Daily HOMILY for December 3, 2013: Tuesday of 1st Week of Advent, Cycle A

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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/

Tue 1^st Week of Advent

St. Luke Institute

December 3, 2013

FOREST FIRES +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Ø  Forest fires may have many different causes

Ø  The cause may be intentional or accidental, but result same: destruction

Ø  An intentional fire can be a “controlled burn” and set by Forest Service for managing a wooded area

Ø  An accidental one can be caused by a campfire that is not extinguished properly

Ø  Whatever the cause, accidental or intentional, the destruction and loss of life and property from a fire can be devastating

THE PROMISE OF FOREST FIRES ++++++++++++++++++

Ø  Whatever the cause, new life can arise from the ashes

Ø  It is important to note that there is hope and promise hidden within the very devastation

Ø  The timeline for new growth after a forest first varies, but one thing is certain, the ashes become nutrient for new growth,

Ø  And eventually new “shoots will sprout”

OUR FOREST FIRES +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Ø  We experiences analogous “forest fires” intentionally or accidentally “set” if you will

Ø  And like them, we realize devastation and loss of life in our self-esteem, relationships, and ministry

Ø  At times we know first hand the barren, charred, remains of what was once a verdant woodland

THE PROMISE OF OUR FOREST FIREST +++++++++++++

Ø  As with the charred blackened remains of the forest, we can live in hope of the sprouting of the stump or the regeneration of the forest floor

Ø  We are called as Advent begins to expect regenerations

Ø  We are called each day to notice the small surprises, the sprouts, the slightest little shoot of green, the return of a single song bird

CONCLUSION +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Ø  Isaiah’s promise is made to us who know devastation and loss

Ø  “A shoot shall sprout from the stump of Jesse” and from that stump, not only the earth, but we as well will be transformed, recreated

Ø  It may take time, but one day, as we live in hope, “new growth” will emerge, fulfilling Isaiah’s prophecy in our own lives

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++