April 30, 2017

3rd Sunday of Easter A Acts 2:14, 22-23; 1 Peter 1: 17-21; Luke 24: 13-35 The gospel is the wonderful story of two of Jesus’ disciples encountering Jesus as they left Jerusalem heading probably home. Jesus had died, they had just heard that Jesus had risen from the dead. They were confused, wondering what to do and what should they be doing. I was thinking about how many disciples Jesus had. Luke tells us in his gospel (Lk 9:1-6) how Jesus sent out the twelve apostles to continue the work that He had been performing throughout His Galilean ministry. Then Luke (10: 1-12) shares how Jesus sent out an additional 70 (72) disciples in pairs to every town that Jesus intended to visit. I would guess that the two in today’s Gospel were part of these seventy-two. They must have been proud to be selected to go on this original mission. Luke shares the results: “The seventy-two returned rejoicing, and said, ‘Lord, even the demons are subject to us because of Your name. Jesus said, ‘I have observed Satan fall like lightning from the sky. Behold I have given you the power to tread upon serpents’ and scorpions and upon the full force of the enemy and nothing will harm you. Nevertheless, do not rejoice because the spirits are subject to you, but rejoice because your names are written in heaven.” Did they understand these words? Did they realize what their role meant in preparing others for Jesus’ arrival? What difference did the presence of Jesus mean to them? What does it mean to us? How often are we aware of Jesus’ presence in our lives? How often do we experience meaning and purpose in our lives? Today’s Psalm Response helps us, “Lord, you will show us the path of life.” We take some time to delve further in the readings to understand the way the Spirit is leading us. The Apostles have received the Holy Spirit. A side note: each one of us reading this blog has received the Spirit in Baptism, Confirmation, the Eucharist and each time we receive a Sacrament. Do we realize this? Do we ask the Spirit for help? Do we realize that we have a mission from the Spirit? Peter and the others were assembled, “And suddenly there came from the sky a noise like a strong driving wind, and it filled the entire house in which they were.” Then Peter and the others went out to a very large gathered crowd from all over the world who were listening to the apostles and each could understand them in their own native tongue. There was tremendous confusion and Peter gave the talk we heard in the first reading. He gives a brief overview of Jesus, a man sent by God “with mighty deeds, wonders and signs.” His aim was to share the Fathers’s plan of each person drawing closer to God and gaining eternal life. God’s plan included the death of Jesus by crucifixion. In ignorance they killed Jesus “using lawless men.” But this failure as Peter explains later does not exclude them from God’s saving grace. Peter then invites the crowd to repent, be baptized and receive the same gift. How shy are we in sharing the gift of the Spirit? Scholars tell us that today’s second reading is from a Baptismal sermon delivered from Peter. These were adults and their baptism, as ours, initiated them into a new relationship with God. This is the same type of relationship that the two Emmaus disciples had when they were called to prepare the towns for Jesus’ visit. They, like us are to be ‘different’. We are to live by a different standard. The four previous verses in Peter’s letter today set this standard, “Therefore, gird up the loins of your mind, live soberly, and set your hopes completely on the grace to be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ. Like obedient children do not act in compliance with the desires of your former ignorance but, as He who called you is holy, be holy yourselves in every aspect of your conduct, for it is written, ‘Be holy because I am holy.’” We look deeper into the Gospel: these two disciples were no doubt returning to the safety of their own home and community, uncertain of many things. Jesus appears. They were discouraged by the crucifixion and could not figure out what ‘rising’ from the dead meant. Jesus explained His life and how this was totally connected to God’s plan as seen in the Old Testament. They came to share in the ‘breaking of the bread’ and they recognized this Divine Stranger…He disappeared…they returned to Jerusalem. Why didn’t they recognize Jesus from the beginning? - Was it their preconceived notions about what and who the Messiah would be? And how could a Messiah die? - Were they still harboring the idea that the Messiah would kick out Roman domination? - Do we fail to realize that the person standing in front of us, is a loving created part of God’s creation? - Can I see God in each person, each day? Do I even review these people in my mind at the end of the day, trying to find Jesus? More importantly they recognized Jesus in the breaking of the bread. Their faith was strong, but wandering. They had never fully considered who Jesus was. Do we make the same mistake? Do we feel that God can and does help us but only when we are good? Do we feel God is busy and can’t help ‘little old me’? Do we feel that it is our sins that prevent God from gracing us and helping us? They knew about Jesus and