Reflection: Independence Day, 20

This morning, listening to music for the day --- John Philip Sousa, Paul Simon, the Boss, and other artists --- and surrounded by buildings that speak loudly of our American heritage, the struggles that bought our freedom, the adventure of a George Washington pushing out to the West even beyond Mount Vernon, there is genuine emotion. Again, almost childlike, I am eagerly awaiting the orchestra leader to raise his baton to initiate the 1812 Overture and the beginning of the booms that will fill the airs of this capitol city tonight.

At the same time, while doing some spiritual reflection, I read a section of , the well-known beginning of the Sermon on the Mount, the Beatitudes . Reflection on these words on this celebration of our nation's birthday, my mind pulls up from the marvelous gift of memory so many different speeches and stories of great American women and men who have lived one, some or all of the injunctions that Jesus is teaching his followers. For us today the challenges seem great in so many ways. So many Americans are hurting; unfortunately young people are dying in a questionable war --once again; almost daily we read or hear stories about children who are continuing to suffer abuse, even almost daily the cruel beatings and death at the hands of deranged minds; elderly are suffering in many aspects of their supposed years of gold; marginalized folks are forced to questions the stripes of Old Glory and the freedom she promises; and obviously many other sad and painful realities in this land of beautiful, spacious skies.

Yet, as our nation's skies will be filled with extraordinary explosive color designs marking freedom and national pride, there are almost countless examples of success and goodness that mark the streets and lives of every city and citizen of this land of ours. Let not the excitement and celebration distance us from the harsh realities around us but let not the harsh realities hinder our reveling in the successes and dreams of our nation --- because we cannot stop now. Change has always been the mark of this nation whenever there has been failure or weakness.

And as every politician will say today and everyday of his/her political life, let our lips resound with the petition that is truly a genuine American prayer: "God, bless America."

Reflection: July 3, 2008

Doubting Thomas

The readings remind us that the Apostles provide a spiritual home – a place where we are formed by their wisdom and activities.

St. Thomas is a man with whom most can readily identify. He is contemporary despite almost 2000 years. Questioning, doubting: he is like a magnet that attracts us. Paul writes about the "Church" as a building and even more than place it is a person, Jesus Christ. The Church he says is built upon prophets and apostles with Jesus as the capstone.

Thomas helped the Church add more people in his missionary work in India. The adage, "Small beginnings can yield sensational results" easily reflects Thomas’ works. His argument with the other apostles after missing Jesus’ appearance to them easily makes him the patron of "seeing is believing." And when Jesus did appear to Thomas, the world would hear the shortest sentence of heartfelt conversion: "My Lord and My God." A true transformation: from strong, adamant doubt to genuine belief.

And for us? Doubt is not a stranger in most people’s spiritual houses. Our Church today is people with believers who have some doubts, some questions. The contemporary world has formed most of us into proof seekers.

The Church and all that it teaches is rooted in Jesus. Is it our challenge to have an open mind and heart to come to know what Jesus teaches. Like Thomas we should bring our doubts to him and be open to his response.

July 2, 2008 Reflection

July 2, 2008 --- Faith from the Heart

From the readings of today's liturgy, we might listen for the message from Amos, the prophet and Jesus about how a follower is called to live life.

The last part of today's http://www.usccb.org/nab may provide a clue for us as the grace we might bring to our prayer today. I believe Amos and Jesus are teaching that the life of a follower, the life of a Christian, is quite dicey at times. It is so easy to allow some external activities become our faith. Burnt offerings were the fare of the day in Old Testament times. Great solemnities marked the faith life practices of the people. Amos, speaking for Yahweh, is quite clear: "I spurn your feasts.... I take no pleasure in your solemnities." Cereal offerings and stall-fed peace offerings meant nothing. Justice and goodness were the gifts, the life that God called for as a sign of faith.

And we can ask today "What does this mean today for each of us?" Perhaps the final words of the responsorial psalm are a clue: "Why do you recite my statutes, and profess my covenant with your moth, though you hate discipline and cast my words behind you?"

The challenge put before us is a reminder that our faith, our genuine practice of faith comes from our heart ... a faith that is lived out in goodness and justice. When the people heard how Jesus had drive evil from the lives of the demoniacs, they came to seem and "begged him to leave their district." It is very easy to recite prayers, to attend a Mass, but true discipline brings with it our personal efforts to welcome Jesus into our hearts and consequently into the goodness of justice that should be the goal of our lives.