Friday, January 14, 2005
January 12
Gospel for January 11: Mk. 1:21-28
The past two weeks I have laid low. Took a train trip to san dieog, and will contiune to keep a low profile as I work on lent and this years budget.
“Jesus taught with authority”. He ‘confronted demons”. Today I have written three letters to three guys in prison confronting their demons with authority. I have listened to two who are enslaved by the demon of drugs, and am working on aletter to newspaper confronting their demons of failing to look at the homeless issue realistically.
The Jesus of the gospels calls us to challenge the demons of our day, and that meansa that like him, we place ourselves in danger of being crucified. The demons present in the structures of our society that contribute to the enslavement of 2/3 of world economically, that cut health care and social services to people in our society.. Deo Gratis! Thanks be to God!
January 14, 2005
Blogger has been out this week, and so I share my reflections for the last three days.
Mark 1:29-39: This scripture is a reminder to me that people are really needy, and those needs drain us, and for me I have to withdraw, sometimes for several days just to recharge, and then move forward again.
Mark 1:40-45: How this story never changes. Everyday I spend with our societies “lepers”, and find people at large ignoring them. The other day when I was waiting for a train there were three street kids who approached me in San Luis Obisbo, I talked to them, gave them some socks, and food. People around me withdrew, and the looks on their faces. The scripture is just a reaffirmation for me that my life is committed to the untouchables, and that that means to be identifed with them and to suffer their fate—and there are no regrets for Jesus is ever present.
Mark 2:1-12: today we celebrate my ordination anniversary with a dinner, and all of these scriptures speak to that call. I remember my security in the early years of my ministry, with colleagues and church members who supported and accepted me, and as the years have gone by and I have moved to the margins how alone I often feel—often rejected or kept at a distance by churches, and even other catholic workers. In talking about my two ordinations—one as umc, and the other into independent catholism my friend keenan said “they both served u at that time.” My first was acceptance into an institution and all of the education it took to get there. It was a time for me when the institution was the answer, but with my disallusionment also came the call to the margins, a call that meant priesthood, meant a sacramental ministry, and so my second was my commitment to the untouchables. I am thankful for both, and I am thankful that God in her wisdom has provided opportunities to one who is the least deserving of all, and the biggest sinner of all.
The scripture today brings to mind our meal nights, and the times I walk out the door and people surround me. People are so desperate, so needy sometimes they push and push, and in the midst of that one must simply be present and stay the course.
And so it goes on this day in January of the year 2005. Deo Gratis! Thanks be to God!
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Wednesday, January 12, 2005
Gospel, Jan. 11: Mk. 1:21-28
The past two weeks i have laid low. took a train trip to san diego, and have just read. will continue to keep low profile most of month, as i work on lenten materials, and this years budget.
"Jesus taught with authority". he "confronted the demons". today i have a written three letters to three guys in prison--confronting their demons with authority. I have listened to two who are chained by the demons of drugs, and i am working on aletter to the paper confronting their lack of being straight forward about homeless situation.
The Jesus of the gospels calls us to challenge the "demons" of our day, and that means that like him, we place ourselves in danger of being crucified. the demons present in our structures of society that contribute to the enslavement of 2/3 of the world economically, that cut health care and social services from the people on our street. Deo Gratis! Thanks be to God!
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