Readings: Acts 5, 27-41; Psalm 30, I will Praise You, Lord, for You have Rescued Me; Revelations , 11-14; John 21, 1-14

Third Sunday of Easter – Introduction to the Readings

All of our readings during the Sundays after Easter until Pentecost Sunday come from the same three books, Acts of the Apostles, The Book of Revelation and John’s Gospel.  In today’s reading from the Acts of the Apostles the apostles are again brought before the elders of the Jewish community and told to stop preaching.  What we skip over in our reading is an interesting section. 

The Sanhedrin wants to put the apostles to death, but one of their members, a Pharisee called Gamaliel dissuades this action by reminding the group that there had been other ‘apparent prophets’ whose followers had dissipated after the prophet was put to death and he argues that either of two things will happen:  the apostles will disappear soon, since Jesus has been put to death, or Jesus was the real thing and they had better leave the apostles alone!! 

Then our reading today resumes just after the apostles are flogged instead of being put to death.

A few words about the Book of Revelations, since we will be reading from it for the next several Sundays.  The book was probably written about the year 95 to 100 CE, by John, though not the same John who wrote the Gospel.  It is addressed to the seven churches in Asia, namely the whole community at that time, and the churches are enduring harsh persecutions under the emperor Domitian.  The style is mainly apocalyptic, which is a highly stylized form of writing  which is not one we are accustomed to these days.

Third Sunday After Easter

My daughter Rosheen loves to read- it always amazed me how quickly she could get through a book.  A few years ago an old family friend was ill and Rosheen was visiting her and offered to read to her.  Later I remember her telling me how beautiful the language was in the book, something she had not appreciated until she had to read aloud.  Some books are so well written that the language is indeed a joy. 

Our gospel today is one of those books.  We cannot begin to appreciate how much thought has gone into each and every word in the gospel.  I am not sure how many of you said to yourselves as I was proclaiming today’s gospel and said the word “charcoal fire” now haven’t I heard that recently!!  In fact you did hear it on Good Friday when we proclaimed the “Passion”.  Let me remind you of the piece.   

“Now the slaves and guards were standing around a charcoal fire that they had made, because it was cold , and were warming themselves.  Peter was also standing there keeping warm.”   In today’s gospel we read that Jesus was preparing breakfast over a charcoal fire.  The two events are linked.  In the earlier event, Peter denies even knowing Jesus, three times.  In today’s gospel, Jesus helps Peter get past that denial.  “Peter, do you love me?” Three times Jesus asks Peter, sort of a parallel to the three times Peter had earlier denied Jesus.

This is another example of the point we discussed on Easter Sunday.  The fact that God always gives us second chances.  Think about what Peter had done.  Jesus had just been arrested, all of the disciples had scattered, Peter had not run away, but was in the courtyard where Jesus was being held.  Remember that earlier that evening Jesus had even foretold Peter that he was going to deny him three times. 

This denial was no spur of the moment thing.  He had been forewarned, and still he denies even knowing Jesus.  Pretty serious stuff – and still God gives Peter a chance to repent.  God wants Peter back and God wants each one of us back too.  Never let anything cause us to stay away, there is no sin too great.  Remember Peter.

Picture 1:  Mass Begins

Picture 2:  Altar Helpers

Picture 3:  Offertory

Picture 4:  John & Anthony

Readings:

Genesis  22, 1-18,  God put Abraham to the test.

Psalm 116,    I will walk before the Lord in the land of the living.

Romans, 8, 31-34,   If God is with us who can be against us?

 Mark 9, 2-10,   The Transfiguration.

Brandon, our official Cub Scout Greeter, says, "Hi, Everybody, Welcome in out of the cold & rain."

Genesis observations:

Today’s Selection: To figure out what is going on in Genesis this morning, I want to tell you a story, the story of Abraham and his wife, Sarah.

But first, a few brief reminders.  Genesis is the first book of the Bible, a fascinating look at our ancestors trying to answer the universal questions, like where did we come from and how did we get to be the way we are.  Last week we heard God tell Noah that floods would no longer kill everybody, and the signature of this agreement, the rainbow.

