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.
Christ has been raised from the dead, the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep. For since death came through man, the resurrection of the dead came also through man. For just as in Adam all die, so too in Christ shall all be brought to life. (1 Cor 15:20-27)
https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/081522.cfm
The old translation for the Preface for the Ascension of the Lord says: “Where he has gone, we hope to follow.” Today’s feast of the Assumption of Mary reminds us that one day, we too will follow him, for he is the Way, the Truth and the Life. And as Mary sings in her hymn of praise: “My soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord . . . for he has lifted up the lowly. Holy is his name.”
Since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us rid ourselves of every burden and sin that clings to us and persevere in running the race that lies before us while keeping our eyes fixed on Jesus, the leader and perfecter of faith. (Heb 12:1-4)
https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/081422.cfm
The great cloud of witnesses—how important is the story of those who have gone before us in Christ. We tell their stories knowing that one day we, too, will take our place in that great cloud. Who then will tell our stories?
Children were brought to Jesus that he might lay his hands on them and pray. The disciples rebuked them, but Jesus said, "Let the children come to me, and do not prevent them; for the Kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these." After he placed his hands on them, he went away. (Mt 19:13-15)
https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/081322.cfm
Jesus and the children is an image we all can relate too, especially parents with crying babies. The disciples were saying, “No crying babies near Jesus!” Jesus, on the other hand, just scooped the children up in his arms and then reminded his disciples about the priorities of the Kingdom. Today’s picture is of Pope Francis who baptized 33 babies in the Sistine Chapel. He told the mothers that if their baby cried that it was okay to go ahead and breastfeed them. Some cardinals were not amused.
Then I bathed you with water, washed away your blood, and anointed you with oil. I clothed you with an embroidered gown, put sandals of fine leather on your feet; I gave you a fine linen sash and silk robes to wear. I adorned you with jewelry: I put bracelets on your arms, a necklace about your neck, a ring in your nose, pendants in your ears, and a glorious diadem upon your head. Thus you were adorned with gold and silver; your garments were of fine linen, silk, and embroidered cloth. Fine flour, honey, and oil were your food. You were exceedingly beautiful, with the dignity of a queen. But you were captivated by your own beauty, you used your renown to make yourself a harlot, and you lavished your harlotry on every passer-by,
whose own you became. Yet I will remember the covenant I made with you when you were a girl, and I will set up an everlasting covenant with you. (Ez 16:1-15. 60, 63)
https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/081222.cfm
What a powerful description of God’s undying love for us!
You shall bring out your baggage like an exile in the daytime while they are looking on; in the evening, again while they are looking on, you shall go out like one of those driven into exile; while they look on, dig a hole in the wall and pass through it; while they look on, shoulder the burden and set out in the darkness; cover your face that you may not see the land, for I have made you a sign for the house of Israel. I did as I was told. (Ez 12:1-12)
https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/081122.cfm
Prophetic, symbolic acts are an essential part of the ministry of the Prophet Ezekiel, especially for those who “have eyes to see but do not see, and ears to hear but do not hear.” Saint Clare heard the preaching of Saint Francis of Assisi and gave her life to God embracing poverty and humility.
