Roc Homily – Feast of the Epiphany (A) 2017
The Feast of the Epiphany invites us to consider the Catholic notion of paradox – both/and. We’re asked to reside in between opposites. For example: On the one hand, we have these magi coming from Persia, present day Iran and Syria seeking the newborn king. On the other hand, we see King Herod, the chief […]
Roc Homily – Solemnity of Mary 2017 (fin)
Finally! As we saw earlier, some shepherds were takers and not givers. And the sign of hope for them (us!) was that they came to THE Shepherd. For us, can we recognize how we take without giving? And come to the Shepherd? And Mary “engaged, debated, made war against” all she had seen and heard. […]
Roc Homily (intro) – Solemnity of Mary 2017
From my study of the Greek work, poimén, meaning ‘shepherd’, it seems that we have overly romanticized these characters, made them innocuous. Of course, some have described them as poor, outcasts, smelly, and rude. However, the connections Matthew drew upon tells a different story. Two stories, actually, since the shepherds came to visit THE Shepherd. What might […]
(Belated) New Year’s Reflection
January 1, 2017 + Solemnity of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Mother of God “The LORD bless you and keep you! The LORD let his face shine upon you, and be gracious to you! The LORD look upon you kindly and give you peace!” (Numbers 6:24-26) This New Year’s blessing taken from the first reading for […]
Deep Calls to Deep