Cathy, too, says, "Welcome in, Everybody."

This morning we are watching Abraham, the great father of the Jewish nation.  Abraham is being asked by God to sacrifice his son.  To appreciate even more the power of this, a little story.  We are reading chapter 22.  Chapter 18 sets the stage for the story in chapter 22.

One day, Abraham was sitting in front of his tent at the hottest part of the day.  Suddenly he looked up and saw 3 men.  Without thinking, Abraham rushed to welcome them and offer them refreshment.  They accept and Abraham personally serves them his best food under a shade tree. 

They asked him where was his wife, Sarah.  Both Sarah and Abraham were old, like in their 100’s.  Abraham says Sarah was in the tent.  One of the men said that in 9 months they would return and Sarah would have a son. 

Sarah, who was listening behind the tent flap heard the man and laughed.  ‘What a preposterous idea,’ she thought.

Harper, like her grandmother, says, "Hi, Everybody."

God hears her and God asks Abraham why Sarah laughed.  “Do you think I cannot do this,” he asks Sarah.  Because she was scared she said to God, “I did not laugh.”  And God said, “Yes, you did.” 

Guess what happens 9 months later.

The reading today in chapter 22 assumes you know all this and that you know Sarah had her baby, which she named Isaac.  In the story today Isaac, the beloved son, is a boy of about 10-12.  See what God wants.  Remember that this is tribal oral tradition passed down for centuries, not history. 

Mark 0bservation:

The story in Mark today is the transfiguration.  I want to talk about transfiguration events in our lives.  For example, how about Fred's Memorial a couple of weeks ago?

Cole, a Transfiguration Event just as he is.

Transfiguration Events

Like I mentioned I would like to say a few words about our transfiguration events.  What makes an event a transfiguration event?  When something takes place and I come away with greater faith, greater hope, and greater love, greater faith in people, hope in people, and love for people, and, perhaps, all the above about myself. 

Three examples.

First, our dear friend Beth one day is heading to the Tom Landry Center to work out so she can beat me on a real bicycle.  She is late.  She gets out her iPhone to check the parking garage connected to the Landry Center.  It is full.  Curses.  She then checks the pay parking spots on the street.  She pulls in.  It takes quarters & she does not have enough.  More curses.

Cupcakes of The Week to Sandra and Randolph (for his wife, Michelle)

As she stands there looking in her pockets for quarters, a black guy, somewhat shabby looking, maybe homeless, comes up and all friendly says, “Hi, Looking for change?”  “He is looking for a handout,” thinks Beth immediately.  Remember Beth and Rob now live in the marvelous new melting pot of downtown Dallas. 

So, what does the guy say next?  “Would you like some quarters?  I have some extras.”  “Yes, I really would, thanks so much.”  And the guy pays for her parking. 

Transfiguration event?  I think so.  Even for me when she told me the story.   Greater faith in people, hope for people, and love for people.

Emma caring for her little friends.

The second story comes from the Thursday Dallas Morning News, Metro section.  Seems there is a guy named Ted Washington.  He came from Arkansas and spent 20 years in the Navy.   Since 2005, a good year for Rosemary and me, Ted became a mail man.  He loves it.  He says it is a job that is peaceful and gives him time to reflect on life.

This past week he has faced rain, sleet, and snow, and faced them with good humor.  He delivers the mail in the Lakewood section of Dallas, on the east side of White Rock Lake.  Is this Mary’s mailman?

Leo & Brandon solving world problems.

Ted says he will continue to deliver mail as long as he can, hoping to make the world a better place.  He also is a black man.  The article closes with him saying, “I am a simple man. I don’t have extravagant needs and wants.  When I am carrying mail, my goal is to just help people have a good day.”

Ted Washington, you are a transfiguration person for me.  Thanks.

Toy World with Buddy and Zoe, Emma and Victoria, and Cole with Beth looking on.

