The Rambler

THIRD SUNDAY OF ORDINARY TIME [C] On New Year’s Day, 1863, President Abraham Lincoln delivered an edict that would become known as the Emancipation Proclamation . This declaration would alter the legal status of roughly 3.5 million slaves, releasing them from a state of bondage, clearing the way so that they could eventually be granted the full rights of citizenship. Having been emancipated, they would now have the opportunity to transition from one way of life to another way of life.  Essentially, we are talking about liberation—liberation on a grand scale. Similarly, when the Israelites depart from Egypt, this represents an Old Testament example of liberation taking place on a grand scale. Likewise, when the time of Babylonian exile comes to an end, this marks yet another case where liberation is taking effect on a grand scale. In Nehemiah chapter eight we are allowed to look in on the freshly liberated Jews as they commit themselves to the process of reconstruction. Their prayer...

  2ND SUNDAY OF ORDINARY TIME [C]  Early on in life I developed a taste for soda-pop, particularly cola-flavored soda-pop. My Mom did the best that she could to accommodate my craving for cola. I can say that she did keep a steady supply of cola in the refrigerator—unfortunately, for cost-cutting purposes, she would buy the off-brand instead of the name-brand. This means that, upon opening the refrigerator door, I would rarely see a name-brand like Coca-Cola or Pepsi. Rather, I would see a bargain brand called “Shasta.”  In terms of rankings, Coke rated number one on my list, Pepsi registered as number two, and Royal Crown came in at number three. These were “top-shelf” brands; Shasta was purely a “bottom-shelf” brand.   Why am I sharing this particular memory? It’s because I believe we will be able to appreciate the miracle at Cana more fully if we change out the wine for soda. Imagine a gathering where numerous kids are present. They’re working their way thr...

  FEAST OF THE LORD’S BAPTISM [C] What do you think about when you hear the name “Cinderella?”  More than likely, you’ll find yourself thinking about the ball, the prince, the glass slipper. And yet, these elements relate to the second half of the story. They don’t explain how she comes to be identified as “Cinderella.” That source of information can be traced to the first half of the story. No, it doesn’t make for happy reading. The author describes a Cinderella who is being thoroughly exploited—she is being exploited by her step-mother and her two step-sisters. Whatever is tedious, all of the menial tasks, these are reserved for Cinderella. She has to dust, she has to sweep, she has to scrub the floor, do the laundry, wash the dishes. If that wasn’t enough, she is also responsible for tending the fireplace. The efforts at the fireplace leave her coated with ashes. Ashes are basically cinders. Meanwhile, the French term for girl is “ella.” Put it together and you arrive at th...

  FEAST OF THE EPIPHANY Why do we exchange gifts at Christmas time? It’s our way of acknowledging the fact that the gift of salvation has been given to us. We practice generosity because a supreme form of generosity has been demonstrated on our behalf. Jesus has been sent to us. His name derives from the Hebrew expression, “God Saves.”  We can trace his arrival to a particular location: namely, Bethlehem. Does this mean that the town of Bethlehem has been singled out for the experience of salvation? No, we need to think in broader terms. The territory of Judea? The province of Palestine? Actually, we’re learning that the plan of salvation is being opened up to each and every member of the Gentile community. The plan is not just open—it’s wide open.  Our first two readings (Isaiah 60 & Eph. 3) each describe a process through which those on the outside are being welcomed as insiders. The benefits of the Kingdom are being offered far and wide—to every corner of the world...