Deep Calls to Deep Some New Lyrics for the Year of Mercy
The Archdiocese of Milwaukee commissioned two composers to author a hymn and a song for the celebration of the Year of Mercy that begins December 8th. I was blest to have been called to compose a song… and surprised as well. Before reading further, would you reflect upon your definition of mercy, please? Thanks. OK then: Two scripture passages initially […]
023-THe BurdEn of Perfectionism IV – Ever a Mess; Ever on Trial
THe BurdEn of PErfEctionisM IV Many who bear the Burden of Perfectionism live with the constant the sense of always being on trial, right there before the judge and jury. The terror of judgment has to do with not being unassailably perfect! Hence, the person makes preemptive strikes against the self to fend of divine wrath: “I’m […]
Roc Homily – Twenty-Ninth Sunday Ordinary Time = Oops
“The Two Ways” – The Wisdom Tradition grounds the basic gospel message of Jesus as a call from foolishness to wisdom. We see it here in Mark’s use of the Greek word, thelo, “to wish, want, desire.” John & James want to be recognized as great as do the scribes & Pharisees, and not seen as vulnerable. Jesus […]
The Return of the Native, of sorts…
Greetings! It’s been two months since I’ve posted. Yep. Tons of stuff has happened – I served as ‘temporary administrator’ of Gesu parish for about 6 weeks when our (former) pastor, John P. Schlegel, SJ officially resigned. I’ve been at 3 weddings, a couple funerals, was part of a St. Louis Jesuit concert (Milwaukee, […]
On Pilgrimage Through the Grand Canyon 2015
On Pilgrimage through the Grand Canyon The Grand Canyon is massive: 277 miles long, nearly 18 miles wide and over a mile deep on average. The uplifting of the Colorado Plateau set a downhill course for the Colorado River to begin eroding parts of the land for a really long time (6-17 million years by different […]
Roc Homily – Twentieth Sunday Ordinary Time
“The Bread of Life Discourse IV” – Believing in the Word means abiding in Jesus, who abides in the Father who abides in the Son. Eating the Bread of Life means abiding in Jesus. Following the Good Shepherd means abiding contemplatively in Jesus. Remaining in the True Vine means abiding in Jesus contemplatively. And this passage […]
Roc Homily – Eighteenth Sunday Ordinary Time 2015
“The Bread of Life Discourse II” – This week’s gospel from John reveals us to ourselves by identifying with the crowds and their hungers, our hungers. “You are not looking for me because you saw signs but because you ate the loaves and were filled. Do not work for food that perishes but for the food […]
Roc Homily – Seventeenth Sunday Ordinary Time 2015
“The Bread of Life Discourse I” – Since I was in Dallas, TX for a wedding this weekend, I will write out, “What I would have said…” mainly because it began the 5 week session of readings from John chapter 6 – “The Bread of Life.” I’d like to post for each Sunday to record […]
Roc Homily – Sixteenth Sunday Ordinary Time 2015
Happy Weekend! I could offer myself as the new and improved version of “shepherds” in the face of the the clergy sexual abuse scandal and the behavior of our shepherds. However, there is something that links all of us and addresses our depths: “Do I really want a shepherd?” When we get down to it, […]
Roc Homily – 15th Sunday Ordinary Time 2015
You heard it first… I believe I have held up a false ideal of discipleship for the 37 years I’ve preached. I repent. Gerhard Lohfink proposes a series of concentric circles of relationship to Jesus as disciples. The itinerant Twelve are not the ideal. (!) Imagine my surprise! Fifteenth Sunday of Ordinary Time (6:00 pm […]
Deep Calls to Deep 