Saturday, October 30, 2004
October 30, 2004
:Lk. 14: 1, 7-11;
for Sunday: 2 Thess. 1:11:2-2
DEATH OF A BISHOP
The past twenty three hours I have driven to LA and back for the funeral of Bishop Stephen Trivoli-Johnson,, long time friend and supporter.He was buried from a Roman Church by his family. Stephen was gay and had AIDS. He had lead the Central Orthodox Synod for many years. But none of this was mentioned during the service—Stephen was simply put back in the closet in death. It was a very sad, service to see him not acknowledge for himself. Our scriptures this week have been about the Pharacees. What Pharacees do are to play on our fears, to tell us that if we do not fit into certain ways of being, that we are not accepted. For me it is always a struggle to balance my integrity of my inner voice with those voices. These past weeks with the school controversy I struggled with looking at my own validity as a person and priest, and today I saw someone I respected and loved invalidated by the institution—by not recognizing his priesthood or his very being. His family did not recognize his very being, simply avoided those areas of his life.
These two days as I have traversed hyway 101 going down and I 5 coming back I have listened to the four gospels on CD, from THE MESSENGER version. In having the distance of hearing the story I was taken how Jesus was simply a rebel who lived out his integrity. He was not a wishy/washy, homophobic individual, but daring, and who basically said fuck u to the powers that be.
In the context of the past two weeks I am reminded that my prayer for “being worthy of my calling” must be that of living out my integrity from that inner voice and recognizing my own fears of rejection as simply for being false. I must never let the Pharacees of our day deny my call.
And so Stephen, well done good and faithful servant, and know that my presence to day was recognition of who u were and ur witness. Deo Gratis! Thanks be to God!
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Thursday, October 28, 2004
Gospel
Lk 14:1-6
On a sabbath Jesus went to dine
at the home of one of the leading Pharisees,
and the people there were observing him carefully.
In front of him there was a man suffering from dropsy.
Jesus spoke to the scholars of the law and Pharisees in reply, asking,
"Is it lawful to cure on the sabbath or not?"
But they kept silent; so he took the man and,
after he had healed him, dismissed him.
Then he said to them
"Who among you, if your son or ox falls into a cistern,
would not immediately pull him out on the sabbath day?"
But they were unable to answer his question.
The Christian Community Version reads: “he was carefully watched.” . . .oh how that resonates with me—it seems sometimes that my every eaction , my every move is watched and interpreted. My dress, my ministry, all are analyzed by people. we have plenty of pharasees in our time. But what makes it all worth while for me is knowing the lives that are touched, that experience healing and caring. So often we are more concerned with rules, that guard our fears rather than improving the qulaity of livs of others.
Deo Gratis! Thanks be to God!
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October 28, 2004
Gospel
Lk 6:12-16
Jesus went up to the mountain to pray,
and he spent the night in prayer to God.
When day came, he called his disciples to himself,
and from them he chose Twelve, whom he also named Apostles:
Simon, whom he named Peter, and his brother Andrew,
James, John, Philip, Bartholomew, Matthew,
Thomas, James the son of Alphaeus,
Simon who was called a Zealot,
and Judas the son of James,
and Judas Iscariot, who became a traitor.
Today is the fast of simon and jude apostles. Very little is written about them, they are the saints of us who will live, and die and fade from memory rather rapidly. On my wall are pictures of kids, many have asked me to put them there, so they are “remembered.” There are pictures of ozzie, zach, and so on, who have died, and have passed from the memory of people on the street. I go to identify a young boy tomorrow at the morgue, if I don’t know him, he will be another john doe. But simon and jude remind us that in God’s eyes we are all remembered, and our lives do matter in the stream of God’s realm.
Attended a meeting of the neighbors tonight, terrible, as always they are upset and blame me and whoever else for the homeless problem. This situation with the catholic school has gotten me down. I feel like I am being pulled this way and that, peoplle talking to me, rather than with me, trying to get projects done before the end of our time without realizing that I have other people I am responsible for. I broke down and cried to day, sometimes I think there is no mercy, just simpl;y no mercy from people. But in God there is. Deo Gratis! Thanks be to God!
