tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-43149319778567015072024-03-13T16:41:01.498-07:00FRIARside Chatsby Charles Talley, ofm, a Franciscan friar of the Province of St. Barbara (California, USA) serving in Sweden.
email: friarchat@yahoo.comUnknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger152125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4314931977856701507.post-46007155767665335542019-07-05T23:16:00.000-07:002019-07-05T23:21:12.910-07:00<h2>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-size: x-large;">Welcome to Sweden: </span></b></div>
<b><div style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-size: x-large;">I’m almost here</span></b></div>
</b></h2>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCpOqJqbSIY_jy9nVK6d9VS7r2FP0qI3HJXBqysDFk-GpoeUXEtPMFx2H6d6vB8v1i-RtOcc2Y0VPj0OSntApBXJJOq0Z4XeOU1pwsHhrXkyXV_ia2ZJ_9MOPox8VStYRvNz7pmIjsPDXk/s1600/IMG_5256.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCpOqJqbSIY_jy9nVK6d9VS7r2FP0qI3HJXBqysDFk-GpoeUXEtPMFx2H6d6vB8v1i-RtOcc2Y0VPj0OSntApBXJJOq0Z4XeOU1pwsHhrXkyXV_ia2ZJ_9MOPox8VStYRvNz7pmIjsPDXk/s320/IMG_5256.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria, serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria, serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria, serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Yesterday, the Fourth of July, I left from San Francisco International Airport for the city of Visby, island of Gotland, country of Sweden. I’m almost there. After a long—a very long overnight flight from SFO to Copenhagen, things began to get a little complicated. Connecting flight to Stockholm was delayed. Domino effect: missed the next one —Stockholm to Visby—by mere minutes. Sigh. Deep breath. Reroute mentally. The staff at SAS Airlines were more than helpful: an overnight at the Radisson Blu, within the airport complex known as Sky City. Minutes away from the gate. A dinner voucher (read: falafel-burger at O’Leary’s). A comfortable room. A decent half-night’s sleep. Breakfast: gluten, but by no means glutton-free. Bags forwarded. Boarding pass in hand. Whatever in the world could or should I be worried about?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria, serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDARvIYQy4GUx4wTJHtWbQFRnWOkm5sd7m7ZXdWWt_nMknOYywBbn04eV4ypojmVF4iAa4r9dUlzih6Y9WFKTTDDmsMH1LEkWFKYvhkzGFLa4mD5R-ENb08M8sSZrxDVkRe0lH9UdMCbSS/s1600/IMG_5264.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDARvIYQy4GUx4wTJHtWbQFRnWOkm5sd7m7ZXdWWt_nMknOYywBbn04eV4ypojmVF4iAa4r9dUlzih6Y9WFKTTDDmsMH1LEkWFKYvhkzGFLa4mD5R-ENb08M8sSZrxDVkRe0lH9UdMCbSS/s320/IMG_5264.JPG" width="320" /></span></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria, serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria, serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria, serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-size: large;">A wonderful surprise. During the two-hour layover at Copenhagen’s Kastrup Airport, I was able to experience the new terminal construction by the Danielsen architectural firm. In Danish, it’s called a “forbindelsesfingeren”—literally “a connecting finger”—linking domestic and international connections. At 1,000 feet in length, with 40-foot high ceiling, it is clearly cathedral-like feeling in its scale. Yet it is neither sterile nor intimidating. Artworks like the equestrian-themed frieze, <i>Arcadia</i>, designed by Norwegian painter Frans Widerberg and Danish glass artist Per Steen Hebsgaard serve as a passionate counterpoint to the otherwise stark simplicity of the structure.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria, serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAFTp_NFwOAu7g8H-NzK7JaJlz-Z-JfUcEDST3Ck8gBEG31OzmUTNJeYUt_sw4nfr-y66O12S-DcyGKrpjjU8ljaJHuNw31TmJpTASxsuNbcATV2YPjd_AqUQHQvwZV_43WskqneRLsrYh/s1600/IMG_5244.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAFTp_NFwOAu7g8H-NzK7JaJlz-Z-JfUcEDST3Ck8gBEG31OzmUTNJeYUt_sw4nfr-y66O12S-DcyGKrpjjU8ljaJHuNw31TmJpTASxsuNbcATV2YPjd_AqUQHQvwZV_43WskqneRLsrYh/s320/IMG_5244.JPG" width="240" /></span></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeQ8qcINIMH5yMQy4V9doEl-IJlNVT_ei7nWzVy7SzXAgR-F5dnO9cd47Ug5fYmPFzjH-XakweenZJWk8mo9Wl10eGZn9vn55iANRIzBkx9D-aI-DbODoIXOvHk_p7scJRgvtkROTtGG-y/s1600/IMG_5249.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeQ8qcINIMH5yMQy4V9doEl-IJlNVT_ei7nWzVy7SzXAgR-F5dnO9cd47Ug5fYmPFzjH-XakweenZJWk8mo9Wl10eGZn9vn55iANRIzBkx9D-aI-DbODoIXOvHk_p7scJRgvtkROTtGG-y/s320/IMG_5249.JPG" width="320" /></span></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4K5VSXXkMEuUZ13WBYwnAXk0GQ4TQJTQ9ml9DJuisksNB0juZI4yKLgig6uuR3x1adSAmK1xxDi2K9ohZYckf3u7MWxUSqW56az-tEAalCqyEN6xu3eQjiv6mvG_IowxkgW59Gr9PIPKY/s1600/IMG_5253.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4K5VSXXkMEuUZ13WBYwnAXk0GQ4TQJTQ9ml9DJuisksNB0juZI4yKLgig6uuR3x1adSAmK1xxDi2K9ohZYckf3u7MWxUSqW56az-tEAalCqyEN6xu3eQjiv6mvG_IowxkgW59Gr9PIPKY/s320/IMG_5253.JPG" width="320" /></span></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria, serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria, serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria, serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Later today, I hope to be standing before the congregation at Kristi-Lekamens / Corpus Christi parish in Visby. It’s been seven weeks since I’ve seen the parishioners—I had already been here for a late winter/ early spring stay this year. Just the thought of it feels . . . <i>underbart</i>! No translation needed.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria, serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria, serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-size: large;">California—9,000 miles and just $900 away, I tell folks—is now mostly behind. The brothers back in Danville have been more than kind to me during my packing, kvetching, and sighing (“Oy-yoy-yoy!”) I’ll move here on a one-way ticket in September, so this isn’t the final step. Almost, though. The triennial provincial Chapter for us Franciscan friars—the culmination of more than a year’s preparation—concluded on June 28 in Scottsdale, Arizona. I completed my work as Director of Communications for the Franciscan (OFM) Province of St. Barbara on June 30. Ditto for supply work with the wonderful folks at St. Perpetua Parish in Lafayette, California. The coast is now officially clear, except for some low-lying morning fog.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria, serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhicx3tmAV3eUOklPjMEyW2I9syyzUIr55xguqIntv3FvMILOt_Qf9qt1zRl0zChGBI4BJbX16VRilI_gyl_yxaJbEBm2Ot_NvSWJ9bssr41jK3ySnrSXGGY1C9_Nw8xgusavNAFO_JWN_t/s1600/IMG_2919.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhicx3tmAV3eUOklPjMEyW2I9syyzUIr55xguqIntv3FvMILOt_Qf9qt1zRl0zChGBI4BJbX16VRilI_gyl_yxaJbEBm2Ot_NvSWJ9bssr41jK3ySnrSXGGY1C9_Nw8xgusavNAFO_JWN_t/s320/IMG_2919.JPG" width="320" /></span></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria, serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria, serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria, serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-size: large;">And Sweden? I’m just here in order to be here. No magic wand. No extravagant plans. A vision is not lacking, though. I hope and pray for a community that will grow a little bit closer the Lord, to each other—and in service to the poor. I, we just show up. Do our best. Let the Lord take care of the rest. And see what happens.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria, serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria, serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Gotland, here I come!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br /><div class="blogger-post-footer">Email: friarchat@yahoo.com</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4314931977856701507.post-4825108973806579432019-06-09T11:33:00.000-07:002019-06-09T11:33:11.175-07:00<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria, serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-large;">It’s Pentecost. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria, serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-large;">Keep breathing.</span><span style="font-size: large;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria, serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria, serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<o:p><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></o:p></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4Vu4VNlm-HrefOyQV8vaQTYRM-GzWmK6tQ1vst-qN8UukExJXgZXAOMehXiCj5v3lVd8q3jYAsIFxrIJ6y9k4PpUB1nxl1_BzUNokmCyVW9itXYwZP9MMx3Xxmkj9dApnPFRoHA103ebu/s1600/PentecostSunday.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4Vu4VNlm-HrefOyQV8vaQTYRM-GzWmK6tQ1vst-qN8UukExJXgZXAOMehXiCj5v3lVd8q3jYAsIFxrIJ6y9k4PpUB1nxl1_BzUNokmCyVW9itXYwZP9MMx3Xxmkj9dApnPFRoHA103ebu/s320/PentecostSunday.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria, serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria, serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria, serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Before we start. Even before you read any further. Let’s just take a nice, long, deep breath together. That’s right. Breathe. Breathe <i>in </i>the Spirit of God: God’s light and life and peace and love. Nice and slow, now. Good.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria, serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria, serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Now, let’s breathe<i>out</i>. Only this time, exhale —literally, “breath out” (<i>ex </i>+ <i> halare</i>, from the Latin)—everything and, yes, even every<i>one</i>-- that’s bothering you. Everyone and everything that makes you worried, frightened, angry, or confused.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria, serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Take your good old time with this. There’s no rush in heaven.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria, serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria, serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Now, do it all over again: breathe <i>in </i>again. And then breathe <i>out</i>some more.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria, serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria, serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Does it feel any better? C’mon, even just a little bit better?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria, serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Admit it. It does help, doesn’t it. Doesn’t it?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria, serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria, serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-size: large;">When we do this consciously, conscientiously, we’re not just breathing, of course. We are starting to pray: we are actually and actively praying. With our body, our mind, our spirit. When we do this together in prayer, we are “conspiring”. (Again, another Latin reference: “con + spire”: cum + Spiritus”)—with our breath, with our spirit, we are “conspiring” with the Holy Spirit. We are entering into a conspirancy with the Spirit as we permit the Spirit to enter into us. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria, serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6T5caOVvIFdQ_jBOQ1K9iz57tdQQc-cSzO2KKxL6cT-MWj13jhOMxpbV8iw3IpbD99C9-jIetXpmQxkVZ6GE5BnLctrHEsV8aoOw2jxADsu_sqdlwuqyfYTvbEE_5HhAoSpiuWaktVu68/s1600/breathe.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="397" data-original-width="600" height="211" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6T5caOVvIFdQ_jBOQ1K9iz57tdQQc-cSzO2KKxL6cT-MWj13jhOMxpbV8iw3IpbD99C9-jIetXpmQxkVZ6GE5BnLctrHEsV8aoOw2jxADsu_sqdlwuqyfYTvbEE_5HhAoSpiuWaktVu68/s320/breathe.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria, serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria, serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-size: large;">That’s what the first Pentecost was all about. That’s what Pentecost is about for us right now. Breathing in in the Spirit. And letting the Spirit breathe in us. And through us, breathing new life for our healing and the healing of our precious, broken world.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria, serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria, serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Today, we celebrate the coming of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost at a particular place and at a particular moment in time. That’s <i>history</i>. Today we celebrate the coming of the Holy Spirit into our lives and our world. Right here, right now. That’s <i>mystery</i>.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria, serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Breathing in and breathing out— inhaling and exhaling in the Spirit-- we are celebrating both the history <i>and </i> mystery of Pentecost at the same time.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria, serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria, serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-size: large;">In the Scriptures today, we have two separate accounts of the <i>history </i>of Pentecost . They differ from one another in a number of details. But at the same time, we actually have <i>one </i> shared account of the spiritual truth and reality, the <i>mystery </i> of Pentecost.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria, serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigr5KnTpUKKHLtYFj18ZMPgGTFC2JiFc9VlgFj5Glkt96PlqY_AP3WvO8z2KQ9tCnG8ZLHsb76q7Ec9HZAq4_kDlMi5xzaNpOowDfdnzWr-Ww2M0ev3dz3F4H4jf0QLtZuOp4Hx3fzdLlf/s1600/Duccio_di_Buoninsegna_-_Pentecost_-_WGA06739-794x454.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="454" data-original-width="794" height="182" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigr5KnTpUKKHLtYFj18ZMPgGTFC2JiFc9VlgFj5Glkt96PlqY_AP3WvO8z2KQ9tCnG8ZLHsb76q7Ec9HZAq4_kDlMi5xzaNpOowDfdnzWr-Ww2M0ev3dz3F4H4jf0QLtZuOp4Hx3fzdLlf/s320/Duccio_di_Buoninsegna_-_Pentecost_-_WGA06739-794x454.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria, serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria, serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-size: large;">First, the history. In the Acts of the Apostles (2:1-11) — actually, Volume II of the Gospel of Luke-- the followers of Jesus, (as described in the closing pages of Luke’s gospel (24:49), have been told to return to Jerusalem to wait to “be clothed with power from on high.” This takes place, according to Luke, 50 days after Passover, 50 days after the Resurrection of the Lord. A period during which Christ has appeared time and again to the disciples, breaking bread with them, teaching and encouraging them all along the way. Preparing them for his return to the Father and for his sending of the Spirit among them.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria, serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt 0.75in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria, serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-size: large;">In the account from John’s Gospel (20:19-23) , however, the sending forth of the Spirit occurs on the evening of the day of the Resurrection (Easter evening). The disciples are gathered in the upper room—presumably the same place where the Last Supper had taken place just a few days beforehand. They are huddled together in mortal fear of being arrested, imprisoned, tortured and condemned by the authorities, just as Jesus had been. The mood is anything but one of excitement and anticipation. On the contrary, it is an atmosphere of dread and fear.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraph" style="font-family: Cambria, serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria, serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Then, the followers of Jesus receive the Spirit of Jesus. Jesus literally “breathes” on and into them. In Luke/Acts, it is that same Spirit, only this time, it comes as a terrific noise, followed in the form of tongues of fire. That’s the <i>history</i>.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria, serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwexxVGGhO-y-lvJeDUB6s0G8zuO_NI4cmI28Xjc1zMn1BERu-Grr6xYWv9k-6yqgYrWQK-NIAfYMezaRQY9M2ZA8qYfaJu-SmF_Vj-kGBNrj2u-I3Z-GRs2J3tzUTfYmCWnopy9qtsHTP/s1600/Descent-of-the-Holy-Spirit-at-Pentecost_medium.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="318" data-original-width="424" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwexxVGGhO-y-lvJeDUB6s0G8zuO_NI4cmI28Xjc1zMn1BERu-Grr6xYWv9k-6yqgYrWQK-NIAfYMezaRQY9M2ZA8qYfaJu-SmF_Vj-kGBNrj2u-I3Z-GRs2J3tzUTfYmCWnopy9qtsHTP/s320/Descent-of-the-Holy-Spirit-at-Pentecost_medium.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria, serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria, serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<o:p><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></o:p><span style="font-size: large;">In both accounts, the disciples are gathered.</span><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><span style="font-size: large;">They are in one place together.</span><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><span style="font-size: large;">They are vulnerable.</span><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><span style="font-size: large;">They are waiting.</span><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><span style="font-size: large;">In terms of the</span><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><i>mystery, </i><span style="font-size: large;">what happens to them next in both instances is something quite new, fresh, and completely unexpected.</span><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria, serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-size: large;">The Spirit of God, the Spirit of Jesus changes their lives, once and for always.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria, serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-size: large;">In the <i>mystery </i> of Pentecost, people who were timid become emboldened. People who were frightened become confident. People who were reticent become emboldened proclaimers of the Good News of Jesus. People who were once dismissed and ignored now make a definite and lasting impression on all who encounter them. People who were obsessed with themselves and their own ego needs become obsessed with and possessed by the spirit of service and selfless giving.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria, serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria, serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-size: large;">God decided to give a gift. And for once, without questioning it, the disciples have accepted it. They take a deep breath and allow it to enter into the deepest part of themselves, body and soul. And it changes everything! <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria, serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br />How did that happen? How does it continue to happen? Well, that’s the <i>mystery</i>.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria, serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria, serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-size: large;">What about you, what about me? Discouraged by the way your life is going? By the way that the world seems to be going? Feeling helpless, powerless, confused, and frustrated? Wishing someone would just come in and take charge and fix everything? <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria, serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria, serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-size: large;">The Scriptures and our tradition give us an important option. To step back, take a deep breath, enter into prayer, ask God for help, and listen to and for the Spirit—together. It’s Pentecost: keep breathing!</span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria, serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria, serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
Images. Graphic: St. John’s Uniting Church, Essendon, Australia. Icon: Orthodox Christian Network. Artwork: The descent of the Holy Spirit on the apostles at Pentecost. c. Elizabeth Wang, radiantlight.org.uk.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria, serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria, serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria, serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria, serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria, serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="blogger-post-footer">Email: friarchat@yahoo.com</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4314931977856701507.post-16014908469820265452019-06-06T12:15:00.000-07:002019-06-06T12:15:00.896-07:00<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria, serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-size: x-large;">Why Sweden ?<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria, serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria, serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-size: x-large;">Why <i>not </i>?</span><span style="font-size: large;"><o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria, serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBiKgOkv0SoWX1718k02iY7KE1odyWkcIRY-2uRynnghbg0ZXzWKLSl8nnb8OKwQ0FDUpU0zol5ebRx4ox-0jBjty0VKUIeWCJrxiuGiMOMgyY3T4Ry3r1GjdhQRX_4MqT-4_GbsoFIrlr/s1600/250px-Flag_of_Sweden.svg.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="156" data-original-width="250" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBiKgOkv0SoWX1718k02iY7KE1odyWkcIRY-2uRynnghbg0ZXzWKLSl8nnb8OKwQ0FDUpU0zol5ebRx4ox-0jBjty0VKUIeWCJrxiuGiMOMgyY3T4Ry3r1GjdhQRX_4MqT-4_GbsoFIrlr/s1600/250px-Flag_of_Sweden.svg.png" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria, serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria, serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Today, June 6, is Sweden’s National Day. A day of quiet, typically understated celebration for most Swedes. Yet, a good time to reflect upon the enormous contribution, that relative to their small population (9 million), the people of Sweden have made to the world. They, along with their other Nordic neighbors, have proved that it is possible to create a prosperous society in which all of its citizens enjoy access to quality housing, health care, education, and transportation. The involvement of Swedes in humanitarian efforts internationally is estimable. They are by no means perfect, but they have shown the world that, with collective willingness, cooperation, and a sense of fairmindedness, significant improvements can be made in the quality of life for the people of this planet. God bless ‘em.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria, serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria, serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-size: large;">From this side of the Atlantic, it is a good time for me personally to reflect upon my forthcoming move to the island of Gotland, where I will serve as pastor of Kristi-Lekamens /Corpus Christi parish in the city of Visby. In July, I will return to the island to complete preparations for the work which will begin officially on October 1. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEloktIFW9foffLY9UrL1vFqKnftjeH0yY4mjW1eMa-SHhCw09Cm0LuaewtBj60e7iHs3j4bXolDZFeVHjqRBMYJdYIEzPMRhuh5vw9m95MuZoHnRlVunAI452f9e9rtrEMCY7B-lZaSfI/s1600/UNADJUSTEDNONRAW_thumb_398e.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1024" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEloktIFW9foffLY9UrL1vFqKnftjeH0yY4mjW1eMa-SHhCw09Cm0LuaewtBj60e7iHs3j4bXolDZFeVHjqRBMYJdYIEzPMRhuh5vw9m95MuZoHnRlVunAI452f9e9rtrEMCY7B-lZaSfI/s320/UNADJUSTEDNONRAW_thumb_398e.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria, serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria, serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria, serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Why Sweden? </b>friends and friars ask. Are you of Swedish descent? No. But I did the DNA test and discovered that 3% of me is, in fact, Swedish. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria, serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria, serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Why would you go there as a missionary? Isn’t Sweden already a Christian country? </b> True, the majority of Swedes—more than two-thirds of the population—are at least nominal members of the (Evangelical Lutheran) Church of Sweden. But weekly church attendance, at about 2%, is low even by European standards. Sweden is one of the most highly secularized societies in the world, and becoming even more so.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjfGrejrW3sCe826rUy9AjmpWEy9VIebe6zu083ecpF-N7h5H43_kiPxxiGXuaTDC36h2VmX3oBVtNg5gFMCWWEswTJ_1SpYWMq8_tEdVF_Uoi8zf7Y7a6G_F6rMhF86iYS5Qi-dUeqT9n/s1600/IMG_1329.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjfGrejrW3sCe826rUy9AjmpWEy9VIebe6zu083ecpF-N7h5H43_kiPxxiGXuaTDC36h2VmX3oBVtNg5gFMCWWEswTJ_1SpYWMq8_tEdVF_Uoi8zf7Y7a6G_F6rMhF86iYS5Qi-dUeqT9n/s320/IMG_1329.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria, serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria, serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria, serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Are there many Catholics in Sweden? </b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria, serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Yes, around 200,000 in a population of 9 million. The Catholic population has doubled in the past three decades, due to both to the immigration of people from traditionally Catholic majority countries, as well as the conversion of native-born Swedes from other faiths, or even no faith at all. There is an emerging profile of the Catholic community in Sweden which is distinct. The Catholic Church in Sweden is young. It is a “new” church. It doesn’t have a lot of the baggage that a faith community more deeply embedded in the culture would have. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria, serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrJrldkCLrrGNnVz6CLjBqesB_FUjEy72QM49-A8ySzfnu72N73oVECfimQL6E-c4l_zRR0QKAM5NSeC892yt5Nk5pLfEuNC24YdwMMoSIe3ghqNwUa5KvqM3kVBBlF71owKZ98UPqtLFc/s1600/IMG_4806.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrJrldkCLrrGNnVz6CLjBqesB_FUjEy72QM49-A8ySzfnu72N73oVECfimQL6E-c4l_zRR0QKAM5NSeC892yt5Nk5pLfEuNC24YdwMMoSIe3ghqNwUa5KvqM3kVBBlF71owKZ98UPqtLFc/s320/IMG_4806.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria, serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria, serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>What is the attraction of Sweden for you? </b>On a deeply personal level, Sweden is the place where I reclaimed my Catholic identity. I first visited Sweden on a study/research grant in 1980, long before I joined religious life. Absent the traditional props of identity-- family, culture, food, climate, profession—I discovered that what kept me going was my faith in God— hidden within, but quite real. When, with the help of a trusted Jesuit spiritual director, I began to peel away the layers of many of my objections to Church and to faith in general, I discovered the core of my Catholic identity in a new way. I also became aware of my call to community and ministry. Sweden was not just the background for my conversion. It was the ground of my conversion in so many ways.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria, serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNX9YSyPyHW98b_ZI6UoWinQ4sLOllal3_mS3SZ71izYthCKIBjf8xHCxPhO3boYSn2EpQ8_cI-OMfOLAHBa0Ybj3H4klAIOK6YZJCIZPWTO4T9l38kRTr_WE2xBr7pdMeUX709g0bQpYm/s1600/IMG_4849.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNX9YSyPyHW98b_ZI6UoWinQ4sLOllal3_mS3SZ71izYthCKIBjf8xHCxPhO3boYSn2EpQ8_cI-OMfOLAHBa0Ybj3H4klAIOK6YZJCIZPWTO4T9l38kRTr_WE2xBr7pdMeUX709g0bQpYm/s320/IMG_4849.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria, serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria, serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Why not just say “thank you” and let it go at that? </b>I believe that returning to Sweden offers an important way for me to express my gratitude for the tremendous friendship, warmth, encouragement, and hospitality I have received in my own journey of faith. On a personal level, I believe that I have been given the gifts of language and a degree of cultural “fluency” which I want to put to good use in very practical ways through ministry. And let me be very clear, I believe that the Franciscan identity, culture, and spirituality have a lot to offer people.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria, serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-size: large;">I have come to have a deep respect for the Swedish people: they are by and large intelligent, hardworking, and modest people. They have committed themselves to the creation of a society which offers people a safe and healthy environment in which to realize their gifts and aspirations. They have a deep and abiding respect for creation which shows in their concern for the environment. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria, serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvgorXH0WVY9SWPAb8cS6_sI38kujA3vsW4NvzDixbfOPzLr7lG2E_Yw74JJKj-E5kg211uuA_Ftm8OzD1yhVZxS4PwBvUssmV848eGhSglXqWDoawNl0d5t9aI4vq94ELwKSNNJQTsZrh/s1600/IMG_3171.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvgorXH0WVY9SWPAb8cS6_sI38kujA3vsW4NvzDixbfOPzLr7lG2E_Yw74JJKj-E5kg211uuA_Ftm8OzD1yhVZxS4PwBvUssmV848eGhSglXqWDoawNl0d5t9aI4vq94ELwKSNNJQTsZrh/s320/IMG_3171.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria, serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; text-align: center;">
<o:p><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria, serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>So, Sweden is a paradise, then? </b>Not by any means. In some ways, it is every bit as turbulent as any other Western society at this moment in time. But its core values, I believe, are making it possible for Swedes to navigate fairly well through the demands of rapidly changing technology and forms of communication. If anything is lacking, it is a direct and conscious sense and acceptance of the Christian faith--not just as history-- but essentially as mystery. The mystery of the ineffable presence and power of God, of Jesus, and in the Spirit. This is the awareness and insight, joined to an ethical base, that a secular, increasingly relativist environment cannot provide by itself.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria, serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria, serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>What do you hope to gain from your experience in Sweden? </b>Selfishly speaking, I hope it will provide me with a rich opportunity for ongoing conversion. Not for spiritual self-improvement. It’s not about achievement, but rather about an increasing surrender and abandonment to God’s will. My goal and aspiration is to be “present” to people as best I can. To accompany them. To celebrate the sacraments with them. And to help them to see that God is alive and present in their lives. I don’t have any big projects. Just a firm desire to offer myself as I am, to love the people, and to accept their friendship and care in return.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria, serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAFdNnfYTYr9-BC-swH3CeC_Pho1vDqh_2xpgu6Gmp2miaiytOuZsJ3EWz3VJZpxpZgZGzfWBjza_hmP3t3RKe2dEOzkaadPSWCZUMN1uxQ2CplIIx7uyxRHVMaCKrlRSCzVmpOjkGkaNf/s1600/IMG_2547.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAFdNnfYTYr9-BC-swH3CeC_Pho1vDqh_2xpgu6Gmp2miaiytOuZsJ3EWz3VJZpxpZgZGzfWBjza_hmP3t3RKe2dEOzkaadPSWCZUMN1uxQ2CplIIx7uyxRHVMaCKrlRSCzVmpOjkGkaNf/s320/IMG_2547.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria, serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; text-align: center;">
<o:p><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria, serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>What do you see as the possibilities for the local Catholic church? </b>They are endless. The people are engaged, capable, and committed, with tremendous potential. With an increasing sense of shared identity—and pride in their Catholic roots—they could do almost anything. The parish is small, but it is wonderfully diverse. What the people long for most now is continuity in leadership; they have been without a resident pastor for several years. Many have expressed a craving for regular liturgical celebrations and sacramental life. The needs of faith formation at every level are enormous. There is also a marvelous initiative, still in its initial stages, called the Agnus Dei Project, which aims to create a center of spirituality and worship on Gotland—internationally focused, but rooted in the Baltic region. Adoration, liturgies, lectures, retreats, pilgrimages are all possibilities to be explored.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria, serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIgG2JF8iBiD6Oa1fIsj-6pubb2Hr71hqiHQe4u8tMJkQHmpcHvqVqIHvoulc9oS-rzTKd5nDSjIhyphenhyphenS7G6v6XarN7pFXFcY6rmNwLWhmdpi6lhGXxdLUYkAXi_pe2HrHEwH90wH4K3wTfN/s1600/IMG_3129.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIgG2JF8iBiD6Oa1fIsj-6pubb2Hr71hqiHQe4u8tMJkQHmpcHvqVqIHvoulc9oS-rzTKd5nDSjIhyphenhyphenS7G6v6XarN7pFXFcY6rmNwLWhmdpi6lhGXxdLUYkAXi_pe2HrHEwH90wH4K3wTfN/s320/IMG_3129.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria, serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria, serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Anything particularly special about Gotland? </b>The island is rich in culture. Visby, its capital, was an important trading city in the Hanseatic League during the medieval era. The wealth generated from this activity enabled the construction of some 92 magnificent parish churches, all constructed between 1100-1500 AD! Count them: 92! All of these churches have been restored, and many are still active worship sites. Along with the (Lutheran) Cathedral of St. Mary’s in Visby, they form a unique and irreplaceable spiritual, aesthetic, and cultural patrimony—one which fairly shouts of Gotland’s deep Catholic roots. It is also an impressive testimony to the immense pride and love the people have always had for their church buildings.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria, serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh38dvAVLhMiuIT5LdId7BcLUwn8vjQTgKhdMCY0Y1xuL7O6KGY6KvjKmvmhCswWAoofUMGGDqdjD5F4vrF_zImYGNad6JOIk0Dfgfm1cPnBuI49XuAznSkQeaU9wAhtSB93z2bOe0KEBsH/s1600/IMG_0618.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh38dvAVLhMiuIT5LdId7BcLUwn8vjQTgKhdMCY0Y1xuL7O6KGY6KvjKmvmhCswWAoofUMGGDqdjD5F4vrF_zImYGNad6JOIk0Dfgfm1cPnBuI49XuAznSkQeaU9wAhtSB93z2bOe0KEBsH/s320/IMG_0618.JPG" width="240" /></a></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria, serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria, serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Anything else? </b>Together with some absolutely wonderful people from our parish, from the Red Cross, and from the Salvation Army, I have become involved in a project called Vinternatt/ Winter Night, which assists the Roma people living on Gotland. People who, as European citizens, have the right to live and work in the European Union, but who, for reasons of lack of education, opportunity, cultural disparity, and sometimes even discrimination do not have access to appropriate opportunities for employment and social services. The group is not large—30 people at the most—but their needs are great and their generally unwelcome presence as beggars on the streets draws attention daily to the complications of their situation.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria, serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria, serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>I think that’s enough for right now, don’t you. </b>Yep.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria, serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria, serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="blogger-post-footer">Email: friarchat@yahoo.com</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4314931977856701507.post-71284388714484434432019-06-05T10:35:00.000-07:002019-06-05T10:35:33.950-07:00<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria, serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<h3 style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in 12.25pt 0.0001pt 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Memorial of Saint Boniface, Bishop and Martyr<o:p></o:p></span></span></h3>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Patron Saint of Germany</b></span></span></div>