could speak volumes on His teaching, His miracles, His example, His care and compassion on all, but did they know Him? Did they know Him as He knows each one of us as a personal friend? Do we realize that God loves each of us as His creation who is a loving, redeemed, forgiven sinner? Do we let Jesus be this God for each of us? Each one of us travel the road of life each day and God is traveling that exact route with us. We still have our Emmaus-like experiences of fear, confusion, dread and worry. We feel unloved and unforgiven and yet we know somehow that we are loved and forgiven. This never stops God…He continually lets His presence be seen and known…we are that important to God. What can I do to be aware and in love more deeply with this loving God? I reflect on: • Do I think of Jesus as a personal friend? How much do I trust Him? How much do I think He loves me? • If Jesus were to live among us today in human form, where would I find Him? What injustices would he be resisting? Who would be opposing Him? Would His presence make a difference in the world? Would I help Him in His work? Would I gladly consent to go before Him to where He intends to visit? How would I love Him in action? Sacred Space 2017 states: “The trudging disciples had turned their back on Jerusalem and were picking over the story as they knew it. So it was that Jesus found them, coming near and walking with them. I let Him fall in step with me now. Jesus, find me where I am. Draw near, Jesus, and walk with me. Help me recognize how my story comes to life as I listen toYours. Let me hear your good news so that my heart warms.”

April 23, 2017

 2nd Sunday of Easter Acts 2: 42-47; 1 Peter 1: 3-9; John 20: 19-31 Holy Week, Holy Thursday, Good Friday, Holy Saturday, is a time to reflect on God’s total love. At times the thought comes to me and I wonder why did Jesus do all that He did? Immediately I realize that He did this for me because He loves me. Then I look at the times the I have not responded to His love and the times that I have been absolutely non-loving. And I wonder how could He love me during these times? It just doesn’t make sense…it doesn’t if I’m thinking with my own feelings and emotions. But the whole story of creation and redemption shows a God who is loving and caring and creates each person as a beautiful gift to the world. Do I realize this? Not too often…but I’m reflecting on this a lot more as I read some of the classics of the saints and spiritual giants. Some books: The Interior Castle…St. Teresa of Avila Showings…Julian of Norwich Little Talks with God…St Catherine of Siena The Sacred Moment, Becoming Holy Right Where You Are…Albert Haase, OFM The Love of Jesus and the Love of Neighbor…Karl Rahner Life and Holiness…Thomas Merton These books tell me to be grateful for the gift of myself and to live this gift. St. Teresa of Avila in The Interior Castle puts it this way: “If you want to make progress on the path and ascend to the places you have longed for, the important thing is not to think much but to love much, and so to do whatever best awakens you to love. If you fall sometimes, do not lose heart. Keep striving to walk your path with integrity. God will draw out the good even from your fall, just as the man who sells antidotes will drink poison to test their effectiveness.” We see this enthusiasm and direction from today’s readings. The first reading from Acts brings us to Peter’s Pentecost sermon where nearly three thousand were moved by God’s grace to accept Baptism. As a result we are given an overview of the temperament and make-up of this new community of believers. They relied on the apostles to guide them and build up their faith in Jesus. So I ask myself how much time do I spend just reading the Gospels and being with Jesus? This community of believers are also devoted to the breaking of the bread. The apostles share the significance of the Last Supper. Now the people gather in the homes of the faithful to celebrate this eucharistic ritual. They also realize that from the gift they have been given they have the responsibility to share and to care. This brings them from detachment from the goods of the world as seen from Jesus’ parable of the Rich Fool (Luke 12: 16-21) to sharing what they have for the benefit of those in need. They have discovered their ‘pearl of great price’—The Lord, and are filled with praise of God. Their meals are joyful, their hearts are sincere and all regard them favorably and this keeps on bringing more converts to The Way, the original name for this group of believers. Peter, as always, brings practicality to the front: there will be hardships the faithful must endure “for a little while.” Jesus suffered, each person must realize that in following the way of love that Jesus taught and lived, people will be hesitant and even refuse to respond positively. They are stuck in their ways: they like to think only of themselves…they want to hoard…they want more…they don’t care about others. We have this ‘same disease’. As Peter reminds us we have to keep in mind our goal, “Although you have not seen Him you love Him; even though you do not see Him now yet believe in Him, you rejoice with an indescribable and glorious joy, as you attain the goal of your faith, the salvation of your