News - September 2021 RSS Feed

NOT IN THE GROUP “Wait, they're not supposed to be doing that...they don't belong to our group.” How familiar this sounds—we've heard it before. (Maybe we've even said it before!) We see an example in the first reading with Eldad and Medad—got to love those names!—prophesying “outside the group.” We see it in the gospel with the case of the “unfamiliar exorcist.” The lesson here is that God gifts and anoints whomever he will. “Our God is in heaven and whatever he wills, he does.” (Psalm 115:3)

A SHAMEFUL DEATH Just like last week, once again this Sunday we hear Jesus speak about his sufferings, death, and resurrection. The first reading from the Book of Wisdom relates a prophecy of Jesus' Passion and "shameful death." Even though we are well into Ordinary Time, we are reminded that we always have to confront the cross, and thank God, also the resurrection.

THE CROSS September 14 is the Feast of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross. This Sunday, just two days before, our readings have us consider the Suffering Servant from Isaiah and Jesus predicting his suffering and death in the gospel. It almost sounds like an “early Lent” here in mid-September, but any time is a good time to keep the Cross before us!

BE OPENED! Isaiah prophesied, “Then will the eyes of the blind be opened, the ears of the deaf be cleared.” Jesus healed the deaf man by saying, “Ephphatha! (that is, ‘Be opened!’).” The Responsorial, Psalm 146, says, “The Lord gives sight to the blind.” Jesus himself gives examples of healing the blind, lame, lepers and the deaf as signs that he is indeed the Messiah (cf. Matt. 11:5; Luke 7:22).

“Can you give me a word to help me?” Early in our marriage, Patti and I had been praying about a difficult situation. We were both really trying to seek the Lord, but it was causing a lot of stress. Patti asked me to give her some word from the Lord that would bring some light and peace. Without thinking I blurted out, “God is greater.” I remember that Patti looked a little taken aback. “That's it? What does that mean? Greater than what?” she asked. “Everything.” I said. “Whatever it is. This situation, our lives, our family, our work, our finances, our problems, our joys, our sorrows...you name it—God is greater!” This exchange sounds a little humorous when we look back on it now, but that word really did bring a great deal of light, peace, and help at the time. In fact, Patti made a sign saying “GOD IS GREATER” in block letters and plastered it on our refrigerator. It helped then and since then—and still helps today.