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Daily Scripture

+ 7th Week of Easter

“Parting is such sweet sorrow.”

Readings: Acts 20:17-27 Psalm 68:10-11, 20-21 John 17:1-11

I am in the world no longer, but they are in the world, and I am coming to you. [John 17:11]

Shakespeare ‘penned’ the phrase quoted above. I didn’t understand it as a student of Shakespeare in high school but I began to understand it when I waved goodbye to my family as I sailed off to Italy on September 21, 1963 for a three-year stretch in Rome. In fact, it has multiple meanings and applications that I appreciate now more than ever before.

There is another phrase that perhaps gives credence to my thoughts so poorly expressed and it’s this: “Absence makes the heart grow fonder.” Ah, that’s it. At times we need to separate from ‘the source’ in order to appreciate how important it is to stay connected.

The farewell speech of St. Paul in Acts and the farewell ‘prayer’ of Jesus in John’s gospel were more likely composed by the authors of these texts along the lines of the farewell speeches of great leaders of their times in order to attract the attention of Jesus’ followers.

The departure of Jesus and later that of Paul created ‘fallow’ time in the hearts of the neophyte believers that was absolutely necessary if they were to grasp the significance of Jesus’ message and the teachings of St. Paul.

We are once again in ‘fallow’ time as we prepare for Pentecost. It’s a time of discernment during which we are invited to ponder the words and deeds of Jesus so that in his absence, we may come to know his presence in the Spirit that remains within us and around us.

As we ponder, it is important to reflect on the gifts of the Holy Spirit: wisdom, understanding, counsel, fortitude, knowledge, piety and reverence of the Lord. And the fruits of the Holy Spirit are qualities that are characteristic of a community living in Christ: charity, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, generosity, gentleness, faithfulness, modesty self-control and chastity.

There is much to ponder as we wait for the coming of the Holy Spirit on Pentecost.

Daily Scripture

Saturday March 10, 2007

+ Second Week of Lent

And everyone has a favorite Bible story too.

Readings: Micah 7:14-15, 18-20 Psalm 103:1-4, 9-12 Luke 15:1-3, 11-32

”_Who is like you, the God who removes guild and pardons sin for the remnant of his inheritance. Who does not persist in anger forever but delights rather in mercy _.” [Micah 7:]

“Tax collectors and sinners were all drawing near to listen to Jesus, but the Pharisees and scribes began to complain, saying: ‘This man welcomes sinners and east with them. So Jesus addressed a parable.’” [Luke 15:1-3] (The Prodigal Son)

I suppose it’s fair to say we have lots of favorite Bible parables and stories from both the Old and New Testaments. However, I think the parable of the Prodigal Son is probably one of the more popular not only among the old but also among the young. I suspect it is because there are so many characters in the story with whom we can identify and to whom we can relate. Of course, the story is really not about the ‘profligate’ (extravagant) son as it was about the ‘prodigal’ (very generous) father.

When I was a pastor, I loved to narrate this story to the children when they were preparing to receive the Sacrament of Reconciliation during Lent. I used it so much I had it memorized and the children were attentive to every word—you bet they were.

Of course, despite their exposure to it on TV, children do not have a clue about what dissolute living is all about. Nevertheless, they identify with the ‘guy’ in trouble and want him to come home. They take special note of the father’s daily search. (In a very dramatic way, I would run across the sanctuary and then up to the top step with my imaginary binoculars looking everywhere for the son in order to demonstrate the intensity of the father’s desire to have his son back at the family table. I think you get the picture.

I also used this text often at the annual Lenten communal celebration of the Sacrament of Reconciliation during which we would use the formula for general absolution. Adults listen to the story with different ears. I suppose it’s because we adults have tasted dissolute living in one way or another. However, I usually draw attention to the ‘other son’ who was resentful of his father’s generosity.

I wonder how the ‘fattened cow’ felt and if there are any who are willing to switch places?

In any event, I think Luke wants us to identify with the ‘prodigal’ father whose generosity exceeds by far any we can every experience in this earthly life. It’s only a touch of God’s mercy but there’s more than enough to go around and you and I need make sure that the word gets around during this season of repentance and renewal.