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Wednesday, October 27, 2004
Oct. 27
Gospel
Lk 13:22-30
Jesus passed through towns and villages,
teaching as he went and making his way to Jerusalem.
Someone asked him,
"Lord, will only a few people be saved?"
He answered them,
"Strive to enter through the narrow gate,
for many, I tell you, will attempt to enter
but will not be strong enough.
After the master of the house has arisen and locked the door,
then will you stand outside knocking and saying,
‘Lord, open the door for us.'
He will say to you in reply,
‘I do not know where you are from.'
And you will say,
‘We ate and drank in your company and you taught in our streets.'
Then he will say to you,
‘I do not know where you are from.
Depart from me, all you evildoers!'
And there will be wailing and grinding of teeth
when you see Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob
and all the prophets in the Kingdom of God
and you yourselves cast out.
And people will come from the east and the west
and from the north and the south
and will recline at table in the Kingdom of God.
For behold, some are last who will be first,
and some are first who will be last."
"River tell me how to quit drugs; River tell me how to. . ." and so it goes. question after question. Like Jesus i have learned that people want someone else to give them the answer, to make it easy, to take the responsibility away from them. But like Jesus i have found that the answer comes from within, and that my responsibility is to facilitate people to find their answers, to look within, and hear that small inner voice. for only then will that answer be valid for their lives.
today has been a day of working on liturgy for sunday, presentations, dinner with a friend, c, 20 came to me, she had her baby, cps is taking it, she cannot understand why she cannot keep her on streets; a, 19 is paranoid and so it goes. but as always i am thankful for each day, each breath, each moment. Deo Gratis! Thanks be to God!
*****************------------------------*****************
Oct. 27
Gospel
Lk 13:22-30
Jesus passed through towns and villages,
teaching as he went and making his way to Jerusalem.
Someone asked him,
"Lord, will only a few people be saved?"
He answered them,
"Strive to enter through the narrow gate,
for many, I tell you, will attempt to enter
but will not be strong enough.
After the master of the house has arisen and locked the door,
then will you stand outside knocking and saying,
‘Lord, open the door for us.'
He will say to you in reply,
‘I do not know where you are from.'
And you will say,
‘We ate and drank in your company and you taught in our streets.'
Then he will say to you,
‘I do not know where you are from.
Depart from me, all you evildoers!'
And there will be wailing and grinding of teeth
when you see Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob
and all the prophets in the Kingdom of God
and you yourselves cast out.
And people will come from the east and the west
and from the north and the south
and will recline at table in the Kingdom of God.
For behold, some are last who will be first,
and some are first who will be last."
"River tell me how to quit drugs; River tell me how to. . ." and so it goes. question after question. Like Jesus i have learned that people want someone else to give them the answer, to make it easy, to take the responsibility away from them. But like Jesus i have found that the answer comes from within, and that my responsibility is to facilitate people to find their answers, to look within, and hear that small inner voice. for only then will that answer be valid for their lives.
today has been a day of working on liturgy for sunday, presentations, dinner with a friend, c, 20 came to me, she had her baby, cps is taking it, she cannot understand why she cannot keep her on streets; a, 19 is paranoid and so it goes. but as always i am thankful for each day, each breath, each moment. Deo Gratis! Thanks be to God!
*****************------------------------*****************
Gospel
Lk 13:22-30
Jesus passed through towns and villages,
teaching as he went and making his way to Jerusalem.
Someone asked him,
"Lord, will only a few people be saved?"
He answered them,
"Strive to enter through the narrow gate,
for many, I tell you, will attempt to enter
but will not be strong enough.
After the master of the house has arisen and locked the door,
then will you stand outside knocking and saying,
‘Lord, open the door for us.'
