Friday, XXII Week of Ordinary Time
(I Colossians)
An icon of Christ hangs in a Benedictine monastery in Oceanside, California. It describes with visual images what the first reading relates with words. Christ is clothed in white like a new-born infant or, more to the point, like one appearing in glory. His wounds are covered with stars to show that he was dead but has come back to life. On the halo surrounding his head are the Greek letters ho on which mean “the (one) being” above all others. He has a compassionate face with eyes that seem to see to the bottom of the soul looking at him. His torso glimpsed by an opening in the white cloth is strong but not overpoweringly arrogant. He poises his right hand to make a blessing or, perhaps, a judgment. His left hand holds a book, obviously the Scriptures, with just one word shown pax (peace), showing that he has reconciled all things to himself. Seated on a throne with a with a blue pedestal indicated royalty, he leaves the impression of ruling over the whole world, especially its largest entity, the Pacific Ocean.
Christ commands our confidence. Sometimes tossed by the vagaries of life we waver in our allegiance. We have to cling to him with steadfast love. Recently writings left by Mother Teresa have revealed that she also was not spared doubts and inner turmoil. Yet she remained loyal to Christ to the end of her life. Each day she rose for meditation at 4:30 a.m. Even in fame and old age she did not cease tending to the needs of the poorest. As already evidenced by miracles in her name, Christ has brought her home to eternal life.
Showing posts with label Colossians 1. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Colossians 1. Show all posts
Homilette for Thursday, September 6, 2007
Thursday, XXII Week of Ordinary Time
(Colossians 1 and Luke 5)
The Scripture readings today use two powerful images for sin. In the Letter to the Colossians sin is darkness which blurs life’s goal. In the Gospel of Luke sin is the depths of the sea which entrap us from proceeding to that goal. In our parish sin keeps two sons from working to assist their mother at home and to support the children that they have engendered.
Jesus has come to deliver us from sin. He is the light to dispel the darkness like an enormous lantern in a lighthouse that guides ships to ports. He is also the director of fishermen who cast nets deep into the sea to bring home food for humans.
Often, however, we have difficulty leaving sinful ways. Peter in the gospel tells the Lord to depart from him. He may just feel unworthy but also he may not want to accept quite yet the grace that will make him worthy. Sinners’ taking responsibility for past actions often means making uncomfortable adjustments in their lives. Imagine the burden of paying child support because of selfish sexual activity that parts of society foolishly see as fun. But such needless worry itself approaches sin. Repenting sin means receiving Christ as our soul companion – a gift worth all the gold and silver submerged at the bottom of the seas.
(Colossians 1 and Luke 5)
The Scripture readings today use two powerful images for sin. In the Letter to the Colossians sin is darkness which blurs life’s goal. In the Gospel of Luke sin is the depths of the sea which entrap us from proceeding to that goal. In our parish sin keeps two sons from working to assist their mother at home and to support the children that they have engendered.
Jesus has come to deliver us from sin. He is the light to dispel the darkness like an enormous lantern in a lighthouse that guides ships to ports. He is also the director of fishermen who cast nets deep into the sea to bring home food for humans.
Often, however, we have difficulty leaving sinful ways. Peter in the gospel tells the Lord to depart from him. He may just feel unworthy but also he may not want to accept quite yet the grace that will make him worthy. Sinners’ taking responsibility for past actions often means making uncomfortable adjustments in their lives. Imagine the burden of paying child support because of selfish sexual activity that parts of society foolishly see as fun. But such needless worry itself approaches sin. Repenting sin means receiving Christ as our soul companion – a gift worth all the gold and silver submerged at the bottom of the seas.
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