The Rambler

  19TH SUNDAY OF ORDINARY TIME [C] You’re asking yourself: Why do I have to hear about these people who lived during the Old Testament period? Consider this possibility: it’s the Lord’s way of placing you before a mirror. You’re seeing your own reflection when you visualize the Patriarch known to us as Abraham (referenced in Hebrews chapter eleven). He’s a man who receives a number of blessings. And, in addition, he’s a man on the move. He’s a sojourner, or rather, a pilgrim.  Guess what? So are you. It’s all right there in Hebrews chapter eleven. Pay close attention to verses thirteen through sixteen. It turns out that we are likewise on a pilgrimage. We’re advancing step-by-step, drawing ever closer to our final destination, our ultimate home. That explains the appearance of Abraham. His pilgrimage calls to mind the reality of our own ongoing pilgrimage. Meanwhile, what about the Israelites (featured in Wisdom chapter eighteen)? What do they represent?  Similar to Abra...

  18TH SUNDAY OF ORDINARY TIME [C] It’s all about letting the story unfold. Take that Harper Lee story, for example: To Kill A Mockingbird . It was originally released as a novel (1960), and then two years later it was adapted for the silver screen. Imagine yourself buying a ticket, sitting down to watch this highly anticipated film. What do you see as the opening credits begin to roll? You see a variety of objects, being kept within a box. What kind of objects? They list as follows: two Indian Head pennies; two carved figurines; a broken pocket-watch; a ball of string; a medal earned from a spelling bee; a jack-knife; and two sticks of Double-mint chewing gum.  Forget about trying to make any sense out of these objects. It’s too early. You have to let the story unfold. Likewise, forget about trying to make any sense out of the title. It’s too early. You have to let the story unfold. Eventually it will all fall into place. Eventually you will come to appreciate the significan...