<h3 style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in 12.25pt 0.0001pt 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Acts 20: 28-38<o:p></o:p></span></span></h3>
<h3 style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in 12.25pt 0.0001pt 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">John 17: 11B-19<o:p></o:p></span></span></h3>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSuEVm6wFU3vCdOvSYGK1210_YSW9b7aPFbFGVYyl0_nfE6nLOizpVRJJDmUH0RFr_RGzhjPVN64cgP-NNhOj5Z-jx8s9RuT6_d1VjSbHSR_uP0rRJ8l_eV4KXq5lgUnQlW8M123V0p91h/s1600/SOD-0605-SaintBoniface-790x480.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="790" height="194" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSuEVm6wFU3vCdOvSYGK1210_YSW9b7aPFbFGVYyl0_nfE6nLOizpVRJJDmUH0RFr_RGzhjPVN64cgP-NNhOj5Z-jx8s9RuT6_d1VjSbHSR_uP0rRJ8l_eV4KXq5lgUnQlW8M123V0p91h/s320/SOD-0605-SaintBoniface-790x480.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria, serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><i> The blood of martyrs is the seed of the Church.</i>– Tertullian, 3c. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria, serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria, serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Today, we celebrate St. Boniface, the 8<sup>th</sup>century Englishman who travelled to Germany and the Netherlands to convert pagan peoples and to restore a corrupted Church. He went about to teach and preach. He famously chopped down a tree, a pagan shrine, in public, at the Winter Solstice! He helped to heal the Church by reforming the clergy and establishing houses of prayer in the form of Benedictine monasteries. For this and more, he was martyred. (Incidentally, he is buried at Fulda, not far from Frauenberg monastery, the site of our Franciscan “grandmother” province, which sent so many friars to the United States in the 19<sup>th</sup>and 20<sup>th</sup>centuries).<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria, serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUiTjLiqSdcHbI2jG2BwyQz_TprzkA6msXN-aYYn5P3s62PFYa9Ob3sIwwUfnoNUCeRBJpBmoobexuODBbDb7t5hve7_LOE8K4BcO9N1QlN4SIgOOsrvSCDAw4Q6Pm2PTtXotZkKStUyl2/s1600/scaled-900x675-a26_Fulda_-_Kloster_Frauenberg.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="675" data-original-width="900" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUiTjLiqSdcHbI2jG2BwyQz_TprzkA6msXN-aYYn5P3s62PFYa9Ob3sIwwUfnoNUCeRBJpBmoobexuODBbDb7t5hve7_LOE8K4BcO9N1QlN4SIgOOsrvSCDAw4Q6Pm2PTtXotZkKStUyl2/s320/scaled-900x675-a26_Fulda_-_Kloster_Frauenberg.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria, serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria, serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><i>The blood of martyrs is the seed of the Church</i>.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria, serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria, serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-size: large;">When I was a child, I really wanted to be a martyr. Why not? It made for great drama. You were menaced by evil people, but stood fast for the faith. They killed you. In a flash, you went to heaven, became famous ever afterwards. Then, you got your own holy card and feast day. Everyone in the Church would think about you at least once a year. What could be better than that?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria, serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria, serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Then one day it occurred to me that martyrdom was a bit more complicated than I had imagined.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria, serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-size: large;">That martyrdom had to do with actual murder. And mayhem. And chaos. And the apparent power of Evil. Martyrs were hounded, persecuted, tortured. Martyrs were often misunderstood by their own people: rejected, abandoned, scorned. Martyrs frequently died alone, unheralded, forgotten. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria, serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria, serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Martyrs, I learned, didn’t just include the holy card and feast day saints. But literally countless numbers of women, men, children whose lives were needlessly, mindlessly extinguished. Martyrs did not just include, in our own time, people like Dietrich Bonhoeffer, Maximilian Kolbe, or Oscar Romero. But more like the 6 million Jews and others who perished in the Holocaust. Martyrdom includes Tiananmen Square, Ground Zero on 9/11. Cambodia under Pol Pot; Syria under Assad. Martyrdom meets us at the borders of our country. In our prisons, in our streets and schools. In a myriad of what have become shockingly routine mindless acts of death-charged violence.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria, serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria, serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-size: large;">I no longer want to be a martyr.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria, serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-size: large;">It’s a career that stopped before it even got started.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria, serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Literally a dead end.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria, serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria, serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-size: large;">But.</span></div>
<h3 style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in 12.25pt 0.0001pt 0in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif; font-weight: normal;">In today's reading, St. Paul (</span><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif; font-weight: normal;">Acts 20: 28-38</span><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif; font-weight: normal;">) reveals that he knew in advance of his impending martyrdom. He had already had a taste of persecution, imprisonment, and the rest throughout his ministry. Here, he indicates that he knows that he is going to Jerusalem to be arrested, deported to Rome, and killed. Yet. Paul also appears to be at peace with it all. How is that possible?</span><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif; font-weight: normal;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></h3>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria, serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<h3 style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in 12.25pt 0.0001pt 0in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif; font-weight: normal;">Paul's matryrdom, of course, is a mere shadow of that of the Lord's. In today’s gospel from John (</span><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif; font-weight: normal;">17: 11b-19-- in his beautiful prayer to the Father-- </span><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif; font-weight: normal;">Jesus is clearly aware of His own approaching martyrdom.Yet he speaks in terms of his being raised up in glory to the Father. He sees his death not as a terminus, but as a passageway to light and life. He never loses confidence in the Father's presence and love.</span></span></h3>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria, serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria, serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Our faith tells us that we are all called to be martyrs in one way or another. Literally speaking, to be "witnesses" to the Gospel. To be “white martyrs”, most of us, not suffering actual physical death, but nevertheless giving testimony to our faith in God in every manner of circumstance. Called to accept and embrace suffering and "death" on a daily basis. Internally, through the dying and death of our false selves, our overriding egos. Externally in our experiences of loss, including the loss of loved ones and the deprivation of status, honor, glory, health, and material security.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria, serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria, serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Jesus teaches and shows us that what gives our martyrdom meaning and purpsoe is its grounding in committed love. That l</span><span style="font-size: large;">ives poured out in love, like the life and love of Jesus, are anything but wasted. We trust that this</span><span style="font-size: large;"> brings us deeper into the mystery of God’s love for us and in us. </span><span style="font-size: large;">And that through this martyrdom, we participate in the healing of our blessed, broken and bleeding world.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria, serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria, serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Tertullian was right. The blood of martyrs <i>is </i>the seed of the Church.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria, serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwTpOxrEh3EJu7GrgEh_6uJi8ndR-YDHN_1BaRuD7UsMzG4lSTUna2FqCfUYr9bcTt98WSR0h9x6fIzurOcCpkU-iBGZozDhWuG_6lXQEEEY9zgomCwkpXtwpJ-DQVReE-fdOM63nRmwbI/s1600/PJ4_3502.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="297" data-original-width="198" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwTpOxrEh3EJu7GrgEh_6uJi8ndR-YDHN_1BaRuD7UsMzG4lSTUna2FqCfUYr9bcTt98WSR0h9x6fIzurOcCpkU-iBGZozDhWuG_6lXQEEEY9zgomCwkpXtwpJ-DQVReE-fdOM63nRmwbI/s1600/PJ4_3502.jpg" /></span></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria, serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria, serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<o:p><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></o:p><span style="font-size: large;">PS:</span><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><span style="font-size: large;">Today, we give God thanks in a particular for the people and parish of St. Boniface in San Francisco, California, staffed by the Franciscan friars.</span><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><span style="font-size: large;">Originally founded to serve German Catholic immigrants, it has continued in that caring tradition for more than a century.</span><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><span style="font-size: large;">Most especially, in the works of the St. Anthony Foundation next door to the church.</span><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><span style="font-size: large;">Since 1950, the Foundation has been caring for the homeless, helpless, and hopeless of the city.</span><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><span style="font-size: large;">Today, its dining room serves up to 3,000 meals per day!</span><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><span style="font-size: large;">The church building itself provides daytime respite space for homeless people through its Gubbio Project.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria, serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhPX5kaDYoGmILwZwDVpCnNoThLlenBctoakpov2RB2soUXcc-L9Yb7UXqu1dkWTHMsNgko_Ymi7bFWFFDYfHlTy61kp9sclMIka29jDULcDHXyBDngs7BZU5En9dRCbOiPAVINZ9Dasbi/s1600/PJ4_3138+%25281%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="277" data-original-width="416" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhPX5kaDYoGmILwZwDVpCnNoThLlenBctoakpov2RB2soUXcc-L9Yb7UXqu1dkWTHMsNgko_Ymi7bFWFFDYfHlTy61kp9sclMIka29jDULcDHXyBDngs7BZU5En9dRCbOiPAVINZ9Dasbi/s320/PJ4_3138+%25281%2529.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria, serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria, serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria, serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Finally, in terms of Sweden-- in regard to our beautiful faith community of Kristi-Lekamen (Corpus Christi) parish in the city of Visby (island of Gotland), where I will start to serve officially as pastor starting October 1. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria, serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqIfwHsSujpfVr660wrbeNnKHq716fZkVdOnnzrqbBfh47Pll05nDQUp4Gxq1MiE60fHnKQGseGXzjJYNBy_TQq1EoKylEhvLvFseWhnL4UlKmqFoHlQz5nDzzHraKvKkO3JEZUL5yv3G1/s1600/logo.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="122" data-original-width="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqIfwHsSujpfVr660wrbeNnKHq716fZkVdOnnzrqbBfh47Pll05nDQUp4Gxq1MiE60fHnKQGseGXzjJYNBy_TQq1EoKylEhvLvFseWhnL4UlKmqFoHlQz5nDzzHraKvKkO3JEZUL5yv3G1/s1600/logo.png" /></span></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgV7rKtHWCELiOPIZO-C7UosKR8W-2pMKQJ3CAsopNcWuTQxg2A5olWN-0eK9SmdKYeRaR7lQvDxXmTmsChh1VhvfHmU1Mnl5PViyukYZmcCkfORqah7o1Z47KT3z5QqeC-lK6x09E96zvl/s1600/IMG_3866.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgV7rKtHWCELiOPIZO-C7UosKR8W-2pMKQJ3CAsopNcWuTQxg2A5olWN-0eK9SmdKYeRaR7lQvDxXmTmsChh1VhvfHmU1Mnl5PViyukYZmcCkfORqah7o1Z47KT3z5QqeC-lK6x09E96zvl/s320/IMG_3866.JPG" width="320" /></span></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria, serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria, serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-size: large;">We give the Lord thanks for the tremendous support, both material and spiritual of the women and men of Bonifatiuswerk in Germany.</span><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><span style="font-size: large;">These wonderful people have enabled our parish to</span><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><span style="font-size: large;">complete long-needed repairs and restoration work to the parish buildings and grounds. As their website states "The Bonifatiuswerk of German Catholics helps wherever Catholic Christians live their faith in a minority situation in the diaspora." For more information: https://www.bonifatiuswerk.de/english/</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria, serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
Photos: Saint Boniface. Engraving | H. Kipp after K. Clasen (Franciscan Media). St. Boniface Church, SF/CA; Gubbio Project: c. Peter Jordan. K-L Church, Visby: C. Talley ofm. Frauenberg monastery, Fulda. c. Leopold Röhrer. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria, serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria, serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="blogger-post-footer">Email: friarchat@yahoo.com</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4314931977856701507.post-91001346706205480612019-06-02T11:50:00.000-07:002019-06-03T21:27:23.302-07:00<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwNLG-l1M7csbxkuS3cl0QOc_WQnRyRaCsJ4ZnwaEzhEHvjaNeq9puQlFbLpNVpFANoK6T9a482nDk0uBEI0FxAqnoLZKa9QhKTdMVUZw91Eqnkz5GdHCQDTaoeJa1JH-tg0Noaw8PGAqn/s1600/B35b-small.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="300" data-original-width="600" height="160" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwNLG-l1M7csbxkuS3cl0QOc_WQnRyRaCsJ4ZnwaEzhEHvjaNeq9puQlFbLpNVpFANoK6T9a482nDk0uBEI0FxAqnoLZKa9QhKTdMVUZw91Eqnkz5GdHCQDTaoeJa1JH-tg0Noaw8PGAqn/s320/B35b-small.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<b><span style="font-family: "cambria" , serif;"> </span></b><b><span style="font-family: "cambria" , serif;"> </span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<b><span style="font-family: "cambria" , serif; font-size: large;">The Ascension of the Lord<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<b><span style="font-family: "cambria" , serif; font-size: large;">June 2, 2019<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<b><span style="font-family: "cambria" , serif; font-size: large;">Acts 1: 1-11<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<b><span style="font-family: "cambria" , serif; font-size: large;">Ps 47:2-3, 6-7, 8-9<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<b><span style="font-family: "cambria" , serif; font-size: large;">Eph 1: 17-23<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<b><span style="font-family: "cambria" , serif; font-size: large;">Luke 24: 46-53<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: "cambria" , serif; font-size: large;">Today’s celebration of the Feast of the Ascension of the Lord calls us to imitate Jesus in His complete and utter trust in the Father. What comes to my mind immediately is the expression: “Let go and let God.” Ever see that on a bumper sticker or hear about it through a 12-step recovery program, maybe? It’s message is pretty clear and direct: we need to let go of our tendency to want to control everything. And to let God take charge of our lives. Again. Needless to say, it calls for a great deal of trust.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "cambria" , serif; font-size: large;">Today’s feast celebrates a moment in the life and ministry of Jesus. But what a moment! It is, at heart, a liminal experience. “Liminal” is from the Latin <i>limin</i>, which literally means “threshold.” It is a threshold event. Just like the graduations, First Communions, and weddings we celebrate at this time of the year. We stand in the doorway, fully mindful of what we are leaving behind and poised, sometimes fearfully so, at the entrance of something new, something challenging, something not completely in our control. A moment of thrust and of trust.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "cambria" , serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSxisYr6-cv6JmSInJV4n6-SV40wtfOQw_RlmWk9p9RWWf_p4xphcezuavleLJQL0RtnDb7a9Kd6z3UEQb7V5mBRxF2UE2aWBmdP8g-vtnxicdQKVHdNlz61zir7tsZUhMub4-e4MYhjyP/s1600/Untitled-1_0000_minibella-16-babyblue_large.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="372" data-original-width="480" height="248" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSxisYr6-cv6JmSInJV4n6-SV40wtfOQw_RlmWk9p9RWWf_p4xphcezuavleLJQL0RtnDb7a9Kd6z3UEQb7V5mBRxF2UE2aWBmdP8g-vtnxicdQKVHdNlz61zir7tsZUhMub4-e4MYhjyP/s320/Untitled-1_0000_minibella-16-babyblue_large.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "cambria" , serif; font-size: large;">Did you ever learn how to ride a bicycle? Do you still remember? As far as I can tell, there are at least three ways to learn how to ride a bike. One, you can teach yourself: ride, fall, ride, fall. Then: ride, ride, fall; ride, ride, fall. Until you get it right.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "cambria" , serif; font-size: large;">The second way to learn how to ride a bike is to have someone teach you. Preferably someone who, standing beside you, is holding onto the handlebars with one hand while holding onto you with the other. Then, little by little, they let go until <i>voilà!—</i>you are launched and your own!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "cambria" , serif; font-size: large;">The third way I can think of is to have training wheels on your bike. Something unobtrusive, nearly invisible to you the rider, which keeps you steady until that moment when you have the confidence and balance to kick them off and then just take off by yourself!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "cambria" , serif; font-size: large;">Liminal states, threshold moments. Leaving the known for the unknown. Were you scared? Thrilled? Curious? No matter what, there’s no turning back. It’s only forward….<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "cambria" , serif; font-size: large;">That’s what’s happening in today’s Gospels. Note, I use the plural: Gospel<i>s</i>. The first reading (Acts 1:1-11) is gospel, too. Volume II of the Gospel of Luke, as a matter of fact. A gospel which deals with the presence and ministry of Jesus <i>after</i>His Death and Resurrection. And the second gospel read today (Luke 24:46-63) is the <i>conclusion</i>of the gospel of Luke. The two readings dovetail, forming a “hinge” as some theologians call it, segueing from one kind of experience of the Lord to another.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: "cambria" , serif; font-size: large;">In both readings, Jesus is at the threshold. Poised to leave behind his physical presence in the world in order to return to the Father. Notice, He doesn’t leave the disciples orphaned, abandoned, or disinherited. He gives them his blessing and his promise. And in the gospel of Luke, they are anything but distraught. On the contrary, believing in Jesus and in His promise of the Spirit, they are pleased as punch: “They did him homage and then returned to Jerusalem with great joy, and they were continually in the temple praising God.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: "cambria" , serif; font-size: large;">What’s going on? The disciples, finally, are ready to receive the Spirit. Jesus has taken off the traiing wheels. He himself passes through the threshold in order to fulfill his mission and destiny. He is no longer confined to the limitations of his physical body: seeing, touching, healing small groups of people or even just one person at a time. He is poised to send the Spirit and now, together with the Father and in the Spirit, Jesus becomes available to everyone everywhere. Including and especially us. Right here, right now. In his Living Word, the Scriptures. In the assembly of the faithful. And most poignantly for us in the Catholic Christian tradition, in the outpouring of His Presence and Love in the Eucharist we share and are called to become.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: "cambria" , serif; font-size: large;">So, here we are at the threshold. Called by Jesus to “let go and let God” again—or perhaps for the very first time. To leave behind our worries, frustrations, doubts and fears. To cross the threshold into His Presence and Love no matter how often or how badly we have been stung, hurt, rejected, or ignored up until now. Trusting in his care and guidance. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: "cambria" , serif; font-size: large;">Go ahead. Look ahead. Not behind. Cross the threshold and <i>Let go and let God</i>!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: "cambria" , serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "cambria" , serif;">Photos:</span><span style="font-family: "cambria" , serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: "cambria" , serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: "cambria" , serif;">(Top)</span><span style="font-family: "cambria" , serif;"> paramenics.com (Bottom) beachbikes.com</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="blogger-post-footer">Email: friarchat@yahoo.com</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4314931977856701507.post-76496720561159545612019-06-01T12:07:00.001-07:002019-06-03T21:28:19.338-07:00Starting fresh-- again!<div>
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjm9Od8IMvSQWTR5n9JOygeKcnLZ4fJOnkWcYpjh0wc4l3PkDObixurAfETy-yT26hIPDEIMPWCwHHXIDdPT1gp5xKDzTacvnuMOyubbzEHN6BozdXeH3RXNeHaaXnHYlRKgGQ9yIKw06X_/s1600/Talley_C012016-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1296" data-original-width="863" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjm9Od8IMvSQWTR5n9JOygeKcnLZ4fJOnkWcYpjh0wc4l3PkDObixurAfETy-yT26hIPDEIMPWCwHHXIDdPT1gp5xKDzTacvnuMOyubbzEHN6BozdXeH3RXNeHaaXnHYlRKgGQ9yIKw06X_/s320/Talley_C012016-1.jpg" width="213" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria, serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-size: large;">June 1, 2019<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria, serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Feast of the Ascension<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria, serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Danville, California<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria, serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria, serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Hello Friends,<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria, serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Peace and all good! It’s been a while—quite a while!—since I have written anything in this blog. But I decided that today is as good a day as any to start again. Besides, the Feast of the Ascension—this precious, liminal moment when Jesus lets go of the earth so as to embrace both heaven <i>and </i>earth more fully—seems like a propitious one. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria, serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria, serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Today is also important to me in a personal way. On June 1, 1980 I travelled from California to Sweden for the very first time. This was before—long before—I became a friar or was ordained a priest. I was 30. I had received a generous scholarship from the Swedish Institute to study and travel in the country for four months. Most especially, I was to study it’s textile traditions, visit with artists and craftmakers, and even take a short course in tapestry weaving.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria, serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-size: large;">It was four months that changed my life and which continue to affect and influence the course of my life, even today. What a difference one simple, yet important decision can make, huh? Go figure. I never, ever thought in a thousand years that I would that I would fall in love with Sweden. That I would end up living in Sweden (three years altogether from 1980-86). That I would return to Sweden several times over the years to renew friendships and contacts.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria, serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria, serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Or that now, nearing my 70<sup>th</sup>year, that I would return once more to Sweden—only this time to live and work as a Franciscan friar and priest. Again: go figure.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria, serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "cambria" , serif; font-size: large;">Starting October 1, I will be serving as pastor at a small, but vibrant parish (see photo above) in the city of Visby on the island of Gotland, smack dab in the middle of the Baltic Sea. Three hours by boat from the Swedish mainland to the east. About 90 sea miles from the coast of Latvia to the west. Finland and Russia are to the north; Poland, to the south. In the middle of everything and (to many people unfamiliar with the area) seemingly in the middle of nowhere at the same time.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "cambria" , serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhECtJoSb6LkECdHkFM62igIjMZRvRmsFbB4VpcqCb-OuaB3L7JIE3RieN1uk1P8eOswEqjkHwl47Pux3Rd5s_zDIzYl9KJxrG2_fnJ-1vbY_Ott0hcYIMYAhr-0ukqPyuXQyRc8FowG2YU/s1600/gotland-sweden-map.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="849" data-original-width="1200" height="226" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhECtJoSb6LkECdHkFM62igIjMZRvRmsFbB4VpcqCb-OuaB3L7JIE3RieN1uk1P8eOswEqjkHwl47Pux3Rd5s_zDIzYl9KJxrG2_fnJ-1vbY_Ott0hcYIMYAhr-0ukqPyuXQyRc8FowG2YU/s320/gotland-sweden-map.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria, serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria, serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria, serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-size: large;">The parish is called Kristi-Lekamens katolska församling/ Corpus Christi Catholic Parish. Close to 200 registered adult members, with several hundred others who are not officially registered. It is a small, but remarkably diverse community, with native-born Swedes (most of whom are converts to Catholicism) as well as individuals and families with roots in places as diverse as Burundi, Sri Lanka, Poland, and Spain. The community is welcoming and wonderful. At the same time, it is part and parcel of the Church universal, with all of the challenges and opportunities people of faith are facing everywhere these days. That said, <i>Välkommen</i>!</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria, serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria, serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhYgL5pVoPUdljIR_U5wSgE3VxHVBxmyryRfCVxg-190vwRN_ShIdryYlAxVQ8H0tex9aT0xVfSI9w7oJ9NJ1RRk32lBoX0YdB-guYogegXeFCNYcvQnBf9vxybGBIYYeP0b4dCdikeRyW/s1600/IMG_2461.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="240" data-original-width="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhYgL5pVoPUdljIR_U5wSgE3VxHVBxmyryRfCVxg-190vwRN_ShIdryYlAxVQ8H0tex9aT0xVfSI9w7oJ9NJ1RRk32lBoX0YdB-guYogegXeFCNYcvQnBf9vxybGBIYYeP0b4dCdikeRyW/s1600/IMG_2461.JPG" /></span></a></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSyWujR_5dQUmBhFaF4SIWcGSbW6-Epm_ft10G-ZcwkuKxkP9lZc9Bz-v3SxrNlZH5mM-QAxWvgn7e1NGgXQvEzNIxeHNUN9OdQreHPOJXG1UujDcAS8KcgdMiKnLON-1cFSvpdPB0vBVq/s1600/IMG_1735.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="240" data-original-width="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSyWujR_5dQUmBhFaF4SIWcGSbW6-Epm_ft10G-ZcwkuKxkP9lZc9Bz-v3SxrNlZH5mM-QAxWvgn7e1NGgXQvEzNIxeHNUN9OdQreHPOJXG1UujDcAS8KcgdMiKnLON-1cFSvpdPB0vBVq/s1600/IMG_1735.JPG" /></span></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria, serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria, serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-size: large;">I am not the first Franciscan to land on the island of Gotland. And I sincerely hope I will not be the last. The friars first arrived in the year 1233. Considering that St. Francis of Assisi died in 1226, it is clear that they didn’t waste any time getting here! S:ta Katarina (officially St. Catherine of Alexandria Church, but lovingly referred to as “Sankta Karins” church), starting from the 13<sup>th</sup>century but in ruins since the Reformation, still presides over the town square; the Franciscans’ convent next door has been restored. I confess that every time I pass the church, I whisper: “We’re <i>back</i>!!” And I pray that the spirit of Sts. Francis and Clare will continue to hover over and bless these wonderful people and this beautiful land.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria, serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKT8Z37ay14zNvaJi-pgxS6msMMxSN2OA4FrMZOvCxZKaut7B2geSvTdFKpDF7ACVtKBPgp0I7Qucrcs8lVrhMZa4pa2d0xh9Uq7I5E6_l58ADWMkrk59fGL9paAGvoVHT0GKqSYjf1_Vi/s1600/thumbnail.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="240" data-original-width="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKT8Z37ay14zNvaJi-pgxS6msMMxSN2OA4FrMZOvCxZKaut7B2geSvTdFKpDF7ACVtKBPgp0I7Qucrcs8lVrhMZa4pa2d0xh9Uq7I5E6_l58ADWMkrk59fGL9paAGvoVHT0GKqSYjf1_Vi/s1600/thumbnail.jpeg" /></span></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhprba2v0lkk6Zw9VkRb0p5V3Ezx-8IVc7NYHqcC470RILL9mikCSQ2uYk83VOIaIMq9mO4A6Prvo65jtVHKJ_9zD1Jj9GbV4XGQ-sRkVVRq66WfHTmbLNgM2_AD-KRgdZsrkpvZxvZ-QR0/s1600/0.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="320" data-original-width="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhprba2v0lkk6Zw9VkRb0p5V3Ezx-8IVc7NYHqcC470RILL9mikCSQ2uYk83VOIaIMq9mO4A6Prvo65jtVHKJ_9zD1Jj9GbV4XGQ-sRkVVRq66WfHTmbLNgM2_AD-KRgdZsrkpvZxvZ-QR0/s1600/0.jpeg" /></span></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria, serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria, serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-size: large;">For the present, I am engaged in all the necessary footwork of leave-taking, packing, and organizing. We all know how much fun that is. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiz40-KM2UTvwh4LBSQgZ1Xv3S8PAqQ3_YfmOHIRHTgsJPJDszSeq2wLL2vNZXa_ku3cCniIs76JdWqOFJd31h3-XaPNP-_sjgIn1bLCRSatDODWpRsRjkzopWS5Uccm_xOL9F8SluzTgH0/s1600/IMG_4277.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="240" data-original-width="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiz40-KM2UTvwh4LBSQgZ1Xv3S8PAqQ3_YfmOHIRHTgsJPJDszSeq2wLL2vNZXa_ku3cCniIs76JdWqOFJd31h3-XaPNP-_sjgIn1bLCRSatDODWpRsRjkzopWS5Uccm_xOL9F8SluzTgH0/s1600/IMG_4277.JPG" /></span></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Of course, it is difficult to leave friars, family, friends, and the work I have been doing in recent years. I think anyone who has been through similar life changes can understand that readily. But I believeGod continually challenges us to leave our comfort zones, to surrender, and to trust. Here goes!</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria, serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Godbless,<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria, serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Charles<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria, serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria, serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Map of Sweden: c. 2019 Newebcreations. Photo of C. Talley: c. Peter Jordan</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria, serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="blogger-post-footer">Email: friarchat@yahoo.com</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4314931977856701507.post-35055024715788289212014-05-28T16:48:00.003-07:002014-05-28T16:48:16.910-07:00Day 10: Winding Down & Packing Up<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjb3RCU6cR-uwzCp4q_zo-9kNmo-0hrIW964cSJPT8mGOrzAbSuwVc3FxfMSjefH9LMnQt0y8ykRBI8YgObexNiPKyC-P11ZA4botkSG7Vi151E0crKWs2fFh4YD345jVxiscG-5bF1ECvQ/s1600/IMG_6821.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjb3RCU6cR-uwzCp4q_zo-9kNmo-0hrIW964cSJPT8mGOrzAbSuwVc3FxfMSjefH9LMnQt0y8ykRBI8YgObexNiPKyC-P11ZA4botkSG7Vi151E0crKWs2fFh4YD345jVxiscG-5bF1ECvQ/s1600/IMG_6821.JPG" height="320" width="239" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
We spent our last day in Jerusalem by leaving Jerusalem! Tight security around our hotel (the Pope was to meet with representatives of the Israeli government close by) and throughout the city made a getaway imperative. So, we piled into the bus for a final excursion to Emmaus (Luke 24). The Scriptures describe the village as being about eight miles from the Holy City, but our particular excursion took more than two hours, the traffic was so thick.<br />
<br />
When we arrived at the French Benedictine monastery of Abu Gosh, we were greeted by Frere Dominique, one of the monks, who told us that, unfortunately, we lost our opportunity to have a group Mass because of our late arrival. But he did mention that the monks were having their daily Mass, scheduled for 11:30 am, to which we were most welcome.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZ7tKJNe82kJgu_DZpm0QlBoDP3ADPQFEG91mitj49l9oBL88RvcMOXE2O1h6dNFL41BjFr86TOOifFwb-IXgjjkm2r3M8JYcgxy6pjhY308t05l-JvKYgDxW68ovmCUGfJYLxyduddPuy/s1600/IMG_6818.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZ7tKJNe82kJgu_DZpm0QlBoDP3ADPQFEG91mitj49l9oBL88RvcMOXE2O1h6dNFL41BjFr86TOOifFwb-IXgjjkm2r3M8JYcgxy6pjhY308t05l-JvKYgDxW68ovmCUGfJYLxyduddPuy/s1600/IMG_6818.JPG" height="320" width="239" /></a></div>
<br />
The experience turned out to be perfect. Talk about serendipity! Frs. Larry, Cesar and I concelebrated with the abbot and were seated in the choir stalls alongside the nine monks of the community. Several Benedictine sisters from the adjacent convent were present as well for the Mass chanted in both French and Latin. The language might have been a bit of a barrier, but the music was transcendent, as was the calm and graceful liturgy. We were welcome to and into a beautiful experience of prayer.<br />