He will say to you in reply,
‘I do not know where you are from.'
And you will say,
‘We ate and drank in your company and you taught in our streets.'
Then he will say to you,
‘I do not know where you are from.
Depart from me, all you evildoers!'
And there will be wailing and grinding of teeth
when you see Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob
and all the prophets in the Kingdom of God
and you yourselves cast out.
And people will come from the east and the west
and from the north and the south
and will recline at table in the Kingdom of God.
For behold, some are last who will be first,
and some are first who will be last."
"River tell me how to quit drugs; River tell me how to. . ." and so it goes. question after question. Like Jesus i have learned that people want someone else to give them the answer, to make it easy, to take the responsibility away from them. But like Jesus i have found that the answer comes from within, and that my responsibility is to facilitate people to find their answers, to look within, and hear that small inner voice. for only then will that answer be valid for their lives.
today has been a day of working on liturgy for sunday, presentations, dinner with a friend, c, 20 came to me, she had her baby, cps is taking it, she cannot understand why she cannot keep her on streets; a, 19 is paranoid and so it goes. but as always i am thankful for each day, each breath, each moment. Deo Gratis! Thanks be to God!
*****************------------------------*****************
Gospel
Lk 13:22-30
Jesus passed through towns and villages,
teaching as he went and making his way to Jerusalem.
Someone asked him,
"Lord, will only a few people be saved?"
He answered them,
"Strive to enter through the narrow gate,
for many, I tell you, will attempt to enter
but will not be strong enough.
After the master of the house has arisen and locked the door,
then will you stand outside knocking and saying,
‘Lord, open the door for us.'
He will say to you in reply,
‘I do not know where you are from.'
And you will say,
‘We ate and drank in your company and you taught in our streets.'
Then he will say to you,
‘I do not know where you are from.
Depart from me, all you evildoers!'
And there will be wailing and grinding of teeth
when you see Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob
and all the prophets in the Kingdom of God
and you yourselves cast out.
And people will come from the east and the west
and from the north and the south
and will recline at table in the Kingdom of God.
For behold, some are last who will be first,
and some are first who will be last."
"River tell me how to quit drugs; River tell me how to. . ." and so it goes. question after question. Like Jesus i have learned that people want someone else to give them the answer, to make it easy, to take the responsibility away from them. But like Jesus i have found that the answer comes from within, and that my responsibility is to facilitate people to find their answers, to look within, and hear that small inner voice. for only then will that answer be valid for their lives.
today has been a day of working on liturgy for sunday, presentations, dinner with a friend, c, 20 came to me, she had her baby, cps is taking it, she cannot understand why she cannot keep her on streets; a, 19 is paranoid and so it goes. but as always i am thankful for each day, each breath, each moment. Deo Gratis! Thanks be to God!
*****************------------------------*****************
Gospel
Lk 13:22-30
Jesus passed through towns and villages,
teaching as he went and making his way to Jerusalem.
Someone asked him,
"Lord, will only a few people be saved?"
He answered them,
"Strive to enter through the narrow gate,
for many, I tell you, will attempt to enter
but will not be strong enough.
After the master of the house has arisen and locked the door,
then will you stand outside knocking and saying,
‘Lord, open the door for us.'
He will say to you in reply,
‘I do not know where you are from.'
And you will say,
‘We ate and drank in your company and you taught in our streets.'
Then he will say to you,
‘I do not know where you are from.
Depart from me, all you evildoers!'
And there will be wailing and grinding of teeth
when you see Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob
and all the prophets in the Kingdom of God
and you yourselves cast out.
And people will come from the east and the west
and from the north and the south
and will recline at table in the Kingdom of God.
For behold, some are last who will be first,
and some are first who will be last."