The third event was, hang on, the all day snowfall we had Friday.  It was beautiful.  I forgot how beautiful first snow can be.  Everything is clean and quiet.  Nobody was moving around our neighborhood.  Aviana loves it and goes hopping around like a white rabbit, sticking her nose and face into it and tossing her head. 

I hope none of you were caught in that 15 car pileup on 75 & Melissa or in the back up.  I was blessed because I could not go out and do any yard work or housework.  Instead I sat in front of our bay window with Rosemary and Aviana and watched our neighborhood turn magic. 

Leo in action.

Schools all let out at 1:00.  In Saturday’s paper there was a picture of kids and folks sliding down Flag Pole Hill.  For those of you who don’t know that hill it is on NWST Highway just where Buckner Blvd. begins and heads south toward the Casa Linda area.

When I was a kid our family used to have picnics on Flag Pole Hill, sometimes with just our family, often with other families.  I love the place and still see it when Rosemary & I ride our bikes around White Rock in milder weather. 

The snowfall was a transfiguration event for me.  The world was transformed and I had more faith in people, hope for people, and greater love. 

What is your latest Transfiguration event?

Helpers come enthusiastically to help dad with his job of accepting a Cupcake, Buddy and Zoe.

Readings: 1 Kings 19, 16-21; Psalm 16; Galatians 5, 13-18; Luke 9, 51-62.

1 Kings: This book continues the history of the Israelite kings begun in the two previous books of Samual. First was Samuel, a judge, then Saul, the first king, then the Great King David.  David’s activities make up a large part of this book.  When David dies the kingdom gets split into north and south.  Things go badly.  Along comes Elija the prophet.  This is a sign that times are bad.  We read in today’s section about the time Elija chooses Elisha as his successor. 

A Role Model

I would like to talk this morning about my Aunt Kitty with her glorious 100 years. She has always been a hero of mine and after our visit this past week she still is. We stayed in the retirement home where Kitty lives. Consequently, were able to make numerous small visits over the day & a half we were there. One attendant even asked me if I lived there now!

Since we had just been talking two weeks ago about the qualities of a peaceful & whole person, I was looking at Kitty with the 6 qualities in mind, e.g., curiosity & hope, gratitude & love, zest and, my own, humor. I spotted at least 3. 

Above all else, I was struck about how peaceful she was. At one point in our visits she said that while she had not wanted to live until she was 100, "It is not bad," she claimed. This said a lot to me, because over the past 10 years Kitty often told us that she did not want to live to 100. 

I asked her how she got to this peace & 100 years. "Golf", she replied.  She loved to play golf.  I think I see here that zest for living that I mentioned was one of the 6 characteristics of a whole & peaceful person. She, also of course, was famous for her yellow Buick convertible.  Which leads to the second quality I remember about her.

Her humor.  I can still remember her laughing at my uncle Frank and going into hysterics with my mom.  The two of them were close in age and spirit.  They laughed often over a time when the two of them as girls in Pittsburg were driving along behind a streetcar and went right out over a bridge. They had to get rescued. Kitty was notorious as an air head and my mom was right with her.   

One year when I was returning to East Africa from a home visit, I toured Kitty, my mom, and their older sister Pauline around Ireland in a little, two door, red economy sized car. Folks, it was lucky that Ireland is so small because we did not get started in the morning until about 9:30 or 10:00 and then we began looking for a place to stay around 4:00. Plus we stopped for lunch & morning & afternoon tea.  During all this time they laughed non stop.

During our visits Kitty often poked fun at her situation and age, when she remembered she really was 100. And when she did not remember, she laughed at herself. 

Besides humor and zest for life, Kitty loved her friends. While we were with her she said how much she missed her pals Jenny Gooch and Betty Lynch. Betty had three paintings on Kitty’s wall.  Especially she missed my mom. In fact, she was disappointed she had not heard from her recently.  Her long term memory is shaky. She did not remember that mom had died about 15 years ago.  She was even disappointed Pauline had not written her.  Pauline lived in NYC and died before my mom.