<br />
It was enough, more than enough for our final day in the Holy Land. The evening before, we celebrated a gala dinner on the patio of a family-owned French restaurant not far from our hotel. There, we could relax, unwind, and begin to say our 'farewells' over a glass of Chilean merlot and before our entrees. A perfect way to celebrate the conclusion to our journey.<br />
<br />
After a relaxing afternoon of packing, napping, or relaxing by the pool, we all set our alarms for a very early wake-up call at 1:30 am Tuesday, May 27. Amazingly, we were all ready to board our bus for the final time, arriving at Ben Gurion Airport before 3am. The rest was just the "stuff" of international travel: passport, customs, and security controls. Boarding and settling in for our journey (Tel Avi to Istanbul--2 hours; Istanbul to Los Angeles-- 13 hours; Los Angeles to Santa Barbara-- 2 hours). At 8:10 pm local time, we arrived back at the Old Mission, our mission accomplished. For now.<div class="blogger-post-footer">Email: friarchat@yahoo.com</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4314931977856701507.post-10689636535416758782014-05-28T16:27:00.002-07:002014-05-28T16:29:17.256-07:00Day 9: "But did you get to see the Pope?"<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQCUrdCfZkRLaLyA44PmwMzJBuM8T8YEc66wlps1vyBXpxwUS05WZiq7GhMGgqXA6BO23NqHKIe8qkawPvzzmWytXbJ2sm2vCmJ8lElzPv1nlA_lF3qW6VY4X0cc5sxt6n5X8W53vCtXJa/s1600/IMG_6631.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQCUrdCfZkRLaLyA44PmwMzJBuM8T8YEc66wlps1vyBXpxwUS05WZiq7GhMGgqXA6BO23NqHKIe8qkawPvzzmWytXbJ2sm2vCmJ8lElzPv1nlA_lF3qW6VY4X0cc5sxt6n5X8W53vCtXJa/s1600/IMG_6631.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6B0lGPTFcq2q8B3w7D_70SYl5P9HwIUe_JcaVIp6llCnrS7B83ESJq3wj8eHTgzW7iuY0kZZ-aBzAcuE96NrdicHGO-4piz_ILQ9AyugI5HtwD3syA5Aw06NeM1-7bkZVfgeYlk0tVf1B/s1600/IMG_6649.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6B0lGPTFcq2q8B3w7D_70SYl5P9HwIUe_JcaVIp6llCnrS7B83ESJq3wj8eHTgzW7iuY0kZZ-aBzAcuE96NrdicHGO-4piz_ILQ9AyugI5HtwD3syA5Aw06NeM1-7bkZVfgeYlk0tVf1B/s1600/IMG_6649.jpg" height="168" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
The most simple answer to that question is "No." No, we did not get to see Pope Francis while we were in the Holy Land. We didn't even get close, actually. The security was that tight. What we did see were signs of the Pope's anticipated arrival and presence. And those signs were absolutely everywhere: banners and streamers in the narrow, cobbled streets of the Old City. Twinned Israeli and Vatican flags along major thoroughfares. Catholic churches, schools, and shrines festooned with the characteristic yellow-and- white of the papacy. There were also numerous posters (above) announcing the appearances of the Holy Father with the leaders of Israel and Palestine, as well as his scheduled meetings with Orthodox Patriarch Bartholomew.<br />
<br />
It's not that we didn't want to see the Holy Father. We would have loved to have done so. And it's not that we didn't try, either. The free tickets which were available were generally restricted to members of parishes and to groups of religious women and men living in the Holy Land. It makes sense. Pope Francis was coming to the Holy Land to visit the peoples of the Holy Land. <br />
<br />
One of our group members, however, did manage to get a single ticket from one of the Franciscan friars of the Custody of the Holy Land who was unable to attend the Mass in Bethlehem's Manger Square. She braved every obstacle, arriving in Bethlehem the night before in order to be at the morning service on time. When she got to her seat, she realized that she had a ticket for the clergy section! Undaunted, she thoroughly appreciated the privilege and enthusiastically shared with us her impressions of the Pope's talk to the Palestinian Christian community.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZ33c6WgvWXu4Vi2aMUcez5woiwA1MebIJp-qy403Wtsnn1M-nonli9fQ0aetOpKb5SKBwAx9gXrY__EkMkzvzHzxk5ItMspfEXXpRa0qZL8TCIxw4VWhbASrwh-FvC3TTiUSMEMrbPFvV/s1600/IMG_6806.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZ33c6WgvWXu4Vi2aMUcez5woiwA1MebIJp-qy403Wtsnn1M-nonli9fQ0aetOpKb5SKBwAx9gXrY__EkMkzvzHzxk5ItMspfEXXpRa0qZL8TCIxw4VWhbASrwh-FvC3TTiUSMEMrbPFvV/s1600/IMG_6806.JPG" height="320" width="239" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
So, we spent our Sunday (not a holiday, but rather a work day in Israel) "pilgrimaging" around Jerusalem. Our stops included the Pater Noster church, the White Fathers' shrine at Bethsaida (whose beautiful Crusader chapel has wonderful acoustics), St. Anne's, the Via Dolorosa (our attempt to pray the Stations of the Cross was frustrated by the presence of security barriers in the proximity of the Church of the Holy Sepulchre), Dominus Flevit, the Garden of Gethsemane (closed at noon), Mount Zion, and St. Peter in Gallincantu. Frankly, a lot of it was a blur. There was just too much to see at one time. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_2NdSK2pg6RsdWi-G7nkelQIA9J5VjTT6QdTNqvk875BihKdlQ-sHeT2defNvUdMB5s1Ylhu5mJMO5d2ZkmqjOJ_4-oIkr19u10W4Tu4pUIIIn6LSTl7tExTzEYfRB5-sGyWD7w_77AhV/s1600/IMG_6800.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_2NdSK2pg6RsdWi-G7nkelQIA9J5VjTT6QdTNqvk875BihKdlQ-sHeT2defNvUdMB5s1Ylhu5mJMO5d2ZkmqjOJ_4-oIkr19u10W4Tu4pUIIIn6LSTl7tExTzEYfRB5-sGyWD7w_77AhV/s1600/IMG_6800.JPG" height="239" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlsqAHCsHJOrA0gONzZxfqJBNCRXZZOorHo3uq5RYtvUSjZjw9laejHahJ1t6zwvD4uV8tLavy2G73qkL1RKvHFaaNDgyrul_MkjSzFH4p-WNgJ8bQl4-KgbV0xLBcGtXVlfuwuo-4AyXY/s1600/IMG_6799.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlsqAHCsHJOrA0gONzZxfqJBNCRXZZOorHo3uq5RYtvUSjZjw9laejHahJ1t6zwvD4uV8tLavy2G73qkL1RKvHFaaNDgyrul_MkjSzFH4p-WNgJ8bQl4-KgbV0xLBcGtXVlfuwuo-4AyXY/s1600/IMG_6799.JPG" height="320" width="239" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
What does stick out in my mind as memorable, however, was our experience of Franciscan hospitality at the small shrine of Dominus Flevit ("Jesus wept"). Friars Leo Gonzalez (of our own Province of St. Barbara in California) and Fr. Sebastiano Eclimes had us all sit down for refreshments on the terrace of the "convento." They chatted amiably with us, sang for us, and offered us their blessings. We were home!<br />
<br />
We celebrated Mass in a conference room in the basement of our hotel. It seemed totally appropriate for us as pilgrims. All of the other places in the city were off-limits because of the papal visit (!). No matter; we gathered around the Lord's table in prayer and in His Presence just the same.<br />
<br />
<br /><div class="blogger-post-footer">Email: friarchat@yahoo.com</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4314931977856701507.post-17487403649365962422014-05-28T15:43:00.004-07:002014-05-28T15:55:30.037-07:00Day 8 Masada & Jericho<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgwsSE16j3NEHsxzWf5SauvhBxBM3YQzVznmzoSfWyhfXK512uPB3idD7om0uXsezvm_yo8OauN63K8FocEhA4A4wjxgjbneUH0NHr6LUiyDPHeOOvRh6VI1Go1KZ9yOtS7PFi8MugM_jw/s1600/IMG_6752.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgwsSE16j3NEHsxzWf5SauvhBxBM3YQzVznmzoSfWyhfXK512uPB3idD7om0uXsezvm_yo8OauN63K8FocEhA4A4wjxgjbneUH0NHr6LUiyDPHeOOvRh6VI1Go1KZ9yOtS7PFi8MugM_jw/s1600/IMG_6752.JPG" height="239" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
After the intensity of our experience at the Church of the Holy Sepulchre in Jerusalem, it was just as well that we should take a quiet day away from the city and its distractions. So, after breakfast, we headed to the deserts of Judea. First stop: Masada.<br />
<br />
Revered in a very special way by the Israelis, Masada served as a safe haven in troubled times by the notorious Herod the Great, who, under Roman direction, ruled the province of Palestine with an iron hand. Discovering this hilltop promontory, Herod immediately understood its strategic importance and constructed not one, but two palaces on the site in the first century AD. Following the defeat of the Jewish rebellion against Rome and subsequent destruction of Jerusalem under the Roman leadership of Titus (70AD), remnant groups of resisters headed for Masada for what was to prove their last stand before the imperial forces. According to tradition, after a two-month siege, the Romans penetrated the site, only to discover that its inhabitants had chosen to commit suicide rather than surrender.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNVErqeiexBOHt8a7n1Jnrw62efqQkgsdBZpkMVHRMZA7yfgowmTQj5OWd-qauEF2BGDBkdmiwZbbfFyk0DdtigYijaqkspf5985y0oMEBPf_IglhyJeXnJs8u16cGryWKzhMEHle2r4_H/s1600/IMG_6758.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNVErqeiexBOHt8a7n1Jnrw62efqQkgsdBZpkMVHRMZA7yfgowmTQj5OWd-qauEF2BGDBkdmiwZbbfFyk0DdtigYijaqkspf5985y0oMEBPf_IglhyJeXnJs8u16cGryWKzhMEHle2r4_H/s1600/IMG_6758.JPG" height="320" width="239" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
After Masada, we stopped at a section of the Jordan River in order to renew our baptismal vows. Next to us, a group of Eastern Orthodox pilgrims were doing likewise. Many of them were dressed in special white garments for that purpose. According to custom, these garments will be kept and used later as burial shrouds for their owners.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdOVyPYUKfBQpFBxBQH_2skI03p4k6MkNs3NxzAasJdQpWEw_NWn3s68kgWKhh_xZpJ68gySBfEsYTF8cECPwa_CkaoXJ0DhymiaLeQUEjtMkQ8B7k-jA9Kn1hyphenhyphenRoJW3AgiOZBUIBJluBd/s1600/IMG_6764.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdOVyPYUKfBQpFBxBQH_2skI03p4k6MkNs3NxzAasJdQpWEw_NWn3s68kgWKhh_xZpJ68gySBfEsYTF8cECPwa_CkaoXJ0DhymiaLeQUEjtMkQ8B7k-jA9Kn1hyphenhyphenRoJW3AgiOZBUIBJluBd/s1600/IMG_6764.JPG" height="239" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJR98fFVUVVz9rV5JdPtYZD3qXnKNz-wXP-i1zrB2chZ517jemrB51ZtDu15bnmPgDbviAXfs9cOF9pf-30QuqdI2deeWJGmkV2g2x4tpGcyIpP9k5MJ74RupSMiqqwgy7RpFUv86O7qy5/s1600/IMG_6767.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJR98fFVUVVz9rV5JdPtYZD3qXnKNz-wXP-i1zrB2chZ517jemrB51ZtDu15bnmPgDbviAXfs9cOF9pf-30QuqdI2deeWJGmkV2g2x4tpGcyIpP9k5MJ74RupSMiqqwgy7RpFUv86O7qy5/s1600/IMG_6767.JPG" height="239" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Next, we headed for the Palestinian city of Jericho, known to be the oldest continuous settlement of human beings in the world, having been settled more than 6000 years ago. The town is a true oasis, its splashing fountains and springs fed by arterial streams. We lunched and shopped at a highly commercialized spot. I was fascinated to watch the steady stream of hung, thirsty pilgrims arriving from every corner of the world: Kenya, Indonesia, Korea, Italy, and so on. We even ran into some fellow Franciscan friars-- Italian-born members of the Custody of the Holy Land.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Before returning to Jerusalem, we stopped over at the Franciscan Sisters' School of Jericho, a co-ed institution staffed by three native-born Palestinian sisters. The student population is just shy of 600; Christian students number 16 of that total. As one of the sisters reminded me: "We are here as missionaries. Not to try to convert people, but to show the loving presence of Jesus for all people. And to help the children-- all of the children-- to have the kind of education which will allow them to participate fully in society." Fr. Cesar, a member of our group, presided at Eucharist in the simple chapel of the sisters. In this simple and humble place, it was not difficult to understand the importance of a Christian presence in this part of the world.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZjKIPf-vs7y_Cc1uu0nJfcwqzkxfTHFYSasNCXe7b15Aq2R_2wvDkYtQYEIjm2rX-_GRvPVX1x3PFb3z2ELfOd2b1VDy6-Tuv00xXksI7De7ZFercGJrKBsXt0OiuA3SvJ-_rHqiHFfW5/s1600/IMG_6778.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZjKIPf-vs7y_Cc1uu0nJfcwqzkxfTHFYSasNCXe7b15Aq2R_2wvDkYtQYEIjm2rX-_GRvPVX1x3PFb3z2ELfOd2b1VDy6-Tuv00xXksI7De7ZFercGJrKBsXt0OiuA3SvJ-_rHqiHFfW5/s1600/IMG_6778.JPG" height="239" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgI9QL9WooGwhs06EPA9GAWYnm4THAgKjIKcagfo8zNoBytsgPcioGMFou0oWflBGtTvoAOKUElc7M5WIRU7pc4lGH6ygnYtNltWTdPTbR8BiKQKP6JTs5tgiznNmih75RmHI7-6U3ZMoJ0/s1600/IMG_6780.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgI9QL9WooGwhs06EPA9GAWYnm4THAgKjIKcagfo8zNoBytsgPcioGMFou0oWflBGtTvoAOKUElc7M5WIRU7pc4lGH6ygnYtNltWTdPTbR8BiKQKP6JTs5tgiznNmih75RmHI7-6U3ZMoJ0/s1600/IMG_6780.JPG" height="239" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Returning toward Jerusalem, we made a pit stop at the Dead Sea. Most of us braved the salty elements to get into our swimsuits for a dip. The waters were thick, warm, and chalky. It was impossible to do anything other than float-- and so we floated! Some of us, by which I mean Father Larry, went a step further to cover themselves with mud-- great protection against the relentless sun. And great fun to boot. . . . Arrived in Jerusalem at last. Bone-tired, we welcomed the refuge of our rooms.</div>
<div class="blogger-post-footer">Email: friarchat@yahoo.com</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4314931977856701507.post-13113579239858407882014-05-28T15:03:00.001-07:002014-05-28T15:03:21.216-07:00Day 7 Bethlehem to Jerusalem<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhndI3hKVpdVWxnXlaJaJfKpmwDa1COTuEh_9ea65X6oy_DC5N3k1Tg7eB1TlgnUqKDEF-JodjXpC255moJ7ausol-9-0G2mGin7LmtAKMFpqGRfoBgA7XUurBFAllUsDq03_UbuWyJSuld/s1600/SHEPH_FIELDS_CATH.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhndI3hKVpdVWxnXlaJaJfKpmwDa1COTuEh_9ea65X6oy_DC5N3k1Tg7eB1TlgnUqKDEF-JodjXpC255moJ7ausol-9-0G2mGin7LmtAKMFpqGRfoBgA7XUurBFAllUsDq03_UbuWyJSuld/s1600/SHEPH_FIELDS_CATH.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
After yet another lavish hotel breakfast buffet, we headed for the Bethlehem Souvenir Center, a cooperative store and gallery which features the high-quality work of local Bethlehem craftspeople (olive wood statuary and Nativity sets, malachite jewelry, local pottery, etc.) and directly assists more than 50 Christian families in the area. The staff was welcoming, professional, and friendly-- and we had the entire shop to ourselves for the hour we were there. Needless to say, our group made its contribution to the local economy, and those of us with pent-up consumer urges emerged content.<br />
<br />
<br />
Shepherds' Field area to celebrate Eucharist at one of the caves surrounding the Gloria In Excelsis chapel (above), built in the 1950s with donations by the Catholics of Canada. As is the norm with each of the major shrines in the Holy Land, we celebrated the readings for the day. (Translation: Merry Christmas, everyone!). True to the feast, we sang our favorite Christmas carols, and even had a procession of a statue of the infant Jesus. It was a gently touching moment in what was to be an intense day.<br />
<br />
Our next stop was the Church of the Nativity, presently undergoing major interior structural repairs. We arrived relatively early at the shrine, which means we didn't have to stand outside in the hot sun. Instead, we gathered along the side aisle to approach the grotto marking the space where, according to tradition, Jesus was born. I have to admit, it was not an especially pleasant wait. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkQ_0kMq8ynC7HabzYbkE8Ud7_JH07TR7XqLWJL4wltSy-aSartwmu-h32qBFyEITkN_3MYuMRlF49KQUqRtXgIvI9Z2hdg__tSgl-N1T1clZ8bUZ6X70hphJBn7p3vsIn1kWPRw6qkZUB/s1600/IMG_6617.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkQ_0kMq8ynC7HabzYbkE8Ud7_JH07TR7XqLWJL4wltSy-aSartwmu-h32qBFyEITkN_3MYuMRlF49KQUqRtXgIvI9Z2hdg__tSgl-N1T1clZ8bUZ6X70hphJBn7p3vsIn1kWPRw6qkZUB/s1600/IMG_6617.jpg" height="320" width="239" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
This is, after all, the Middle East, which means that the concept of standing in an organized queue is not universally respected. The upshot is that we had to deal with crowds of noisy and aggressive pilgrims pushing, pleading, and sometimes cussing their way through the waiting area. Once we got to the grotto, there was time for just a quick reverence, and then out. Only when we arrived at the neighboring sanctuary of the Roman Catholic parish church of St. Catherine of Alexandria did we have any time to savor the spot. It was all part of the tuition, so to speak.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZiSqb2TcQiGG__8fc_z-QxPfT_cZMEydZSfCi0UYjB8C_wkpU70TMzl3CDUaJBX7Y1Yu4JQmDlbzUyWUkzKTxhGKuxG0gVltYRaWty3m-31C7UR1KCzGCwptn6KWtmG-pddqdcvLzD21R/s1600/Unknown-1.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZiSqb2TcQiGG__8fc_z-QxPfT_cZMEydZSfCi0UYjB8C_wkpU70TMzl3CDUaJBX7Y1Yu4JQmDlbzUyWUkzKTxhGKuxG0gVltYRaWty3m-31C7UR1KCzGCwptn6KWtmG-pddqdcvLzD21R/s1600/Unknown-1.jpeg" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
Afterwards, we visited a family-owned restaurant aptly known as The Christmas Tree. Lunch was shawrma (thinly sliced lamb on pita), falafel (chick pea), and the ubiquitous Greek salad.... Once we finished our late luncheon, we left Bethlehem, passing through the security checkpoint without difficulty.<br />
<br />
Our next stop was the Holy City of Jerusalem. We made our way directly to our hotel, the Dan Panorama, with just enough time to check in and freshen up before proceeding to the Old City and the Shrine of the Holy Sepulchre. Our bus dropped us off in front of the Notre Dame Hotel, a Vatican-owned property festooned with papal flags in anticipation of the visit of Pope Francis. From there, we walked through the New Gate and into the rabbit-warren of narrow streets of the Old City. Luckily, the hour was late-- 6pm by the time of our arrival-- so that the streets were uncrowded and many of the shops closed for the day.<br />
<br />
Approaching the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, we gathered on the steps outside to prepare ourselves for our official group photo. (This one, below, is a practice shot only). Afterwards, we lined up in rows of three before the main entrance to wait for the Franciscan friars to greet us at the door and escort us into the Church and before the Tomb of the Lord.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRU6SFKKiX69tee0EhYd8AVe5-4jvPezEb3pbOGfjBdKAgncR1D7eQlYxv6zL0SN1g1FCvbyOjbIWhBvpplYV65pZVDPIq_LPJwD2s1K-lfMJ9d_LDw51aEYcUvY_Q1BhWvrxx0dKqkrHh/s1600/IMG_6643.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRU6SFKKiX69tee0EhYd8AVe5-4jvPezEb3pbOGfjBdKAgncR1D7eQlYxv6zL0SN1g1FCvbyOjbIWhBvpplYV65pZVDPIq_LPJwD2s1K-lfMJ9d_LDw51aEYcUvY_Q1BhWvrxx0dKqkrHh/s1600/IMG_6643.jpg" height="320" width="190" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
I don't have good photos of that event. The truth is that I was so caught up in the experience of the moment, I was not especially concerned with trying to document or preserve it. (Others did, and when I can borrow a few photos from them, I will post their photos with this entry). Shortly after six, a group of about 6-8 Franciscan friars appeared before the open main door. They nodded, smiled, and blessed each of us with holy water as they led us in procession before the tomb. The crowds parted as we were guided into the sanctuary flanked by the friars. Once assembled inside, we were greeted by a representative of the Custos (or Provincial), who told us that, no doubt our visit should be inscribed in "beautiful golden letters" since we were the last group to visit the Church before the scheduled arrival of Pope Francis and the Patriarch of Constantinople, Bartholomew. After chants, prayers, and a blessing-- all in Latin-- we were escorted in groups of three to the interior chamber of the Tomb for a few moments of silent prayer.<br />
<br />
I cannot tell you what that experience was like for each of the more than forty people on our pilgrimage. What I can tell you about is the look on people's faces as they emerged from the Tomb. Almost to a person, each one carried a look of deep reverence, and yes, even awe. Silent tears streaked some faces; others just moved to a quiet corner of the church to be alone with the Lord for a few minutes. We left in silence. As one member whispered to me: "You can just <i>feel</i> the sacredness of this space, depending upon how much you allow yourself to do so."<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<br />
<br /><div class="blogger-post-footer">Email: friarchat@yahoo.com</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4314931977856701507.post-18688627455028793612014-05-22T11:01:00.004-07:002014-05-22T11:02:39.688-07:00Holy Land Pilgrimage Day 6 Church of the Beatitudes, then Nablus<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGqJb1NLpMlxtZBHCZM1VIe59lrWFT39xEv-bhFNjWlmXe2SvGg84U6bcAMO-lweh20YshWuxW-sn4TPILRo1Dj5eGWBjqzSdSf71jeqQLoHlx2XG1u808Jt32uth8w61i7-p1tYH8EwX8/s1600/IMG_6584.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGqJb1NLpMlxtZBHCZM1VIe59lrWFT39xEv-bhFNjWlmXe2SvGg84U6bcAMO-lweh20YshWuxW-sn4TPILRo1Dj5eGWBjqzSdSf71jeqQLoHlx2XG1u808Jt32uth8w61i7-p1tYH8EwX8/s1600/IMG_6584.jpg" height="320" width="239" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkZR5YbBlrIMy0iX5oshs-MAIPLJmFlZedj5GFr3SrvCPO0dBcI9bDFOmJDzVaBtl0fNuhUnIXhEJ_MRHQ77P4wxjniq1Suxc1mcMKViNXx-ghpMd_JWMG8rmlG4bgz4dR3UDmNw5smlAc/s1600/IMG_6525.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkZR5YbBlrIMy0iX5oshs-MAIPLJmFlZedj5GFr3SrvCPO0dBcI9bDFOmJDzVaBtl0fNuhUnIXhEJ_MRHQ77P4wxjniq1Suxc1mcMKViNXx-ghpMd_JWMG8rmlG4bgz4dR3UDmNw5smlAc/s1600/IMG_6525.jpg" height="320" width="239" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
What started out as a day of relatively easy and simple
sightseeing ended up as a unexpected immersion into the tremendous complexity
of contemporary life in the Holy Land for all of its occupants.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
We bade farewell to the Gai (pronounced GUY) Beach Hotel in
Tiberius at 8am sharp and made our way to the church at the Mount of the
Beatitudes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Its sprawling hillside gardens
of the place have made place a particularly tranquil setting for visitors.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Pilgrims and tourists alike ambled about the
grounds and in and out of the beautiful chapel overlooking the Sea of
Galilee.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Our group was assigned an outdoor
area where we sat, surrounded by the chirping of birds, cooling breezes, and <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>calming views.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>There we concelebrated Mass, with one of our members, the recently
ordained Fr. Cesar Magallon of Our Lady of Guadalupe Parish in Santa
Barbara,<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>presiding.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGXgEERMlj88ppHt9SWt6IW8D19EBFa35QqGpncLmQ54s_75yogoko7v0uO2Gj6P53k0lwtEFZPoYLiZtNY60_jkiaYgDeU-TQ8quCpOkB0UkX-u9kGGSgKtV3XvPtM5MTGNZFnamI7o7f/s1600/IMG_6532.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGXgEERMlj88ppHt9SWt6IW8D19EBFa35QqGpncLmQ54s_75yogoko7v0uO2Gj6P53k0lwtEFZPoYLiZtNY60_jkiaYgDeU-TQ8quCpOkB0UkX-u9kGGSgKtV3XvPtM5MTGNZFnamI7o7f/s1600/IMG_6532.jpg" height="239" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
From the Church of the Beatitudes it was just a short
distance up the road to Tabgha, the site traditionally attributed to <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>the <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>miracle of the multiplication of loaves and
fishes. We stood in the courtyard of the contemporary structure <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>(c.1982)<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>built by the Benedictines as a full-scale reproduction of the original <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>ancient church. From the fifth century
AD.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We listened as our guide Amer <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>told us how the place had been abandoned for
more than 1400 years before its rediscovery in the 1930s. .<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Amazingly, major sections of the magnificent 5<sup>th</sup>
century floor mosaics remained intact and have been incorporated into the
present structure.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Like Mount Tabor and
the Church of the Beatitudes, this sacred place seemed to possess a certain,
undeniable dignity.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Even with the
busloads of visitors emptying on to the grounds, there was a wonderful,
respectful calm and silence here.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKLUetRH3sbfMAWONnhCNDOoIqqA6qdWPE1CRAOU_Ikbb6h5js2UC6tHw1msgKZ73S0IYKLWwb9eYWJUXbXKT-mjQeaegZn3As8c3ZM1afM6oQj5aDZ-iS-qjxUGruvWJgvzJUv-iVqf2m/s1600/IMG_6544.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKLUetRH3sbfMAWONnhCNDOoIqqA6qdWPE1CRAOU_Ikbb6h5js2UC6tHw1msgKZ73S0IYKLWwb9eYWJUXbXKT-mjQeaegZn3As8c3ZM1afM6oQj5aDZ-iS-qjxUGruvWJgvzJUv-iVqf2m/s1600/IMG_6544.jpg" height="239" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
From Tabgha, <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>we stopped
at the ruins of a recently (1974) uncovered and partially restored Greek
basilica built on the site where Jesus is said to have cured the Gerasene
demoniac.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There, we reflected on the
Scriptures and admired the riotous colors of the jacaranda and flamboyana . Then,
we drove on to Nablus, passing through the checkpoints into the West Bank area
controlled by the Palestinian Authority.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Here, scenes of deep rural poverty contrasted with clusters of<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>contemporary building projects, many of which
stood only partially finished.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We
stopped in this bustling city – seldom visited by tourists--<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>to have lunch at a restaurant owned by a
local Christian family.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The Christian
community, less than 2% of the population of the Holy Land, relies heavily on
outside support for its survival in a highly polarized social/political
climate. It is clear even to the most casual observer,<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>that without the presence of a vital<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>local Christian community, even our most
celebrated Christian shrines in the Holy Land risk becoming museums, rather than
centers of worship and service.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGqJb1NLpMlxtZBHCZM1VIe59lrWFT39xEv-bhFNjWlmXe2SvGg84U6bcAMO-lweh20YshWuxW-sn4TPILRo1Dj5eGWBjqzSdSf71jeqQLoHlx2XG1u808Jt32uth8w61i7-p1tYH8EwX8/s1600/IMG_6584.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGqJb1NLpMlxtZBHCZM1VIe59lrWFT39xEv-bhFNjWlmXe2SvGg84U6bcAMO-lweh20YshWuxW-sn4TPILRo1Dj5eGWBjqzSdSf71jeqQLoHlx2XG1u808Jt32uth8w61i7-p1tYH8EwX8/s1600/IMG_6584.jpg" height="320" width="239" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Following lunch, we proceeded to the shrine of the Jacob’s
Well—also in Nablus, which is in the cellar of a magnificent, light-filled and
icon-studded Greek Orthodox church, whose walls date from the time of the
Crusades.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The local priest met and
blessed us, <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>and asked for our prayers and
support.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>At the Well itself, we read the
account from John (chapter 4) of Jesus’ encounter with the Samaritan
woman.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It all came home to us.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Here, as in so many places we have experienced
so far, we have come to understand about this and many other stories about
Jesus:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">It really happened.!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And it
really happened here!<o:p></o:p></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
After our time at Jacob’s Well, we continued south towards
Jerusalem, passing through the steep, rock-strewn highlands of Samaria. Passing
through this primitive landscape, in many ways unchanged from the time of
Jesus, it was not difficult to imagine how arduous travel was at the time.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>How, for example, Mary <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">walked</i> from Galilee to Judea to visit her cousin Elizabeth.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsaZ2nwZzU2Zq63fJt_B89Tda-X7iji-jtW2kR3H1mP7hj8nBWwHuPHTeZZ_FvR89w66y21F3VCGfBIND0IweFNS2Tsw65LyJSV9toHw1Gtmtl7X5ehaGlRXLYLPfBCkg9nwW6TQGeTTKd/s1600/IMG_6590.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsaZ2nwZzU2Zq63fJt_B89Tda-X7iji-jtW2kR3H1mP7hj8nBWwHuPHTeZZ_FvR89w66y21F3VCGfBIND0IweFNS2Tsw65LyJSV9toHw1Gtmtl7X5ehaGlRXLYLPfBCkg9nwW6TQGeTTKd/s1600/IMG_6590.jpg" height="320" width="239" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Approaching Bethlehem, our destination, we were confronted
with the shocking sight of the <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>26-foot
concrete security wall which surrounds and encloses this entire city of 48,000
inhabitants.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Constructed by Israeli
military authorities with the avowed intent of controlling terrorist activity and
intervention in Jerusalem,<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>one of the effects
of the wall has been to curtail <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>severely
the movement of residents in and out of the city. Unemployment is said to reach
levels well over 50%, and Christians, .<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>once
more than 70% of the population of<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>this
little town where Christ was born,<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>have
emigrated in large numbers in recent years.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
We settled in for the night at our lodgings, <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>the recently-completed and quite comfortable Saint
Gabriel Hotel.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Unsurprisingly, <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>dinner, conversations focused on the impressions
of the day, not the least of which was our exposure to the hugely complicated
and often deeply troubling reality of <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>the region. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<o:OfficeDocumentSettings>
<o:AllowPNG/>
</o:OfficeDocumentSettings>
</xml><![endif]-->
<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:WordDocument>
<w:View>Normal</w:View>
<w:Zoom>0</w:Zoom>
<w:TrackMoves/>
<w:TrackFormatting/>
<w:PunctuationKerning/>
<w:ValidateAgainstSchemas/>
<w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>
<w:IgnoreMixedContent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent>
<w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>
<w:DoNotPromoteQF/>
<w:LidThemeOther>EN-US</w:LidThemeOther>
<w:LidThemeAsian>JA</w:LidThemeAsian>
<w:LidThemeComplexScript>X-NONE</w:LidThemeComplexScript>
<w:Compatibility>
<w:BreakWrappedTables/>
<w:SnapToGridInCell/>
<w:WrapTextWithPunct/>
<w:UseAsianBreakRules/>
<w:DontGrowAutofit/>
<w:SplitPgBreakAndParaMark/>
<w:EnableOpenTypeKerning/>
<w:DontFlipMirrorIndents/>
<w:OverrideTableStyleHps/>
<w:UseFELayout/>
</w:Compatibility>
<m:mathPr>
<m:mathFont m:val="Cambria Math"/>
<m:brkBin m:val="before"/>
<m:brkBinSub m:val="--"/>
<m:smallFrac m:val="off"/>
<m:dispDef/>
<m:lMargin m:val="0"/>
<m:rMargin m:val="0"/>
<m:defJc m:val="centerGroup"/>
<m:wrapIndent m:val="1440"/>
<m:intLim m:val="subSup"/>
<m:naryLim m:val="undOvr"/>
</m:mathPr></w:WordDocument>
</xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:LatentStyles DefLockedState="false" DefUnhideWhenUsed="true"
DefSemiHidden="true" DefQFormat="false" DefPriority="99"
LatentStyleCount="276">
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="0" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Normal"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="heading 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 9"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 9"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="35" QFormat="true" Name="caption"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="10" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" Name="Default Paragraph Font"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="11" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtitle"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="22" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Strong"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="20" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="59" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Table Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Placeholder Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="No Spacing"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Revision"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="34" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="List Paragraph"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="29" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="30" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="19" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtle Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="21" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="31" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtle Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="32" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="33" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Book Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="37" Name="Bibliography"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" QFormat="true" Name="TOC Heading"/>
</w:LatentStyles>
</xml><![endif]-->
<!--[if gte mso 10]>
<style>
/* Style Definitions */
table.MsoNormalTable
{mso-style-name:"Table Normal";
mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0;
mso-tstyle-colband-size:0;
mso-style-noshow:yes;
mso-style-priority:99;
mso-style-parent:"";
mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;
mso-para-margin:0in;
mso-para-margin-bottom:.0001pt;
mso-pagination:widow-orphan;
font-size:12.0pt;
font-family:Cambria;
mso-ascii-font-family:Cambria;
mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-hansi-font-family:Cambria;
mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;}
</style>
<![endif]-->
<!--StartFragment-->
<!--EndFragment--><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="blogger-post-footer">Email: friarchat@yahoo.com</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4314931977856701507.post-76660752703819219362014-05-20T12:08:00.001-07:002014-05-20T12:11:16.077-07:00Holy Land Pilgrimage Day 5 Cana & Mount Tabor<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZwN-afO9TC1jw7i8QHQXO4U90DwpE-hzJGhR_RJ89Rdcwm2MKqeIxHLWs6l_KxwpLITklJ-zDexEh6k0350uOWGX4NvHfa0eBm7maeebWmRV6tsY-ZkbudfYovYzGV361V08bP0TtU1lg/s1600/IMG_6490.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZwN-afO9TC1jw7i8QHQXO4U90DwpE-hzJGhR_RJ89Rdcwm2MKqeIxHLWs6l_KxwpLITklJ-zDexEh6k0350uOWGX4NvHfa0eBm7maeebWmRV6tsY-ZkbudfYovYzGV361V08bP0TtU1lg/s1600/IMG_6490.jpg" height="239" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
A relative slow and relaxed half-day of travel.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>After breakfast, we headed directly to Cana,
site of the first miracle of Jesus recorded in the Gospel of John (chapter 2),
about 30 minutes from our hotel in Tiberius.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Upon arrival, we milled in the courtyard before the small parish
church.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Local buzz was all about the approaching visit of Pope Francis (May 25-26), as the poster above indicates. Inside the church, a group of pilgrims from
Argentina were celebrating Eucharist.