"River tell me how to quit drugs; River tell me how to. . ." and so it goes. question after question. Like Jesus i have learned that people want someone else to give them the answer, to make it easy, to take the responsibility away from them. But like Jesus i have found that the answer comes from within, and that my responsibility is to facilitate people to find their answers, to look within, and hear that small inner voice. for only then will that answer be valid for their lives.
today has been a day of working on liturgy for sunday, presentations, dinner with a friend, c, 20 came to me, she had her baby, cps is taking it, she cannot understand why she cannot keep her on streets; a, 19 is paranoid and so it goes. but as always i am thankful for each day, each breath, each moment. Deo Gratis! Thanks be to God!
*****************------------------------*****************
Gospel
Lk 13:22-30
Jesus passed through towns and villages,
teaching as he went and making his way to Jerusalem.
Someone asked him,
"Lord, will only a few people be saved?"
He answered them,
"Strive to enter through the narrow gate,
for many, I tell you, will attempt to enter
but will not be strong enough.
After the master of the house has arisen and locked the door,
then will you stand outside knocking and saying,
‘Lord, open the door for us.'
He will say to you in reply,
‘I do not know where you are from.'
And you will say,
‘We ate and drank in your company and you taught in our streets.'
Then he will say to you,
‘I do not know where you are from.
Depart from me, all you evildoers!'
And there will be wailing and grinding of teeth
when you see Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob
and all the prophets in the Kingdom of God
and you yourselves cast out.
And people will come from the east and the west
and from the north and the south
and will recline at table in the Kingdom of God.
For behold, some are last who will be first,
and some are first who will be last."
"River tell me how to quit drugs; River tell me how to. . ." and so it goes. question after question. Like Jesus i have learned that people want someone else to give them the answer, to make it easy, to take the responsibility away from them. But like Jesus i have found that the answer comes from within, and that my responsibility is to facilitate people to find their answers, to look within, and hear that small inner voice. for only then will that answer be valid for their lives.
today has been a day of working on liturgy for sunday, presentations, dinner with a friend, c, 20 came to me, she had her baby, cps is taking it, she cannot understand why she cannot keep her on streets; a, 19 is paranoid and so it goes. but as always i am thankful for each day, each breath, each moment. Deo Gratis! Thanks be to God!
*****************------------------------*****************
Gospel
Lk 13:22-30
Jesus passed through towns and villages,
teaching as he went and making his way to Jerusalem.
Someone asked him,
"Lord, will only a few people be saved?"
He answered them,
"Strive to enter through the narrow gate,
for many, I tell you, will attempt to enter
but will not be strong enough.
After the master of the house has arisen and locked the door,
then will you stand outside knocking and saying,
‘Lord, open the door for us.'
He will say to you in reply,
‘I do not know where you are from.'
And you will say,
‘We ate and drank in your company and you taught in our streets.'
Then he will say to you,
‘I do not know where you are from.
Depart from me, all you evildoers!'
And there will be wailing and grinding of teeth
when you see Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob
and all the prophets in the Kingdom of God
and you yourselves cast out.
And people will come from the east and the west
and from the north and the south
and will recline at table in the Kingdom of God.
For behold, some are last who will be first,
and some are first who will be last."
"River tell me how to quit drugs; River tell me how to. . ." and so it goes. question after question. Like Jesus i have learned that people want someone else to give them the answer, to make it easy, to take the responsibility away from them. But like Jesus i have found that the answer comes from within, and that my responsibility is to facilitate people to find their answers, to look within, and hear that small inner voice. for only then will that answer be valid for their lives.
today has been a day of working on liturgy for sunday, presentations, dinner with a friend, c, 20 came to me, she had her baby, cps is taking it, she cannot understand why she cannot keep her on streets; a, 19 is paranoid and so it goes. but as always i am thankful for each day, each breath, each moment. Deo Gratis! Thanks be to God!
*****************------------------------*****************
Gospel
Lk 13:22-30
Jesus passed through towns and villages,
teaching as he went and making his way to Jerusalem.
Someone asked him,
"Lord, will only a few people be saved?"
He answered them,
"Strive to enter through the narrow gate,
for many, I tell you, will attempt to enter
but will not be strong enough.
