Let no one have contempt for your youth.
1 TM 4:12-16
“Her many sins have been forgiven; hence, she has shown great love. But the one to whom little is forgiven, loves little.”
LK 7:36-50
Author: ra
Desert Reflections: Do we hear him playing?
I am writing you, [Timothy,] although I hope to visit you soon.
1 TM 3:14-16
“To what shall I compare the people of this generation? …They are like children who sit in the marketplace and call to one another, ‘We played the flute for you, but you did not dance.’”
LK 7:31-35
Desert Reflections: God visits his people
Those who had witnessed Jesus raising the widow’s son in today’s gospel conclude that “God has visited his people.” Fr Jim points out that God is always visiting his people – no less now that in the time of Jesus or Moses or Abraham. How, Fr Jim wonders, will we respond to God’s visit to us today?
A bishop must be irreproachable, married only once, temperate, self-controlled, decent, hospitable, able to teach, not a drunkard, not aggressive, but gentle, not contentious, not a lover of money.
1 TM 3:1-13
“God has visited his people.”
LK 7:11-17
Desert Reflections: The Roman centurion
The Jews of first century Palestine generally viewed the Romans as oppressors rather than friends. Yet, everyone liked and respected the Roman centurion in today’s gospel – including Jesus. Fr Tony points out that, as we repeat the centurion’s words just before we receive the Eucharist, we should remember God calls us to embrace all – even those who are very different from us.
There is one God. There is also one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus, who gave himself as ransom for all.
1 TM 2:1-8
“I am not worthy to have you enter under my roof… But say the word and let my servant be healed.”
LK 7:1-10
Desert Reflections: I forgive you
All three of today’s readings are about forgiveness. Fr Jim tells his own version of the “Prodigal Son” story about accidentally ruining his father’s favorite fork, and how much joy he felt in hearing his father say “I forgive you.” Who, he wonders, do we know who would love to hear those words from us?
The LORD relented in the punishment he had threatened to inflict on his people.
EX 32:7-11, 13-14
Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners. Of these I am the foremost. But for that reason I was mercifully treated,
1 TM 1:12-17
“There will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous people who have no need of repentance.”
LK 15:1-32
Denver Province – History and Ministry
Fr Greg May discusses the history and ministries of the Denver Province in his fourth talk in his series on Redemptorist spirituality and charism.
Fr Greg has kindly provided access to a recording of his presentation to his group at St Michael’s church in Chicago as well as a copy of his notes. The video presentation may be found at: DENVER PROVINCE. Fr Greg’s notes may be found at: History and Ministry.
Desert Reflections: Costly grace
Fr Jim points out that amazing things can happen if we are open to God’s grace. Like St. Paul in today’s first reading, Anwar Sadat came to a dramatic change of heart – from pursuing violence and hatred with Israel to pursuing peace and friendship. And, like St Paul, responding to God’s grace ultimately cost him his life. May we, like them, have the courage to respond to God’s grace – no matter what the cost.
I am grateful to him who has strengthened me, Christ Jesus our Lord, because he considered me trustworthy… I was once a blasphemer and a persecutor and an arrogant man.
1 TM 1:1-2, 12-14
“Remove the wooden beam from your eye first; then you will see clearly to remove the splinter in your brother’s eye.”
LK 6:39-42
Desert Reflections: Can we all get along?
Fr Ed believes the answer to the question Rodney King posed, “Can we all get along?” is a resounding yes. In fact, not only can we “get along,” we can do good to those who hate us – but only if we, as St Paul points out in today’s first reading, remain firmly rooted in Jesus.
Put on, as God’s chosen ones, holy and beloved, heartfelt compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience, bearing with one another and forgiving one another.
COL 3:12-17
“Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you.”
LK 6:27-38
Desert Reflections: The hug lady
Fr Jim tells the story of Elizabeth Laird, the “hug lady” of Fort Hood, who for 12 years greeted deploying and returning soldiers with a hug. The soldiers stood in line to receive that hug. Like the hug lady, Christ, as St Paul writes to the Colossians, waits for us at the right hand of God to give us a “hug” – a hug so deep and so filled with love that it turns all our hurt into joy.
Seek what is above, where Christ is seated at the right hand of God.
COL 3:1-11
“Blessed are you who are poor … who are now hungry … [and] now weeping… Rejoice and leap for joy on that day!”
LK 6:20-26
Desert Reflections: Called to Jesus
Fr Ed points out that, like the disciples in today’s gospel, Jesus calls each of us to himself. We, too, are to go forth as his messengers. It doesn’t matter that we don’t feel up to the task – as Peter and the others surely felt. Jesus only asks us to come to himself. God will provide the rest.
As you received Christ Jesus the Lord, walk in him, rooted in him and built upon him.
COL 2:6-15
[After Jesus] spent the night in prayer to God … he called his disciples to himself.
LK 6:12-19