Our group settled down in the Divine Mercy chapel nearby.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyBDT_kZpZ-2qBlMvaYotsSSDd-52sfcsdZ-MxRSqBz4KWZYylbDpmUtVnuppLO94K00a_GnDWiMWAdCwXS04ZbMbThz6hvnPhjx3TzBlJpUWW2TuaNpZUMJIs7KeLklw-fByCCcb1A2Gv/s1600/IMG_6493.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyBDT_kZpZ-2qBlMvaYotsSSDd-52sfcsdZ-MxRSqBz4KWZYylbDpmUtVnuppLO94K00a_GnDWiMWAdCwXS04ZbMbThz6hvnPhjx3TzBlJpUWW2TuaNpZUMJIs7KeLklw-fByCCcb1A2Gv/s1600/IMG_6493.jpg" height="320" width="239" /></a></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"></span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Undoubtedly inspired by the location, we sat in the small
room as each couple, one after the other, came forward to renew their marriage
vows.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was short, quite sweet, and quite moving.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Couples who have been together
for up to 55 years still had that wonderful sparkle of genuine affection,
loving regard for each other. Some had more than a touch of mischief in their eyes still.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>At the conclusion of the brief prayer
service, Fr. Larry invited couples whose spouses were at home, or who had died,
to come forward for a blessing as well.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
From Cana, we made our way to Mount Tabor, site of the
Transfiguration of the Lord, an event recorded in the Synoptic gospels of
Matthew, Mark, and Luke.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The Mount , a geological anomaly called a monadnock,<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> rises </span>some
1600 feet above the sea-level plain below.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> It was a steep climb; c</span>onsequently, we transferred from our large touring bus to smaller vans
for the final approach.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>After
negotiating a dozen sharp, hair-raising turns,<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>we arrived at the Mount.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was
well worth the minor inconvenience.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjb0zx-JAeriL4OS0NBZVqhjBvyhbfBIU0Qk7sR1SocfQpaKCDaFpNjfqdq8tYafKVX6X7Zf19Oeb6ogIsTAXhzJDPZ6rvQ58gIfnhnpjIFdBTgxaIv3jOPEQevTFFKMnYSr7AoEoRZtvKH/s1600/IMG_6512.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjb0zx-JAeriL4OS0NBZVqhjBvyhbfBIU0Qk7sR1SocfQpaKCDaFpNjfqdq8tYafKVX6X7Zf19Oeb6ogIsTAXhzJDPZ6rvQ58gIfnhnpjIFdBTgxaIv3jOPEQevTFFKMnYSr7AoEoRZtvKH/s1600/IMG_6512.jpg" height="239" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The hilltop ‘campus’ of the Mount includes an exceptionally
beautiful church, circa 1924, <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>designed
by the Italian architect Antonio Barluzi.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Nearby excavations give evidence of the multiple settlements over the
past millennium.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The Franciscan friars
have ‘custody’ of the shrine and live in a <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">convento
</i>on site, sharing space with Mondo X, a faith-based recovery program
originating in Italy.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghnz-0qClmTYDYLr7QG7lFqUjBB_Vnrw0qe38YNwTkWMswRoHQV4V3rPh7DsMTknPkf2NHzVM7aRGD2XaRB61cDL-OAT6iAClC1teDQPbdnRC1d-SOH8HqR5_tJoVStg-PunzM2c5eHT26/s1600/IMG_6506.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghnz-0qClmTYDYLr7QG7lFqUjBB_Vnrw0qe38YNwTkWMswRoHQV4V3rPh7DsMTknPkf2NHzVM7aRGD2XaRB61cDL-OAT6iAClC1teDQPbdnRC1d-SOH8HqR5_tJoVStg-PunzM2c5eHT26/s1600/IMG_6506.jpg" height="320" width="239" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
With the kind assistance of Fray Gustavo, our sacristan,
Frs. Larry, Cesar, and I—along with Deacon Falk Gosdschan donned our albs
and<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>beautiful gold vestments for the
Feast of the Transfiguration.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This
particular feast is actually celebrated twice a year— August 6, as well as the
Second Sunday in Lent—a fact underscoring its significance as the manifestation
of the Lord in His Glory at the end of time.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhc4h_BU2LngM_yeSCZLd224SEoZL-MvactS9KS6rjKncg1ykExUjrx8mf6ZsHxJlj7fy5_-hh21tvJRoS-YwTpqI5lDTWJwIk4_0S4O_B62gHJVWxSPxxicLH2bQr8DNGbC9kc8-BmJcsw/s1600/IMG_6503.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhc4h_BU2LngM_yeSCZLd224SEoZL-MvactS9KS6rjKncg1ykExUjrx8mf6ZsHxJlj7fy5_-hh21tvJRoS-YwTpqI5lDTWJwIk4_0S4O_B62gHJVWxSPxxicLH2bQr8DNGbC9kc8-BmJcsw/s1600/IMG_6503.JPG" height="239" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p><br /></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Our entire group was able to sit in the sanctuary, which
added to the intimacy of the event for us.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Mount Tabor does not receive the volume of pilgrims that other, more
celebrated shrines do, so we essentially had the place to ourselves.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Fr. Larry presided and I got to preach,
following Deacon Falk’s proclamation from Matthew 9.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I essentially spoke about our responsibility to allow God to
love <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">us</i> by lowering our defenses in
order to enable the Lord to enter our hearts and lives more deeply and
completely.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
After Eucharist, we strolled toward the parking area, but
only with the greatest reluctance.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There
was something so wonderfully appealing about the shrine.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A feeling of tremendous peace and calm—in the
midst of a country which appears to be constantly on the alert for terrorist
actions or military intervention from abroad.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Lunch was at Kareem’s, a local restaurant in Cana.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>While the shwarma and falafel were delicious,
there was no question about the wine.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>No
alcoholic beverages served.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<o:OfficeDocumentSettings>
<o:AllowPNG/>
</o:OfficeDocumentSettings>
</xml><![endif]-->
<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:WordDocument>
<w:View>Normal</w:View>
<w:Zoom>0</w:Zoom>
<w:TrackMoves/>
<w:TrackFormatting/>
<w:PunctuationKerning/>
<w:ValidateAgainstSchemas/>
<w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>
<w:IgnoreMixedContent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent>
<w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>
<w:DoNotPromoteQF/>
<w:LidThemeOther>EN-US</w:LidThemeOther>
<w:LidThemeAsian>JA</w:LidThemeAsian>
<w:LidThemeComplexScript>X-NONE</w:LidThemeComplexScript>
<w:Compatibility>
<w:BreakWrappedTables/>
<w:SnapToGridInCell/>
<w:WrapTextWithPunct/>
<w:UseAsianBreakRules/>
<w:DontGrowAutofit/>
<w:SplitPgBreakAndParaMark/>
<w:EnableOpenTypeKerning/>
<w:DontFlipMirrorIndents/>
<w:OverrideTableStyleHps/>
<w:UseFELayout/>
</w:Compatibility>
<m:mathPr>
<m:mathFont m:val="Cambria Math"/>
<m:brkBin m:val="before"/>
<m:brkBinSub m:val="--"/>
<m:smallFrac m:val="off"/>
<m:dispDef/>
<m:lMargin m:val="0"/>
<m:rMargin m:val="0"/>
<m:defJc m:val="centerGroup"/>
<m:wrapIndent m:val="1440"/>
<m:intLim m:val="subSup"/>
<m:naryLim m:val="undOvr"/>
</m:mathPr></w:WordDocument>
</xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:LatentStyles DefLockedState="false" DefUnhideWhenUsed="true"
DefSemiHidden="true" DefQFormat="false" DefPriority="99"
LatentStyleCount="276">
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="0" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Normal"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="heading 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 9"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 9"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="35" QFormat="true" Name="caption"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="10" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" Name="Default Paragraph Font"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="11" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtitle"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="22" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Strong"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="20" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="59" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Table Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Placeholder Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="No Spacing"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Revision"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="34" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="List Paragraph"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="29" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="30" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="19" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtle Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="21" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="31" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtle Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="32" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="33" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Book Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="37" Name="Bibliography"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" QFormat="true" Name="TOC Heading"/>
</w:LatentStyles>
</xml><![endif]-->
<!--[if gte mso 10]>
<style>
/* Style Definitions */
table.MsoNormalTable
{mso-style-name:"Table Normal";
mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0;
mso-tstyle-colband-size:0;
mso-style-noshow:yes;
mso-style-priority:99;
mso-style-parent:"";
mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;
mso-para-margin:0in;
mso-para-margin-bottom:.0001pt;
mso-pagination:widow-orphan;
font-size:12.0pt;
font-family:Cambria;
mso-ascii-font-family:Cambria;
mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-hansi-font-family:Cambria;
mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;}
</style>
<![endif]-->
<!--StartFragment-->
<!--EndFragment--><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
The rest of the day we were free—to rest, swim in the Sea of
Galilee right outside our door, or else catch up on sleep.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><o:p></o:p></i></div>
<div class="blogger-post-footer">Email: friarchat@yahoo.com</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4314931977856701507.post-83752738316108545762014-05-19T11:53:00.001-07:002014-05-19T11:53:16.867-07:00Holy Land Pilgrimage Day 4: A Galilean Sojourn<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPAj3RIW0bUeVt9ac6zhhu6AKJN1Gxq6M3k0nqnGQYcmSpCvTELgANodpoJmOvVom2_mzfUZuSsJ6rz8rd3pJlIhFMKuDsmUvH2RTgGTU2MYbZjeHYYBaDy5wINRRLOTMBwcxrpUwolygp/s1600/IMG_6447.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPAj3RIW0bUeVt9ac6zhhu6AKJN1Gxq6M3k0nqnGQYcmSpCvTELgANodpoJmOvVom2_mzfUZuSsJ6rz8rd3pJlIhFMKuDsmUvH2RTgGTU2MYbZjeHYYBaDy5wINRRLOTMBwcxrpUwolygp/s1600/IMG_6447.JPG" height="239" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p><br /></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
After the day’s excursions in Galilee, I found myself coming
to a rather obvious reflection—obvious to everyone but me, that is.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Namely, that Jesus must have spent the
greatest part of His ministry outdoors.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> Not in the conspiratorial confines of the Temple precincts, but o</span>ut in the sweet fresh air, feeling the rush of wind and waves.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Sitting in the shade and listening to the
leaves rustle while unknown and unseen birds made their presence and music known.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Watching the sun rise and set over the blue,
clear waters of the Sea of Galilee.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Trekking in the hot sun on long, patient journeys from one village to another throughout the province. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And all along the way, while meeting and
listening to people, at the same time feeling the press of the earth beneath His sandals
and inhaling the redolent scent of fields and meadows.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Today we spent most of our time outside, too.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And everyone seemed to love it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Right after breakfast, we boarded our bus and
headed due north from Tiberius to the region of Capernaum.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We stopped first at the small chapel of the
Church of the Primacy of Peter, one of the numerous shrines in the Holy Land
administered by the Franciscan order.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We
sat in a cool, shaded grove for Mass and read the post-Resurrection story of
Peter’s encounter with the Lord on the shores of the Sea of Tiberius, aka the
Sea of Galilee. (John 21:1-19): “Simon, son of John, do you love me?”…. “Lord,
you know everything.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You know that I
love you.”…. (Then), “feed my sheep.”…. (And, finally) “Follow me.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The Primacy of Peter is the primacy of loving service.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Jesus offers Peter neither a crown or a
throne, but rather—a broom!— the primacy of a life of humble service to others
His Name.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The implications for us and
for all leaders, both ecclesiastical and other, are evident.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> . . . </span>After Eucharist, we took some time to go
wading or just mill around the water’s edge, enjoying the mild breezes off the
Sea.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQwC-MILa9H8ybQGuuvg03_jQz8cmNDaFHm63nwUbOZ_6uN2lg9svHx-MJbi9IeH0x_c9maYWK2TY_t8KIdvXYbdNbEaqp2I2jNv4zy_zgYzFGL4WjsFfbzIBptnb-mahykwSsLaXSKClO/s1600/IMG_6459.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQwC-MILa9H8ybQGuuvg03_jQz8cmNDaFHm63nwUbOZ_6uN2lg9svHx-MJbi9IeH0x_c9maYWK2TY_t8KIdvXYbdNbEaqp2I2jNv4zy_zgYzFGL4WjsFfbzIBptnb-mahykwSsLaXSKClO/s1600/IMG_6459.jpg" height="239" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Our next stop was only a couple of miles up the road in Capernaum.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Jesus’ adult hometown and the
geographical<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>and cultural epicenter of
His ministry of teaching, preaching, and healing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We sat on low benches under the trees before
the home of Peter.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>From a Scriptural
standpoint, the strategic importance of the village became immediately
apparent.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>To our left were the ruins of
the town’s synagogue (not the same building in which Jesus preached, but rather
a later replacement).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Behind the
synagogue was the Via Maris, the Way of the Sea, a major Roman artery
stretching from Damascus to Egypt.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Capernaum was an important point for the collection of tolls and taxes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>No wonder that Matthew (the Tax Collector!)
should have been called to the Lord’s service here.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Directly in front of us lay a modern chapel literally
suspended over the ruins of the house of Peter’s mother-in-law (Mark 1:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>21-34).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>And immediately to the right of the home lies the Sea of Galilee
itself.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Again, no stretch of the
imagination to see how convenient it would have been for Jesus to meet and
invite the members of the fishing firms of Peter & Andrew and<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>James & John (Zebedee), Inc. to join him
in His itinerant ministry.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Seeing
certainly helps the believing process.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLBBGXm6EIqhXRkHm7XUURLjNgxRUs30Llbd0UHPTrc_h7kJnzhABjy9RWQGpRFm5jJWVzErFqWzF-_D_XpckCvLrGgwTDEj5cOqVnsRQ8-32d0zWghlP2qTB1c4ij58RqitFqjSOpvcV8/s1600/IMG_6455.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLBBGXm6EIqhXRkHm7XUURLjNgxRUs30Llbd0UHPTrc_h7kJnzhABjy9RWQGpRFm5jJWVzErFqWzF-_D_XpckCvLrGgwTDEj5cOqVnsRQ8-32d0zWghlP2qTB1c4ij58RqitFqjSOpvcV8/s1600/IMG_6455.JPG" height="239" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Not content just to “hear” the story of the call of the
first disciples of Jesus, we needed to understand for ourselves the
importance of the sea in His ministry.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A
few miles outside of Capernaum, we boarded our very own excursion boat for a
brief “cruise” on the Sea of Galilee.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Our captain and crew hoisted the Stars & Stripes as we all stood to
sing along with a recording of the national anthem (true).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Then, we settled down for a presentation by
Amer, our tour guide, on the importance of this particular Sea in the live of Jesus,
followed by a brief reflection on the miracle of Jesus’ calming of the storm at
sea (Matthew 8:23-27).<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiE-2v3M6AryJ6GSdmmVCZxTTF0QDGL1C-RnKaaCI5qG-8aNz8QPswKXWx1aClok4QCaTn6TzZRk-UALsR6gB9AuCRBgcC_d49UoJP9EkKLrWMyGxvJx9oI9rZIonzMYhfK9_McIDJiEqt5/s1600/IMG_6460.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiE-2v3M6AryJ6GSdmmVCZxTTF0QDGL1C-RnKaaCI5qG-8aNz8QPswKXWx1aClok4QCaTn6TzZRk-UALsR6gB9AuCRBgcC_d49UoJP9EkKLrWMyGxvJx9oI9rZIonzMYhfK9_McIDJiEqt5/s1600/IMG_6460.JPG" height="239" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
A sit-down lunch at Tanureen, a restaurant in the town of
Magdala (as in Mary Magdalene!) run by a Christian family.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Seated at long tables, we munched on olives,
hummus, Greek salad, and blanched, marinated carrots while we waited for our
entrée:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Peter’s Fish.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>After a quick sip of complimentary coffee
(laced with cardamom), we returned to our bus for a siesta ride through the
orchard-studded countryside.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The final stop of a very long (but also very satisfying) day
was a visit to yet another Caeserea—this time, Caeserea Philippi, perched
against a rocky hillside in the Golan Heights.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>On the way a,<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>our guide
pointed out the border between Syria and Israel, as well as the frontier with
Lebanon.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The low, rusting fencing along
fields and wildflowers proved deceptively innocuous.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Small signs posted every few yards warned would-be trespassers of land mines in the area.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9osYEkNAgTlrG48S4Pog7JlsmY6QOOvmx8-vj2lx7M-FF_joj4YnKoDq316bSLcjoV4fB7nVHxiZJd4rR9bwBP05F-nxj7eiBY4y3lqF6i93pjpyUXgWZhSNXDKzWSshb7ChBEKpdrmw3/s1600/IMG_6472.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9osYEkNAgTlrG48S4Pog7JlsmY6QOOvmx8-vj2lx7M-FF_joj4YnKoDq316bSLcjoV4fB7nVHxiZJd4rR9bwBP05F-nxj7eiBY4y3lqF6i93pjpyUXgWZhSNXDKzWSshb7ChBEKpdrmw3/s1600/IMG_6472.jpg" height="320" width="239" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Among the ruins of Caeseara Philippi, we sat in the shade and reflected upon
the Scriptural reading about Peter’s impassioned declaration of the identity of
Jesus:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“You are the Christ, the Son of
the living God.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>(Matthew 16:16).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Our guide termed the event as Peter’s Bingo
Moment— a lucky and utterly fortuitous guess about the person and persona of Jeus that, against all odds, proved to be exactly right.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Today was a day spent on the road, along the coast, in the shade,
among the birds, bushes and wildflowers. Listening to the Word amid the signing of birds.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It all<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>gave one such an odd and oddly affirming
sense about the connections between Scripture, faith and verifiable reality:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was all real; it all really happened.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And it continues to “happen” in our own
lives.<o:p></o:p></div>
<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<o:OfficeDocumentSettings>
<o:AllowPNG/>
</o:OfficeDocumentSettings>
</xml><![endif]-->
<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:WordDocument>
<w:View>Normal</w:View>
<w:Zoom>0</w:Zoom>
<w:TrackMoves/>
<w:TrackFormatting/>
<w:PunctuationKerning/>
<w:ValidateAgainstSchemas/>
<w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>
<w:IgnoreMixedContent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent>
<w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>
<w:DoNotPromoteQF/>
<w:LidThemeOther>EN-US</w:LidThemeOther>
<w:LidThemeAsian>JA</w:LidThemeAsian>
<w:LidThemeComplexScript>X-NONE</w:LidThemeComplexScript>
<w:Compatibility>
<w:BreakWrappedTables/>
<w:SnapToGridInCell/>
<w:WrapTextWithPunct/>
<w:UseAsianBreakRules/>
<w:DontGrowAutofit/>
<w:SplitPgBreakAndParaMark/>
<w:EnableOpenTypeKerning/>
<w:DontFlipMirrorIndents/>
<w:OverrideTableStyleHps/>
<w:UseFELayout/>
</w:Compatibility>
<m:mathPr>
<m:mathFont m:val="Cambria Math"/>
<m:brkBin m:val="before"/>
<m:brkBinSub m:val="--"/>
<m:smallFrac m:val="off"/>
<m:dispDef/>
<m:lMargin m:val="0"/>
<m:rMargin m:val="0"/>
<m:defJc m:val="centerGroup"/>
<m:wrapIndent m:val="1440"/>
<m:intLim m:val="subSup"/>
<m:naryLim m:val="undOvr"/>
</m:mathPr></w:WordDocument>
</xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:LatentStyles DefLockedState="false" DefUnhideWhenUsed="true"
DefSemiHidden="true" DefQFormat="false" DefPriority="99"
LatentStyleCount="276">
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="0" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Normal"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="heading 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 9"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 9"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="35" QFormat="true" Name="caption"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="10" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" Name="Default Paragraph Font"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="11" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtitle"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="22" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Strong"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="20" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="59" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Table Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Placeholder Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="No Spacing"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Revision"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="34" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="List Paragraph"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="29" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="30" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="19" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtle Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="21" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="31" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtle Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="32" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="33" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Book Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="37" Name="Bibliography"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" QFormat="true" Name="TOC Heading"/>
</w:LatentStyles>
</xml><![endif]-->
<!--[if gte mso 10]>
<style>
/* Style Definitions */
table.MsoNormalTable
{mso-style-name:"Table Normal";
mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0;
mso-tstyle-colband-size:0;
mso-style-noshow:yes;
mso-style-priority:99;
mso-style-parent:"";
mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;
mso-para-margin:0in;
mso-para-margin-bottom:.0001pt;
mso-pagination:widow-orphan;
font-size:12.0pt;
font-family:Cambria;
mso-ascii-font-family:Cambria;
mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-hansi-font-family:Cambria;
mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;}
</style>
<![endif]-->
<!--StartFragment-->
<!--EndFragment--><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="blogger-post-footer">Email: friarchat@yahoo.com</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4314931977856701507.post-82302169078532804592014-05-18T14:11:00.003-07:002014-05-19T11:55:01.959-07:00Holy Land Pilgrimage Day 3 Caesarea Maritima & Nazareth<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhq7yiRnPWODacCDEIXc3XYPUsABlDlc05cwuhj3kav1VwyB-daL8Ljs9PxSGBZZsmAC2BrRJiCq0uNGDu2Iw9n4NS3_I3L-1vvWEbfU9uIC_DAUfz33UDV2_wPitz9nMaSFoW9KyUulK3u/s1600/IMG_6431.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhq7yiRnPWODacCDEIXc3XYPUsABlDlc05cwuhj3kav1VwyB-daL8Ljs9PxSGBZZsmAC2BrRJiCq0uNGDu2Iw9n4NS3_I3L-1vvWEbfU9uIC_DAUfz33UDV2_wPitz9nMaSFoW9KyUulK3u/s1600/IMG_6431.jpg" height="239" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Location!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Location!