After the master of the house has arisen and locked the door,
then will you stand outside knocking and saying,
‘Lord, open the door for us.'
He will say to you in reply,
‘I do not know where you are from.'
And you will say,
‘We ate and drank in your company and you taught in our streets.'
Then he will say to you,
‘I do not know where you are from.
Depart from me, all you evildoers!'
And there will be wailing and grinding of teeth
when you see Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob
and all the prophets in the Kingdom of God
and you yourselves cast out.
And people will come from the east and the west
and from the north and the south
and will recline at table in the Kingdom of God.
For behold, some are last who will be first,
and some are first who will be last."
"River tell me how to quit drugs; River tell me how to. . ." and so it goes. question after question. Like Jesus i have learned that people want someone else to give them the answer, to make it easy, to take the responsibility away from them. But like Jesus i have found that the answer comes from within, and that my responsibility is to facilitate people to find their answers, to look within, and hear that small inner voice. for only then will that answer be valid for their lives.
today has been a day of working on liturgy for sunday, presentations, dinner with a friend, c, 20 came to me, she had her baby, cps is taking it, she cannot understand why she cannot keep her on streets; a, 19 is paranoid and so it goes. but as always i am thankful for each day, each breath, each moment. Deo Gratis! Thanks be to God!
*****************------------------------*****************
Gospel
Lk 13:22-30
Jesus passed through towns and villages,
teaching as he went and making his way to Jerusalem.
Someone asked him,
"Lord, will only a few people be saved?"
He answered them,
"Strive to enter through the narrow gate,
for many, I tell you, will attempt to enter
but will not be strong enough.
After the master of the house has arisen and locked the door,
then will you stand outside knocking and saying,
‘Lord, open the door for us.'
He will say to you in reply,
‘I do not know where you are from.'
And you will say,
‘We ate and drank in your company and you taught in our streets.'
Then he will say to you,
‘I do not know where you are from.
Depart from me, all you evildoers!'
And there will be wailing and grinding of teeth
when you see Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob
and all the prophets in the Kingdom of God
and you yourselves cast out.
And people will come from the east and the west
and from the north and the south
and will recline at table in the Kingdom of God.
For behold, some are last who will be first,
and some are first who will be last."
"River tell me how to quit drugs; River tell me how to. . ." and so it goes. question after question. Like Jesus i have learned that people want someone else to give them the answer, to make it easy, to take the responsibility away from them. But like Jesus i have found that the answer comes from within, and that my responsibility is to facilitate people to find their answers, to look within, and hear that small inner voice. for only then will that answer be valid for their lives.
today has been a day of working on liturgy for sunday, presentations, dinner with a friend, c, 20 came to me, she had her baby, cps is taking it, she cannot understand why she cannot keep her on streets; a, 19 is paranoid and so it goes. but as always i am thankful for each day, each breath, each moment. Deo Gratis! Thanks be to God!
*****************------------------------*****************
Gospel
Lk 13:22-30
Jesus passed through towns and villages,
teaching as he went and making his way to Jerusalem.
Someone asked him,
"Lord, will only a few people be saved?"
He answered them,
"Strive to enter through the narrow gate,
for many, I tell you, will attempt to enter
but will not be strong enough.
After the master of the house has arisen and locked the door,
then will you stand outside knocking and saying,
‘Lord, open the door for us.'
He will say to you in reply,
‘I do not know where you are from.'
And you will say,
‘We ate and drank in your company and you taught in our streets.'
Then he will say to you,
‘I do not know where you are from.
Depart from me, all you evildoers!'
And there will be wailing and grinding of teeth
when you see Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob
and all the prophets in the Kingdom of God
and you yourselves cast out.
And people will come from the east and the west
and from the north and the south
and will recline at table in the Kingdom of God.
For behold, some are last who will be first,
and some are first who will be last."