One moment after she forgot her age, however, she tuned directly into me and asked how I liked marriage, what was my relation with the Jesuits, and was I still working actively as a priest. Even though she became Presbyterian when she married my Uncle Frank, she has been totally interested in and supportive of my process.  And she remembed clearly. 

Of all the qualities my aunt shows, humor is her best. 

What is your best quality?

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"Welcome in" says Georgie.

Readings:  

 Deuteronomy 6, 2-6,  You shall love your God.

 Psalm 18,  I love you Lord, my strength

 Hebrews 7, 23-28,  The law appoints men subject to weakness to be priests.

 Mark 12, 28-34,   Which is the first of all the commandments?

Jan our special hostess at her welcome to communion table.

Deuteronomy observations:

1.  The work is the last of the 5 books of the Pentateuch, following Genesis,  Exodus, Leviticus, & Numbers.

2.  The work is organized as a series of addresses given by Moses to the people of Israel in the land of Moab, where they had stopped at the end of the long wilderness journey and were about to enter and occupy the land of the Canaanites.

3.  The theme of the book is that God has saved and blessed his chosen people, whom he loves.  They are to remember this, and love and obey him.

4. Joshua is commissioned as the next leader of the people, i.e., God's (Yahweh's) people 

Buddy reads our Blessing of The Candles.

Pittsburgh

Jerry Rabinowitz, 66, worked as a primary care physician, was deeply active with HIV victims especially when it started, infamous for his bow ties.

Cecil Rosenthal, 59, and his brother David, 54.  Cecil was outgoing & gregarious while David was more self contained.

Richard Gottfried, 65 neighborhood dentist, married with a Catholic wife.

While her brother reads The Blessing, Zoe lights our candles.

Irving Youger, 69, when you walked into the synagogue, Irving was the first person who would welcome you and help you find your seat.  He had been a little league coach and a real estate agent.

Daniel Stein, 71, and retired.

Joyce Fienberg, 75, a research specialist at the U. of Pittsburgh, petite with huge personality.

The Offertory Team, Marlene, Bill, & Cindy, all Ekes family.

Bernice Simon, 84, and her husband Sylvan, 86, considered the sweetest couple who, 62 years ago, wedded in this same synagogue.

Melvin Wax, 88, full of jokes, a passionate Pittsburgh Pirates fan, was always in a good mood.

Sez Leo, "Welcome in, Folks."

Rose Mallinger, 97, spry, vibrant, full of life, sharpest wit, with her family being everything in her life.

Judah Samet, 80, Hungarian, was in the parking lot, saw the shooter.  He survived the Nazi holocaust as a child of 6.

 Even with the massacre of Pittsburgh, we will give thanks this month.

Readings:  Isaiah 40, 1-11, Comfort, give comfort to my people, says your God; Psalm 85, Lord, let us see your kindness, and grant us your salvation;  2 Peter 3, 8-14, The Lord does not delay his promise;  Mark 1, 1-8, I am sending my messenger ahead of you; he will prepare your way.

Mass for Second Sunday of Advent, 12-4-11, John Cade Celebrating

 Opening Prayer   Let us pray: O God, we gather together in this season when we celebrate and experience anew your coming in the Christmas mystery. We acknowledge that you are not far away, but with us wherever we are, calling us to live in unity and love. We ask for increased sensitivity to your presence with us and we give you thanks both now and forever and ever…   Amen.   

A few words about the readings today, from the prophet Isaiah, the second letter of Peter, and the Gospel of Mark.

     The first reading is from the Book of the Prophet Isaiah, Ch 40:1-5, 9-11. The fact that this reading is from Chapter 40 tells us that the prophet is now turning from chiding the people for their failings to prophesying better times to come and giving words of comfort.

    The words we hear from Isaiah today probably relate to the journey home from captivity in Babylon. Isaiah appears to use this passage symbolically to describe a moral cleansing and renewal by the Jewish people prior to their returning to Jerusalem.