Location! What’s true about the significance of place in terms of real estate
rings doubly so when it comes to the Holy Land, both in historical and
Scriptural terms.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Our first stop today
was a visit to the storied Caesarea Maritima, the<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>palatial showplace playground of King Herod built
in the first century AD. Positioned on the shores of the azure-blue
Mediterranean less than an hour north of present-day Tel Aviv, Caesarea Maritima
possesses an undeniable elegance even in its present, partially excavated condition.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
After a too-early morning<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>(6:30 am) wake-up call and breakfast buffet, we piled our bags onto and
under the bus and headed toward our destination, less than an hour north
of<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Tel Aviv, Israel’s largest city.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Today was Sunday, not a holiday, but a
workday here.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I kept having to remind
myself of that fact as I noticed the roads choked with traffic—all of it heading
toward the center of this bustling city of 1.7 million inhabitants.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Along our
way, we drove through thriving new neighborhoods with their upscale apartment
complexes lining the waterfront.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As we
passed several bus stops, I could not help but notice clusters of armed and
uniformed Israeli young people doing their compulsory military service—a reminder that
security concerns are never far beneath the surface here, even in the midst of
evident prosperity.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFx4x6r_Qlp2oKK1-OAqd_q51RfIduKqJWTCjkdgZik5EByPNQtpjMwgonymaVgwLOEeJ4UyPBWV31vN-n5s-9zP8rgpAhJppAdIW_GvgjoBNIJfl55BXUQEGgpm7W3QmaLxp74YnpE-W2/s1600/IMG_6432.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFx4x6r_Qlp2oKK1-OAqd_q51RfIduKqJWTCjkdgZik5EByPNQtpjMwgonymaVgwLOEeJ4UyPBWV31vN-n5s-9zP8rgpAhJppAdIW_GvgjoBNIJfl55BXUQEGgpm7W3QmaLxp74YnpE-W2/s1600/IMG_6432.jpg" height="239" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
As we drove northward along the coast, Amer, our guide,
recited the story of the encounter between Peter and Cornelius in the Acts of
the Apostles (chapter 10:1-31).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Once we arrived at the
sprawling archeological site, it was not at all difficult to make the
connection between the Scriptural account<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>and the physical reality before us.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Even in their present<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>condition,
the amphitheater, hippodrome, coliseum, and palace all testified both to the glory
of Rome and its hubris. A copy of a stone tablet bearing the name of Pontius
Pilate provided an astounding non-Scriptural corroboration to the actual historically verifiable existence of the Roman official who condemned Jesus to death. Further, our own route
from Joppa (Tel Aviv) to Caesear not only made the Scriptures come alive for
us, it also made them plausible on the physical plane.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I found myself saying:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“It all really happened.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And it happened <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">here.”<o:p></o:p></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
That sense of plausible presence became clear to us as well
as we approached the inland city of Nazareth in Galilee, the traditional
boyhood home of Jesus.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>En route, we
stopped at the shrine of Our Lady of Mount Carmel in the industrial port city
of Haifa.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The shrine features a small
chapel built over a cave where the Old Testament prophet Elijah allegedly
lived.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Here, by tradition, childless
couples have come for centuries to pray for help.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Large stone tablets grace the walls of the
sanctuary in memory of Carmelite saints such as John of the Cross and Teresa of
Avila.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And the throngs of visitors from
all over the world attest to the continuing appeal of Carmel to pilgrims.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We passed groups from Indonesia, Brazil, and
Italy, but there <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>were clutches of Arab
Christians and Muslims as well who had come here to pray.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Our lunch stop was at a family-owned buffet featuring
falafels (chick-pea ‘meatballs’) with an exotic array of condiments.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Fr. Larry provided dessert in the form of delicious
boxes of Turkish Delight from Istanbul. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Continuing
eastward along the inland route to Nazareth, we passed through the village of Cana
(yes, as in ‘The Marriage Feast of….”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> ) </span>It
was uncanny to see road signs nonchalantly indicating the route toward this and
other biblical place names that have persistently endured in the Holy Land over
two full millennia.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj27vR7IlC9XqS_SXLt3Sl_yTIZVHaOxiU95Os_XC2eqL66xhAPWmReKB2ehTCdCi-EfHm0mJHd3jks3IXP-deTEA3C0DEmRkVzcz_7kEX0FtQxD7txivsa12wPjEbso9fospmreanbMMyo/s1600/IMG_6435.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj27vR7IlC9XqS_SXLt3Sl_yTIZVHaOxiU95Os_XC2eqL66xhAPWmReKB2ehTCdCi-EfHm0mJHd3jks3IXP-deTEA3C0DEmRkVzcz_7kEX0FtQxD7txivsa12wPjEbso9fospmreanbMMyo/s1600/IMG_6435.jpg" height="320" width="239" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Nazareth today, we were told, is a thriving hilltop city
with a population of 85,000, nearly 40% of whom are Christians of various
denominations.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>At its center, with its
signature lighthouse roof, stands the contemporary Basilica of the
Annunciation, a Franciscan church and our guide’s own parish.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As we plugged in our headsets, we strolled
the basilica’s courtyard to look at mosaic representations of the titles and
apparitions attributed to the Virgin Mary around the world.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Inside the cavernous <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>contemporary space (capacity 3500), we
literally descended into the grotto chapel where tradition holds that Mary was
visited by the Angel Gabriel and gave her definitive ‘yes” to God’s request
that she become the mother of Jesus.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>On
the top level of the church, we celebrated Eucharist with the readings of the
feast of the Annunciation, and hurried out the doors as families prepared the
sanctuary for the wedding to take place immediately afterwards.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMmG5zLqZO12fM3g0w1rN5KZC_c6uiJ9HiZhb3DG1Pq5houAJuvah-1vkg8XtbTVwbrFzKLeezJG0q62B1PxQcav-yaHwBngrc_E2OK_tUT1rmGBMSxlVWaPf2dypvPd7mzSG3tPHucZ3w/s1600/IMG_6443.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMmG5zLqZO12fM3g0w1rN5KZC_c6uiJ9HiZhb3DG1Pq5houAJuvah-1vkg8XtbTVwbrFzKLeezJG0q62B1PxQcav-yaHwBngrc_E2OK_tUT1rmGBMSxlVWaPf2dypvPd7mzSG3tPHucZ3w/s1600/IMG_6443.jpg" height="320" width="239" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
After a brief visit to the church and shrine of the workshop
of St. Joseph (“He was a workman, more likely a stonemason, but <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">not</i> a carpenter!” our guide insisted,
pointing to the corruption of the Koine Greek term “tekton” which, for centuries, has led
artists in the West to depict Joseph sawing away at his workbench. “Jesus
worked <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">hard</i> alongside Joseph,” Amer continued.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“ He was an
accomplished laborer and craftsman who needed his physical strength as well to
endure the rigors of His ministry.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That
made perfect sense to me.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieeIkvmEQU_j24E0FHSkkwdX81dlH94V_oXNw0kHykkLD6a07KLZmb4-yeefEtLrGfcTk6LOLJ-_o6EW-nJ9_oTC_eZpdXUw9lIt2kvLgeJfQf2K1xmYHHxWCxH1zq4W3iLho9xuO02X2a/s1600/IMG_6442.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieeIkvmEQU_j24E0FHSkkwdX81dlH94V_oXNw0kHykkLD6a07KLZmb4-yeefEtLrGfcTk6LOLJ-_o6EW-nJ9_oTC_eZpdXUw9lIt2kvLgeJfQf2K1xmYHHxWCxH1zq4W3iLho9xuO02X2a/s1600/IMG_6442.JPG" height="239" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<o:OfficeDocumentSettings>
<o:AllowPNG/>
</o:OfficeDocumentSettings>
</xml><![endif]-->
<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:WordDocument>
<w:View>Normal</w:View>
<w:Zoom>0</w:Zoom>
<w:TrackMoves/>
<w:TrackFormatting/>
<w:PunctuationKerning/>
<w:ValidateAgainstSchemas/>
<w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>
<w:IgnoreMixedContent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent>
<w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>
<w:DoNotPromoteQF/>
<w:LidThemeOther>EN-US</w:LidThemeOther>
<w:LidThemeAsian>JA</w:LidThemeAsian>
<w:LidThemeComplexScript>X-NONE</w:LidThemeComplexScript>
<w:Compatibility>
<w:BreakWrappedTables/>
<w:SnapToGridInCell/>
<w:WrapTextWithPunct/>
<w:UseAsianBreakRules/>
<w:DontGrowAutofit/>
<w:SplitPgBreakAndParaMark/>
<w:EnableOpenTypeKerning/>
<w:DontFlipMirrorIndents/>
<w:OverrideTableStyleHps/>
<w:UseFELayout/>
</w:Compatibility>
<m:mathPr>
<m:mathFont m:val="Cambria Math"/>
<m:brkBin m:val="before"/>
<m:brkBinSub m:val="--"/>
<m:smallFrac m:val="off"/>
<m:dispDef/>
<m:lMargin m:val="0"/>
<m:rMargin m:val="0"/>
<m:defJc m:val="centerGroup"/>
<m:wrapIndent m:val="1440"/>
<m:intLim m:val="subSup"/>
<m:naryLim m:val="undOvr"/>
</m:mathPr></w:WordDocument>
</xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:LatentStyles DefLockedState="false" DefUnhideWhenUsed="true"
DefSemiHidden="true" DefQFormat="false" DefPriority="99"
LatentStyleCount="276">
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="0" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Normal"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="heading 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 9"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 9"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="35" QFormat="true" Name="caption"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="10" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" Name="Default Paragraph Font"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="11" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtitle"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="22" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Strong"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="20" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="59" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Table Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Placeholder Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="No Spacing"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Revision"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="34" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="List Paragraph"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="29" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="30" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="19" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtle Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="21" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="31" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtle Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="32" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="33" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Book Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="37" Name="Bibliography"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" QFormat="true" Name="TOC Heading"/>
</w:LatentStyles>
</xml><![endif]-->
<!--[if gte mso 10]>
<style>
/* Style Definitions */
table.MsoNormalTable
{mso-style-name:"Table Normal";
mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0;
mso-tstyle-colband-size:0;
mso-style-noshow:yes;
mso-style-priority:99;
mso-style-parent:"";
mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;
mso-para-margin:0in;
mso-para-margin-bottom:.0001pt;
mso-pagination:widow-orphan;
font-size:12.0pt;
font-family:Cambria;
mso-ascii-font-family:Cambria;
mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-hansi-font-family:Cambria;
mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;}
</style>
<![endif]-->
<!--StartFragment-->
<!--EndFragment--><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
After posing for a group photo, we boarded our bus toward our hotel at the seaside town of
Tiberius along the shores of Galilee, listening for a second time to the
reading from Luke (chapter 1: 26-38) recounting the Annunciation.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Once again, connecting the
story with historical/ archaeological artifacts we had seen today,<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>we as believers could say “It really happened
and it happened <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">here</i>.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Not unlike the words inscribed in the
Basilica of the Annunciation itself:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Here</i> the Word was made Flesh.”//<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="blogger-post-footer">Email: friarchat@yahoo.com</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4314931977856701507.post-23870797820963411442014-05-17T14:10:00.001-07:002014-05-17T20:59:02.947-07:00Holy Land Pilgrimage Day 2 Arrival in Tel Aviv<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvyqPclTWVFCNOjEqWuXUYRkcob5HJJNV1xNPfBuGtLP8m1wSWF4aynE3WD6_CG_B2j9H2SSapdP86EFgPNr5vNOWoRl334TP1gJGBjiXIEiA1jFMmXKYMNtTelTGyOmw8Sv_EeV3ByS9m/s1600/Unknown.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvyqPclTWVFCNOjEqWuXUYRkcob5HJJNV1xNPfBuGtLP8m1wSWF4aynE3WD6_CG_B2j9H2SSapdP86EFgPNr5vNOWoRl334TP1gJGBjiXIEiA1jFMmXKYMNtTelTGyOmw8Sv_EeV3ByS9m/s1600/Unknown.jpeg" /></a></div>
<br />
Metaphorically speaking, we just got off the boat. By which I mean, the plane. Turkish Airlines, to be exact. 26 of our 42 members flew together from Los Angeles (LAX) to Tel Aviv yesterday and today, May 16 & 17. From LAX to Istanbul, from Istanbul to Tel Aviv. Fifteen hours' flying time and ten time zones east of California. Yes, a lot of things are a blur.<br />
<br />
Left Santa Barbara after celebrating Eucharist in the Serra Chapel. A time to gather, get centered in the Lord, and calm down in the midst of all the activity and excitement. It really did help, I believe. Laura Ardry from our parish staff and others gave us a nice send-off (including a much-appreciated case of cool, bottled water for the journey) as we piled into our waiting charter bus, bag, baggage, and all.<br />
<br />
Serge was our driver and was quite wonderful. Calmly and quietly, he negotiated the tangled freeway traffic (think: LA, Friday afternoon, hot and muggy day, forest fires in the air and on the horizon) and got us to the airport safe and sound.<br />
<br />
Once we entered the terminal, it became apparent to us from the get-go that we would just have to get into the very end of a very long line and be very, very patient as we got checked in and received our boarding passes. Actually, that went quite well, except that one of our pilgrims received a transfer boarding card with someone else's name on it. Net result: an unwelcome layover for him on the Istanbul-Tel Aviv link of our trip. We are hoping he will catch up with us at the hotel momentarily. Welcome to group travel.<br />
<br />
Life on board Turkish Airlines was an admixture: cramped economy seats (initially some couples were split), a full flight, and a gaggle of giggling and sometimes growling toddlers. The kids were adorable, as they say, but kept many of us awake for at least a part of the flight. That said, what else is new, besides the fact that the service was good and the food, excellent-- even in economy.<br />
<br />
Slowly, slowly, slowly, it seemed, we made our way across the North American continent, and then, over Scandinavia, the Baltics and the Balkans to our destination. Plenty of time to read, play Sudoko, chat with seat mates, and nod off.<br />
<br />
And pray. Yes, pray. Time to step back and reflect: hey, wait a minute, I'm on this plane with business people, ambitious dot.com people, and extended families visiting or returning from visits with, well, extended family in the States. And yet, I am, we are different. Something else has brought us here, both individually and collectively.<br />
<br />
How to describe it, it's so individual. But, perhaps in the aggregate it can be best described as a desire and a longing. To reach up and in more deeply, as one of our Franciscan leaders used to say. Reaching up and more deeply into our identity and spirituality. Up and more deeply into our sense of personal calling as Christian women and men. Each and all of us asking for, longing for one thing mostly: to have <i>more</i> of the Lord. More of the Presence of the Lord in our hearts and lives. More of a sense of who we are as followers of Jesus. More of a sense of the witness which is expected and required of us as Christian people.<br />
<br />
Once we disembarked/ off-loaded at Tel Aviv's impressively monumental Terminal 3 and wended our way through customs and baggage, we regrouped at our bus and made our way to a welcome bed and bath (and late night supper for some of us!) at the Hotel Metropolitan. Curbside, we were greeted by none other than our own Father Larry Gosselin ofm, as well as three other pilgrims from our group. Great!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhm-J-xLATQou21tGT5YEZ4cK68mxBU4wMnE2RFfyWNZKwYcvQCrqKstL9bm6gNMsKI1iNdEEy1G0qOXqw7PNxjRhSL5SKwZljtl1cuzQAUHLZj9ABKlHpCGn2RknstMLiScvm9ZbDSiAZ9/s1600/IMG_6422.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhm-J-xLATQou21tGT5YEZ4cK68mxBU4wMnE2RFfyWNZKwYcvQCrqKstL9bm6gNMsKI1iNdEEy1G0qOXqw7PNxjRhSL5SKwZljtl1cuzQAUHLZj9ABKlHpCGn2RknstMLiScvm9ZbDSiAZ9/s1600/IMG_6422.JPG" height="239" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
"Welcome to the Holy Land," greeted our guide Amer (in perfect, accent-free American English. "And because you are Christians as well: welcome home!//<div class="blogger-post-footer">Email: friarchat@yahoo.com</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4314931977856701507.post-31679710738244189192014-05-16T11:50:00.001-07:002014-05-19T11:55:31.581-07:00Holy Land Pilgrimage: Day 1: Departure<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivninNnL3Fa-oZtk4G5uU1LWaT8q8uBle34jjO9IDMJe2hwqxva7UltmjbH4Y1OXiLdlYc6jDnYWoU5n2LiOxIRxKJHbLV2gK_AifLiwDeMCWJHJS1iB92so_Jon6lsMMK9afGrnY-GQJj/s1600/images.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivninNnL3Fa-oZtk4G5uU1LWaT8q8uBle34jjO9IDMJe2hwqxva7UltmjbH4Y1OXiLdlYc6jDnYWoU5n2LiOxIRxKJHbLV2gK_AifLiwDeMCWJHJS1iB92so_Jon6lsMMK9afGrnY-GQJj/s1600/images.jpeg" /></a></div>
<br />
It is said that in medieval times, men, on the eve before their knighthood,
would keep vigil.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Kneeling in a dark,
cold chapel before God’s candlelit Presence, they would ask for grace and
courage, strength and fortitude.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In the
face of their struggles and trials and journey.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Today, we are leaving on pilgrimage to the Holy Land, forty
of us from our Parish Family at St. Barbara Church at Old Mission Santa Barbara
in California.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>At noon, we will
celebrate Eucharist, asking for grace, courage, strength, and fortitude as well. Then, we'll load our bags and baggage onto a chartered bus for
LAX, Los Angeles County International Airport.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Boarding Flight 010,<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Turkish
Airlines, bound for Istanbul.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Transferring to Tel Aviv, arriving at our first night’s lodging at the
Hotel Metropolitan, at the close of Shabbat. A full day later on earth; fifteen hours in the air.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
So, here we are, in a metaphorical sense if not a literal
one, at the vigil, on the cusp of our spiritual journey.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I have checked the Gospel for the day.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is from John, chapter 14 (“Do not let your
hearts be troubled”).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is one of the
most popular Gospel readings chosen for--- funerals!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But today, we can look at in a totally
different , more celebratory light.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Thomas goes on to complain to Jesus that “where You are going, we do not
know the way.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>To which Jesus responds,
“I am the Way.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And the Truth.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And the Life….”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Jesus the Way.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Jesus,
our Destination.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>. . . And our Transportation!<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I had to stop and reflect for a moment.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Someone once told me that the oldest and most
enduring artifacts of human construction are not buildings but—roads!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It stands to reason, doesn’t it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Can we consider the top of the Great Wall of
China to be in itself a road?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>What about
the Appian Way in Rome, or the Via Maria from Damascus to Cairo on ancient
times?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Or, closer to home, Highway 101
in California, the El Camino Real, or the King’s Highway, built on the pathway
connecting each of the 21 Franciscan Missions erected in the 18-19<sup>th</sup>
centuries under the Spanish Empire? The horse-, chariot- and footprint of these
great avenues are with us today, having survived every manner of man and
mayhem.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
At their very best, roads connect.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Relate.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Expedite communication.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The
movement of goods and people; materiel for wars and intellectual property. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And Faith. Paths, roads, freeways<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>(and now, even <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>the Internet “highway”) enable us to break
free of our isolation and can liberate us from the burdens of inertia and
hopelessness.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Christ is our Destination.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>And our Transportation.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The Way
to the Father in the Spirit.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The Path of
our salvation.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He makes of Himself, for
us, the means to reach Him, guiding us, holding us, moving us along, from love
to Love on our journey homeward.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
So, we travel.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As
pilgrims toward our hope-filled Destination, which is Christ.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And Christ Himself is the means of our spiritual
movement and design.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
A prayer attributed to St. Patrick <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>comes to mind:<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Christ with me<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Christ before me<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Christ behind me<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Christ beneath me<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Christ above me.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Christ on my right<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Christ on my left.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Christ where I lie<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Christ where I sit<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Christ where I arise.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Christ in the heart of everyone who thinks of me.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Christ in the mouth of everyone who speaks of me.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Christ in the eye that sees me<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Christ in the ear that hears me.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Salvation is of the Lord, the Christ.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
May your Salvation, Lord, be ever with us.<o:p></o:p></div>
<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<o:OfficeDocumentSettings>
<o:AllowPNG/>
</o:OfficeDocumentSettings>
</xml><![endif]-->
<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:WordDocument>
<w:View>Normal</w:View>
<w:Zoom>0</w:Zoom>
<w:TrackMoves/>
<w:TrackFormatting/>
<w:PunctuationKerning/>
<w:ValidateAgainstSchemas/>
<w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>
<w:IgnoreMixedContent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent>
<w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>
<w:DoNotPromoteQF/>
<w:LidThemeOther>EN-US</w:LidThemeOther>
<w:LidThemeAsian>JA</w:LidThemeAsian>
<w:LidThemeComplexScript>X-NONE</w:LidThemeComplexScript>
<w:Compatibility>
<w:BreakWrappedTables/>
<w:SnapToGridInCell/>
<w:WrapTextWithPunct/>
<w:UseAsianBreakRules/>
<w:DontGrowAutofit/>
<w:SplitPgBreakAndParaMark/>
<w:EnableOpenTypeKerning/>
<w:DontFlipMirrorIndents/>
<w:OverrideTableStyleHps/>
<w:UseFELayout/>
</w:Compatibility>
<m:mathPr>
<m:mathFont m:val="Cambria Math"/>
<m:brkBin m:val="before"/>
<m:brkBinSub m:val="--"/>
<m:smallFrac m:val="off"/>
<m:dispDef/>
<m:lMargin m:val="0"/>
<m:rMargin m:val="0"/>
<m:defJc m:val="centerGroup"/>
<m:wrapIndent m:val="1440"/>
<m:intLim m:val="subSup"/>
<m:naryLim m:val="undOvr"/>
</m:mathPr></w:WordDocument>
</xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:LatentStyles DefLockedState="false" DefUnhideWhenUsed="true"
DefSemiHidden="true" DefQFormat="false" DefPriority="99"
LatentStyleCount="276">
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="0" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Normal"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="heading 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 9"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 9"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="35" QFormat="true" Name="caption"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="10" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" Name="Default Paragraph Font"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="11" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtitle"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="22" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Strong"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="20" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="59" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Table Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Placeholder Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="No Spacing"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Revision"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="34" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="List Paragraph"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="29" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="30" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="19" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtle Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="21" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="31" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtle Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="32" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="33" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Book Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="37" Name="Bibliography"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" QFormat="true" Name="TOC Heading"/>
</w:LatentStyles>
</xml><![endif]-->
<!--[if gte mso 10]>
<style>
/* Style Definitions */
table.MsoNormalTable
{mso-style-name:"Table Normal";
mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0;
mso-tstyle-colband-size:0;
mso-style-noshow:yes;
mso-style-priority:99;
mso-style-parent:"";
mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;
mso-para-margin:0in;
mso-para-margin-bottom:.0001pt;
mso-pagination:widow-orphan;
font-size:12.0pt;
font-family:Cambria;
mso-ascii-font-family:Cambria;
mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-hansi-font-family:Cambria;
mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;}
</style>
<![endif]-->
<!--StartFragment-->
<!--EndFragment--><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
(As we travel).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Amen.//<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="blogger-post-footer">Email: friarchat@yahoo.com</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4314931977856701507.post-4903014268359629152014-02-08T22:20:00.002-08:002014-02-08T22:20:55.400-08:00"You are the salt of the earth. . . ."<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiW2wsGhuGwu1LndBvbsmt3yNhQfEelH9S6ALWM2UP4_e04MQam02c4i4ytVs1JW1XPSYuY7QsVW8cR9vKXVGjCiPtGWyD35_RB_NhChyhyeT_js1ig1buO9xZyOpWNiozmH9D4rxT-2l41/s1600/Unknown-1.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiW2wsGhuGwu1LndBvbsmt3yNhQfEelH9S6ALWM2UP4_e04MQam02c4i4ytVs1JW1XPSYuY7QsVW8cR9vKXVGjCiPtGWyD35_RB_NhChyhyeT_js1ig1buO9xZyOpWNiozmH9D4rxT-2l41/s1600/Unknown-1.jpeg" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .25in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .25in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .25in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">Jesus
tells us in today’s Gospel from Matthew (Chapter 5, v.13) : " You are the salt of the earth." <span style="color: #262626;"> And then He says, " But if salt loses its taste, with what can it be seasoned? It is no longer good for anything but to be thrown out and trampled underfoot."<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span>What
in the world does He mean by that? I’m not at all sure, are you?<span style="color: #262626;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span>First of
all, let’s talk about salt.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That most <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>essential and common condiment in almost all
of our lives.<span style="color: #262626;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .25in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .25in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">Salt
is not just part of our vocabulary, it’s part of our menu.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .25in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">Do
you like the taste of salt?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Well, let me
put it another way.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Do you like potato
chips?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Then you like salt.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>How about pretzels?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Or a slice of Italian salami?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Or a sliver of <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Swiss cheese or Camembert?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Or how about some bacon with your eggs? Or a
crunchy <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Kosher dill pickle cured in a
brine of spices and -- that’s right-- salt?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>If you like any of these foods or most any food for that matter, then you
like salt. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .25in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .25in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">Imagine
a completely salt-free diet.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Or better
yet, ask someone who is on a low-sodium regimen and ask them how much they
enjoy it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They will tell you straight
out:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>it’s awful! Your food is so bland
and uninteresting it’s almost not worth eating.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>It doesn’t taste like anything! When we think of salt, <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>then, we don’t think of its own flavor, but
rather the taste of things whose flavor it is meant to enhance.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .25in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .25in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">Finally,
in our own time, salt is, well, pretty much a free commodity, or almost.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When we go to a restaurant or a fast-food
outlet, salt is right there alongside all the other things that we aren’t
directly charged for, like napkins, straws, toothpicks, ice water, and, of
course, pepper.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>At McDonalds or In and
Out Burgers, or<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Paneras, or almost any
fast-food outlet.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .25in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .25in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">Salt,
then, <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>is cheap, readily accessible, and,
as I’ve mentioned, practically free.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And
by the way, I’ve never seen anyone throw out a box of salt.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Look carefully.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There is no expiration date!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Salt has been around a long time, and it’s
not going away any time soon.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .25in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">But let’s
listen again to Scripture:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Jesus says:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';">" You are the salt of the earth." </span><span style="color: #262626; font-family: 'Times New Roman';"> And then He says, " But if salt loses its taste, with what can it be seasoned? It is no longer good for anything but to be thrown out and trampled underfoot."</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .25in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .25in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">Again,
doesn’t that still strike you as a little bit odd? What is He saying to us?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Well, let’s consider some other information.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .25in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">Salt,
in the time of Jesus, was used both as a flavoring, but even more importantly,
as a food preservative.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In fact, it was the
food preservative for many, many centuries.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>In the absence of refrigeration,<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>the use of salt was crucial in preserving foods:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>especially meat and fish.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .25in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .25in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">Salt
was expensive, too. It could only be obtained by evaporation or extraction:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>either by the slow process of drying out in
the sun in designated salt beds, or through the crude and perilous process of
mining.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In fact, in the time of Jesus,
salt was so rare and expensive that it was used as currency.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Worthy soldiers in the Roman army were given
salt—or salario—as their compensation.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A
word that, for us, has become the term salary.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Speaking of the Romans, they <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>even
built several special roads, like the Via Salaria, to transport salt to urban
centers.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .25in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .25in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">The
rock salt <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>they mined wasn’t wonderful,
by the way; it had to be cleansed of impurities first. So that in cooking, salt
was always placed in a cloth bag and suspended into a broth or soup, and
retrieved once its work was done.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Then,
the bag was thrown away.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .25in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">Then,
as now, salt was rare, expensive, and necessary. And its use was nearly
universal. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Nomads lived by slaughtering
and eating their herds.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The flesh of
animals already contains an adequate level of salt for human consumption.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But everyone else—anyone who wasn’t a nomad,
but who lived off the earth directly or indirectly—had to find salt another way
most of the time. And they had to pay through the nose for it.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQiM0dES718p8p4mmxVPpGQlxLleoEXqxabWJYws4iCyBeFOqF92cjN45NfPaMkxwvm-W4VRDDAzcBe1KcpHrJa5Ln7u1LLS8SiyzzirPrXrViIknOP56_azSF1qjX8UdPhyphenhyphen2Zfb-K7GKH/s1600/images-1.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQiM0dES718p8p4mmxVPpGQlxLleoEXqxabWJYws4iCyBeFOqF92cjN45NfPaMkxwvm-W4VRDDAzcBe1KcpHrJa5Ln7u1LLS8SiyzzirPrXrViIknOP56_azSF1qjX8UdPhyphenhyphen2Zfb-K7GKH/s1600/images-1.jpeg" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p><br /></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .25in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">So
let’s return to the Scriptures once more.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Jesus is not telling us to use salt. He is telling us to be salt.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The salt of the entire earth, as a matter of
fact. Well, now he meaning is becoming somewhat more accessible. He is telling
us that we are rare, precious, and necessary.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .25in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">That
we are meant to add flavor and zest to all of life as part of the realization
of the Kingdom He proclaims and promises.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .25in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .25in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">We
are not the main dish.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That’s
clear.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The Lord is.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But we are meant to<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>add ‘flavor’ to our world by our presence and
commitment, not by trying to dominate it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .25in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .25in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">He
doesn’t say anything about how many of us there need to be, by the way.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Or how rich,<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>powerful, or imposing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>After all,
it is estimated that the first Christian community in Rome initially numbered
just about 200 people out of a population of 2 million!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And the vast majority of them were poor and
struggling people.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .25in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">Nevertheless,
they were called in their time—just as we are in ours-- to add to the flavor of
our world by being <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>the presence of
Christ and of Christ’s witness to justice, peace, love and mercy in every
situation in which we find ourselves.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .25in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIZsIL4fAtnK7rLGWWLulSJTgCvqtm8tHdiIUClpB8Ge787faUFZoKC_Yr9bRzYG_IyhHbDo0XfIHErYghqeUevuFhwjtYGrPx_exj6lyvhKb6qk6GsHWS5RidTFgUrqBNz3BrqNgqwi9O/s1600/images.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIZsIL4fAtnK7rLGWWLulSJTgCvqtm8tHdiIUClpB8Ge787faUFZoKC_Yr9bRzYG_IyhHbDo0XfIHErYghqeUevuFhwjtYGrPx_exj6lyvhKb6qk6GsHWS5RidTFgUrqBNz3BrqNgqwi9O/s1600/images.jpeg" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.25in; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .25in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .25in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">We
do this when we help to <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>heal, unite, and
to bring home other human beings who are suffering.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And when we do so consistently over time, <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>it shows.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Both in us and <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>through us.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And in <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>the Kingdom we are called to proclaim with our
lives.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .25in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br />
Not only that—and this is an important caveat-- we need to renew and replenish
our resources and reserves through prayer, meditation, sacraments (especially
the Eucharist), and rest.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .25in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .25in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">Jesus
says:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="color: #262626;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“You are the salt of the earth.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But if salt loses its taste, with what can it
