7th Sunday C '19 - Mercy

David is a man after God's own heart, but not because of what he did in sin, but how he treated others with mercy. Christ calls us to mercy and forgiveness, too. Do we see it as strength? Readings are found at https://ift.tt/2E4Yjvg Give feedback at https://goo.gl/forms/iG1Tvk4cHTGhdOWz2
via View From the Ambo Podcast

Dominion

Recently, in the Catholic Lectionary for the daily Scripture readings for Mass, we began reading in Genesis. So much could be written about these first few chapters – from creation and intelligent desing (especially as opposed to atheistic evolution), to the dignity of human beings, to the Fall and disgrace of sin. We could discuss the nature of humanity itself – the differences between male and female, and the complementarity of the sexes. We could discuss the whole idea of evolution as the means that God our Creator used to bring about the life we see around us. In this latest reading, however, what struck me is the idea of “dominion”. Twice, the author writes that the Creator gave man dominion over the fish, birds and beasts. First, is a statement of God’s intent, but the second time an extension of God’s blessing. How are we to understand this? After all, in our modern ears, dominion is a bad thing. It seems to be to rule it, to use and discard according to one’s own desires and wishes. It is viewed as an unchecked industrialization and capitalist endeavor. Its extreme opposite is one that leads to seeking to eliminate humanity and a rejection of any authority over creation. We would not leave a single mark on the world. Dominion is in between – it means leaving the world better, both by the wise use of resources and trying to limit waste. We should seek to protect the earth. The root of “Dominion” means to ‘lord’. It implies that to have dominion is a participation in the very action of God in subduing, protecting, and guiding. Dominion does not allow wanton destruction, but rather creativity. It is a form of stewardship, which is to take care of the things that we have been given by the Creator, and to pass them on to our youth. To have dominion is to use wisely. Why might this notion be important? First, it is God’s will that we as human we participate in His continuing creative action. After all, while we hear of how He rested on the seventh day, He did not cease to guide and create. So we are given dominion to aid. We build roads, create technology, grow our food just as examples, to have dominion and subdue. But the other reason is that to participate in the dominion is an acceptance of God’s blessing. If it is God’s will, and His blessing, it is then a sacred duty. It is one that we cannot neglect. Perhaps with this idea, we can seek better ways of environmentalism and green deals.

6th Sunday C '19 - Trust

Jesus teaches the Beatitudes, which invite us to discern what and who we trust. Readings are found at http://bit.ly/2Iip3hk Give feedback at https://goo.gl/forms/iG1Tvk4cHTGhdOWz2
via View From the Ambo Podcast

5th Sunday C '19 - In The Boat

As St. Peter pulls in the miraculous catch of fish, he recognizes who has entered his boat. Do we allow the Lord to enter our boats? Readings are found at http://bit.ly/2RRPVE5 Give feedback at https://goo.gl/forms/iG1Tvk4cHTGhdOWz2
via View From the Ambo Podcast

4th Sunday C '19 - Love

St. Paul reminds the Corinthians of a more excellent way to live the Christian life than arguing about which charisms are the best. Do we know that love is a choice? Readings are found at http://bit.ly/2G5S0Lg Give feedback at https://goo.gl/forms/iG1Tvk4cHTGhdOWz2
via View From the Ambo Podcast

3rd Sunday C '19 - Certianty

St. Luke records the Gospel for Theophilus, so that he would have certainty in the teachings he has received. Do we receive them as we ought? Readings are found at http://bit.ly/2UnJ7jx Give feedback at https://goo.gl/forms/iG1Tvk4cHTGhdOWz2
via View From the Ambo Podcast

2nd Sunday OT C '19 - Do Whatever He Says

Jesus asks for ordinary water, almost 180 gallons, to be brought. What He does is extraordinary. The Blessed Mother encouraged the servers, and us, to do whatever He asks. Readings are found at http://bit.ly/2TZHDeY Give feedback at https://goo.gl/forms/iG1Tvk4cHTGhdOWz2
via View From the Ambo Podcast

Baptism of The Lord Sunday C '19 - Baptism

The Lord is baptized, and transforms the waters of the world to cleanse us of sin. Readings are found at http://bit.ly/2SQbeqW Give feedback at https://goo.gl/forms/iG1Tvk4cHTGhdOWz2
via View From the Ambo Podcast

Epiphany C '19 - Offering

The wise men brought their offerings to the Christ Child, offerings that had both practical and theological use. What do we offer? Readings are found at http://bit.ly/2AvNmlE Give feedback at https://goo.gl/forms/iG1Tvk4cHTGhdOWz2
via View From the Ambo Podcast

Christmas Midnight '18 - More Than a Story

Merry Christmas. As we hear the Christmas story, we are reminded that it is so much more than a story. http://bit.ly/2GEtFgG Give feedback at https://goo.gl/forms/iG1Tvk4cHTGhdOWz2
via View From the Ambo Podcast