"River tell me how to quit drugs; River tell me how to. . ." and so it goes. question after question. Like Jesus i have learned that people want someone else to give them the answer, to make it easy, to take the responsibility away from them. But like Jesus i have found that the answer comes from within, and that my responsibility is to facilitate people to find their answers, to look within, and hear that small inner voice. for only then will that answer be valid for their lives.
today has been a day of working on liturgy for sunday, presentations, dinner with a friend, c, 20 came to me, she had her baby, cps is taking it, she cannot understand why she cannot keep her on streets; a, 19 is paranoid and so it goes. but as always i am thankful for each day, each breath, each moment. Deo Gratis! Thanks be to God!
*****************------------------------*****************
Gospel
Lk 13:22-30
Jesus passed through towns and villages,
teaching as he went and making his way to Jerusalem.
Someone asked him,
"Lord, will only a few people be saved?"
He answered them,
"Strive to enter through the narrow gate,
for many, I tell you, will attempt to enter
but will not be strong enough.
After the master of the house has arisen and locked the door,
then will you stand outside knocking and saying,
‘Lord, open the door for us.'
He will say to you in reply,
‘I do not know where you are from.'
And you will say,
‘We ate and drank in your company and you taught in our streets.'
Then he will say to you,
‘I do not know where you are from.
Depart from me, all you evildoers!'
And there will be wailing and grinding of teeth
when you see Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob
and all the prophets in the Kingdom of God
and you yourselves cast out.
And people will come from the east and the west
and from the north and the south
and will recline at table in the Kingdom of God.
For behold, some are last who will be first,
and some are first who will be last."
"River tell me how to quit drugs; River tell me how to. . ." and so it goes. question after question. Like Jesus i have learned that people want someone else to give them the answer, to make it easy, to take the responsibility away from them. But like Jesus i have found that the answer comes from within, and that my responsibility is to facilitate people to find their answers, to look within, and hear that small inner voice. for only then will that answer be valid for their lives.
today has been a day of working on liturgy for sunday, presentations, dinner with a friend, c, 20 came to me, she had her baby, cps is taking it, she cannot understand why she cannot keep her on streets; a, 19 is paranoid and so it goes. but as always i am thankful for each day, each breath, each moment. Deo Gratis! Thanks be to God!
*****************------------------------*****************
Monday, October 25, 2004
Luke 13:10-17 (reading for 25th). I took the past twenty four hours off. away at a motel, had dinner with andrew last night, and then to a motel and then to libaray in pacifica today where i read 400 pages, wrote a sermon, and hiked. i come back to people yelling and screaming for blankets etc. desperation in the rain. i read a book today about tijuana and cried. such poverty across our borders, what i see seems to mild, and yet so dreary and with the lack of resources even worst. police are hassling people, and no sense of compassion.
my friend bishop stephen trivoli-johnson died of aids related causes today. he was one of my ordaining bishops and helped me organize the non-profit. i have this sense of loss, he was younger than 50, and had always been supportive and there with me from the beginning of my ordination as a priest.
the scripture for monday rings true to my life these days. repeatedly in the past months fundamentalist christians have shouted at me that i give out instruments of death, a local shcool has stopped working with me over the needles and comdoms we give out. we have lost money, i have been threatened,because of our harm reduction ministry; at a harm reduction conference i was booed for being a priest, saying the church did not care. the pharasses of our day fail to see the healing of people, the caring for and the needs, they cannot go beyond their own black and white fears, cannot think outside the box. the institution, their rules always come before people.
Lk. 13:18-21. Ten years ago larry purcell told me as i started this ministry: "let ur goal to be to keep getting smailler, " meaning to grow into an instituion means we lose the personalims, the one on one ministry of presence. and so for ten years i have done that, turning down large grants, losing board members, because for me ministry is to on in the 100, and it is one on one. what happens to temenos when i die or whatever is in God's hands. there will be someone else, here or somewhere else that God will call, and i do not need monuments to perpetuate the cycle of institutions left behind. that is the parable of the mustard seed, ministry of presence is like a mustard seed, u touch one life and over the years they grow to thousands. "little by little", says Dorothy. Deo Gratis! Thanks be to God!
