The Rambler

  FIRST SUNDAY OF LENT [C] Some of you will remember a film called “In Harm’s Way.”  Originally it was released as a novel [1962]; soon afterward it was adapted for the screen [1965]. A number of story-lines are covered throughout the course of the feature. One of the more intriguing story-lines centers around a Naval officer being reunited with his son. He had long ago drifted out of contact with his ex-wife and his toddler son. Therefore it comes as a surprise when he learns that the son is now serving as an ensign in the Navy.  This leads to an eventual reunion. Can it be described as a happy occasion? Not exactly. For his part, the father has high hopes. However, tension fills the air, from the very first moment that the encounter gets underway. The son offers the courtesy that would befit a superior officer, but he offers nothing beyond that. No warmth. No smile. No acknowledgment of a family bond. The gripping scene concludes with the presentation of a stiff salute....

  ASH WEDNESDAY Imagine that it’s 1961. You’re Audrey Hepburn, entering into your daily ritual. This ritual places you before a store window. Why are you stopping in front of this particular window? You like what’s being displayed on the other side of the glass. You dream about the day when you’ll be able to adorn yourself with what’s being featured on the other side of this window.   What is it that has you so captivated? Is it a bowl of ashes? Are you dreaming about the day when a priest will reach out and mark you with ashes? That’s an unlikely prospect. Why would ashes be put on display? Furthermore, why would anybody want to be adorned with ashes? Customarily, the more natural desire is to be adorned with jewelry. That’s what Audrey Hepburn dreams about in that 1961 film, Breakfast At Tiffany’s . She’s looking forward to the day when she can be adorned with the jewelry that comes from Tiffany’s. She’s attracted to jewelry, not ashes.  Having outlined her ritual...

  EIGHTY SUNDAY OF ORDINARY TIME [C] You judge a tree by examining its fruit (see Sir. 27:6 & Lk 6:44). Therefore, initially you will be focusing upon the branches of the tree. Paul, however, has shifted his attention away from the branches; it’s more about what’s happening with the roots (see 1st Cor. 54-58). What can we say about the roots? Are they reaching out? Have they tapped into a source that will bring some level of nourishment and vitality to the tree? Essentially, if you have successful roots then success will begin to likewise appear on the branches. In other words, if there’s action underneath the tree, this will lead to action taking shape upon the branches of the tree. You will have fruit, and you will have it in abundance.  Fruit of what type? Well, a lot can be said about this theological subject. In the interests of time, we’ll restrict ourselves to the specific fruit being emphasized in First Corinthians chapter fifteen: namely, the virtue of hope. Appre...