These reflections are a result of more than 40 years of ministry as a Roman Catholic priest. Most of these years I spent in the Diocese of Charlotte which covers Western North Carolina. Now I am retired, and live in Medellín, Colombia where I continue to serve as a priest in the Archdiocese of Medellín.
From the shining cloud the Father’s voice is heard: This is my beloved Son, hear him. (Mt 17:5)
In the glory of the Resurrection Jesus is transfigured and so are we. We see Him in new light, and we catch a glimpse of what awaits us all in the Easter that never ends.
Love your enemies, and pray for those who persecute you. (Mt 5:44)
The Lord knows us oh too well. Love your enemies . . . and how do we do that? He gives us an example: on the Cross Jesus says, “Father, forgive them, they know not what they do” (Lk 23:34).
Leave your gift there at the altar, go first and be reconciled with your brother, and then come and offer your gift. (Mt 5:24)
Most of the time when we think about reconciliation, we think about the Sacrament of Reconciliation, or Confession as some call it. But the Lord is always much more interested in our reconciliation with one another . . . and that reconciliation is infinitely much harder and difficult.
Queen Esther, seized with mortal anguish, prayed: “Now help me, who am alone and have no one but you, O LORD, my God.” (Est C:14)
When your back’s against the wall and there’s no one to help, the anguished prayer cuts to the heart. As my grandmother used to say, “Sometimes God needs reminding!”
Even now, says the LORD, return to me with your whole heart for I am gracious and merciful. (Jl 2:12-13)
“Even now” means there’s still time no matter how late we might think it is, there’s still time for all of us. I know I’m from the South, but gracious and merciful . . . wins my heart every time.
