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Passing the Test

First Sunday of Lent (A): Matthew 4:1-11

We usually think of this Gospel story as an account of the temptations that Jesus faced while he was fasting in the wilderness: three ways in which Satan tries to drive a wedge between Jesus and the Father and pull him away from his mission. That is true, as far as it goes. But it misses the bigger picture – a picture which may seem puzzling, even troubling to us at first glance. But it is by taking in the bigger picture that we get a glimpse of how this Gospel story shines a bright light on a very important aspect of our own following of Christ.

We catch this bigger picture in the very first line: “At that time Jesus was led by the Spirit into the desert to be tempted by the devil” (Matthew 4:1). The word that is translated “tempted” is better translated “tested”. Although the devil may be doing the tempting, this is something that follows the Holy Spirit’s lead. In other words, this is part of the Father’s will. We can go further, and say that the Father is hereby testing Jesus in the wilderness.  Continue reading “Passing the Test”

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Fundamentals

Ash Wednesday: Matthew 6:1-6; 16-18

Last summer, we admired the grace and skill of the athletes who competed in the Olympics in Rio. More recently, New England football fans could rejoice in the success of the Patriots – and marvel at the grace and skill of Tom Brady, even at the (relatively) old age of 39! Whether we look to professional or amateur sports of all kinds, we see men and women athletes who impress us with their skills, and who also show a certain joy at competing and reaching their goals. But what enables them to succeed? What frees and empowers them to attain their goals?

It’s something we don’t see during games or at meets. It’s practice. It’s work on fundamentals. It’s the daily grind and sacrifice and commitment that athletes go through to train themselves physically and mentally. By that constant work on the fundamentals, they get their bodies in the best possible shape, hone their skills, and reach the point where they intuitively know what to do and how to do it. They are freed from being overly self-conscious and are enabled to just do their sport or event for the sheer joy of it. And the path to this freedom and joy? Doing the fundamentals, every day.  Continue reading “Fundamentals”

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Preparing for Lent

Here we are. Mardi Gras. Shrove Tuesday. The eve of Lent, so to speak.

The question may arise: “What shall I do for Lent?” Typically, it becomes a question of what enjoyable thing we will give up, or what worthy thing we will add to our lives during Lent. Giving something up, or adding something on, can be a very good thing to do. It reminds us that there is something different about this season, something which calls forth a change from within us.

But what change? What is the goal of Lent? What is its purpose? What can help us live this season fruitfully?

There are many helpful resources out there that can assist us in living Lent well. Most parishes will offer one or more of these resources, or recommend others. Many of us have our own Lenten traditions in place. But what is Lent all about? Getting a clearer sense of this can assist us in choosing traditions and practices that will help us live in harmony with the season, and open ourselves to what the Holy Spirit wishes to do in us and through us during this time.  Continue reading “Preparing for Lent”

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Don’t Worry, Be Happy?

Eighth Sunday of Ordinary Time: Matthew 6:24-34

Here’s a little song I wrote
You might want to sing it note-for-note
Don’t worry, be happy
In every life we have some trouble
But when you worry, you make it double
Don’t worry, be happy Don’t worry, be happy now

– from the Bobby McFerrin song, Don’t Worry, Be Happy

Or, how about this?

When you feel sad, or under a curse
Your life is bad, your prospects are worse
Your wife is sighing, crying,
And your olive tree is dying,
Temples are graying, and teeth are decaying
And creditors weighing your purse…
Your mood and your robe
Are both a deep blue
You’d bet that Job
Had nothing on you…
Don’t forget that when you get to
Heaven you’ll be blessed..
Yes, it’s all for the best…

– from the song All For The Best, Godspell

So. As we used to say in the Eighties, how does that make you feel?   Continue reading “Don’t Worry, Be Happy?”

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Feed the Birds

Thursday of the Seventh Week in Ordinary Time: Mark 9:41-50

Feast of St. Polycarp

“Jesus said to his disciples: “Anyone who gives you a cup of water to drink because you belong to Christ, amen, I say to you, will surely not lose his reward.” Mark 9:41

I admit it.

I have been on a Mary Poppins kick since I discovered that quote with which I opened my last post. Even though I saw many Disney movies as a child, I had never seen Mary Poppins. As a child, my special interests were so focused that, unless a movie appeared to offer me at least one of them, I wasn’t interested. Doctor Doolittle passed muster for me then – the Rex Harrison film –  with all those animals he talked to.  Apparently, Mary Poppins didn’t pass (in spite of the penguins, horses, fox and hounds, and dog).  Continue reading “Feed the Birds”