The Rambler

  ELEVENTH SUNDAY OF ORDINARY TIME [A] In sending the apostles, Jesus specifies that they need to concentrate upon “the lost sheep of the house of Israel” (Matt. 10:6). The fact that they are “lost” would seem to indicate that they were previously “found” or “settled.”  Evidently, the careful work outlined in Ex. 19:3-6 is going to be undone. God, first of all, does his part by ushering them into the Promised Land; even carrying them at various stages of the journey. There are times when they feel as if they have been lifted up, held aloft by a newly grown set of wings (19:4). With the Lord’s help, they will take up residence within the land that “flows with milk and honey” (Ex. 3:8). They will be where it is that they are supposed to be.  And yet, for whatever reason, they will end up someplace else . It’s similar to what happens with Dorothy and her companions. The Yellow Brick Road is what will take them to their ultimate destination, The Emerald City. Therefore, the ...

SERMON FOR CORPUS CHRISTI  You look forward to spending time at the Round Table. Why? Because it’s a place where you can unwind. At least, if you are King Arthur or one of his knights, it’s a place where you get to relax, enjoy some good food, some wine, some comradery, and, best of all, you can speak freely when you’re at the Round Table. But try not to comment about that empty chair—the chair designated for Sir Lancelot. We’re not going to talk about that. We’re not going there.  Gawain, however, can’t hold it in any longer . It has been revealed to him that Lancelot is having an affair with the Queen!! So he decides to put it out there, to speak freely. After all, isn’t that what the Round Table is all about? When it comes to this particular subject, no. The response is a vehement response: these words need to be retracted— immediately!! The goblet belonging to Lancelot is set before Sir Gawain. The implication: drink from it; partake of Sir Lancelot’s goodness. Then we can...

  SERMON FOR TRINITY SUNDAY We’ll begin by referencing a 1932 film called “Grand Hotel.”  We hear it being said, at least twice, that the Grand Hotel is a place where people come and people go. When Greta Garbo checks in early on, she delivers one of the most memorable lines in cinema history:  I want to be alone.   She is playing the role of an aging ballerina; a ballerina whose best days are behind her. When she performs, the crowds seem to be getting smaller and smaller. And the reviews are becoming increasingly negative. According to the schedule, she is to dance at a nearby venue. However, she is not sure that she can go through with it. She wants to be alone with her thoughts. She wants very much to be alone.   It’s worth considering: what does the Lord want? Does he want to be alone? Actually, the evidence points the other way. His desire can be described as the opposite of Greta Garbo’s desire. God chooses to exist as a community of persons, or rath...

  SERMON FOR PENTECOST [A] Imagine yourself as Hercules. You’re a superstar, but you’re not immortal. You associate with those who do have a claim on immortality. You make your case, and soon you find yourself being presented with an ultimatum: accomplish these twelve assigned labors, and your wish will be granted. It’s agreed upon, and so you get right to work. You’re breezing along, at least initially. If the task involves strength or fighting ability, you’re more than up for the challenge. However, your fifth labor will require a domestic touch: the stables belonging to Augeus are due for a thorough cleaning. It’s explained to you that three thousand oversized oxen are housed within these stables. And it’s been thirty years since any sanitation efforts have been carried out.  The impulse is to refuse. It’s out of the question!! I can’t be seen doing that!! I’m on my way to becoming immortal!! As far as you are concerned, this is too much to ask. It’s too tedious, too humil...

  THE ASCENSION OF JESUS [A] It was 1987. That’s when we began our search for “ Waldo .”  The illustrator, Martin Handford, had introduced a new book series, challenging us to answer the question: “Where’s Waldo?”  Our task, as readers? The objective is to search carefully through a series of highly detailed prints; see if you can locate the distinctive character dressed in red and white. He’s in there somewhere.  After reviewing the readings for this weekend, you might find yourself wondering: Where’s Jesus? According to Acts 1:11, Jesus is in Heaven. More particularly, he is seated at the right hand of the Father—that’s what we hear in Ephesians 1:20. And yet, St. Matthew records a promise made by Jesus, just prior to his glorious Ascension: Behold, I am with you always, through the end of the age (Matt. 28:20). So where is he? Is he up there with the Father? Or is he down here with us? Let’s consider the possibility that this is not an either/or proposition; rat...

  SIXTH SUNDAY OF EASTER [A] Imagine an egg that has been laid. The egg, at least initially, belongs to a mother eagle. We say “initially” because the egg ends up being separated from the nest, as the result of a major storm event. After the storm subsides, a prairie chicken takes custody of the egg—and subsequently, the hatchling to be produced from it. From a genetic standpoint, the hatchling can be categorized as an eagle. And yet, it will be reared as a prairie chicken. It grows up, believing itself to be an authentic, certifiable prairie chicken.  Of course, it’s just a matter of time. Eventually, the pseudo-prairie chicken will look up into the sky and see an eagle that’s “ being ” a genuine eagle.  Nevertheless, when the day does arrive, it feels nothing more than a sense of admiration. Technically, it’s an eagle. But it’s an eagle that will never reach its full potential. For all practical purposes, it might as well be classified as an actual prairie chicken. It r...