souls.” John’s gospel shares the appearance of the risen Lord to His disciples in the Upper Room and the commissioning of them through the Holy Spirit and later on another appearance when Thomas is present. The scene is set…the apostles were afraid of their own Jews. They had locked themselves in. They were no doubt afraid that the same horrible suffering that happened to Jesus was in store for them. Jesus appeared “Peace be with you.” No doubt they were shocked and skeptical. Then Jesus said again “Peace be with you. As the Father has sent Me, so I send you.” Jesus brings the Spirit to each one. Now they are able to comprehend that Jesus is God. They are the witnesses of God’s plan from all time. And note that they are only able to realize this through the presence and grace of the Holy Spirit. The same is true for each of us: it is the Holy Spirit who helps each one to be a person of love. We just can’t do it on our own. Jesus said that He would not leave any of us orphans, the Holy Spirit is with us. Do I think I can do it on my own? When I think this the devil is sneaking into my inner brain and puffing me up to what I am not. Then along comes Thomas. Unfortunately he has been so unfairly labeled as ‘doubting Thomas.’ He doesn’t doubt…he just wants the same evidence that the other disciples required before they believed. He affirms this when he gives his own belief confession, “My Lord and my God!” This happens to each of us as we received Baptism and is rekindled and grown each time we receive the Eucharist and the other sacraments. We call it the gift of faith…this is a GIFT…it is from GOD…given to each person INDIVIDUALLY…GIVEN in love and with the Spirit’s HELP… Do I accept this gift? Do I ask for this gift when I am troubled? Connections shares these clarifying words, “The Spirit that Jesus breathes on the Eleven on Easter night is ‘breathed’ upon us, as well. It is the grace that enables us to live our lives with the belief that the good is always possible; it is the grace that enables us to transform our doubts and fears into reconciliation, justice and peace. We can let ourselves become so beaten down by life that our cynicism begins to destroy our spirit we are no longer able tor realize God’s presence among us; we fail to see this life of ours as a gift from God, given in order that we might find God and, in the process, find ourselves. May we realize God’s Spirit in our midst, enabling us to recreate this time and place of ours in the peace of the Risen One.” So I reflect on: • As I look at my life, when has doubt or resistance become the means through which I knew that Jesus was with me? • How do I pray when I really need Jesus and know the Spirit’s help is there for the asking? • As I look at myself is part of my doubt tied up in how I feel about myself? Am I harder on myself that I am on other people? Sacred Space 2017 says: “Are the doors of my heart locked? Do I not expect Jesus to show up and visit me? Am I afraid, afraid that my well-ordered ways of thinking and doing things might be turned upside down if I let Jesus in? Brave, honest Thomas had gone off to grieve on his own, so he missed that meeting with the Lord. I have suffered in this way when I isolated myself from the community of faith. It is when I am stunned by sorrow that I most need the company of friends and the support of faith

April 16, 2017

Easter Sunday A Acts 10; 34, 37-43; Colossians 3: 1-4; John 20: 1-9 What does the Resurrection of Jesus mean to me? Do I realize how much love God has for me? Do I realize that Jesus' Resurrection is a sign and prefigurement of God's promise that each person who believes in Jesus and obeys the commandments will be in heaven forever? Now what do I have to do for this to happen? Jesus did the doing! But now what does that mean to me? Do I feel that this is an 'automatic' since I am a Christian, since I am a follower, since I am a Catholic that I can just be pulled in by 'Jesus' bootstraps? This is a coarse way to express this...but what does Jesus' life, teaching, love, death, rising and ascension to heaven mean to me? Do I see that I have been called to reform my life and living style to conform totally to Jesus' teachings? I'm close to celebrating my 50th anniversary of priesthood; how blessed I have been as I think back on my early years. When I was in 7th grade, I started my first paid job working for a wonderful man, a huckster, the fruit and vegetable man. My brother worked for him years earlier. I was nervous my first day but he gave some plain 'orders': be respectful to all the customers and be kind. He told me that many of them have been his customer for years. "I will teach you everything you need to know, but just ask if you have any questions." I worked, it was a lot harder than I had thought. I was corrected and I learned from these moments. I liked this work and felt good about myself. I also realized that it was hard work for this pre-teen. As time went on I had a number of jobs, then I went to the seminary and worked during the summers for the Department of Parks. Then I was ordained in 1967 and after two months in a parish, I began my next 'job', teaching in Catholic High Schools in the Diocese of Syracuse, New York. I enjoyed teaching but along came the hard part: papers to be corrected, grading, and all sorts of meetings, paperwork and various 'school jobs'. I say all this as an introduction to the fact that when we have a 'job to do', it requires work. The work is hard many times, often even boring, but is necessary to 'complete' the job at hand. Also the 'work' always involves people who have needs, wants, feelings and so often come to each of us in pain, trying to discover this God who loves them always. I believe they need to know that God loves them, is with them and cares about them deeply by the way way that I treat them. I do this because Jesus has already done this perfectly. I wish to share all of this even though imperfectly because I have become aware of His gifts and presence in my life. All this required a depth of study and commitment on my part. The bottom line is that Jesus came to tell us of God's total love. The bottom line is that in being a follower of Jesus, I have to get to know Jesus. The bottom line is that I have to see that Jesus came to teach me about God and how I have been called to be a person of love. That is work, every day, with every person. Today we celebrate the Resurrection of Jesus. During these last few weeks we have been hearing the gospels tell of the last weeks of Jesus' life on earth. We have walked along with the Pharisees, religious officials, Scribes and others who had studied and devoted their lives to the Hebrew Scriptures. They were experts. They had their own idea of the future coming Messiah and what exactly He would be. The bottom line is that for all their knowledge, they missed Jesus the Messiah. The apostles had followed Jesus, watched His miracles, heard His teaching and were first hand witnesses of His kindness, compassion and love. They expected the Messiah and felt that Jesus was 'the man' and they would have a special place in His earthly reign. Jesus said it was all about God's reign forever and heaven was the goal, not the comfortable, prestigious 'job' of being Jesus' follower on earth. Love is hard work. Loving a person we love is rewarding and often difficult and not convenient. Loving those we live with comes up with all sorts of emotions and difficulties. Loving those we come into contact with is easier, but not something we always want to extend ourselves. Loving those we don't know is more often than not avoided. And loving those we don't love is a no-no. So being a Christian, living as Jesus taught, being a person of love is work. It involves saying no to myself and my selfish tendencies. It requires a life of living as God has taught and as God needs me to be. Peter explained that in today's first reading from Acts of the Apostles summing up the 'good news' of the Gospel. "You know what has happened all over Judaea, beginning in Galilee...how God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and power. He went about doing good and healing all those oppressed by the devil, for God was with Him. We are witnesses of all that He did...He commissioned us to preach to the people and testify that He is the one appointed by God..." Easter is the feast of our being called, being chosen to be Jesus to the world where God has placed us. Why me? That's why God created me, He needs me. Why at this time and place in history? It's all according to God's plan coupled with the unique gifts that the Holy Spirit constantly showers upon me precisely to help me be Jesus and spread His love through the uniqueness that is me. In one of her beautiful poems, Teresa of Avila stated it in this way: "Christ has no body now but yours. No hands, no feet on earth but yours. Yours are the eyes through which He looks compassion on this world. Yours are the feet with which He walks to do good. Yours are the hands through which He blesses all the world. Yours are the hands, yours are the feet, yours are the eyes, you are His body. Christ has no body now but yours, No hands, no feet on earth but yours, yours are the eyes with which He looks compassion on this world. Christ has no body now on earth but yours." The bottom line is that God has so blessed me and you, so gifted me and you, so loved me and you that He placed me here for you and you here for me. The Good News is God's love that brings each of us to heaven forever with Him through each other. It is loving, dedicated work. Praise be God. From Sacred Space 2017: "Something to think and pray about each day this week: Easter is a Verb As Author Alice Camille states so well, 'Easter is truly a verb, a dynamic event pursuing upward from the darkness into the light.' Christians are Easter people. What that means to me is that we are dynamic: always growing, changing, moving, and engaging. Even those of us who cannot be 'in motion' physically--because of necessary employment, family responsibilities, or health issues--can experience the interior 'movements' of the soul. Every day the risen Christ invites us to move, to allow the breaking open that happens in a heart that is open to God and to all that divine love brings to us. We sense the inner movement, we listen to the voice of the Spirit, we pay attention to even fleeting emotions and responses that can be, in God's hands, tools for our ongoing creation. Vinita Hampton Wright, on her blog, Days of Deepening Friendship.

