SEEING THE DESERT BLOOM

INTRODUCTION

The title of my homily for this 2 Monday of Advent is, “Seeing the Desert Bloom.”

DESERT HOUSE OF PRAYER: TUCSON, ARIZONA

The Redemptorists of our Denver Province have a retreat house just outside of Tucson, Arizona - along with a place called, “The Desert House of Prayer.”

A bunch of years ago I was asked to do two weeks of talks out there. My hope each day was that it would rain. I’ve always heard it's one of life’s most beautiful sights: desert rain and then to see what happens to the earth right after it. The desert comes to life big time.

It didn’t rain - so that’s one of life’s disappointments. It's still on my bucket list.

BUT - LOTS OF BUTS

But I did see an empty lot on the Lower East Side of New York City go from being dump  - containing rusting shopping carts, tossed  toilet bowls, thrown away mattresses, etc. etc. etc. - becoming a tiny park - with benches - shade trees - a small community vegetable garden - some cement chess and card tables - and people sitting there enjoying a quiet nook in the middle of a busy neighborhood.

But I have seen family members and priests recover from alcoholism and getting into AA 12 Step Programs for their recovery.

But I have seen a junky, dilapidated house become a beautiful home where a family lives - in both New Orleans and Philadelphia.

But I’ve seen many a road go from one with pot holes and bumps to a brand new road - black topped - new white lines and it flowed.

But I’ve seen people walking well with new knees and new hips.

But I’ve seen people recover from a gambling addiction.

But I repaired and rebuilt a boardwalk by the ocean that was totally destroyed by a Nor’easter.

But I read about Grandma Moses - Anna Mary Robertson - mother of 10 children - 5 of whom died in childbirth -  started painting in her late 70’s and did some 1600 paintings till her death at 101. She sold her first paintings - small ones 2 dollars - large ones 3 dollars. In November of 2006, her 1943 painting, Sugaring Off sold for 1.2 million.

But I’ve seen old folks dancing up a storm at many a wedding.

But I’ve seen people recover from stuttering, Bell’s Palsy, a stroke and what have you.

TODAY’S READINGS

Recovering, renewal, beginning again, new life, roads finished, safety, flowers blooming, healing, redemption - are all themes in today’s two readings.

In the first reading from Isaiah  35: 1-10, we hear that the desert and the parched land will exult, The earth will bloom with beautiful flowers. Everyone is singing. Sore hands and knees will be strengthened. Hearts that are frightened will stop being afraid. The blind will see. The deaf will hear. The lame will leap. Those who can’t speak, will speak out.

In today’s gospel from Luke 5: 17-26, the man who is paralyzed by sickness and sin is forgiven and healed - and stands up praising Jesus - saying, “We have seen incredible things today.”

CONCLUSION: TODAY

Today - it’s been raining. It’s kind of dreary. Remember the old saying, "Bloom where you're planted." A question then: What can I do to make life bloom around us today?" Amen.

OOOOOO

Painting on top: Blooming Cactus by Amy H. Whitehouse