We got to talk. We have to learn. We have to understand fire and desire. We have come up with better questions. We have to face the unravel of love. We seek the gaze and grace of another. We have to learn what death does to each other. We need jolts – from mistakes and betrayals. We need re-do’s. We need to dig into the legacy of affairs. We hurt others - as well as ourselves. We need to become honest and loving. We need to discover the real and the romantic. We change – but hopefully for the better.
“Men
can starve from a lack of self-realization as much as they can from a lack of
bread.”
Richard Wright
Wednesday, July 7, 2021
July 7, 2020
A GIFT AT
TIMES
Isn’t it nice … Isn’t it neat … when someone gives you a gift - when you least expect one? A small white thin cardboard box of specialty cookies – a bottle of never heard of before wine – a book of Mary Oliver’s poems – and a compliment? And you sit there sipping the wine, eating two chocolate chip cookies – reading a poem – but the sort of sideways compliment – ends up being the greatest gift you’ve tasted in a long, long time. Thank you.
“To feel that one has a place in life solves half the problem of contentment.”
George Woodberry
Tuesday, July 6, 2021
TRIGGERED FEELINGS
The title of my homily is, “Triggered Feelings.” I read the readings in the morning for a homily for this
Tuesday day. Like listening to a song – the words of the readings send
me triggered feelings. Like Jacob I’ve crossed rivers – and fords of rivers - to get to where I am right now. Sometimes I’m with family and friends; sometimes l feel
left alone at the shore. I’ve think about the times I’ve wrestled with my unknowns
– and as a result I have a wrenched hip bone at the socket – in my struggles –
but to make the struggle worth while I say, “I will not let you go Struggle until you bless me.” I wait – await – for a blessing. I’ve been asked, “What’s your name?” I answer, “Jacob. My unknown struggle says, “You shall no longer be spoken
of as Jacob, but as Israel,because you
have contended with divine and human beings and have prevailed.” I ask my unknown struggle its name. I get no answer – no reply - only a goodbye. I name the place Penuel – Hebrew for – “Seeing God face
to face.” I move on with a limp – for the rest of my life. I have
others only I can see. I move on…. One day I realize I really can’t speak. Some days are like that. Ever feel that way, “I don’t know
what to say.” I’m face to face with Jesus. Someone – something – brought me to Jesus. And Jesus drives out the demons that hold me back: fear,
shame, dumb, the dumb things I do – addictive - and at times - I don’t know why I do the
things I do.Dumb. Dumb. Dumb. Jesus walking around the world looks for people like me. He proclaims the Gospel of the kingdom – curing every
disease and illness. He is moved with pity for someone like me – someone who
feels troubled and abandoned at times. I feel like a sheep without a shepherd. I’m harvest for the master of the harvest. I’m wheat. I’m flour. I’m bread.Life! Others!Take and eat me up. I guess Jesus walks around hearing songs – the triggered
feelings of people like me.
July 6, 2021
July 6, 2020
BEACH EDGE MORNING
I like to walk along the edge of the ocean and the beach. It’s a game – jumping back – away from the inflowing waves. This edge of the earth has this most soft jagged edge. The sand pipers play this game way better than me- but …. But I can look ahead and see more morning travelers – or …. Or the sun rising – or a fishing boat stopping – or a surfer …. Knowing this is my morning prayer,this is how I like to walk on the edge of a new day.