April 9, 2017

Palm Sunday of the Passion of the Lord A Isaiah 50: 4-7; Philippians 2: 6-11; Matthew 26: 14 -27: 66 We begin the most solemn and most holy of weeks where we remember Jesus’ entry into Jerusalem, the Last Supper with the inauguration of the Holy Eucharist, the suffering and passion on Good Friday, Jesus’ death on the cross, being placed in the tomb and His glorious resurrection on Easter Sunday. We have heard it many times. No doubt each of us could describe exactly what happened each day. We know the actions that took place during this week; let us look at the words that were spoken. They could have been spoken by us, if we were alive during that tragic week. They could have been spoken to us by Jesus to enable us to know at a deeper level His love for us. As we read through these words, stop wherever we feel the ‘tug’ of the Holy Spirit telling us to wait for a second, then reflect; knowing God is with us, loving us each and every moment and leading us to Him. Judas: “What are you willing to give me if I hand Him over to you?” Disciples: “Where do you want us to prepare for you to eat the Passover?” Jesus: “Go into the city to a certain man and tell him, ‘The teacher says, ‘My appointed time draws near; in your house I shall celebrate the Passover with my disciples.’” Jesus: “Amen I say to you one of you will betray me.” Disciples: “Surely it is not I Lord? Jesus: “He who has dipped his hand into the dish with me is the one who will betray me. The Son of man indeed goes, as it is written of hm but woe to the man by whom the Son of Man is betrayed. It would be better for that man if he had never been born.” Judas, “Surely it is not I Lord?” Jesus said, “You have said so.” Jesus: “Take and eat; this is my body…. (and over the cup) Drink from it, all of you, for this is my blood of the covenant, which will be shed on behalf of many for the forgiveness of sins. I tell you, from now on I shall not drink this fruit of the vine until the day when I drink it with you new in the kingdom of my Father.” Jesus: “This night all of you will have your faith in me shaken.” Peter: “Though all may have their faith in you shaken, mine will never be.” Jesus: “Amen, I say to you, this very night before the cock crows, you will deny me three times. Peter, “Even though I should have to die with you, I will not deny you.” Jesus: “My soul is sorrowful even to death. Remain here and keep watch with me… My soul is sorrowful even to death. Remain here and keep watch with me…”My Father, if it is possible, let this cup pass from me; yet, not as I will, but as you will.” To the disciples, “So you could not keep watch with Me for one hour? Watch and pray that you may not undergo the test. The spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak.” To the Father, “My Father, if it is not possible that this cup pass without my drinking it, your will be done!” To the disciples, “Are you still sleeping and taking your rest? Behold, the hour is at hand when the Son of Man is to be handed over to sinners. Get up, let us go. Look, my betrayer is at hand.” Judas, “The man I shall kiss is the one; arrest Him.” Hail Rabbi!” Jesus said, “Friend, do what you have come for.” Jesus, “Put your sword back into its sheath, for all who take the sword will perish by the sword. Do you think that I cannot call upon my Father and He will not provide me at this moment with more than twelve legions of angels? But then how would the Scriptures be fulfilled which say that it must come to pass in this way.”…Have you come out as against a robber, with swords and clubs to seize me? Day after day I sat teaching in the temple area, yet you did not arrest me. But all this has come to pass that the writings of the prophets may be fulfilled.” High Priest, “I order you to tell us under oath before the living God whether you are the Christ, the Son of God.” Jesus, “You have said so. But I tell you: From now on you will see the Son of Man seated at the right hand of the Power and coming on the clouds of heaven.” High Priest, “He has blasphemed! What further need have we of witnesses? You have now heard the blasphemy; what is your opinion…He deserves to die!” Soldiers, “Prophesy for us, Christ: who is it that struck you?” Girl to Peter “You too were with Jesus the Galilean” Peter, “I do not know what you are talking about? Another girl, “This man was with Jesus the Nazarene, Peter, “I do not know the man!” Judas returning the silver coins, “I have sinned in betraying innocent blood.” Chief Priest, “What is that to us? Look to it yourself.” It is not lawful to deposit this in the temple treasury for it is the price of blood.” Pilate: “Are you the king of the Jews?” Jesus, “You say so.” Pilate, “Do you not hear how many things they are testifying against you?