WISDOM

      Not all scriptures are created equal.  In my role as a preacher of the Word, whose task it is to break open God's Word, I can attest to that statement.  All scriptures are important, but some are easier to preach on.

     The readings for this past Sunday, the 13th Sunday in Ordinary Time, are great readings for preaching.  They are filled with powerful words that speak of the goodness of our God.

     Verse 13 of chapter 1 of the Book of Wisdom, the first reading for that celebration, says: "God did not make death, nor does he rejoice in the destruction of the living."

     God does not make death!

     But listen to the way we speak of God at times - "If you don't behave, God will punish you" ... "Why did God take this person, allow this child to die?" ... a natural disaster is called "an act of God".

     Wisdom 1 said: "God does not make death!"  then it continues: "For he fashioned all things that they may have being; and the creatures of the world are wholesome."

    Remember the creation accounts?  At the end of each creative act, God paused and looked at what had been created, and saw that it was good.  Everything was fashioned that it may exist and have being ... a gift given by the divine being.

     But death does exist - it comes from the sin of the rejection of what was God-given in search of an empty promise of something more.

     In verse 23 & 24 of chapter 2 of Wisdom we read: "For God formed man to be imperishable; the image of his own nature he made him.  But by the envy of the devil, death entered the world and they who belong to his company experience it."

     From the time of the Fall we have struggled to realize and hold onto our destiny, sometimes succeeding but often failing.   But then came the Word once again in time, speaking a creative word that would repair the damage done by sin and restore to God's company those claimed by the evil one.   This time the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen him and share in his glory.

     In a world still claimed by chaos and darkness, sin and death, it is imperative that we know that we have been made new and good through the redemptive action of the Cross.   And we must lay claim to that wonderful gift and give thanks.

STORMY WEATHER

      On this Monday afternoon in June much of the nation, especially in the East, has been dealing with severe weather.  Our own area has had a series of storms that have rumbled through.  The summer months are noted for these kinds of days.

     The readings for yesterday's 12th Sunday in Ordinary Time referenced storms in life.  We met Job whose storm in life was to find his security and blessings stripped away in a "bargaining" between the Lord and the evil one.  Everything that he held important, primarily his close relationship with the Lord, was being challenged.  It was not within Job's nature to doubt that relationship with God, but he came close.  In the passage from chapter 38 the Lord reminds Job just who is in charge, and how faithful God is to his promise to Job.  In the midst of the confusion and doubt afflicting Job, God says to him ... fear not - I am in charge and I am true to my promise that you are dear to my heart.  And Job found courage.

     Psalm 107 [the Responsorial Psalm of the liturgy] reminds those that sailed the seas and dealt with the storms of nature that the Lord is in charge ... that "he hushed the storm to a gentle breeze and the billows of the sea were stilled."  It ends with these words: "Let them give thanks to the Lord for his kindness and his wonderous deeds to the children on men."

    In chapter 5 of the 2nd letter to Corinth, Paul tells of the tumultuous change that entered his life when he realized the love of Christ for all.  He says that the storm of that realization "impels" him to regard everyone as a new creation redeemed by the love of Christ, and deserving of his love and resect.

     And the Gospel of Mark tells us of the storm at sea where even the seasoned fishermen who were his disciples could not cope with the storm they found themselves caught in.  Jesus was with them, but he was asleep on a cushion in the boat.  Jesus was with them, not in their fear or helplessness, but in the boat to calm the wind and the seas and calm the fears of our concerns.  He steps in to show us how loved and cherished we are.

     Remember this - while he can calm the storm ,,, end the persecution ... restore what was lost ... he is also there to give us the peace and security that we need to keep calm ... the strength we need to not only endure the hardships but to come out victorious ... and to ability to rejoice in the glory of the Kingdom of God. 

DECORATION DAY

       Yesterday the nation celebrated what has become known as the first holiday of the Summer season - Memorial Day.  Until 1971 this holiday was called "Decoration Day" because of the tradition beginning at the end of the Civil War to decorate with flowers the graves of those who lost their lives in that conflict in their honor.  It began with a proclamation on May 5, 1868, by Union General John Logan, that May 30th would be the day of remembrance and honoring.  This holiday was not adopted by the Southern States on that date, but they chose a different date to honor their fallen.

     On Sunday evening we at Neumann House where I live watched the 25th Anniversary Concert of "Les Miserable".  Taking place in Paris during the French Revolution, there is a line spoken by one of the young leaders of the rebellion that says: "The blood of the martyrs will water the meadows of France".  This is the sentiment that Decoration Day embodied, for those who died from both sides of that terrible conflict in the mid 1860's, the Civil War of our nation, provided for the freedom of a united nation, these United States of America.

     Over the years, as other wars became a part of our history, the call to recognize and honor all who fought and died for the rights of people and for  freedom and a better world were included in the remembrance.  The national holiday was moved in 1971 to the last Monday in May, this year May 31st.

     It is unfortunate that all too many do not know the origin or purpose of this holiday and see it as a long weekend off.  We must never forget ... and whether we "decorate" the graves of those who died in battle or not, we must never forget their sacrifice and we must offer our prayers of thanksgiving for those who gave "the last full measure of devotion".

     This day has always been special for me (the original day - May 30th) for I always thought that they put out the flags and had the parades for my birthday.  Then they moved it to the nearest Monday.  Oh, well.  A belated "Happy Memorial Day!"