. The synagogue official surprises us, pleasantly, with his faith in Jesus and his message, not something that those in religious leadership were credited for. What these two characters have in common is faith against all the odds. There are those in the story who laugh when Jesus says he can bring back Jairus’ daughter. They are sent away. Jesus’ healing breaks down all the barriers that isolate us from one another and from God. Not only that, faith in Jesus can even give us new life and help us to overcome things that keep us from being free: “Do not fear; just keep on believing”. Mark leaves untranslated Jesus’ own native language when he says: “Talitha cum” – a beautiful phrase meaning: “Little girl, get up!”. The girl has been given new life, the woman has been given new life also. Both have overcome those barriers that were keeping them from being free. We know what those barriers are for each of us as we reach out searching in faith and hope. “Talitha cum”.

Sunday June 24th: It's this way...

Today we celebrate the birth of John the Baptist and listen to Luke’s account of his nativity. Don’t panic, advent hasn’t arrived yet! John’s story is one of sacrifice and humility. His parents know there will be something very special about this child. Jewish historians account that John was a preacher around the time of Pontius Pilate who went around calling people to renewal! He spent a lot of time in the wilderness, eating wild things and wearing sackcloth. People flocked to the River Jordan to be baptised by him, a symbol of their repentance or renewal of relationship with God. John was a preacher, a prophet, a signpost pointing people in the right direction. We can pray today for all those people who acted as signposts in our lives and brought us closer and closer to God: “Lord, we thank you for people who guided us, but did not try to possess us: parents, teachers, spiritual guides, friends. For a time we stood with them. Very simply, like john the Baptist, they said to us, ‘Look, there is the one you should follow,’ and hearing this we followed that person” (Michel de Verteuil).

Sowing Seeds ~ Sunday 17th June 2012

The parable of the mustard seed seems pretty straight forward at first glance, but as always there is more to it than first meets the eye. Jesus did not compare the Kingdom of God to a majestic tree. There is an ancient text which forbade planting mustard seeds in Palestinian gardens because the shrub takes over wherever it is planted. It is wild, gets out of control, and attracts unwanted birds. The Kingdom of God grows from something small to something large, but more than that, its growth is overwhelming and it will grow even where it is not wanted. The Eucharistic Congress comes to a close today and no doubt lots of seeds will have been sown during this week in the RDS, in our parishes and on the streets of Dublin. “May your Holy Spirit transform us into one body and lead us to walk humbly on the earth, in justice and love, as witnesses of your resurrection” (IEC prayer).

June 10th: Though we are many, we are one body.

Today is the feast of Corpus Christi and for Ireland this year it is a special day as the 50th International Eucharistic Congress opens in Dublin. Lots of preparation over the past few years has gone into this event as we play hosts to thousands of pilgrims from around the world and across the country who are gathering together. Some people may be unsure as to what this event is about, others are completely immersed in it. Many will have joined with youth groups, parish groups, pastoral preparation programmes, while others will have questioned the entire process. Whether we stand on the periphery or have been counting down the days, this week is sure to bring us to a new point. We pray that it will bring people together in sharing, honest dialogue, celebration and exploration in hope for the future. “Be broken for each other. Pour yourselves out for each other. This is what it means to become my Body on earth…And we recognise Him in the breaking of a burger bun and the pouring of a coke” (Margaret Silf).

Sunday June 3rd 2012: We Gather

In today’s Gospel Jesus calls his community together. The disciples who gather in this passage, despite seeing the risen Jesus, have a mixed reaction of doubt and faith. Doubt can sometimes help us in our faith, it keeps our mind open, our hearts searching

and can bring us to a new point if we allow it. Like the disciples, we bring our doubts and our faith to our celebrations. Today’s gospel should give us much hope in times of struggle, especially in our struggle for renewal in all aspects of our lives and especially in the Church. Jesus’ reaction to this mixed group of worshippers is not so much to answer their questions but to give them a command: “Go!” The command to us at the end of every Eucharist we celebrate is the same: Go, live the Gospel. Whatever period of doubt or faith we are going through we must persevere and know that Jesus said: “I am with you always ~ to the end of time.”

SHALOM

We know the end of this story, but for the disciples after Jesus’ death fear was the driving spirit. They were suffering and had locked themselves away to nurse their despair and their fear. The doors were firmly closed.

In this account of the resurrection appearance, notice how John constantly refers to the wounds of Jesus. Even though he has risen he still bears the wounds. His suffering happened and he bears the marks of that suffering. He wants Thomas to literally get in ‘touch’ with his suffering. Thomas is often unfairly referred to as a ‘doubter’ and yet in this text he makes one of the most profound statements of faith: “My Lord and my God".

We can look back on times when we suffered in our lives and perhaps see those resurrection moments that it brought. It is through those moments that Jesus says, ‘Peace be with you’. One minute they disciples are locked away in fear for their lives, the next they are ready to embrace their mission to the world.

“The Jewish greeting of shalom, that is so much more than a good wish for a quiet evening. Shalom expresses the desire that the person receiving the blessing might be whole in body, mind and spirit” (Margaret Silf).

