Daily HOMILY for January 28, 2014: Tuesday of the 3rd Week in Ordinary Time, 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/

3^rd Tuesday in OT

St. Luke Institute

January 28, 2014

GATES LIFTING UP +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Ø  The words of the psalmist to the personified gates of Jerusalem are startling: “Lift up, O gates…that the king of glory may come in!”

Ø  Suddenly, in the midst of the routine business of receiving travelers, tradesmen, and pilgrims, the king of glory arrives in a shimmering moment on a burnished afternoon

Ø  One can imagine the gates swiftly brushing fatigue from their hinges and afternoon dust from their portals to ready themselves for this most special of guests

KINSHIP & DANCING +++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Ø  On another burnished afternoon, those sitting around Jesus must have been equally startled to hear him open the doors of kinship beyond their usual bounds

Ø  And on yet another afternoon, perhaps some were startled to see David dancing before the ark of the Lord

THE PROPER STANCE +++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Ø  The Scriptures of today remind and challenge us to be open, welcoming, and reverent before the many ways in which the Lord comes to us

Ø  Whether it is in the dusty garb of a pilgrim

or in the shimmering approach of the king of glory,

in the stranger who is our brother or sister,

or in the golden gleam of the tabernacle

IT WAS FOR THOMAS ++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Ø  St. Thomas Aquinas, whose memorial we celebrate today, was among those holy ones who opened their hearts to recognize the shimmering presence of the Lord

IT CAN BE FOR US ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Ø  The example of the saints, the dance of David, the lifted gates of Jerusalem, and the words of Jesus

Ø  Teach us that any moment can be the shimmering moment of a burnished afternoon

Ø  When, in the midst of our routine, bustling business,

Ø  Christ comes to us

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

Ø  Let us brush the fatigue from our shoulders and the dust from our hands, and ready ourselves to greet the Lord

Ø  …in whatever way he comes!

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