Deep Calls to Deep Roc Homily (c) – Thirtieth Sunday Ordinary Time 2016
Can we endure being found out? This is one scary proposition. The Pharisee couldn’t look behind his own curtain to see that he damned others of the things he was hiding. In his woundedness, he projected a pure, high-minded, righteous image: “Look, I am innocent, not like this unrighteous guy here.” However, Luke tells us that […]
Roc Homily (b) – Thirtieth Sunday Ordinary Time 2016
How does the gospel of Luke characterize the Pharisee? Better, what is there about the Pharisee that can help me see myself in order to help me pray with less pretense? Luke 18:9 (NRSV) — 9 He also told this parable to some who trusted in themselves that they were righteous and regarded others with contempt… 11 […]
Roc Homily (a) – Thirtieth Sunday Ordinary Time 2016
The Pharisee & the Publican: We sang the psalm, “The Lord hears the cry of the poor…” What happens to our prayer when we spend our lives trying not to be poor? This scene from “The Wizard of Oz” came back to me as I studied this gospel passage: “Pay no attention to that man […]
Roc Homily (b) – Twenty-Ninth Sunday Ordinary Time 2016
Two Unsavory Characters It seemed to me that Luke’s choice and use of certain words reveal a surprising subtext – neither the judge nor the widow are models for us (!) Here’s a look at just a few of the terms: The Widow: To pray = proseuchomai Luke 6:28f 28 bless […]
Roc Homily (a) – Twenty-Ninth Sunday Ordinary Time 2016
Intro: “the need to pray always…” The wordplay at work beneath the surface of the text in this parable opens our eyes to new horizons of interpretations… Luke 18:1f Then Jesus told them a parable about their need to pray always and not to lose heart – This shows that prayer has an edge to it as seen […]
Roc Homily Part C – Twenty-Sixth Sunday Ordinary Time 2016
Audio version of homily for the 26th Sunday Ordinary Time:
Roc Homily Part Deux – Twenty-Sixth Sunday Ordinary Time 2016
Jesus addressed, I believe, the mystery of the meaning of possessiveness in the Pharisees – and in our lives as well I asked the congregation to reflect upon the First Principle & Foundation from the Spiritual Exercises of St. Ignatius. Please read, reflect, and notice points of attraction & aversion. These will help you know how you are […]
Roc Homily #2 – Twenty-Third Sunday Ordinary Time 2016
Punchline for Homily – 23rd Sunday Ordinary Time: Surrender everything that you rely on for security so as to find security in following Christ. Here are two key words I dealt with in my homily: “Hate” mother and father, etc. means to reject and separate, which leaves a person in a very vulnerable spot. To […]
Ignatian Spirituality #4
“16 Reasons I am grateful for St. Ignatius” – Dennis Hamm, SJ Thank you, Ignatius, for being a “soul brother.” He referred to his mission as “helping souls,” not because he thought he was dealing with disembodied spirits, but because “soul” connoted the divine origin, dignity, and destiny of every human being he encountered. He was […]
Roc Homily #2 – Twenty-Second Sunday Ordinary Time 2016
Humility & being “right-sized” Part Deux This comes from the 9:00 am Mass at Gesu on the 22nd Sunday of Ordinary Time. It offers a fuller investigation into “being right-sized.” Blessings! –roc,sj
Deep Calls to Deep 