be seasoned?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is no longer good for
anything but to be thrown out and trampled underfoot.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .25in;">
<br /></div>
<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<o:OfficeDocumentSettings>
<o:AllowPNG/>
</o:OfficeDocumentSettings>
</xml><![endif]-->
<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:WordDocument>
<w:View>Normal</w:View>
<w:Zoom>0</w:Zoom>
<w:TrackMoves/>
<w:TrackFormatting/>
<w:PunctuationKerning/>
<w:ValidateAgainstSchemas/>
<w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>
<w:IgnoreMixedContent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent>
<w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>
<w:DoNotPromoteQF/>
<w:LidThemeOther>EN-US</w:LidThemeOther>
<w:LidThemeAsian>JA</w:LidThemeAsian>
<w:LidThemeComplexScript>X-NONE</w:LidThemeComplexScript>
<w:Compatibility>
<w:BreakWrappedTables/>
<w:SnapToGridInCell/>
<w:WrapTextWithPunct/>
<w:UseAsianBreakRules/>
<w:DontGrowAutofit/>
<w:SplitPgBreakAndParaMark/>
<w:EnableOpenTypeKerning/>
<w:DontFlipMirrorIndents/>
<w:OverrideTableStyleHps/>
<w:UseFELayout/>
</w:Compatibility>
<m:mathPr>
<m:mathFont m:val="Cambria Math"/>
<m:brkBin m:val="before"/>
<m:brkBinSub m:val="--"/>
<m:smallFrac m:val="off"/>
<m:dispDef/>
<m:lMargin m:val="0"/>
<m:rMargin m:val="0"/>
<m:defJc m:val="centerGroup"/>
<m:wrapIndent m:val="1440"/>
<m:intLim m:val="subSup"/>
<m:naryLim m:val="undOvr"/>
</m:mathPr></w:WordDocument>
</xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:LatentStyles DefLockedState="false" DefUnhideWhenUsed="true"
DefSemiHidden="true" DefQFormat="false" DefPriority="99"
LatentStyleCount="276">
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="0" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Normal"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="heading 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 9"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 9"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="35" QFormat="true" Name="caption"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="10" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" Name="Default Paragraph Font"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="11" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtitle"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="22" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Strong"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="20" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="59" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Table Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Placeholder Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="No Spacing"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Revision"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="34" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="List Paragraph"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="29" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="30" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="19" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtle Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="21" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="31" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtle Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="32" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="33" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Book Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="37" Name="Bibliography"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" QFormat="true" Name="TOC Heading"/>
</w:LatentStyles>
</xml><![endif]-->
<!--[if gte mso 10]>
<style>
/* Style Definitions */
table.MsoNormalTable
{mso-style-name:"Table Normal";
mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0;
mso-tstyle-colband-size:0;
mso-style-noshow:yes;
mso-style-priority:99;
mso-style-parent:"";
mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;
mso-para-margin:0in;
mso-para-margin-bottom:.0001pt;
mso-pagination:widow-orphan;
font-size:12.0pt;
font-family:Cambria;
mso-ascii-font-family:Cambria;
mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-hansi-font-family:Cambria;
mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;}
</style>
<![endif]-->
<!--StartFragment-->
<!--EndFragment--><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="blogger-post-footer">Email: friarchat@yahoo.com</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4314931977856701507.post-63333219915929889462014-02-02T08:08:00.000-08:002014-02-02T08:08:02.024-08:00The Presentation of the Lord<br />
<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<o:OfficeDocumentSettings>
<o:AllowPNG/>
</o:OfficeDocumentSettings>
</xml><![endif]-->
<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:WordDocument>
<w:View>Normal</w:View>
<w:Zoom>0</w:Zoom>
<w:TrackMoves/>
<w:TrackFormatting/>
<w:PunctuationKerning/>
<w:ValidateAgainstSchemas/>
<w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>
<w:IgnoreMixedContent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent>
<w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>
<w:DoNotPromoteQF/>
<w:LidThemeOther>EN-US</w:LidThemeOther>
<w:LidThemeAsian>JA</w:LidThemeAsian>
<w:LidThemeComplexScript>X-NONE</w:LidThemeComplexScript>
<w:Compatibility>
<w:BreakWrappedTables/>
<w:SnapToGridInCell/>
<w:WrapTextWithPunct/>
<w:UseAsianBreakRules/>
<w:DontGrowAutofit/>
<w:SplitPgBreakAndParaMark/>
<w:EnableOpenTypeKerning/>
<w:DontFlipMirrorIndents/>
<w:OverrideTableStyleHps/>
<w:UseFELayout/>
</w:Compatibility>
<m:mathPr>
<m:mathFont m:val="Cambria Math"/>
<m:brkBin m:val="before"/>
<m:brkBinSub m:val="--"/>
<m:smallFrac m:val="off"/>
<m:dispDef/>
<m:lMargin m:val="0"/>
<m:rMargin m:val="0"/>
<m:defJc m:val="centerGroup"/>
<m:wrapIndent m:val="1440"/>
<m:intLim m:val="subSup"/>
<m:naryLim m:val="undOvr"/>
</m:mathPr></w:WordDocument>
</xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:LatentStyles DefLockedState="false" DefUnhideWhenUsed="true"
DefSemiHidden="true" DefQFormat="false" DefPriority="99"
LatentStyleCount="276">
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="0" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Normal"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="heading 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 9"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 9"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="35" QFormat="true" Name="caption"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="10" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" Name="Default Paragraph Font"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="11" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtitle"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="22" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Strong"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="20" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="59" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Table Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Placeholder Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="No Spacing"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Revision"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="34" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="List Paragraph"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="29" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="30" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="19" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtle Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="21" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="31" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtle Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="32" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="33" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Book Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="37" Name="Bibliography"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" QFormat="true" Name="TOC Heading"/>
</w:LatentStyles>
</xml><![endif]-->
<!--[if gte mso 10]>
<style>
/* Style Definitions */
table.MsoNormalTable
{mso-style-name:"Table Normal";
mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0;
mso-tstyle-colband-size:0;
mso-style-noshow:yes;
mso-style-priority:99;
mso-style-parent:"";
mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;
mso-para-margin:0in;
mso-para-margin-bottom:.0001pt;
mso-pagination:widow-orphan;
font-size:12.0pt;
font-family:Cambria;
mso-ascii-font-family:Cambria;
mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-hansi-font-family:Cambria;
mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;}
</style>
<![endif]-->
<!--StartFragment-->
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNt8T37VQ-U70o_z-xY5Pjm3reijCdE2kMjgEBlsBgLdXqGuHyFIoY-6dysj63Xia7WSMi6dFOVU_9-h4o0msELebFjDyUWNOW6K7IAiLBaptkbUG3wpoJtO4eYoEkHED06YC2Ps3fI8V_/s1600/138px-Brooklyn_Museum_-_The_Presentation_of_Jesus_in_the_Temple_(La_pre%CC%81sentation_de_Je%CC%81sus_au_Temple)_-_James_Tissot_-_overall.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNt8T37VQ-U70o_z-xY5Pjm3reijCdE2kMjgEBlsBgLdXqGuHyFIoY-6dysj63Xia7WSMi6dFOVU_9-h4o0msELebFjDyUWNOW6K7IAiLBaptkbUG3wpoJtO4eYoEkHED06YC2Ps3fI8V_/s1600/138px-Brooklyn_Museum_-_The_Presentation_of_Jesus_in_the_Temple_(La_pre%CC%81sentation_de_Je%CC%81sus_au_Temple)_-_James_Tissot_-_overall.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .75in;">
Earlier this week, I attended a celebration
of Catholic Schools Week here in Santa Barbara at Bishop Diego Garcia High School.
There were about 1,000 people present. Most
of them were the students from the four Catholic schools in the area: Our Lady of Mount Carmel, Notre Dame, St.
Raphael’s and Bishop High School. It was a wonderful day and a true celebration. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .75in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .75in;">
At the Mass, Archbishop Jose Gomez
of Los Angeles told the children: “I am
going to speak to you about three things:
about Pope Francis; about how much God loves us; and about how much we
need to love each other.” Well, I’m not
going to speak about Pope Francis, except to quote the Archbishop, who, noting
that the Holy Father was on the cover not only of <i>Time </i> magazine, but also of <i>Rolling Stone</i>, acknowledged the Pope’s
popularity and concluded: “ I guess that means we have a cool Pope.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .75in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .75in;">
Well, we certainly know that about
the Pope, so I’m going to talk about the other two things the Archbishop
mentioned: about how much God loves us. And about how much we need to love each
other. It’s really the subliminal
message of every single Gospel proclamation, isn’t it. But today, we are asked to consider it
through the words of today’s Gospel from Luke.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraph" style="margin-left: 1.5in; mso-add-space: auto;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .25in;">
Today is a day that goes by a
number of names and titles, depending upon history, tradition and geography. We Christians in the Western world call it
the Feast of the Presentation of the Lord.
But previously, we have called it the Feast of the Purification, or
Candelmas, the day on which all the candles are blessed in church for the year. Our brothers and sisters in the Eastern
churches call it the Feast of the Meeting of the Lord—a wonderful title. And our brothers and sisters glued to their
television sets this afternoon call it Superbowl Sunday. No matter what we call or how we celebrate
this day, though, we recognize that it is special. A break in our daily routine.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .25in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .25in;">
In our very busy world, we not
only accept, but we expect and even anticipate such interruptions. Practically no commute is complete without a
crash or a breakdown. It is not uncommon
for our tv programs to be interrupted by ‘special announcements’ or subtitled updates
of everything from riots to elections to stock market announcements. And the banners on our Google or Yahoo!
Homepages make pseudo-announcements about celebrity shenanigans and shopping
tips on an hourly basis. It happens so
often that it’s difficult to separate what is important from what is hype; from
what is really just momentary and
trivial.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .25in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .25in;">
What is happening in SS today is
really important, not momentary and trivial. The normal rhythm of Ordinary
Sundays, one falling rhythmically after the other, has been interrupted for a
special announcement. Instead of
following the sequence of the public ministry of Jesus, we are suddenly jolted
into another awareness and reality. We interrupt this Gospel for a special
announcement. Today is the Feast of the
Purification of the Lord. It is 40 days after Christmas. Can you believe it? The
Israelites spent 40 years in the desert. Jesus spent 40 days in the wilderness
to be tempted by the Evil One. In little more than a month, we will be entering
into the 40 days of Lenten preparation for Lent.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .25in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .25in;">
So what is happening here? Jesus, 40 days after His birth, is being presented to the Lord. In compliance with Law and tradition. And in fulfillment of the Scriptures In the prophets Simeon and Anna, the Old
Dispensation meets the New. And Jesus,
for the first time in the city of Jerusalem and in the Temple precincts, is recognized
as Messiah by people officially recognized as representatives and servants of
the Lord and His People.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .25in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .25in;">
Simeon literally lifts up the
infant Jesus to the Lord. Jesus, Himself
the Redeemer, is symbolically “redeemed”—bought back—in a ritual which
acknowledges that all of Life is from God and belongs to God. (See Exodus 13:2). In a ceremony prescribed by
Scripture and tradition, this firstborn male child is “presented’ to the Lord
in recognition of the reality that He belongs to God in the first place. And then, He is “redeemed” or “purchased”—bought
back by his parents with the ritual offering of turtledoves/ pigeons.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .25in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .25in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Simeon lifts up the Lord. And then announces that his work
is done and he is ready to die. In like
manner, Anna, the 84 yo prophetess appears on the scene to corroborate the
testimony of Simeon. Her work and vocation have been fulfilled as well.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
But what about us? Every story about Jesus is addressed to, involves,
and implicates us as well . We never remember or commemorate an event in the life
of Jesus just for its own sake. We always celebrate as well. And a celebration is always right here and
right now. The Presentation is
present. Simeon lifts Jesus up to the
Lord and leaves the scene. Now, Jesus
lifts <i>us </i> up to the Lord but will never leave the scene. In this story, Luke reminds us. That we, too, have come into this world not by accident by
through the Love and loving design of
God. That we belong to God first most and always. That Jesus lifts us up to the
Lord and “redeems” us by the sacrificial offering of His Life and His Love.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
When we gather around the table of the Lord as a Eucharistic
community. The priest says: Lift up your
hearts. And we answer: We have lifted
them up to the Lord. By saying this we simultaneously acknowledge that it is
Jesus who lifts up not only our hearts but our entire being to the Lord.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
He lifts us up out of soul-wearying repetition and deadening
routine. He lifts us up out of
frustration and despair. He lifts us up
out of boredom and fatigue. Lifts us up
from our pain, suffering, and grief. Our
confusion, doubt, and fear. And He presents us- in His embrace and in His
love—to our Creator—a loving and gracious God!<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
In all of this, we are called to recognize that the Lord
lifts up all of His people, not just ourselves alone. So, we need to respect
and reverence them every bit as much as we do ourselves.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
We interrupt this regularly scheduled program to announce,
to remember and to celebrate what we
must never forget: That God is
always present to us. That God really
does love us. And that we must love and
reverence each other as well. And strive to be truly “present” to God, to
ourselves, and to each other as well. <o:p></o:p></div>
<!--EndFragment--><div class="blogger-post-footer">Email: friarchat@yahoo.com</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4314931977856701507.post-41792340219713780492014-01-27T21:53:00.000-08:002014-01-27T21:53:01.647-08:00Homily for 3rd Sunday in Ordinary Time: Follow Me and I will make you fishers of men<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjL4NOdllXFkBrBKvqAw9_GEJLptkGSdpplDkCFyg7gJrl83VxzxKlnp5x1daKF-zJrx55r9-WTbam5qz1quk-YCU24VhEGchpHiOSruHV8Dm0LTSzeZSuxadRWvweltRX70ds1Gd61BESp/s1600/images.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjL4NOdllXFkBrBKvqAw9_GEJLptkGSdpplDkCFyg7gJrl83VxzxKlnp5x1daKF-zJrx55r9-WTbam5qz1quk-YCU24VhEGchpHiOSruHV8Dm0LTSzeZSuxadRWvweltRX70ds1Gd61BESp/s1600/images.jpeg" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: right;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .25in;">
Jesus has called and chosen… us! Today’s
Gospel from Matthew (Chapter 4) reminds me of an experience I had once while
visiting the Bay Area.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was roaming
around the side streets of North Berkeley, close to where our <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Franciscan School of Theology use to be, and I
noticed a rather large van parked in someone’s driveway. On the side of the van
was a sign indicating that it belonged to Time After Time, Inc., <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>a firm specializing in cryonics.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You know, cryonics?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The hope, belief and practice on the part of
some that it is possible to take the body of a person who has recently died and
preserving it at extremely low temperatures.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>The thought is that one might, at some point in the future, <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>be able to resuscitate the corpse,<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>given the possibilities <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>of scientific advancement and so on.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is a complicated and, by the way, very
expensive enterprise.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .25in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .25in;">
So, anyway, as he looked at the
van and noticed its quirky logo, my walking companion quipped, “Oh, I get
it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>‘Many are cold, but few are
frozen.’”. . . .<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Okay, so maybe it isn’t
exactly what the message is for today, but it may help you remember what the
real meaning of the Gospel is. The real theme of the Gospel, of course, is
quite closer to the statement :<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Many are
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">called</i> and few are <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">chosen</i>.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .25in;">
And that’s exactly what is
happening in today’s Gospel.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Jesus is <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">calling</i> and <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">choosing</i>.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And by the way, He
quite deliberate and methodical in both <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>His decisions and in His actions.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .25in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .25in;">
First, let’s put this all into
context.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Jesus, after His baptism by his
cousin John in the Jordan, has moved into the desert for a period of period of
fasting and prayer lasting some 40 days.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Now, John has been arrested and Jesus is on His own for the first
time.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Completely on His own.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And He makes some important decisions.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Some important <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">choices</i> which will have a profound effect upon His mission.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .25in;">
First of all, instead of returning
to His hometown of Nazareth in southern Galilee, Jesus <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">chooses</i> to center his itinerant ministry in the strategically
located fishing village of Capernaum in northern Galilee, some 45 miles due
north.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .25in;">
Capernaum is located alongside a
major trade route called the Via Maris, or the Way of the Sea,<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>originating in Damascus and terminating in
Egypt.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was the equivalent of <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>a major superhighway, if you will, in Roman
times.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .25in;">
Secondly, Jesus <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">chooses</i> to situate His ministry in
Galilee.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Note, Galilee. Not Jerusalem,
the capital and center of Jewish worship in the Temple.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Galilee is “the sticks”, the boondocks.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A remote region which is ethnically and
culturally mixed in which only about one-half of the population are Jews.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is, by definition, then, ritually impure
and contaminated.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .25in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .25in;">
After <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">calling</i> Capernaum of Galilee his new home, Jesus proceeds to <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">call</i> and <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">choose</i> His disciples, His apostles.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Once again, His choices are surprising and even confusing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>First of all, Jesus does the picking—in a
complete reversal of Jewish cultural norms <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>which dictated that students pick their
rabbis/ teachers and not the other way around. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>No, Jesus does the picking, the <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">choosing</i>.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And He does it in a very deliberate way.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">chooses</i>
ordinary people.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Not <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Temple priests, not scholars and
academicians.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Not even reformers—members
of the Pharisees.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He doesn’t even choose
among the contemplative Essenes,<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>whose
community was prototypical of monastic life.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .25in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .25in;">
No. Jesus <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">calls</i> and <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">chooses</i>
fishermen—businessmen who are rooted in their trade and anchored in their
family and community life.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He calls
people <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">away</i> from their primary
responsibilities and identity to something totally new.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .25in;">
So, He picks and chooses. And He
calls.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Each and every single one
personally and by name.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And, if the
Scriptures are to believed, He calls them in a very simple and direct way.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In ten words or less:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Come, follow me, and I will make you fishers
of men.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Period.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .25in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .25in;">
Amazingly, and nobody to this day
knows exactly how or why, they respond to the call, drop everything, and follow
him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But the story is not over.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Jesus does one more thing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He has chosen his location (Capernaum).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He has chosen his disciples.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And now He literally takes up where John the
Baptist has left off.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He has chosen His
motto and byword:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Repent, for the
kingdom of Heaven is at hand.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .25in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .25in;">
Jesus has called.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And chosen.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Both then. And now.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Because, you
see, Jesus has called and chosen… you and me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>In baptism, He, as a member of the Trinity, <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>has taken up residence and set up shop in our
hearts and minds, in our bodies and souls.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>He will not budge and He cannot be evicted.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So we’re stuck with him.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .25in;">
Secondly, He has chosen each one
of us by name.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>To be and to become His
follower and friends.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Elsewhere, in the
Gospel of Mark, we are told that Jesus picked “those whom He desired…. To be
with Him.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And so it is with us.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Jesus wants us to be with him. Literally to
keep Him company.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .25in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<o:OfficeDocumentSettings>
<o:AllowPNG/>
</o:OfficeDocumentSettings>
</xml><![endif]-->
<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:WordDocument>
<w:View>Normal</w:View>
<w:Zoom>0</w:Zoom>
<w:TrackMoves/>
<w:TrackFormatting/>
<w:PunctuationKerning/>
<w:ValidateAgainstSchemas/>
<w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>
<w:IgnoreMixedContent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent>
<w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>
<w:DoNotPromoteQF/>
<w:LidThemeOther>EN-US</w:LidThemeOther>
<w:LidThemeAsian>JA</w:LidThemeAsian>
<w:LidThemeComplexScript>X-NONE</w:LidThemeComplexScript>
<w:Compatibility>
<w:BreakWrappedTables/>
<w:SnapToGridInCell/>
<w:WrapTextWithPunct/>
<w:UseAsianBreakRules/>
<w:DontGrowAutofit/>
<w:SplitPgBreakAndParaMark/>
<w:EnableOpenTypeKerning/>
<w:DontFlipMirrorIndents/>
<w:OverrideTableStyleHps/>
<w:UseFELayout/>
</w:Compatibility>
<m:mathPr>
<m:mathFont m:val="Cambria Math"/>
<m:brkBin m:val="before"/>
<m:brkBinSub m:val="--"/>
<m:smallFrac m:val="off"/>
<m:dispDef/>
<m:lMargin m:val="0"/>
<m:rMargin m:val="0"/>
<m:defJc m:val="centerGroup"/>
<m:wrapIndent m:val="1440"/>
<m:intLim m:val="subSup"/>
<m:naryLim m:val="undOvr"/>
</m:mathPr></w:WordDocument>
</xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:LatentStyles DefLockedState="false" DefUnhideWhenUsed="true"
DefSemiHidden="true" DefQFormat="false" DefPriority="99"
LatentStyleCount="276">
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="0" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Normal"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="heading 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 9"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 9"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="35" QFormat="true" Name="caption"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="10" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" Name="Default Paragraph Font"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="11" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtitle"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="22" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Strong"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="20" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="59" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Table Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Placeholder Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="No Spacing"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Revision"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="34" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="List Paragraph"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="29" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="30" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="19" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtle Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="21" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="31" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtle Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="32" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="33" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Book Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="37" Name="Bibliography"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" QFormat="true" Name="TOC Heading"/>
</w:LatentStyles>
</xml><![endif]-->
<!--[if gte mso 10]>
<style>
/* Style Definitions */
table.MsoNormalTable
{mso-style-name:"Table Normal";
mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0;
mso-tstyle-colband-size:0;
mso-style-noshow:yes;
mso-style-priority:99;
mso-style-parent:"";
mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;
mso-para-margin:0in;
mso-para-margin-bottom:.0001pt;
mso-pagination:widow-orphan;
font-size:12.0pt;
font-family:Cambria;
mso-ascii-font-family:Cambria;
mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-hansi-font-family:Cambria;
mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;}
</style>
<![endif]-->
<!--StartFragment-->
<!--EndFragment--></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .25in;">
Not only that, Jesus has called us
to himself so that he can send us to others.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>To be with and for others as <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>His
personal representatives.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>To preach the
coming of the Kingdom of Heaven in practical, down to earth terms. To show
others as Jesus shows us, that we are called and chosen for life.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>For <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>peace.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>For <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>justice.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>For serenity.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>For community.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>For love. and out
of love.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So, if you are feeling cold and
frozen, it’s time to thaw out.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Called
and chosen is what we are.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And we’re
stuck with it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Called and chosen to receive,
to be, and to share:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Love Himself.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtqbyCzIc_lWLyUQ7dw4BBH2myM9SUX-3QyVEa-GlnkP4TqpDXu8evnoaE_RA0EXyU1_YntELSlSCdWhh-b0V_VfAfKPM8IIZvJElLZ71yPYYx3CFiBjJ1CWRY5NhoopHsVcwiYfeaQZc3/s1600/images-1.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtqbyCzIc_lWLyUQ7dw4BBH2myM9SUX-3QyVEa-GlnkP4TqpDXu8evnoaE_RA0EXyU1_YntELSlSCdWhh-b0V_VfAfKPM8IIZvJElLZ71yPYYx3CFiBjJ1CWRY5NhoopHsVcwiYfeaQZc3/s1600/images-1.jpeg" /></a></div>
<br /><div class="blogger-post-footer">Email: friarchat@yahoo.com</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4314931977856701507.post-45980809281299301292014-01-19T21:55:00.000-08:002014-01-19T21:55:10.921-08:00Homily for 2nd Sunday in Ordinary Time: Behold the Lamb of God!<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .25in;">
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSUYwaZSz1fvo-SoPILz99b03arWKV6HLhy2wOGtzBImKPDikQ9qS5JcufyH-ME9swdSBqwyTy2Hp3eCxkigCORLJNXNE2lIdW1SinU9dydWrq4Sf124zSX3e8TWgz3gMUrU7PEdO1kPza/s1600/images-2.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSUYwaZSz1fvo-SoPILz99b03arWKV6HLhy2wOGtzBImKPDikQ9qS5JcufyH-ME9swdSBqwyTy2Hp3eCxkigCORLJNXNE2lIdW1SinU9dydWrq4Sf124zSX3e8TWgz3gMUrU7PEdO1kPza/s1600/images-2.jpeg" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
When it comes to faith, believing
is seeing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And not the other way around.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .25in;">
What a difference a week can
make.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Even when <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>it comes to Scripture.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If today’s Gospel account sounds familiar,
it’s because it is. It is exactly the same Gospel account as last week’s:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>the story of the Baptism of the Lord. The
only difference, however, (and it’s a significant difference) is that last
week’s account is from the Gospel of Matthew (chapter 3) and today’s story is
from the Gospel of John (chapter 1).<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .25in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .25in;">
Matthew’s account is fairly
straightforward.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Neither the narrator
nor any of the characters get in front of the camera or block our view of the
Baptism of Jesus by his cousin John.We hear<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>the words of Jesus.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We hear the words
of John the Baptist.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We hear the words
of God the Father, together with his Son Jesus and in the Presence of the Holy
Spirit.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s all there, right in front
of us, with all its drama and immediacy.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .25in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .25in;">
But John’s Gospel gives us a very
different twist.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>John does all the
talking.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">All </i><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>the talking.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He is off-camera.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s almost as if he were being interviewed
alone, sitting calmly and comfortably in someone’s home or garden. (Or more
likely in his case, squatted in a dank prison cell awaiting his execution).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Nevertheless,
John is reflecting on an experience of Jesus.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .25in;">
What is going through John’s mind and
heart as He sees Jesus coming toward him?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>First of all, they were not strangers.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>We know from elsewhere in Scripture that John and Jesus have been
intimately connected their entire lives:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>They were cousins. Born just six months apart.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Their mothers were very close-- so close that
Mary, pregnant herself with Jesus, travelled a great distance to see Elizabeth,
the mother of John, and to stay with her during her confinement.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And we know that both mothers intuitively
knew that there was something very special about these births.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Especially <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>the birth of Jesus.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And that John even leapt in his mother’s womb
when the two women met.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .25in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .25in;">
That’s the back story.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Or only a part of it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They were family, blood relatives, the same
age.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They had to have grown up together.
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Visited each other, seen each other at
family weddings and funerals.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Played
together as kids.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So. Why, then, does
John not say (or think):<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Oh.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Here is my cousin, my kinsman, Jesus!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>What brought him here to the Jordan today?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Is he coming to be baptized as well?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Well, I’ll be….<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>No.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>John says (and thinks and feels):<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>It’s Him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He is the One.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’ve always known there was something
special, something different about him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>And I’ve been watching him carefully all these years.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s Him. The One who has existed <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>before all time.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The
Promised One.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The One I have been told
about in answer to my prayers.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The One I
have been instructed to watch out for.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>It’s Him!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s the Messiah!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p><br />
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><br /></span>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglzZx17lsXKfc5sYWNjl9R7wlgsUvKF_MFondLjT2cuF-AGtQJ3zRPl-N7WUVw2oqH7ShUXNbIGfN5rGFIyEeCsilqB9hlzAwXES4_o17TMCPdyAoLJVGHtkjAUIigG5cvbxCM66FRb_37/s1600/images.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglzZx17lsXKfc5sYWNjl9R7wlgsUvKF_MFondLjT2cuF-AGtQJ3zRPl-N7WUVw2oqH7ShUXNbIGfN5rGFIyEeCsilqB9hlzAwXES4_o17TMCPdyAoLJVGHtkjAUIigG5cvbxCM66FRb_37/s1600/images.jpeg" /></a></div>
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .25in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .25in;">
I used to know him as just my
cousin.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But now I see Him for who He
really is.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He is the Lord.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So I called him the Lamb of God.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That was the first thing to come to my mind.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And, actually, it fits him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Perfectly.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Now that I think of it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>After
all, lambs are sacrificed daily in Temple worship.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But there is only One Lamb—for whom we have
been waiting—to fulfill and complete all of our symbolic rituals.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was the lamb our ancestors smeared on
their door lintels at Passover which secured our liberation from the slavery of
Egypt.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And, now here is God’s very own
Lamb, who will one day be sacrificed for our account.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .25in;">
What does this all have to do with
you and me?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When it comes to faith:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Believing is seeing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And not the other way around.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>John <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">saw</i>
Jesus.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A lot.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Throughout his live, presumably.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But it was only gradually, over time, that
John began to <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">believe</i> Jesus.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And to
believe <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">in </i>Jesus.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And that is Good News—Great News, even—for
you and for me.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .25in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .25in;">
Believing is a process:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>day by day (sometimes even moment by moment)
over time by which we come to <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">see</i> the
presence of Jesus more clearly in our lives and in our world. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And in ourselves as well.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It takes time and energy and commitment and
discipline to cultivate this awareness and receptivity.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .25in;">
Belief grows through prayer.
