OPreach
Dominican Preaching through Word and Image
Do All for the Glory of God
Paul encourages us today in the First Letter to the Corinthians.
Brothers and sisters,
Whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do,
do everything for the glory of God.
1 Corinthians 10:31
Our Lady of Lourdes
Today is the Feast of Our Lady of Lourdes.
In 1858 the Virgin Mary appeared to Bernadette Soubirous, near Lourdes in France, in the cavern called “de Massabielle.” Through this poor, fourteen-year-old girl, Mary calls on us to turn to God and change our lives. She has inspired in the Church a great love of prayer and good words, especially in the service of the poor and the sick.
Lourdes is a place of pilgrimage, healing, and faith. There have been 60 “recognized” miraculous cures as a result of a visit to the waters at Lourdes, although there are likely many, many more. The Church sees this as a continuation of Jesus’ healing miracles—now performed at the intercession of his mother. Some who visit Lourdes return home and experience in their bodies, many return with renewed faith.
While many believe the stories of the apparitions and miracles at Lourdes, there are many who do not. In the words that introduce the film Song of Bernadette: “For those who believe in God, no explanation is necessary. For those who do not believe, no explanation is possible.”
La Voz de los sin Voz
From Mark 7 we read:
Jesus put his finger into the man’s ears . . . and said to him, “Ephphatha!” – that is, “Be opened!” – And immediately the man’s ears were opened, his speech impediment was removed, and he spoke plainly.
There are those in our world who need to be heard. There are those who need to be seen. Let us listen to them and speak on their behalf. Better yet, let us find a way for their voices to be heard.
This sign is displayed in the museum of Archbishop Romero in the University of Central America in El Salvador. Romero was la voz de los sin voz, and it cost him his life.
Wisdom Must Be Cultivated
We all know about the wisdom of Solomon, and how he asked God for this gift above all others. In yesterday’s reading we saw how his fame had spread to the Queen of Sheba, so great was his wisdom.
All that fame, renown, and acclaim must have gone to his head, for we read today, in 1 Kings 11, that he turned away from God and ended up displeasing the very One who had given him such a tremendous gift. Not a very smart move!
We are all given gifts and talents, and we must practice so as not to lose them.
Let us cultivate
wisdom,
kindness,
compassion,
generosity,
joy,
peace,
gentleness,
hope,
faith,
gratitude . . .
Please add to the list.
Let Our Feet Not Falter
From today’s Responsorial Psalm 37:
The mouth of the just one tells of wisdom
and the tongue utters what is right.
The law of God is in the heart of such a one,
so that the foot does not falter.
May her foot not falter.
How Can We Contain God?
King Solomon, who built a great temple to “hold” God, knew that God could not be contained there.
Where are the places we try to contain and constrain God?
No matter how wonderful and perfect they may seem to be to us, it would do us well to remember, in the words of a song by Jesse Manibusan, “God Is Bigger”.
Solomon stood before the altar of the Lord in the presence of the whole community of Israel, and stretching forth his hands toward heaven, he said,”Lord, God of Israel, there is no God like you in heaven above or on earth below, you keep your covenant of mercy with your servants who are faithful to you with their whole heart.
Can it indeed be that God dwells on earth? If the heavens and the highest heavens cannot contain you, how much less this temple which I have built! Look kindly on the prayer and petition of your servant, O Lord, my God, and listen to the cry of supplication which I, your servant utter before you this day. May your eyes watch night and day over this temple, the place where you have decreed you shall be honored, may you heed the prayer which I, your servant, offer in this place. Listen to the petitions of your servant and of your people Israel which they offer in this place. Listen from your heavenly dwelling and grant pardon.”
1 Kings:8:22-23, 27-30
Finding God in Creation
The created world is the primordial sacrament.
-Elizabeth Johnson, CSJ
Jesus Practiced what He Preached
Yesterday Jesus encouraged his followers to find a place and time for prayer, rest, and reflection.
In today’s Gospel we see how this was his practice, and it was the place from which he drew his strength for ministry.
Rising very early before dawn, he left and went off to a deserted place, where he prayed.
If we are truly followers of Jesus, how can we not do the same?
Come and Rest
From today’s Gospel reading:
Jesus said to them, “Some away by yourselves to a deserted place and rest for a while.”
This particular resting place can be found at Presentation Center in Los Gatos.
If You’ve Never Heard about Etty Hillesum . . . learn about her
You may not have heard about Etty Hillesum. If you haven’t, do a little research. Do you want to read an inspiring journal of courage, then read An Interrupted Life.
A desire to kneel down sometimes pulses through my body,
or rather it is as if my body has been meant and made for the act of kneeling.
Sometimes, in moments of deep gratitude,
kneeling down becomes an overwhelming urge,
head deeply bowed, hands before my face.
~Etty Hillesum An Interrupted Life~
Who doesn’t know this feeling?
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