Thanks, Too Long Delayed

By e October 13, 2019 Jesus Stuff 1 Comment

“Eleazar,” the old man called out, “are you refreshed after your journey through the wind-driven sand?”

“Yes, Rabboni, I am.”

“I have a heavy burden, and a long walk, and the high Sabbath is drawing near.”

“Of course, Rabboni, I will help.”

It is a heavy burden, indeed, but young Eleazar is strong. The sweet smell of myrrh and lignum aloes wafts out as he hoists the wrapped bundles onto his shoulders. Eleazar smiles a bit as he sees wizened old Nicodemus hoist a much smaller bundle of powdered herbs. The venerable teacher is tough, and surprisingly strong, but he’d invested most of the past several decades in sedentary study. Eleazar couldn’t help but think of him as one of those elders King David described as “still full of sap, still green,” in his old age. It was an honor to serve in his household.

“Where are we going, Rabboni?”

“Just outside the walls, Eleazar. My colleague Yousef’s messenger brought word that we need to bring burial spices.”

“So many, Rabboni?” Eleazar shifted the load slightly. “We have enough here for many burials, perhaps enough for three kings.”

“Indeed,” said Nicodemus.

It had been a strange day.  Read more

Faith, Trust, and Joy

By e October 6, 2019 Homilies, Jesus Stuff No Comments

Twenty-seventh Sunday in Ordinary Time
Lectionary: 141

When I was nineteen or so, my sister announced to my mother and I that she intended to be a (celibate, sell it all and give the money to the poor) missionary. I was filled with admiration for her courage and commitment, and my first thought was “I should do that too, what could be better?” My second thought was “I don’t want to, but I will if I have to.” I went to the Lord in prayer, and really gave God a piece of my mind. The one thing every master owes their servant is a good, clear set of instructions. How can a master expect a servant to be obedient, if the master doesn’t give good instructions? If God wanted me to leave everything and be a missionary, then certainly God should tell me so. It was only fair, after all. Clearly, God owed me a very clear set of instructions for the path I should choose in life. I ranted on like this for a good long while.

Then, when I finally shut up for a minute, God spoke to me. Read more

We are Lazarus _and_ Dives

By e September 28, 2019 Homilies, Jesus Stuff No Comments

Twenty-sixth Sunday in Ordinary Time, Year C
Lectionary: 138 – Luke 16:19-31

English Español

The church traditionally refers to today’s gospel as the story of Lazarus and Dives. Dives is the Latin word for “rich man,” and Lazarus was one of the most common names at the time Jesus lived. So, we have here, the story of a rich man, any rich man, and a regular, ordinary, common poor man.

There is so much to consider in the story of Lazarus and Dives, that it is difficult to know where to begin. How are we to understand the vision of paradise prior to the crucifixion and resurrection, and how it relates to our eternal destiny? Why won’t Abraham help Dives or his brothers? Why didn’t Dives apologize to Lazarus, and ask him for help? Dives seems worried about his brothers, is it possible that maybe he’s not so bad after all? 

Perhaps, though, it is best to start with the beginning. Meditating upon death, heaven, hell, the final judgment, and the new heavens and new earth are well and good. It is perhaps better if we focus on how we live today.

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