The ashes that are blessed and distributed on Ash Wednesday symbolize repentance and launch us upon the journey of Lent. It brings back many who are pious or prodigal. We may find ourselves absent and far from the church but when we wear the ashes we recall we belong to the community of prayer. Belonging is deep and mysterious. Wonder and respect for our Creator and Savior infuses us with the Spirit. ~ Fr. Matt
Reciprocity is the norm of our society. I will do harm to my enemies and I will be of service to my friends. From a human standpoint it makes sense. The Greeks and later the Hebrews abided by this. Fortunately Jesus encourages us to forgive. Reciprocating in anger leads to more harm and a wider divide. Because we belong to the kingdom of God more human norms and criteria can no longer govern us. The demands of the Gospel are impossible to us if we rely on our own resources. Uniting ourselves with the spirit of Jesus makes it possible. ~ Fr. Matt
Luke offers two road maps for life. One is blessed. We meet the Lord in the roadblocks and potholes of life. We feel the power of his presence and blessings. The “Woes” offer a dead end street or cul-de-sac. Self centeredness and self promotion at expense of others leads to doom. ~ Fr. Matt
Peter teaches us that even the greatest among the followers of Jesus need conversion. We realize who call us, cures us of our sinful deeds and commissions us to a life of service. ~ Fr. Matt
Jesus is a prophet not a politician. He was not pressing the flesh or schmoozing the crowd. Rejection and failure seemed the hallmark of his mission. As a prophet he came with healing hands, mercy in his heart, and salvation for all in his words. The same healing, mercy and saving words are channeled in the church today. ~ Fr. Matt
Luke infuses in us that salvation has come to all people’s, not just a few. The salvation of people continues in the human arena of history. Prayer is an elemental quality of our humanity, as essential as breathing. God’s preference is sinners, the poor, the outcasts, the needy. Can we see ourselves as people God prefers? ~ Fr. Matt
In Jesus, God offers a new way to salvation, a new teaching, a new order to humanity. In the wedding feast of Cana, Jesus doesn’t just replenish the wine for the married couple. The super abundance of wine represents the richness and satisfaction of Jesus’ word and deed. ~ Fr. Matt
The Holy Spirit rested on Jesus to ultimately rest on all flesh. His journey of the cross and resurrection was to impart the spirit on everyone. The climax of Jesus ministry is not culminated in cross and resurrection but in the ascension and Pentecost. Jesus submerged all humanity in that river of fiery justice. Christ mediates the self imparting God that breathes new life in our condemned and dying flesh. ~ Fr. Matt
The visitation of the Magi reveals our need to look for the Lord outside of our “tribe”, where we feel comfortable and in control. The revelation of God’s saving power outside the tribe of Israel urges us to be inclusive in our relationships and acknowledge that Jesus came to save us all.
As we begin the new year let us consider that the word of God’s face is always plural reflecting our attitudes, sentiments, and personality. At the threshold of 2019 may we ask for divine prosperity, presence, and peace. May we be surprised at the unique ways God will touch our lives. Let us think and live outside the box. ~ Fr. Matt