…Which one do you want me to release to you Barabbas, or Jesus called Christ?” Pilate’s wife, “Have nothing to do with that righteous man. I suffered much in a dream today because of him.” The chief priests, ‘Release Barabbas.” Pilate, “Then what shall I do with Jesus called Christ? ALL, “Let Him be crucified. Pilate, “I am innocent of this man’s blood. Look to it yourselves. All the people, “His blood be upon us and upon our children.” To Jesus: “You who would destroy the temple and rebuild it in three days, save yourself, if you are the Son of God, and come down from the cross!” Chief Priests, “He saved others, He cannot save Himself. So he is the king of Israel! Let Him come down for the cross now, and we will believe in Him. He trusted in God; let Him deliver Him now if He wants Him. For He said, “I am the Son of God.” Jesus, “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me? Soldiers: “Truly, this was the Son of God.” Sacred Space 2017: • “Look at Judas and watch him—fearfully betraying Jesus. • Look at Jesus as His heart goes out to the weakness of His disciples. • In all sorts of weakness in our lives, the love of God is triumphant. Let Him be the strength in your weakness and sinfulness. • Is Judas motivated by anger and disappointment? • Had he a different vision of the messianic kingdom than Jesus? • Did he resent that Jesus saw through him when he protested at the waste of Mary’s costly ointment at the feast? • One thing is clear: He refused to accept Jesus as He was. • Like us, he didn’t see that it is we, not God, who must change.

April 2, 2017

5th Sunday of Lent A Ezekiel 37: 12-14; Romans 8: 8-11; John 11: 1-45 It is quite possible that each person reading this blog has at some time faced the mystery of death and dying. It is never comfortable. If the person has suffered, it is a blessing but their death is still a loss for us. If the person died suddenly, there is so much to cope with, so many words that were left unsaid. Then we approach the question of what faces us after death. We want God to be a loving God, but we are afraid. So many memories of our past life haunt us and make us feel that we might be the ones that could possibly get 'shut out' of heaven. As I review the deaths of people close to me what has helped me so much is the presence of special people who just sat with me and helped me and hugged me. I felt important and deeply touched by love. I try to do the same in my ministry with those who face death. There are so many beautiful passages on death and books devoted to this. Dr. Elisabeth Kubler-Ross's masterpiece 'On Death and Dying' has helped me tremendously. The description on the back of the book says it all: "One of the most important psychological studies of the late twentieth century, On Death and Dying grew out of Dr. Elisabeth Kubler-Ross's famous interdisciplinary seminar on death, life, and transition. In this remarkable book, Dr. Kubler-Ross first explored the now-famous five stages of death: denial and isolation, anger, bargaining, depression, and acceptance. Through sample interviews and conversations, she gives the reader a better understanding of how imminent death affects the patient, the professionals who serve that patient, and the patient's family, bringing hope to all who are involved." Another book I have read many times and I like to give people who are facing terminal cancer is Cardinal Joseph Bernadin's book, The Gift of Peace: Personal Reflections. The Cardinal shares his tremendous trust in the Lord that results in a beautiful inner peace. In the last two months of his life he was stricken with pancreatic cancer and it returned. It is a beautiful story where he shares this inner peace that he said was a gift from God and he shares his story openly and honestly. He felt peace and he shares it. This has benefitted so many, myself included. Coming back to the Gospel and the story of the death of Jesus' close friend Lazarus another 'historic work' comes to mind that has helped me in looking at death and it's meaning. It comes from Fyodor Dostoyevsky's Crime and Punishment. Two years before he wrote this, Dostoyevsky 's wife and brother had died. He had loads of debt and was close to being sent to debtor's prison. Some how he managed to get an advance on what has turned out to be a classic piece of literature. He tells of a student who felt that he was a 'nothing' and struggled with good and evil. Thinking he was above the law he brutally murders an old woman whom he regarded as a 'good for nothing'. Overwhelmed by tremendous guilt and fear he confesses his crime and goes to prison. There he realizes that happiness and redemption can only come through suffering and religion. Before he goes to prison, Rodin meets Sonya, a prostitute who works the street to support her family. He feels that Sonya has no hope to ever 'leave the streets'. She disagrees and eventually shares her secret which she found in the story of the raising of Lazarus. And she reads this story to Rodin from the Bible given her by the woman Rodin