Through study. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And reflection/ meditation. It grows, gets
tested (and either strengthened or weakened) through <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>our interactions and relationships with other
people on a daily basis.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .25in;">
It is renewed, refreshed, and
regenerated through community.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And for
us, in our Catholic Christian tradition, through the life of the sacred
moments—the sacraments we share.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Most
especially and beautifully through the Word and Eucharist we share.<o:p></o:p><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhy9MxwizbXxykl7Q36pk_ACBZDcj5bciZSt_zxqgK6kG_54_LuJJzxZb5N0zIdU-H273E3-pC9aTOUje-yww8iLSzwuAfl-97s8LKabHBdcmvaSOJ7U-5yU4HUgB5HKin0sjs1Unytcu6R/s1600/images-1.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhy9MxwizbXxykl7Q36pk_ACBZDcj5bciZSt_zxqgK6kG_54_LuJJzxZb5N0zIdU-H273E3-pC9aTOUje-yww8iLSzwuAfl-97s8LKabHBdcmvaSOJ7U-5yU4HUgB5HKin0sjs1Unytcu6R/s1600/images-1.jpeg" /></a></div>
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .25in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .25in;">
We can lose our faith, watch our
beliefs shatter and crumble.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .25in;">
Or we can hang on, hang in, lean
into our beliefs in good weather and in bad. Often until <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>the storms pass.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Until, like John, we gradually begin to
see.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Jesus <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">is</i> the Lamb of God.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And He <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">does</i> take away the sins of the world.<o:p></o:p></div>
<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<o:OfficeDocumentSettings>
<o:AllowPNG/>
</o:OfficeDocumentSettings>
</xml><![endif]-->
<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:WordDocument>
<w:View>Normal</w:View>
<w:Zoom>0</w:Zoom>
<w:TrackMoves/>
<w:TrackFormatting/>
<w:PunctuationKerning/>
<w:ValidateAgainstSchemas/>
<w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>
<w:IgnoreMixedContent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent>
<w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>
<w:DoNotPromoteQF/>
<w:LidThemeOther>EN-US</w:LidThemeOther>
<w:LidThemeAsian>JA</w:LidThemeAsian>
<w:LidThemeComplexScript>X-NONE</w:LidThemeComplexScript>
<w:Compatibility>
<w:BreakWrappedTables/>
<w:SnapToGridInCell/>
<w:WrapTextWithPunct/>
<w:UseAsianBreakRules/>
<w:DontGrowAutofit/>
<w:SplitPgBreakAndParaMark/>
<w:EnableOpenTypeKerning/>
<w:DontFlipMirrorIndents/>
<w:OverrideTableStyleHps/>
<w:UseFELayout/>
</w:Compatibility>
<m:mathPr>
<m:mathFont m:val="Cambria Math"/>
<m:brkBin m:val="before"/>
<m:brkBinSub m:val="--"/>
<m:smallFrac m:val="off"/>
<m:dispDef/>
<m:lMargin m:val="0"/>
<m:rMargin m:val="0"/>
<m:defJc m:val="centerGroup"/>
<m:wrapIndent m:val="1440"/>
<m:intLim m:val="subSup"/>
<m:naryLim m:val="undOvr"/>
</m:mathPr></w:WordDocument>
</xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:LatentStyles DefLockedState="false" DefUnhideWhenUsed="true"
DefSemiHidden="true" DefQFormat="false" DefPriority="99"
LatentStyleCount="276">
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="0" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Normal"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="heading 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 9"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 9"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="35" QFormat="true" Name="caption"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="10" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" Name="Default Paragraph Font"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="11" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtitle"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="22" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Strong"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="20" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="59" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Table Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Placeholder Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="No Spacing"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Revision"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="34" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="List Paragraph"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="29" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="30" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="19" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtle Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="21" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="31" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtle Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="32" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="33" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Book Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="37" Name="Bibliography"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" QFormat="true" Name="TOC Heading"/>
</w:LatentStyles>
</xml><![endif]-->
<!--[if gte mso 10]>
<style>
/* Style Definitions */
table.MsoNormalTable
{mso-style-name:"Table Normal";
mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0;
mso-tstyle-colband-size:0;
mso-style-noshow:yes;
mso-style-priority:99;
mso-style-parent:"";
mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;
mso-para-margin:0in;
mso-para-margin-bottom:.0001pt;
mso-pagination:widow-orphan;
font-size:12.0pt;
font-family:Cambria;
mso-ascii-font-family:Cambria;
mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-hansi-font-family:Cambria;
mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;}
</style>
<![endif]-->
<!--StartFragment-->
<!--EndFragment--><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .25in;">
Happy are we who are called to the
supper of the Lord…. When it comes to faith, believing <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">is </i><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>seeing.//<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="blogger-post-footer">Email: friarchat@yahoo.com</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4314931977856701507.post-2226772145497604122014-01-12T15:43:00.002-08:002014-01-12T15:43:49.700-08:00Homily: The Baptism of the Lord<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgE2RvIeCmtnizcgrWgOk3rO-oXe8ynmx3VajNA-3jxV2s2HcJCpeT5OKXs3nFOtm_ANY_9Yj4I8NG0KH3ELS1Y3jdE2VVCwUHW2HWx4GIWaO64Z9rlKoIv-WX3dUt5hWEwwUzphLe1R_pD/s1600/Unknown-1.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgE2RvIeCmtnizcgrWgOk3rO-oXe8ynmx3VajNA-3jxV2s2HcJCpeT5OKXs3nFOtm_ANY_9Yj4I8NG0KH3ELS1Y3jdE2VVCwUHW2HWx4GIWaO64Z9rlKoIv-WX3dUt5hWEwwUzphLe1R_pD/s1600/Unknown-1.jpeg" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: right;">
<br /></div>
<div align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: right;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="text-align: right;">Today is the last day of Christmas. </b>To prove it, I am holding in my hand the last poinsettia of
Christmas.The time for poinsettias is over. The same goes for Christmas trees.<b> </b>If you’ve been secretly holding onto
your Christmas tree in a corner of your house until
now, please let it go. Before the Fire Department has to deal with it in
another way. Seriously, though, the Church has been holding onto Christmas
for three full weeks now. Not in any
secret way, but in a quite deliberate and public fashion no matter what anyone
thinks.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Because Christmas is a season.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A time whose power and beauty are so immense
that we cannot unwrap it, unpack it , and admire it all in a single day.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And then exchange it for something else on
the next.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And we dare not do so.<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"> </b>Instead, we stretch out our Christmas
to make it last as long as we can.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Right
from the birthday of Jesus through the feasts of the Holy Family, Mary the
Mother of God (aka New Years Day), the Epiphany, and today.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Today, we celebrate the Baptism of the Lord.<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"> </b>A baptism is a bath. A ritual bath
started by the cousin of Jesus, John the Baptizer, as a public gesture of a
personal decision to ask for forgiveness and to change one’s life.<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"> </b>In today’s Gospel from Chapter 3 of
Matthew, we encounter Jesus standing in line with everyone else to accept a
ritual cleansing, or baptism, from John.<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
John is both famous and feared.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He is acknowledged— even by his enemies—as a
genuine prophet.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The first authentic
prophet <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>to be raised up among the Jewish
people in centuries.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>His mission and
ministry were credible because he walked the talk.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>His<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>ascetic and prayer-filled lifestyle matched his words.<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></b>John
surprised, intrigued, <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>and fascinated
people. He did not seek to raise up an army or declare any sort of violent
insurrection.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Rather, he preached a life
of repentance and of conversion.<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></b>So people, hungry for authentic change in
their lives, came to John.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Even to the
boondocks beyond the capital, Jerusalem.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Hungry for change, they lined up to make a public acknowledgment of
their sins and to accept baptism at his hands.<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Now I can imagine that there were two lines for this
baptism.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The first line was the “IN”
line:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>with a great number of people
looking quite nervous and tentative.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Sheepish, <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>even.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>These were the obvious sinners-- the people
about to receive their baptism from John.<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></b>The other line <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>was the “OUT” line:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>of people were those who had just been
baptized.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They were all grins as they
were handed towels, dried off, and got ready to celebrate with their friends.<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Jesus decided to get into line with everyone else.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But He got into the “IN” line instead of the
“OUT” line.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Why in the world did Jesus
get into the wrong group?<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
After all, Jesus was not a sinner. He did not need to be
baptized.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So, why did He get into the
wrong line? This is where the Scriptures start to stutter.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Members of the early Christian community
certainly found the presence of Jesus in this scenario both embarrassing and
disconcerting.<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgX9vHZtNWZPVPD4jjsigURMmfYdpiAV_W1ngu29tWXMpcJFAJVkOEquaCuNaw99CWXk5gZyWxwRqBewebO2slTFNCPNS3Luy2Yz-jcQNmC82Zl330doCA4ZUT7iLa_uunYkPqa4P0Y9R53/s1600/images-1.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgX9vHZtNWZPVPD4jjsigURMmfYdpiAV_W1ngu29tWXMpcJFAJVkOEquaCuNaw99CWXk5gZyWxwRqBewebO2slTFNCPNS3Luy2Yz-jcQNmC82Zl330doCA4ZUT7iLa_uunYkPqa4P0Y9R53/s1600/images-1.jpeg" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Matthew tells us there was a discussion between John and
Jesus.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>John was reluctant. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You bet he was.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And Jesus was insistent. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Stubbornly <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>so.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In
the only way that one cousin can be with another.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>People were waiting, fidgeting.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And they were at a stalemate.<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Then Jesus said he had to be baptized so that ‘all
righteousness might be fulfilled.’<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
What does that mean? He was talking in code. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A ‘righteous’ person was one who was completely
open to God’s will. More <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>than that.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A person who makes the decision to surrender
completely <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>to God’s Presence and Power
in his life.<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Jesus, in the 30<sup>th</sup> year of His life, had finally
attained the status of full adulthood as a Jewish male.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>With His baptism, He proclaims for the first
time His complete openness to God’s will—to the will of His Father—in His life.<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></b>Finally,
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>John relents and baptizes Jesus.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And then, something radically new and
extraordinary happens.<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
In this ritual breaking through from death to life, Jesus
breaks through to heaven.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The barrier
between heaven and earth is pierced.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And
God, in the presence of the Spirit, acknowledges His Son.<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></b>And by extension, God
acknowledges and blesses us.<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The baptism of Jesus changed absolutely everything.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He didn’t get into the wrong line on purpose
for His own sake.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He did it for ours. He
wanted to show that His greatest desire was to be right down here among us,
close to us, as one of us.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And that
changes everything.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It means our own baptism
as Christians can never be the ritual, symbolic baptism of John.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Ours is the baptism of Jesus. In Jesus. And
through Jesus. So, when we are baptized—once and for all—the heavens open for
us as God claims us as His own.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Once and
for all.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Once and for always.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjv45hDqCoO9ZODfyZq6vBmCfjcFqFLPrUywO3gUDeIzJrBKWiA_dU8iASwSW-5kUON7su7-t23JasgTDwwsBEQKLpT0eXDPsQcn4nUVJgvXODr93Soh83lKxfHOSuHhjMRI24PDsuxWV1E/s1600/theophany2_small.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="207" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjv45hDqCoO9ZODfyZq6vBmCfjcFqFLPrUywO3gUDeIzJrBKWiA_dU8iASwSW-5kUON7su7-t23JasgTDwwsBEQKLpT0eXDPsQcn4nUVJgvXODr93Soh83lKxfHOSuHhjMRI24PDsuxWV1E/s320/theophany2_small.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Our baptism is the beginning of our special life with God in
the community of faith, the community of the friends of Jesus.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is not just a single, historical
event.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s more like a time-release
capsule.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s power is so strong and
enduring that, like the prolonged Christmas season itself,<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>it releases itself throughout our lives.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Not just in a single spiritual photo op.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
It is the power of identity.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Of being and <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>belonging.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>To God and to His People.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Of knowing who we really are and whose we are,
no matter what we do or say or what happens to us in our lives. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is so powerful that it transcends the petty
differences that separate one group of Christians from another. After all,
there is only one baptism in the Lord.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>It’s so powerful we can’t even take it away from ourselves.<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
We are first, last, most and always children of God, members
of a family of faith.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Baptism is our
birthright as Christians and no one can ever take it away from us. <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<o:OfficeDocumentSettings>
<o:AllowPNG/>
</o:OfficeDocumentSettings>
</xml><![endif]-->
<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:WordDocument>
<w:View>Normal</w:View>
<w:Zoom>0</w:Zoom>
<w:TrackMoves/>
<w:TrackFormatting/>
<w:PunctuationKerning/>
<w:ValidateAgainstSchemas/>
<w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>
<w:IgnoreMixedContent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent>
<w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>
<w:DoNotPromoteQF/>
<w:LidThemeOther>EN-US</w:LidThemeOther>
<w:LidThemeAsian>JA</w:LidThemeAsian>
<w:LidThemeComplexScript>X-NONE</w:LidThemeComplexScript>
<w:Compatibility>
<w:BreakWrappedTables/>
<w:SnapToGridInCell/>
<w:WrapTextWithPunct/>
<w:UseAsianBreakRules/>
<w:DontGrowAutofit/>
<w:SplitPgBreakAndParaMark/>
<w:EnableOpenTypeKerning/>
<w:DontFlipMirrorIndents/>
<w:OverrideTableStyleHps/>
<w:UseFELayout/>
</w:Compatibility>
<m:mathPr>
<m:mathFont m:val="Cambria Math"/>
<m:brkBin m:val="before"/>
<m:brkBinSub m:val="--"/>
<m:smallFrac m:val="off"/>
<m:dispDef/>
<m:lMargin m:val="0"/>
<m:rMargin m:val="0"/>
<m:defJc m:val="centerGroup"/>
<m:wrapIndent m:val="1440"/>
<m:intLim m:val="subSup"/>
<m:naryLim m:val="undOvr"/>
</m:mathPr></w:WordDocument>
</xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:LatentStyles DefLockedState="false" DefUnhideWhenUsed="true"
DefSemiHidden="true" DefQFormat="false" DefPriority="99"
LatentStyleCount="276">
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="0" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Normal"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="heading 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 9"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 9"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="35" QFormat="true" Name="caption"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="10" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" Name="Default Paragraph Font"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="11" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtitle"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="22" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Strong"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="20" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="59" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Table Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Placeholder Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="No Spacing"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Revision"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="34" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="List Paragraph"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="29" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="30" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="19" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtle Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="21" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="31" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtle Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="32" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="33" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Book Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="37" Name="Bibliography"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" QFormat="true" Name="TOC Heading"/>
</w:LatentStyles>
</xml><![endif]-->
<!--[if gte mso 10]>
<style>
/* Style Definitions */
table.MsoNormalTable
{mso-style-name:"Table Normal";
mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0;
mso-tstyle-colband-size:0;
mso-style-noshow:yes;
mso-style-priority:99;
mso-style-parent:"";
mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;
mso-para-margin:0in;
mso-para-margin-bottom:.0001pt;
mso-pagination:widow-orphan;
font-size:12.0pt;
font-family:Cambria;
mso-ascii-font-family:Cambria;
mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-hansi-font-family:Cambria;
mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;}
</style>
<![endif]-->
<!--StartFragment-->
<!--EndFragment--></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
So that what the Father says to and about Jesus, the Father
says to us and about us:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“This is my
beloved son. This is my beloved daughter. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You are my beloved son.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You are my beloved daughter. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In whom I am well pleased.” And He IS pleased
with us.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Very pleased indeed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So pleased that he sent His Son as our
Shepherd.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>To be in our midst. Jesus was
baptized and the heavens opened.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But after
that, Jesus stuck around and is still with us<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">.</b> It is our lasting Christmas gift on this last Christmas Day.<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<span id="goog_572795784"></span><span id="goog_572795785"></span><br /><div class="blogger-post-footer">Email: friarchat@yahoo.com</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4314931977856701507.post-56658995824231815932014-01-06T21:35:00.002-08:002014-01-06T21:39:51.181-08:00A Homily for Epiphany <div align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .25in; text-align: right;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLEiGToPva3wRBYFxES7rSKHHLBt9E_oET1SmVN6hlsj9hEjSODdhlAlzHVFjfR_nnYm_MPgJUd6qaJ73vbsL_hBsGzsKjEG_v3HvSRbZEwBuzh99V96ipl7O7OiMXq4l1a7cKCqyYhRUk/s1600/Unknown.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLEiGToPva3wRBYFxES7rSKHHLBt9E_oET1SmVN6hlsj9hEjSODdhlAlzHVFjfR_nnYm_MPgJUd6qaJ73vbsL_hBsGzsKjEG_v3HvSRbZEwBuzh99V96ipl7O7OiMXq4l1a7cKCqyYhRUk/s1600/Unknown.jpeg" /></a></div>
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .25in;">
Today we celebrate the Feast of
the Epiphany, the visit of the Magi to Jesus in Bethlehem.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>you
were in New Orleans this time of the year, someone might offer you a slice of
King cake. And if you knew what it was for, you would be very careful about
accepting a slice.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And even <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">more</i> careful about biting into it.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .25in;">
Because, somewhere within each of
these ring-shaped confection studded with candied fruits and nuts, there is a
teeny-tiny plastic figure of the Baby Jesus.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .25in;">
And if that teeny tiny plastic
figure is in your slice, you are elected to give a party for your family and
friends during the Mardi Gras season, which starts about now and continues
until Mardi Gras,<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Fat Tuesday, the day
before the start of Lent.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .25in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .25in;">
The Epiphany and Mardi Gras extend
the celebration of Christmas and throw off the gloom of January and February
chill and blues. Not Christmas Day, though, that is, because that feast was
over about 4pm on December 25.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But rather,
the Christmas <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">season</i>—a period of
celebration and reflection often-neglected and overlooked even by believers.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Ready or not, though, it’s where we are as
Church—and <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">the season of Christmas</i>
officially ends next Sunday with the Baptism of the Lord.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .25in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .25in;">
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So, in this extended season, today we
celebrate the wonderful feast of the Epiphany of the Lord.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We know it as Little Christmas, or the Visit
of the Magi—the Three Kings—to the infant Jesus. We know and love the
story<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>well — right down to the names of
the Magi Kings—which aren’t even in Scriptures even though they maybe ought to
be. Three (were there really three?) Kings (were they really Kings) came from
the East (where in the East?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Does anyone
know?) Following a star (was it a star or a super-nova of some kind?) to find
the one born as King of the Jews.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .25in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .25in;">
We are told that after their
encounter with the cagey and crafty evil King Herod (and he really was both, I
can tell you for sure), they encountered Jesus the King in Bethlehem and
presented him with gifts befitting the dignity of a monarch (gold,
frankincense, and myrrh). Totally <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>uninteresting
for an infant.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And mostly unpractical
(except for the gold, which would certainly have come in handy) for his
parents.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Then, we are told that they
were informed in a dream not to return to Herod, but to return to their
country—to return home—by another way.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .25in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .25in;">
It’s this “other way” that
intrigues me most, personally.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>How could
anyone, after having been on such a great journey of faith and discovery, ever
be quite the same again?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s like
spending a month in Antarctica.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Or
taking five years to sail around the world.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Or Christmas at Yellowstone Park watching the capture, tagging, and
release of wild wolves. Or climbing the face of El Capitain.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You can be sure of a few things:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You would never ever forget such an
experience.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You would <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>never ever stop talking about it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And it would change your life-- not just once
and for all, but once and for always for your entire life.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .25in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .25in;">
That’s what an encounter with
God—a genuine encounter with Christ—does for us as believers.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It transforms our lives, changes us, makes a
real difference for all of our lives.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We
call that encounter a conversion.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>For
some people, it’s contained in a discrete event—a moment of intuitive wonder,
perception, and discovery.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It could
happen through a serious illness, a near-miss in an otherwise fatal
accident.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A pilgrimage.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Or just a simple moment of prayer when you
realized Someone was actually listening to you.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .25in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .25in;">
For most of us, though, it’s a
much more subtle and gradual process. The progress may seem slow, subtle, and
insubstantial.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And it is.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But over the long run, we reflect and realize:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>things have shifted and we can never ever go
back.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .25in;">
Never back to our old ways, the
old emotional and spiritual neighborhoods (or countries) of our lives.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .25in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .25in;">
For someone who makes the decision
to stop some crazy behavior involving any sort of addictive detour—negative,
destructive behavior of any kind—there is the hope and promise of Epiphany. For
someone who has decided to let down their guard and let other people into their
lives—healthy and affirming people—there is the promise of Epiphany.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>For someone who stops cackling on and on in a
dreary mantra of fixed beliefs and preconceptions about the way the world and
other people operate—and opens him/herself to another, more spiritual dimension
of life—there is the promise of Epiphany.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .25in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .25in;">
For the believer, who decides to
take the Scriptures to heart—to read, meditate, ruminate on its significance in
in their lives—there is Epiphany.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And
for us Catholic Christians, in particular, to stop and consider that the
Communion we bear and share <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">is</i> Christ
the Lord present among us here and now, there is Epiphany here and now.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .25in;">
<br /></div>
<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<o:OfficeDocumentSettings>
<o:AllowPNG/>
</o:OfficeDocumentSettings>
</xml><![endif]-->
<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:WordDocument>
<w:View>Normal</w:View>
<w:Zoom>0</w:Zoom>
<w:TrackMoves/>
<w:TrackFormatting/>
<w:PunctuationKerning/>
<w:ValidateAgainstSchemas/>
<w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>
<w:IgnoreMixedContent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent>
<w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>
<w:DoNotPromoteQF/>
<w:LidThemeOther>EN-US</w:LidThemeOther>
<w:LidThemeAsian>JA</w:LidThemeAsian>
<w:LidThemeComplexScript>X-NONE</w:LidThemeComplexScript>
<w:Compatibility>
<w:BreakWrappedTables/>
<w:SnapToGridInCell/>
<w:WrapTextWithPunct/>
<w:UseAsianBreakRules/>
<w:DontGrowAutofit/>
<w:SplitPgBreakAndParaMark/>
<w:EnableOpenTypeKerning/>
<w:DontFlipMirrorIndents/>
<w:OverrideTableStyleHps/>
<w:UseFELayout/>
</w:Compatibility>
<m:mathPr>
<m:mathFont m:val="Cambria Math"/>
<m:brkBin m:val="before"/>
<m:brkBinSub m:val="--"/>
<m:smallFrac m:val="off"/>
<m:dispDef/>
<m:lMargin m:val="0"/>
<m:rMargin m:val="0"/>
<m:defJc m:val="centerGroup"/>
<m:wrapIndent m:val="1440"/>
<m:intLim m:val="subSup"/>
<m:naryLim m:val="undOvr"/>
</m:mathPr></w:WordDocument>
</xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:LatentStyles DefLockedState="false" DefUnhideWhenUsed="true"
DefSemiHidden="true" DefQFormat="false" DefPriority="99"
LatentStyleCount="276">
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="0" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Normal"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="heading 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 9"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 9"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="35" QFormat="true" Name="caption"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="10" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" Name="Default Paragraph Font"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="11" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtitle"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="22" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Strong"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="20" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="59" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Table Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Placeholder Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="No Spacing"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Revision"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="34" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="List Paragraph"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="29" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="30" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="19" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtle Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="21" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="31" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtle Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="32" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="33" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Book Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="37" Name="Bibliography"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" QFormat="true" Name="TOC Heading"/>
</w:LatentStyles>
</xml><![endif]-->
<!--[if gte mso 10]>
<style>
/* Style Definitions */
table.MsoNormalTable
{mso-style-name:"Table Normal";
mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0;
mso-tstyle-colband-size:0;
mso-style-noshow:yes;
mso-style-priority:99;
mso-style-parent:"";
mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;
mso-para-margin:0in;
mso-para-margin-bottom:.0001pt;
mso-pagination:widow-orphan;
font-size:12.0pt;
font-family:Cambria;
mso-ascii-font-family:Cambria;
mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-hansi-font-family:Cambria;
mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;}
</style>
<![endif]-->
<!--StartFragment-->
<!--EndFragment--><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .25in;">
This is what The Epiphany is all
about.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The recognition that God lives in
our world.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And in each and every one of
us.<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 15.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> </span>That Christ is for everyone. Everywhere.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Any time and all the time.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Period.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Sooner or later.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Quicker or <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>more slowly.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Here or somewhere else.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There is the
promise of the Epiphany of the Lord.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Even right now.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Yes, even right
now!//<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="blogger-post-footer">Email: friarchat@yahoo.com</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4314931977856701507.post-29804630310388689382014-01-01T12:43:00.001-08:002014-01-01T12:43:48.655-08:00Homily: Solemnity of Mary, the Mother of God<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDRL5o_yfRihBpJ2CwoOdr6gro1MozcqJSdV7wqNtjmQeOBMLjRgJUXBs4c94qUbK3-rwmHe_VY84IOF8bPnKr38soQNo9H0b73O-4uLR_PBHSotL8ii9jgdLjKT3G2dEZ7Ul4rB6CjM7I/s1600/images-1.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDRL5o_yfRihBpJ2CwoOdr6gro1MozcqJSdV7wqNtjmQeOBMLjRgJUXBs4c94qUbK3-rwmHe_VY84IOF8bPnKr38soQNo9H0b73O-4uLR_PBHSotL8ii9jgdLjKT3G2dEZ7Ul4rB6CjM7I/s1600/images-1.jpeg" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Good Morning!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And
Happy New Year!<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
It’s so good to see so many of you here today.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Of course, I am curious and have a lot of
questions.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But I don’t want to embarrass
you or myself, so I will try to phrase them in the most general way
possible.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You don’t even have to raise
your hands; just nod you head.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Okay,
Question Number 1:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>How many of you have
either personally, or have known someone in your life who has made a New Year’s
Resolution?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Okay.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Great.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Now, did any of those resolutions ever concern losing weight and getting
into shape?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Or involve giving up
something—like smoking or drinking alcohol?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>You know, this is a great time for gyms and health clubs.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In January, everyone else has to deal with
credit card statements from Christmas and all of that.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But the gym folks are counting on people
buying year-long memberships and then quitting before February.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So they’ve got eleven months they can spend
here on the beach in Santa Barbara, or in Kauai, or someplace else.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It isn’t fair, is it?<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Now, let me ask
you:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>how many of you, one year later,
can honestly say that you have kept your New Year’s Resolution from 2013?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>(No hands).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Thank you!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Now I don’t feel so
bad.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Because I didn’t keep my resolution
either!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So I don’t feel so bad.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Experts tell us that it takes a great deal to
make a resolution stick.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We make
resolutions as an act of our wills, and then, to our sorrow, realize sooner or
later how weak and wobbly our wills really are.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>We just can’t do it alone.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We are
told that one of most important things we can do in making a resolution is to
tell everyone about it, so they will hold us accountable.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Even more importantly, though, we need a
support system, people around us who will encourage us in our decisions and
help us to start over again if/ when we slip along the way.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We just can’t seem to make this sort of
promise and keep it.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Our faith tradition gives us an entirely different
perspective on making promise, though.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>It actually turns our conventional wisdom upside down.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We are not so concerned with keep promises as
we are in allowing Jesus, our Promised One, to keep us!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s not a matter of making up our minds and
having our own will.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Rather, it is a
function of surrendering our will to God and trusting that, just maybe, God
might know what is better for us than we ourselves think.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
That’s why it’s so instructive to enter into the sense of
the Gospel of Luke today, on the Solemnity of Mary, the Mother of God.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Mary made and kept her promise to God, but
the Promise of God in Jesus also “kept” Mary, enabling her to trust God ever
more deeply through the struggles of her life throughout her life.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Most of the stories we know about Mary come to us from the
Gospel of Luke.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We have a very solid
tradition which tells us that Mary shared her stories with the community of
Luke and that they were subsequently included in the Gospel text.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It makes sense, doesn’t it?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>How else would we know what we do about
her?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
It’s as if we can hear her own voice in the “voice” of the
Gospel, as she pondered all that had happened to her:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“There was the moment when the angel Gabriel
asked me to be the mother of the Savior.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>And I had to just stop for a moment to try to think it all through.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And all that it would mean to me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Then, I went to see my cousin Elizabeth and
the baby (John) leapt in her womb when we met.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>And now, with the birth of the Child and these shepherds barging in out
of nowhere—looking bad and smelling worse.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>But when they saw Him, Jesus, they were absolutely transfixed and
transformed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And I had to stop and think
again—ponder—about what all of this has meant.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>How the promise of God has been unfolding in my life in ways that I
never expected or could ever imagine.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Mary’s narrative continues throughout Luke and the Acts of
the Apostles.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We can experience her impressions
and reactions to significant events throughout her life with Jesus, as she
“ponders” in retrospect:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Then, there
was the day Joseph and I took the Child to the Temple for His name day and
circumcision.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And Simeon told us that He
would be the ‘rise and fall’ of many nations.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>And how he turned to me, then, and predicted that a sword would pierce
my heart.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I had no idea what he meant
that day, but years later, when our Son was about twelve and we went to
Jerusalem and thought we had lost Him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Then,</i> I remembered what Simeon said and
I was worried sick and devastated that we had lost Him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But then, here he comes skipping along like
nothing had happened, and when He told us the things he had said to the
scribes, I thought to myself:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Where did
He get all of this? <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We didn’t tell Him
these things?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He couldn’t have picked it
all up in a place like Nazareth.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Again,
I really had to stop to think.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And
ponder.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjreD8UjR59Ga0Hj1CbBarNupk-mKDUCpLXLWmH9at971j8Nn72hvZc2SADqmHb5rbUyRO6l5kwQrblXQcMwmOp2Y3QqLl57cx5fC3gMLicybtbTll5s60g3FSAaJjfftc-4RUUR_CJnEnd/s1600/images.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjreD8UjR59Ga0Hj1CbBarNupk-mKDUCpLXLWmH9at971j8Nn72hvZc2SADqmHb5rbUyRO6l5kwQrblXQcMwmOp2Y3QqLl57cx5fC3gMLicybtbTll5s60g3FSAaJjfftc-4RUUR_CJnEnd/s1600/images.jpeg" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“And then, years later,<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>there was this wedding we went to in Cana.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And I noticed how they were running out of
wine and I thought, well, this couple is going to be really embarrassed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And I turned to Him and mentioned it to
Him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And when he started to react, I
just gave Him that <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">look</i>, and He
helped.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I had no idea He was going to
turn all that water into wine.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But when
I saw what had happened, I just had to stop and think. And ponder.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Of course, He broke my heart.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And more than once.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Once, I went to hear Him preach and when
someone told Him I was waiting outside along with some other family members, He
came out with this, “Well, my mother and brothers are those who keep my Word,”
and, of course, I was stunned and hurt.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>And then I thought it over and realized, okay, He doesn’t belong to me
anymore—if He ever did.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Now He belongs
to everyone and I’ve got to step back and let Him go.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“The worst part, though, was when they came to arrest
Him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And then tortured Him, mocked him,
and put Him through this phony show trial before they marched Him off to His
Death. When I stood at the foot of that Cross, I felt myself dying right along
with Him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And it took everything within
me—everything—to hold onto that last slim thread of the promise God had made to
me about him even before He was born.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I
just wanted to die.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Right then and
there.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“And then, finally, when I was sitting in the room with His
friends.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Friends?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Almost all of them had run off and abandoned
Him when He really needed them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But,
never mind, I was there.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And then, all
of a sudden, I felt the warm rushing wind of His Presence and Spirit.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And then, and only then, I finally was able
to put together everything I had known and experienced about Him and realize how
little I really new or understood from the very beginning.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It all had to play out over His lifetime and
mine.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And I had to think it all through,
carefully, until I saw the sense of it.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Mary pondered.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She
made a promise.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She kept her
promise.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And God most certainly kept His
Promise to her.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In Jesus.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
And so it is with us.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<o:OfficeDocumentSettings>
<o:AllowPNG/>
</o:OfficeDocumentSettings>
</xml><![endif]-->
<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:WordDocument>
<w:View>Normal</w:View>
<w:Zoom>0</w:Zoom>
<w:TrackMoves/>
<w:TrackFormatting/>
<w:PunctuationKerning/>
<w:ValidateAgainstSchemas/>
<w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>
<w:IgnoreMixedContent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent>
<w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>
<w:DoNotPromoteQF/>
<w:LidThemeOther>EN-US</w:LidThemeOther>
<w:LidThemeAsian>JA</w:LidThemeAsian>
<w:LidThemeComplexScript>X-NONE</w:LidThemeComplexScript>
<w:Compatibility>
<w:BreakWrappedTables/>
<w:SnapToGridInCell/>
<w:WrapTextWithPunct/>
<w:UseAsianBreakRules/>
<w:DontGrowAutofit/>
<w:SplitPgBreakAndParaMark/>
<w:EnableOpenTypeKerning/>
<w:DontFlipMirrorIndents/>
<w:OverrideTableStyleHps/>
<w:UseFELayout/>
</w:Compatibility>
<m:mathPr>
<m:mathFont m:val="Cambria Math"/>
<m:brkBin m:val="before"/>
<m:brkBinSub m:val="--"/>
<m:smallFrac m:val="off"/>
<m:dispDef/>
<m:lMargin m:val="0"/>
<m:rMargin m:val="0"/>
<m:defJc m:val="centerGroup"/>
<m:wrapIndent m:val="1440"/>
<m:intLim m:val="subSup"/>
<m:naryLim m:val="undOvr"/>
</m:mathPr></w:WordDocument>
</xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:LatentStyles DefLockedState="false" DefUnhideWhenUsed="true"
DefSemiHidden="true" DefQFormat="false" DefPriority="99"
LatentStyleCount="276">
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="0" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Normal"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="heading 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 9"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 9"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="35" QFormat="true" Name="caption"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="10" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" Name="Default Paragraph Font"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="11" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtitle"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="22" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Strong"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="20" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="59" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Table Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Placeholder Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="No Spacing"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Revision"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="34" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="List Paragraph"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="29" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="30" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="19" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtle Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="21" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="31" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtle Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="32" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="33" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Book Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="37" Name="Bibliography"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" QFormat="true" Name="TOC Heading"/>
</w:LatentStyles>
</xml><![endif]-->
<!--[if gte mso 10]>
<style>
/* Style Definitions */
table.MsoNormalTable
{mso-style-name:"Table Normal";
mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0;
mso-tstyle-colband-size:0;
mso-style-noshow:yes;
mso-style-priority:99;
mso-style-parent:"";
mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;
mso-para-margin:0in;
mso-para-margin-bottom:.0001pt;
mso-pagination:widow-orphan;
font-size:12.0pt;
font-family:Cambria;
mso-ascii-font-family:Cambria;
mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-hansi-font-family:Cambria;
mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;}
</style>
<![endif]-->
<!--StartFragment-->
<!--EndFragment--><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Homily given at St.
