Sunday Reflection for February 14, 2010
Sixth Sunday in Ordinary Time
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Sunday Summary

Jeremiah 17:5-8 When we stand apart from the Lord, we are rooted in an environment without hope.

Psalm 1:1-2, 3, 4, 6 God's law is flowing water and bears in us good fruit.

1 Corinthians 15:12, 16-20 We can't choose between faith's mystical and moral aspects. Our hope is in the Risen One.

Luke 6:17, 20-26 The blessings of the Lord and the woes of worldly gain are spread before us all.


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Also, reflections for the optional Year A readings for the 3rd, 4th, and 5th Sundays of Lent

Exploring the Word
Barren bush, fruitful tree
We're hit with a double celebration today: Valentine's Day and World Marriage Day. The first observance honors romantic love and the second the even more romantic idea of lifelong fidelity. World Marriage Day started locally in Baton Rouge, Louisiana in 1981 but became a worldwide phenomenon, receiving a papal blessing by 1993. If you Google "World Marriage Day 2010" you'll find suggestions for involvement: Invite parishioners to display wedding photos in church. . . .
Read More of this and future Reflections
Weekday Homily Reflection for February 09, 2010
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Are your lips sealed?
The 19th-century Dictionary of Phrase and Fable defined “lip service” as “verbal devotion; honoring with the lips while the heart takes no part nor lot in the matter.” This definition holds up pretty well today, as it did in biblical times. Technology may progress and develop, but human nature is much more stubborn. The next time you find yourself worshipping, whether in a pew, a prayer group, or in your own home, reflect on whether what is on your lips is also in your heart. If not, pray for a renewed heart!
Today's readings: “This people honors me with their lips, but their hearts are far from me.”
1 Kings 8:22-23, 27-30; Mark 7:1-13

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World news in light of the Good News
for Sunday, February 14, 2010
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Preaching the News

Some of the stories we are watching this week . . .

Please note: The final version of Preaching in Light of the News is posted each week on Thursday morning

Is the health-care debate headed for prime time?
The just person “delights in the law of the Lord and meditates on his law day and night,” the psalmist informs us this Sunday. Republicans responded with anything but delight Monday to President Barack Obama’s invitation to discuss health-care legislation in a half-day, televised gathering on February 25.

Winter is getting old, man
The one who does not trust the Lord is like a barren bush “that enjoys no change of season,” states the prophet Jeremiah in this Sunday’s first reading. Much of the country is more than ready for a change of season this week, but Old Man Winter continues to pile it on. The Mid-Atlantic region is digging out from as much as 3 feet of snow, with more on the way, and many parts of the Midwest are being hit by snowstorms as well.

Happy days are here again—for a few
In the Sunday gospel the rich are warned not to expect further consolation. But when it comes to compensation, Wall Street is “in the money” once again even as Main Street continues to reel from the recession. The federal bailout has lifted investment bank profits to surprisingly robust levels, and major financial firms are doling out billions of dollars in salaries and bonuses.


Pastoral Trends
Liminality
Sometimes the word postmodern is used to describe our times. Sometimes we talk of a new globalization or an emerging church. Whatever we call our era, we have the sense that we are on the threshold of something new.  Read more...