had murdered. Sonya shares how Lazarus' story gives her hope that one day she will "come out" of her horrible life. Rodin totally disagrees but while in prison he takes the same book of the gospels and reads the story of Lazarus. He sees in it hope: hope for his own return to the world, hope for Sonya who loves him and hope in his chance to be "resurrected." This is the point of the Gospel. There is always hope. God can bring all back to life no matter what. It's not that Lazarus lived a bad life or a good life, it's about God and His love and care for each of His creatures. It also shows how God is with us in our pain and our loss. Jesus cried over the death of His friend Lazarus, it is recorded in the shortest verse in the Bible, John 11: 35, "Jesus wept." Now at the time of Jesus the common belief was that there was life after death. However the Sadducees did not believe this. They were a powerful group who were opponents of John the Baptist and Jesus and the early Christians. They held that there is no resurrection, nor angels or spirits. It is interesting that they totally disagreed with the Pharisees yet agreeing that Jesus was a problem that had to be eliminated was what united these two groups. What is the message for us ... Jesus stated it perfectly, "I am the resurrection and the life; whoever believes in Me, even if he dies, will live, and everyone who lives and believes in Me with never die." And then He adds this question to Martha, "Do you believe this? She said to Him, 'Yes, Lord, I have come to believe that You are the Christ, the Son of God, the one who is coming into the world.'" Martha says it, yet does she understand its deeper meaning? Do we understand the deeper meaning? Martha finds that her sister Mary has almost the same conversation with Jesus...noting that if Jesus had come earlier, Lazarus would not have died. And Jesus response to all this is that He wept. Most writers and commentators say that Jesus wept because He lost His close friend. BUT THIS IS NOT THE CASE. Lazarus had died. Jesus knows He can raise Lazarus up, so that is not the issue at hand. The real issue is that Mary and Martha and the others present do not understand who Jesus really is and what He came to tell us and show us. God loves us. God wants each of us to be in heaven with Him. Jesus is the one came to 'set us free.' Jesus is the one who came to tell us death is not the end. Jesus is the one who came to tell us that He will raise each of us up if we follow His teachings and believe. Jesus came to tell us that it is all about God's love and EACH person forever being in heaven and being absorbed in God's love. There will be no more pain and dying...there will be no more wondering or doubt. There will be no more searching or going astray. There will be the discovery of what life is all about: Life With God Forever. Lazarus comes from the tomb totally wrapped up in the burial cloths. Jesus says, "Lazarus come out." He does and then Jesus says, "Untie him and let him go." Think about it...why does Jesus add these last words, 'let him go'. What ties us up in this world? What keeps us bound to this world? What wants us to stay in this world and not want to go to the LOVE WORLD of Heaven prepared for each of us forever? What binds us are our addictions, our false values, that media want's to sell us. What the world wants is to buy us into their concept of success. We live the good life, but it blinds us to eternal life. All those bound by hunger and loneliness need to be untied. All the homeless and poor need release as much as Lazarus ever did. For years we have been praying for those who are held bound and we pray for their freedoms. The freedom to know the richness of what faith and hope are all about: LOVE, the love of God. So I reflect on: ~ What darkness or sin keeps me from the love and life that God promises me? ~ Have I ever fled, dead in spirit and been called to new life by the Lord? Was the setting a retreat...the Eucharist...reconciliation...spiritual direction? ~. What are the things that still keep me bound and hinder me from discovering the love of God in me and in my midst? ~ Lazarus had been dead for four days when Jesus came to the tomb. Do you think it matters how long I have sinned when it comes to Jesus welcoming me into His heart? ~ Do pride or shame ever get in my way of my relationship with Jesus. Do I ever think that I am so sinful that Jesus could not possibly want me in heaven? Sacred Space 2017 helps me: "I hear you asking me the same question, Lord: 'Do you believe that I am the resurrection and the life?' In the long run, nothing is more important than my answer to this. I cannot grasp Your words in my imagination, Lord, but I believe. Help my unbelief. 'Unbind him, and let him go.' Even a man resurrected from the dead needed the help of community. Show me, Lord, how I can participate in others' unwinding and freedom.