Barbara Parish, Old Mission Santa Barbara, Santa Barbara, California.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>January 1, 2014<o:p></o:p></i></div>
<div class="blogger-post-footer">Email: friarchat@yahoo.com</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4314931977856701507.post-5851828423737685732013-06-01T11:14:00.002-07:002013-06-01T12:52:48.145-07:00Corpus Christi 2013<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<o:OfficeDocumentSettings>
<o:AllowPNG/>
</o:OfficeDocumentSettings>
</xml><![endif]-->
<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:WordDocument>
<w:View>Normal</w:View>
<w:Zoom>0</w:Zoom>
<w:TrackMoves/>
<w:TrackFormatting/>
<w:PunctuationKerning/>
<w:ValidateAgainstSchemas/>
<w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>
<w:IgnoreMixedContent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent>
<w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>
<w:DoNotPromoteQF/>
<w:LidThemeOther>EN-US</w:LidThemeOther>
<w:LidThemeAsian>JA</w:LidThemeAsian>
<w:LidThemeComplexScript>X-NONE</w:LidThemeComplexScript>
<w:Compatibility>
<w:BreakWrappedTables/>
<w:SnapToGridInCell/>
<w:WrapTextWithPunct/>
<w:UseAsianBreakRules/>
<w:DontGrowAutofit/>
<w:SplitPgBreakAndParaMark/>
<w:EnableOpenTypeKerning/>
<w:DontFlipMirrorIndents/>
<w:OverrideTableStyleHps/>
<w:UseFELayout/>
</w:Compatibility>
<m:mathPr>
<m:mathFont m:val="Cambria Math"/>
<m:brkBin m:val="before"/>
<m:brkBinSub m:val="--"/>
<m:smallFrac m:val="off"/>
<m:dispDef/>
<m:lMargin m:val="0"/>
<m:rMargin m:val="0"/>
<m:defJc m:val="centerGroup"/>
<m:wrapIndent m:val="1440"/>
<m:intLim m:val="subSup"/>
<m:naryLim m:val="undOvr"/>
</m:mathPr></w:WordDocument>
</xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:LatentStyles DefLockedState="false" DefUnhideWhenUsed="true"
DefSemiHidden="true" DefQFormat="false" DefPriority="99"
LatentStyleCount="276">
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="0" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Normal"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="heading 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 9"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 9"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="35" QFormat="true" Name="caption"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="10" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" Name="Default Paragraph Font"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="11" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtitle"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="22" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Strong"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="20" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="59" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Table Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Placeholder Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="No Spacing"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Revision"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="34" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="List Paragraph"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="29" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="30" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="19" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtle Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="21" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="31" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtle Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="32" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="33" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Book Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="37" Name="Bibliography"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" QFormat="true" Name="TOC Heading"/>
</w:LatentStyles>
</xml><![endif]-->
<!--[if gte mso 10]>
<style>
/* Style Definitions */
table.MsoNormalTable
{mso-style-name:"Table Normal";
mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0;
mso-tstyle-colband-size:0;
mso-style-noshow:yes;
mso-style-priority:99;
mso-style-parent:"";
mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;
mso-para-margin:0in;
mso-para-margin-bottom:.0001pt;
mso-pagination:widow-orphan;
font-size:12.0pt;
font-family:Cambria;
mso-ascii-font-family:Cambria;
mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-hansi-font-family:Cambria;
mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;}
</style>
<![endif]-->
<!--StartFragment-->
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCY_fckpyuo1Vb8oDA-P6AqtdlHyhqZ3ZQ6vpP3lha3TNZIhWS0pv6K63xhTJMLeTzoAw1pESMg3c_7YkOc0kUjnfqkNUwiaQ7mwNBJgXxLbxQzweJhCDE46fT8LYG5GdCaM0b0jerNpe5/s1600/Pope+monstrance.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCY_fckpyuo1Vb8oDA-P6AqtdlHyhqZ3ZQ6vpP3lha3TNZIhWS0pv6K63xhTJMLeTzoAw1pESMg3c_7YkOc0kUjnfqkNUwiaQ7mwNBJgXxLbxQzweJhCDE46fT8LYG5GdCaM0b0jerNpe5/s1600/Pope+monstrance.jpeg" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<i>(From the bulletin of St. Barbara Parish, Santa Barbara, California) </i><br />
Dear Parish Family,<br />
Peace and all good!
This weekend we celebrate Corpus Christi—the Feast of the Body and Blood
of Christ. We take the time now — on the cusp of summer and vacations—to
reflect upon the extraordinary mystery of God’s Love expressed in the Eucharist
we share. Not coincidentally, our
meditation hearkens to the celebration of the First Eucharist at the Last
Supper on Holy Thursday. Our Holy Week
liturgies are so intense and imbued with meaning and emotion, however, that we
really need to take a moment to unpack the significance of the
Eucharistic event separately.<o:p></o:p><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_do3ieI8_CIso7Fk9gIeiUuy_2YI_lwMd49lgCHdvn5m4aITTkj3oHTUQ5tFHFEVfzuiUU4bbcxaqMOkg_z3ezwnX6Mc-pMHy0jciFinWMmRIVgWMhJi_OsyGfvXo7Bbhz0M_b95hgY-3/s1600/Pope+Corpus+Christi+.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_do3ieI8_CIso7Fk9gIeiUuy_2YI_lwMd49lgCHdvn5m4aITTkj3oHTUQ5tFHFEVfzuiUU4bbcxaqMOkg_z3ezwnX6Mc-pMHy0jciFinWMmRIVgWMhJi_OsyGfvXo7Bbhz0M_b95hgY-3/s1600/Pope+Corpus+Christi+.JPG" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
“There is something almost sacred about people coming
together to share a meal.” The summer issue of my college alumni magazine was
all about food, and the opening line of the lead article began with this
casual comment. “<i>Almost</i>
sacred?” I thought to myself. Hmm. I’d propose that the sharing of a meal is <i>always </i>sacred-- <i>always </i> contains some element of the transcendent, thank you very
much. Especially when we as a family of
faith come together to share the banquet in which Jesus is both our host and
Host—quite literally—in this most extraordinary outpouring of His Love and Life
(Body and Blood). What more can be said—
the mystery is so ineffable, so precious, so absolutely central to our identity
as Catholic Christians that we would cease to exist as a community without it.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p></o:p><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbXgoGvuLDOjzdIoKFRkjFmjWQ3mHDfYiMceNPxegvno1hsUgtYY7zumLge_9FH1Iwar_L25lqRl3ZR_Y3nOIKd2YEeWdZA2rBav8gHT8Z-kOBvzBHV1kwjsxqKuedd-Z4qzL3bN1VUWfz/s1600/dali_supper.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbXgoGvuLDOjzdIoKFRkjFmjWQ3mHDfYiMceNPxegvno1hsUgtYY7zumLge_9FH1Iwar_L25lqRl3ZR_Y3nOIKd2YEeWdZA2rBav8gHT8Z-kOBvzBHV1kwjsxqKuedd-Z4qzL3bN1VUWfz/s320/dali_supper.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
The words, motions (and emotions) of the Liturgy of the
Eucharist both retrace and re-echo the forms of the traditional Jewish <i>berakah</i>, the prayer of blessing before
meals intended to sanctify the physical act of nourishment: “Blessed are You,
Lord Our God, who brings forth bread from the earth…. Who creates the fruit of
the vine.” But then, in the words of
Consecration, we are moved into a realm of experience and contemplation in
which prayer becomes the springboard to sacred mystery, <i>the</i> Sacred Mystery of Christ’s being and becoming really and truly
present in the breaking of the bread.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p></o:p><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
St. Paul’s description of Eucharist (1 Corinthians 11) is both solid and succinct. In this first
scriptural account of the sacrament, nothing is wasted in the melding of word
and gesture: take, break, thank. Words and gestures amplified in Luke’s
account of the feeding of the five thousand, which unequivocally foreshadow Jesus’
self-giving in the Eucharist. However,
there is an unavoidable and even bothersome hook to this account: “Give them some food yourselves,” Jesus tells
His disciples--and us. (Chapter 9: 13).
Notice, however, He is the one who performs the miracle; they (we) are
the ones to distribute his bounty and blessing.
The implications for our shared ministry are clear: Christ gives Himself to us, Body and Blood,
so that we might share the One we have received with others—becoming food for others
just as He has made himself food for us.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_lKLIpzTPjEzmHMHlC18__GE4qwpV3EJ1t1Riw7_qipY6_VIorYyHB39R2Egojc01ssdPaX-UYJ22azMrgFb_5T3veuBOXttyXkFUydU1eHYo4LrvH1FIBKHhkwrCy2G7NR7AhXKVNXgK/s1600/Monstrance+hands.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_lKLIpzTPjEzmHMHlC18__GE4qwpV3EJ1t1Riw7_qipY6_VIorYyHB39R2Egojc01ssdPaX-UYJ22azMrgFb_5T3veuBOXttyXkFUydU1eHYo4LrvH1FIBKHhkwrCy2G7NR7AhXKVNXgK/s320/Monstrance+hands.png" width="269" /></a></div>
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p></o:p><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
So, every meal, every sharing becomes a share in the
Eucharist we have received and are to become.
Don’t ask me how it happens, but it does. You know as well as I do that
something is changed—no, <i>we</i> are
changed in the breaking of the Bread.
Changed and <i>charged</i>. Strengthened and sent. To bring, be, and become Christ for
others: Go ahead: “Give them some food
yourselves.”//</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i>Note: St. Barbara Parish
(Old Mission), Santa Barbara, California, where I am currently serving as
Pastor. It has been quite a while since
I’ve written a blog entry. Someone asked
me the other day—“Why don’t you start again?” and I thought: “Well, why not?”
So here I am and here it is. PS: "Monstrance" image from book cover </i><b><i>Poems</i></b><i> by Sarah Klassen –ct<o:p></o:p></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<!--EndFragment--><div class="blogger-post-footer">Email: friarchat@yahoo.com</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4314931977856701507.post-83284854185313434192012-07-24T10:21:00.001-07:002012-07-24T10:21:10.427-07:00GraceLand Assisi<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6c7qmLtzjPrjoM2xpyg7tEz7gFIh5rXxBpH17c6z7_RBmsCvtb-NTotOy8xYoYQhjP_r0m203XebG9g5LqKDUuwo6NZFRG3wOefYNcwGos0NpTsjXdWqcRGGj_5qeb2I3Rv-ByvhicNNf/s1600/Assisi+grey.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="260" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6c7qmLtzjPrjoM2xpyg7tEz7gFIh5rXxBpH17c6z7_RBmsCvtb-NTotOy8xYoYQhjP_r0m203XebG9g5LqKDUuwo6NZFRG3wOefYNcwGos0NpTsjXdWqcRGGj_5qeb2I3Rv-ByvhicNNf/s320/Assisi+grey.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Today is the last day of our 24- day Assisi Study Experience. A bunch of the people from our group are down at the Basilica of St. Francis to take a look at some of the artifacts (including the saint’s autograph) in the library. Not me. I’m sitting in my room at our pensione, the Casa Papa Giovanni, looking out the window at a perfect, perfectly grey morning. Praying for rain. I’m so sick of the perfection of Umbrian land and townscapes. Let it pour! We need a little, momentary misery to wash over this all too perfect place.</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj64HBg2PS6ZkPRM7oL1IGRvPxC94UhI-qEL53tzFNB56-CJbXn6uAT0hEToALaiJGbT4lRd4_YMuLil64BC98xcmOps6opBwmxjlqV6R1kGBf3dU4JgCqO06sSQPbuTBWtdYzo4BaZJS5R/s1600/Assisi+cups.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj64HBg2PS6ZkPRM7oL1IGRvPxC94UhI-qEL53tzFNB56-CJbXn6uAT0hEToALaiJGbT4lRd4_YMuLil64BC98xcmOps6opBwmxjlqV6R1kGBf3dU4JgCqO06sSQPbuTBWtdYzo4BaZJS5R/s320/Assisi+cups.jpg" width="239" /></span></a></div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">What do you say on the last day of a three-week pilgrimage experience? How do you wrap it all up into a tidy package with a pretty pink bow? Or not. What image offers itself as a suitable summary of so many power-filled and individuated experiences?</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;">The first image that comes to my mind is that of –well, Graceland. Yes, as in Elvis’s Graceland. Memphis, Tennessee. Let me explain. Some time ago, a friar friend was telling me about his road trip across the country. “I started out early from New York so I would be sure to get to Graceland before dark,” he told me. Wait a minute. Graceland? As in the epicenter of Middle American tackiness? “Yes. I really wanted to go to Graceland. I’ve always been a real Elvis fan…. Really, it was great.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisNMJS1gV7oZHocEt5oj-7V7Zv-EMb8zlRroTQR2Xboc2tcyNB8r6nSVXJOPv-ZYo_TYt9tlKpwcq8fOHe6ERWaiNsa42AguC3YvzR6GCMJQ4eUnT3vLraMCsZVj4bYx9l2RqL623-E-nw/s1600/Unknown.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="132" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisNMJS1gV7oZHocEt5oj-7V7Zv-EMb8zlRroTQR2Xboc2tcyNB8r6nSVXJOPv-ZYo_TYt9tlKpwcq8fOHe6ERWaiNsa42AguC3YvzR6GCMJQ4eUnT3vLraMCsZVj4bYx9l2RqL623-E-nw/s320/Unknown.jpeg" width="197" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;">I did not pursue the matter, secretly convinced (now as well as then) that my brother-friend was a little off on this point. Well, whatever. We all have some parts of us that are a little off. But, Graceland? You’re kidding, right? <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;">Hmmm. Well, come to think of it, why not. Why not drive a long—a very long distance—to visit and do homage to the ground of one so loved and admired? Was not our “land” “graced” by his presence and music and life? Why not go to the place where The King lived and died. The place where he created his music and shared it with the world. This man who clearly has touched the lives of so many people—and continues to do so even in death—that his home is second only to the White House in terms of the number of visitors it receives each year. And why should I be such a snob, who am I to mock people’s fascination and fixation with Elvis. Hello, I’m in Assisi, Italy! What’s <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">this</i> place all about, after all, if not about fascination and fixation with St. Francis?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCgtqw7B731whC2pyyTlDd3ek_wyqw9QKhN_t-cVqEPH75aFUYrMAq8T4gWj498CVDuHh_DFtMfxhRzgHBcgL2Y-skoV5WM6Z1Pd-xuLOZkOYyo6fea0IGXzKFA6uNp-u5Kxd0RJes5zLr/s1600/Countryside.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCgtqw7B731whC2pyyTlDd3ek_wyqw9QKhN_t-cVqEPH75aFUYrMAq8T4gWj498CVDuHh_DFtMfxhRzgHBcgL2Y-skoV5WM6Z1Pd-xuLOZkOYyo6fea0IGXzKFA6uNp-u5Kxd0RJes5zLr/s320/Countryside.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;">It’s true. Assisi is the “grace land” of Francis and of St. Clare. Each year, its permanent population collectively prepares and braces itself for a steady stream of the pious, the curious, the aesthetically driven, and even the ambulatory bored. Two million of them, as a matter of fact—twice the number of annual visitors that stream into Memphis-- eight full centuries after the birth of Il Poverello, the little Poor Man of Assisi? What does that say about this place?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5skdaBtUPbTG2GkAJntKsM_zP_qp629LFrCIuswYBFAurIdKNEqRykYgEF1cjDeRe_6HJRBHL4xAS3ahu4qzNabke2AbiTFnQzNbscAl0hQV7vihslCmpeb_XX6UDsnBsEipX13UzHLrY/s1600/Francis+Early+fresco.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5skdaBtUPbTG2GkAJntKsM_zP_qp629LFrCIuswYBFAurIdKNEqRykYgEF1cjDeRe_6HJRBHL4xAS3ahu4qzNabke2AbiTFnQzNbscAl0hQV7vihslCmpeb_XX6UDsnBsEipX13UzHLrY/s320/Francis+Early+fresco.jpg" width="247" /></span></a></div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;">I read somewhere that the Irish talk about the ‘thin places’—the cracks in the surface of our waking, walk-and-workaday worlds where the numinous breaks through. Where one can most certainly imbibe the soul-searing, life altering scent and sense of—the Other—or dare I say it—of the Divine? I believe there are such places. I am a convinced and convicted romantic and seeker on that score. Such places—physical, palpable, protean—the direct experience of which calls and reminds us that our lives are made of mystery as well as mud. For my money, the Holy Land (all of it), Lourdes (minus the commercial schlock), Chimayo, New Mexico, and Croagh Patrick in County Mayo, Ireland—are such places. Part of the discovery for me has been that in addition to their spiritual attractiveness, they are also actual. They’re on the map; they do, in fact, really exist. And at the same time they are also (and ironically) finite and reserved. (Once you come down from the mountain, pass the city limits, the magic stops). But most importantly, they are graced—they all lead to Somewhere, Something, Someone Else. Assisi has become for me another such truly “graced land”. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhF-lnixgBmyI68UAYnVRiFAPSb7fQxR8YKCF5snn9ZGFAYFEfWOYNG_klszsabiYFb7Pp6X3Qcq-2fg6APWWrES63SpUAKcUeB8TGFqemwkGRyBvPpqT6lWrueSZKARpoFaY_7RtBGMkqN/s1600/Basilica+ST+F.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhF-lnixgBmyI68UAYnVRiFAPSb7fQxR8YKCF5snn9ZGFAYFEfWOYNG_klszsabiYFb7Pp6X3Qcq-2fg6APWWrES63SpUAKcUeB8TGFqemwkGRyBvPpqT6lWrueSZKARpoFaY_7RtBGMkqN/s320/Basilica+ST+F.jpg" width="239" /></span></a></div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnZbVDzMX5YEwvPo29QUZb0MTXpkr26BxfQqtnPRpxDZ4D2lo0OaY2KSeUd7P-Wh5o5bahU55u6kBrCXw01TlHqdFfjLXdOH39gkPxb9PzpdDrWUKSbTn4LWgjxEsexAx9lqipgpWw0z8k/s1600/Santa+Chiara.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnZbVDzMX5YEwvPo29QUZb0MTXpkr26BxfQqtnPRpxDZ4D2lo0OaY2KSeUd7P-Wh5o5bahU55u6kBrCXw01TlHqdFfjLXdOH39gkPxb9PzpdDrWUKSbTn4LWgjxEsexAx9lqipgpWw0z8k/s320/Santa+Chiara.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">One of the gifts of Grace Land Assisi for me has been to experience a sense of healthy dis-illusionment with its saints—to see more clearly their real limitations. Francis and Clare of Assisi are not the answer; they—indeed any and all Christian saints-- can only ever point towards The Answer—a living and loving God whom they worshipped with their entire being, and with whom they longed to unite.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguUdij5dp9eKzpCzoWfQ2gPb2gq3-w5jMmY7zf71xniY7UXBF6dkJsrBH_JGGl7gVjfAuUnr9DDW5ldMo0U-DA3JjNprUqjgxr-ZhmLf4x-JcxX-mKxpML5E5HZDBc3_m7US8GGRhxDAb9/s1600/Francis+struggle.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguUdij5dp9eKzpCzoWfQ2gPb2gq3-w5jMmY7zf71xniY7UXBF6dkJsrBH_JGGl7gVjfAuUnr9DDW5ldMo0U-DA3JjNprUqjgxr-ZhmLf4x-JcxX-mKxpML5E5HZDBc3_m7US8GGRhxDAb9/s320/Francis+struggle.jpg" width="239" /></span></a></div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;">We celebrated Eucharist at the tomb of Francis. One of our team leaders, Friar John Quigley, preached. His words really spoke to my experience: Coming to Assisi as a pilgrim is not about leaving for home as a ‘better’ person, he told us. It’s not about becoming a more perfect friar, a more committed and dedicated member of our religious family or faith…. Will there be Franciscans in heaven? Would Francis (or Clare, for that matter) be available to us then in an earthy, recognizable way, habits and all? I doubt it, unless it would be an expression of a God condescending to our human weaknesses. Besides, it doesn’t really matter No! </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTZ-aBi4bc6lWvhVcOaLoejGKkaV_pgTtC38jCRUaxf145leURDndFPbQ6r4A7O38WoWMWSdmyuVKa5Ap9WysCB2WDmnJ-0Zo-hW72WvrG2plzlWiBcNRcXhF1OxpFeV31VCH6o3tY-FuK/s1600/Francis+habit.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTZ-aBi4bc6lWvhVcOaLoejGKkaV_pgTtC38jCRUaxf145leURDndFPbQ6r4A7O38WoWMWSdmyuVKa5Ap9WysCB2WDmnJ-0Zo-hW72WvrG2plzlWiBcNRcXhF1OxpFeV31VCH6o3tY-FuK/s320/Francis+habit.jpg" width="239" /></span></a></div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">What does matter is that Francis was a human being who was, throughout his life, completely himself and at the same time completely focused upon Christ. The Christ, the Son of God, the Second Person of the Trinity, whom he grew to love with all his heart and soul-- and with whom he identified ever more completely through the course of his all too brief life. Taking on Christ, taking Christ into himself, being taken himself into The Christ—fully, utterly, madly, passionately, endlessly. So that in the gift of his stigmata, Francis received into his body the imprint of the wounds of Christ Himself. Christ bleeding into and through Francis, in and through the centuries, into and through our broken, longing world.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;">So, we are called (and perhaps, as believers, it is our not so secret longing) to walk with Francis and Clare, not as demigods, but as trusted companions. We ought to long, then, not to be like Francis, but rather, like Francis to be more like Christ: “sine proprio” – without anything of our own-- possessed without possession by the presence and love, joy and compassion— of Christ Crucified and Risen.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgo5MfW9QVzOUPcZHTmwNWnVnzqIDCX4JkcLRrCsMSO1lzAEmP-0kV5QCenRE-3yHXGb7n88doESOz8zUjJ6CzVDW4NL9ccbiD_c8rUUGbD3T7Jnthjo7AR_V34DRCUZWYCcyW6AtrByw0Z/s1600/Francis+struggle+Portiuncula.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgo5MfW9QVzOUPcZHTmwNWnVnzqIDCX4JkcLRrCsMSO1lzAEmP-0kV5QCenRE-3yHXGb7n88doESOz8zUjJ6CzVDW4NL9ccbiD_c8rUUGbD3T7Jnthjo7AR_V34DRCUZWYCcyW6AtrByw0Z/s320/Francis+struggle+Portiuncula.jpg" width="239" /></span></a></div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;">Jesus left his mark on Francis and Francis and Clare, in turn, have left their mark upon this “graced land” of Assisi. People talk about the ‘spirit’ of Assisi and I believe there is something to that. Here, on a day to day basis, folks seem to slow down, quiet down, behave a bit more politely, more respectfully here than in other places along the tourist trail. And besides, Francis and Clare themselves are here. Literally. Their enshrined tombs like bookends to demarcate this sacred space. Their spirits are here as well. Found not only by friars and nuns in their cloister, but by every dreamer in every breeze.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;">What do I take home with me at the end of this pilgrimage? Strong memories, vital impressions, genuine in-spiration from the beauty, strength, and Mystery of this Graced Land: Assisi. //<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilzn7Djv4a3aQQ1hWhluglp_2ZSrWjqdwYDswe8ueVrDdgV9oF2It5grQ9Yb5iJTHLtI_JjsdHrR-zguz42aYu60u-KU2WtmNSpJ57ZmUEGzJedADKtw6tgbYw1x25Y-F2qAWFw5HsmyDQ/s1600/Francis+and+Clare+picnic.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="162" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilzn7Djv4a3aQQ1hWhluglp_2ZSrWjqdwYDswe8ueVrDdgV9oF2It5grQ9Yb5iJTHLtI_JjsdHrR-zguz42aYu60u-KU2WtmNSpJ57ZmUEGzJedADKtw6tgbYw1x25Y-F2qAWFw5HsmyDQ/s320/Francis+and+Clare+picnic.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span><br />
<br /><div class="blogger-post-footer">Email: friarchat@yahoo.com</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0