4th Sunday Advent C '18 - Recognize

As St. Elizabeth recognizes Jesus Christ in the womb of His mother Mary, she can intercede for us to recognize Him. Readings are found at http://bit.ly/2Ag0yL0 Give feedback at https://goo.gl/forms/iG1Tvk4cHTGhdOWz2
via View From the Ambo Podcast

3rd Sunday Advent C '19 - Normal

John the Baptist is asked how the people should prepare - and his answer is pretty basic - do the normal things, the moral things. St. Joseph is a great model of that. Readings are found at https://ift.tt/2rEwxjC Give feedback at https://goo.gl/forms/iG1Tvk4cHTGhdOWz2
via View From the Ambo Podcast

2nd Sunday Advent c '18 - Prepare the Way

We are invited to prepare the way for the Lord. John the Baptist assists us. Readings are found at https://ift.tt/2QubldR Give feedback at https://goo.gl/forms/iG1Tvk4cHTGhdOWz2
via View From the Ambo Podcast

Immaculate Conception C '18 - Foreshadow

The Blessed Virgin Mary foreshadows the conception and destiny of the Church. Readings are found at https://ift.tt/2QubldR Give feedback at https://goo.gl/forms/iG1Tvk4cHTGhdOWz2
via View From the Ambo Podcast

1st Sunday C '18 - Hearts Prepared

We are called to prepare our hearts for the coming of Christ, who comes in history, mystery, and majesty. Readings are found at https://ift.tt/2QubldR Give feedback at https://goo.gl/forms/iG1Tvk4cHTGhdOWz2
via View From the Ambo Podcast

Christ King of the Universe B '18 - King

As we celebrate Our Lord Jesus Christ, King of the Universe, are we willing to claim Christ as our king? Readings are found at https://ift.tt/2DU2Y5J Give feedback at https://goo.gl/forms/iG1Tvk4cHTGhdOWz2
via View From the Ambo Podcast

Thanksiving '18 - NAP

On this thanksgiving day, we are asked to give thanks to the Lord. Perhaps we should start with a NAP! Readings are found at https://ift.tt/2S40X9Z Give feedback at https://goo.gl/forms/iG1Tvk4cHTGhdOWz2
via View From the Ambo Podcast

33rd Sunday B '18 - Amen

Giving at the Fall Retreat, does our "amen" mean and end, or something else? Readings are found at https://ift.tt/2RLF4Mp Give feedback at https://goo.gl/forms/iG1Tvk4cHTGhdOWz2
via View From the Ambo Podcast

Memento mori

Some time ago, I read a story about a doctor’s conversation with a patient with terminal cancer. The patient was expressing fear of dying, mainly because of the fear of the unknown. At that moment, there was a commotion at the door, as the sound of clawing and yelping was heard. A split second later, a dog burst in, bounding into the doctor’s office and with as much enthusiasm as a dog can display, ran up to her master, the doctor, and pounced. As he knew the patient not only from his work but saw him at the same church, the doctor took the moment to demonstrate the lesson. “You notice how impatient my dog was to get here?” the doctor asked. He continued, “My dog has never been in here. In fact, she has never been here before. She did not know what waited for him on the other side of the door, but she heard my voice. She knew that I was in here. She knew the voice of his master, she knew the love of her master, and she had no fear. She just wanted to be with me.” The doctor paused, choking back his tears, realizing the power of that moment for both his patient and himself, “I imagine death is like that. We don’t know what’s on the other side, but we hear the voice of our master, and we should want to be with Him so much that we have no fear.” The patient wiping away tears of relief, was moved by the example to silent pondering. This month, at least in the Catholic Church, we remember all who have died. It gives us a pause to remember those who have passed with fondness, and to pray for them. But it is also a chance for us to remember that we, too are going to die. This can bring us tremendous fear, or it can bring us tremendous peace. Like the doctor and his dog, if we know the voice of the Lord and listen to that voice, we have nothing to fear, and while we do not hasten to see Him before He calls us, we also do no fear that day. This is the true meaning of the phrase, “Memento mori” - Remember death. We call to mind that we are gong to die, and we make decisions based on that eternal perspective. While it is a sobering thought, it is also tremendously freeing. St. John tells us in his first letter that we are God’s children now, and that the world does not know this because they do not know Him. But St. John continues that what we are to be is yet to be revealed, and when it is, we shall be like God for we shall see Him as He is. We hear the voice of the Master, we don’t know what waits, but we know Who waits for us, and that He waits as a loving Father, ready to embrace us as beloved children and something more, something beyond our wildest imaginations. So we remember death, but also remember that death is conquered by Christ. We have nothing to fear.

32nd Sunday B '18 - Two Cents

Jesus praises a widow for her gift of faith. How do we give? Readings are found at https://ift.tt/2RLF4Mp Give feedback at https://goo.gl/forms/iG1Tvk4cHTGhdOWz2
via View From the Ambo Podcast