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Sunday, October 24, 2004
it is 2:30 or so, and i am preparing for a spiritual direction appointment. i am fasting in solidarity with my musolim brothers and sisters, for Ramadan, which means nothing by mouth from sunrise, to dark. i find this time becoming more and more a holy time. as i move on the streets, i have solidarity with those who are hungry, but also aware i can walk in the nearest cafe and get food any time i want. i am more aware of how food is so much a part of our society. there are restaruarnt, after restaurant on each block, and how that must drive people crazy who are hungrey and who have to go for blocks to a soup kitchen. Traidtionally Muslims read the Koran during this time, and so i am doing that as well. i am hungry, and empty, but so is much of the worlds population. i am rich by comparison.
Reading I
Sir 35:12-14, 16-18
The LORD is a God of justice,
who knows no favorites.
Though not unduly partial toward the weak,
yet he hears the cry of the oppressed.
The Lord is not deaf to the wail of the orphan,
nor to the widow when she pours out her complaint.
The one who serves God willingly is heard;
his petition reaches the heavens.
The prayer of the lowly pierces the clouds;
it does not rest till it reaches its goal,
nor will it withdraw till the Most High responds,
judges justly and affirms the right,
and the Lord will not delay.
Responsorial Psalm
Ps 34:2-3, 17-18, 19, 23
R. (7a) The Lord hears the cry of the poor.
I will bless the LORD at all times;
his praise shall be ever in my mouth.
Let my soul glory in the LORD;
the lowly will hear me and be glad.
R. The Lord hears the cry of the poor.
The LORD confronts the evildoers,
to destroy remembrance of them from the earth.
When the just cry out, the LORD hears them,
and from all their distress he rescues them.
R. The Lord hears the cry of the poor.
The LORD is close to the brokenhearted;
and those who are crushed in spirit he saves.
The LORD redeems the lives of his servants;
no one incurs guilt who takes refuge in him.
R. The Lord hears the cry of the poor.
Reading II
2 Tm 4:6-8, 16-18
Beloved:
I am already being poured out like a libation,
and the time of my departure is at hand.
I have competed well; I have finished the race;
I have kept the faith.
From now on the crown of righteousness awaits me,
which the Lord, the just judge,
will award to me on that day, and not only to me,
but to all who have longed for his appearance.
At my first defense no one appeared on my behalf,
but everyone deserted me.
May it not be held against them!
But the Lord stood by me and gave me strength,
so that through me the proclamation might be completed
and all the Gentiles might hear it.
And I was rescued from the lion's mouth.
The Lord will rescue me from every evil threat
and will bring me safe to his heavenly kingdom.
To him be glory forever and ever. Amen.
Gospel
Lk 18:9-14
Jesus addressed this parable
to those who were convinced of their own righteousness
and despised everyone else.
"Two people went up to the temple area to pray;
one was a Pharisee and the other was a tax collector.
The Pharisee took up his position and spoke this prayer to himself,
'O God, I thank you that I am not like the rest of humanity--
greedy, dishonest, adulterous--or even like this tax collector.
I fast twice a week, and I pay tithes on my whole income.'
But the tax collector stood off at a distance
and would not even raise his eyes to heaven
but beat his breast and prayed,
'O God, be merciful to me a sinner.'
I tell you, the latter went home justified, not the former;
for whoever exalts himself will be humbled,
and the one who humbles himself will be exalted."
I look at my body and see scars from staff infection, and from an attempt on my life; i hear the jeers, the constant gossip, and criticism. my soul bears the scars of years of rejection over and over. And I know that this is the pouring of my life out as a libation, fighting the good fight, moving toward the ultimate goal in Jesus.. Like Paul this journey is one that continues until i complete it in Jesus, there is no turning back, no compromise. Deo Gratis! Thanks be to God!
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