Easter Sunday

Revisiting the tomb

In today’s Gospel, Mary Magdalene is faced with the tomb. Every death we experience, whether it be physical death, the death of a relationship, an addiction, financial crisis, civil strife, they all bring new life in some form eventually. This story gives hope to millions of people, that these ‘deaths’ are not a full stop, but more of a comma. That despite the suffering, heartbreak or injustice, good will triumph. Whatever our ‘death’ experiences may be, we revisit them, going to the tomb as usual. And then we realise that something has changed, the stone has rolled away.

“Life will always prevail, through all the layers of death in which we try to contain it” (Margaret Silf).

Palm Sunday

Today we read Mark’s account of Jesus’ Passion and we may find ourselves asking, “Where do I stand?” Yes it is the long Gospel but we should try not to miss the journey that this offers us this week.

The cry of abandonment on the cross has to be one of the most frightening aspects of this account: “Eloi, Eloi Lema Sabbachtani?” My God, my God, why have you deserted me? (Psalm22). Jesus’ sense of loneliness is emphasised in Mark as he is betrayed, rejected, denied, mocked, tortured and then, at the crucial moment, even God is silent.

We also see an unlikely hero in the Roman soldier who confesses Jesus’ identity. We can remember those today who stand for justice, who fight for human rights, those who are counter-cultural, those who stand against oppressive systems even though the path is dangerous and lonely.

“Lord how true it is that success and popularity are not really important in life. The only important thing is that some unbelieving centurion, seeing how we live and die could say, ‘In truth, this was a son/daughter of God.” (Michael de Verteuil).

Palm Sunday ~ April 1st 2012

This is the last instalment of Something Different for Lent. We hope this DIY retreat has helped you to find some space during your day for yourself and perhaps it has helped you to pray & reflect. Today, Palm Sunday, we wave and bless Palm Branches. They are a symbol of rejoicing and welcoming. In Pre-Christian times, Palms were a symbol of triumph. Jesus’ entry into Jerusalem this Palm Sunday reminds us of the humility of Jesus’ earthly life, from beginning to end.

Suggestions for the week
Sacred Space:
You may have created a sacred space in your home for prayer during this Lenten retreat. Consider that space now:
• Can you continue to use it as part of daily prayer, especially during Holy Week but also after Easter?
• Has it changed over the course of this Lenten journey?
• Is there a symbol, a reflection, a word/phrase that has stood out for you over the past 6 weeks? What is it? Why is it significant for you?
• Perhaps you can place a palm branch in that space to symbolise the beginning of our journey into Holy Week.
Breathing Exercises: Focus on your breathing for a few minutes. Take three deep slow breaths, then focus on your normal breathing. Do this for as long as you can. This is the breath of life. Thank God for this gift. Repeat the following:
“Be. Be Still. Be still and know.
Be still and know that I am God” (Psalm 46:10)

Gospel Reflection: Mark 14:1 – 15:7
This Sunday’s Gospel is often known as ‘the long Gospel’. Don’t let that put you off otherwise you miss the journey that this week offers you. Try to read the Gospel, or part of it, this week.
• We hold up our palms singing “Hosanna, Hosanna” as we prepare to follow Jesus into Holy Week. How can this be a personal ‘moment of opportunity’ for us too?
• What does it actually mean to be a follower of Jesus? What does this challenge us to do?

Holy Week:
Monday ~ Reflect on the story of the Passion (Mark 14:1-15:7). There are so many characters in this story: disciples, friends, and betrayers. We can recognise bits of ourselves in each of them. Place yourself in the story. Be honest with yourself and think about what you would have done as one of Jesus’ followers.
Tuesday ~ Wear or carry a small cross in your pocket today as a reminder of God’s great love for you.

Wednesday ~ Make a small sacrifice for someone today.

Holy Thursday ~ What did you hope to achieve and experience this Lenten season? What steps can you take today to bring yourself closer to that goal? Tonight is the start of the Triduum (the period of three days that recalls Jesus’ death & resurrection). Mass of our Lord’s Supper takes places @ 7pm followed by adoration until 10pm for those who wish to stay.

Good Friday ~ When you make the sign of the cross today, remember it is a special sign of the victory of Christ’s love for you. The Passion of our Lord @ 3pm. Stations of the cross in the Phoenix Park @ 12noon, starts at Wellington monument.

Holy Saturday ~ Tonight, light a candle as a symbol of Christ’s light in your life. If possible light this candle during your prayer time in the Easter season. The Easter Vigil, the biggest celebration of the Church’s year, takes places @ 7pm.

Easter Sunday ~ New life! Is there a change you want to make in your life? Write a brief note to yourself as a reminder of this day of transformation. And, enjoy the chocolate!!

Thought for the week:
“On the Sunday before the feast known now as Palm Sunday, the Roman Governor, Pilate, rode into Jerusalem seated on his magnificent horse, along with a large garrison of cavalry and foot soldiers. People would have come out to witness the pageantry of it: thousands of soldiers with weapons, the beating of drums… On Palm Sunday, Jesus also entered Jerusalem, from the other side of the city, seated on a donkey. This was not a coincidence; this procession was planned in advance and carefully thought out. The reign of Jesus was to be a reign of peace that would banish chariots…Jesus intended his procession – which today would be called a ‘counter-demonstration’ – to contrast the two reigns, the Reign of God and the reign of Caesar, two very different visions of life on earth. ” Peter McVerry, SJ