Saturday, October 11, 2014

Daily HOMILY for October 1, 2014: Wednesday of the 26th Week of Ordinary Time

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In 2014, I am facilitating a 12-week interactive online course in contemplative prayer and action for priests with Saint Luke Institute.  Please visit SLIconnect.org to learn more:  https://www.sliconnect.org/product/living-god-program-contemplative-life-2/
Wednesday of the 26th Week OT
St. Luke’s Institute
October 1, 2014
THE CROSS +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Ø  The would-be disciple tells Jesus that he will be his follower wherever Jesus goes
Ø  Jesus is going at the moment only to one place: to Jerusalem and the Cross
Ø  Wherever we go, wherever R life leads, we’re going up 2 Jerusalem & the Cross in some form or other
Ø  It may be simply the pains of old age, disease, family disharmony, poverty, or heartbreak
Ø  1 can say that Cross is part of every human life & that would seem a dark view of life if it not 4 assurance of resurrection thru belief in Jesus
THE COSMOS +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Ø  More scientific show us that pattern of suffering, death, & rebirth = also in details of nature
Ø  It’s the pattern of the cosmos
Ø  This tells us we don’t need 2 go looking for a cross
Ø  Built into life well-lived, love generously given, work carried out faithfully, & fidelity 2 promises & responsibilities
Ø  Perhaps “Cross” sounds too dramatic as a description of the pains & difficulties accompanying a life of faithfulness & good work
Ø  And R cross may B marked not so much by drama as by nagging continuance or dulling annoyance
APPLICATION +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Ø  The psychoanalyst Carl Jung saw the physical nature of cross as apt picture of what happens in some form or other to all of us
Ø  R plans, desires, & hopes R cancelled, thwarted, or made more difficult by various circumstances
Ø  Difficult home life, R own uncontrolled passions, crossing of boundaries, the list is legion
Ø  Following Jesus means, fortunately, both Cross & Resurrection
CONCLUSION +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Ø  By R active participation here, we can face reality & gain strength that life’s crosses require of us
Ø  Follower of J knows life will not B free of pain, but finds meaning in life, suffering, death, & resurrection of Master present daily at this altar.

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