     Georg Freideric Handel is one of the most famous composers in the Baroque period. He was born in Germany, but spent most of his adult life in England and is best known as the composer of the Messiah in 1741. In place of reading the passage from Isaiah, we will listen to the words put to music in Part I of the Messiah. You may wish to sing or hum along. Or you may just want to soak in the power of Isaiah’s words.

     The second reading is from the Second Letter of Peter, Ch 3 (8-14).  This reading also refers to a coming of Jesus, not at Christmas, but at the end of time. It repeats the theme of last week’s reading from Mark to “Be watchful.”  And in the Gospel reading, the author of Mark has John the Baptist introduce Jesus as the Messiah to the people of Mark’s time.

 Gospel of Mark, Chapter 1 (1-8).            

     The beginning   of the gospel of Jesus Christ the Son of God. As it is written in Isaiah the prophet: Behold I am sending my messenger ahead of you; he will prepare your way. A voice of one crying out in the desert: Prepare the way of the Lord, make straight his paths. John the Baptist appeared in the desert proclaiming a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins.

     People of the whole Judean countryside and all the inhabitants of Jerusalem were going out to him and were being baptized by him in the Jordan River as they acknowledged their sins.

     John was clothed in camel’s hair, with a leather belt around his waist. He fed on locusts and wild honey. And this is what he proclaimed: One mightier than I is coming after me. I am not worthy to stoop and loosen the thongs on his sandals. I have baptized you with water; he will baptize you with the Holy Spirit.       

  HOMILY:

     All three readings today refer to the coming of Jesus. First, the prophecy of Isaiah is interpreted by the author of Mark as referring to the Messiah to come. Second, Peter’s reference to the final coming of Jesus at the end of time. And third, Mark’s use of John the Baptist to introduce Jesus as the real thing coming after John.

     In Isaiah Ch 40, and in the first words of Mark’s Gospel, there are pronouncements that something big is happening. Like: “Get ready!”, “Come see!”, “He is coming!”, “Here He is!”

     Well, if you don’t yet know, Lambrini and I are totally enthralled with our grandsons, Leo and Freddie. Recently we have noticed how Leo (almost 3) greets us when we go to his home or he comes to ours. His greeting is some sort of pronouncement, like: “Come see what I did! I did it!!” (pointing to Xmas tree,hands out gesture), -or- “Come see!! I have stuff to show you!!” –or- “YiaYia! Look!! YiaYia’s here!!” – or, last time he came to our home for a visit, “I’m back!”  

     What enthusiasm he expresses for life as it comes to him day by day. What sensitivity to people and events of every day, that we grownups take for granted, or have little wonder or excitement about.

     It seems to me that the use of the pronouncements by Isaiah, and Peter, and Mark, and John the Baptist are intended to evoke in us wonder and awe in the here and now, for what is always coming into our lives, the wonder and excitement children express naturally. ‘Out of the mouths of babes’ we are instructed in how to welcome the Good News that Christmas is coming, Jesus is coming, and that Christmas and Jesus are always coming.

     If you don’t have a 3 or 4 year old in your life, to experience their dramatic pronouncements about daily events and about people, think back to when you did, or a family member did, or a friend or a neighbor did. Listen with your ears and with your heart for the wonder and the enthusiasm they express about all that is new for them every day.

     The question I leave you with is: how do you respond to your everyday Christmas events? How are you preparing for the coming of God who is always here with us?

Picture 1:    Mass Begins

Picture 2:    Candle Ritual, Diane & Jenny

Picture 3:    Jenny lighting the candles

Picture 4:    Bethany & Shonda

Picture 5:    Leo & Rosemary

Picture 6:    John's daughter Joey with Freddie

Picture 7:    Freddie with his granddad  

Readings:

Acts 3,  13-15, 17-19,  God raised him from the dead.

Psalm 4,    Lord, let you face shine on us.

1 John 2, 1-5,   He is expiation for our sins.

 Luke  24, 35-48,  Peace be with you.

Some of the members of the class reunion who graduated from Spring Hill College, Mobile 1965 at the end of their 7th year of training.

The Readings:  Stack has introduced you to the author of Luke and Acts being the same person or compiler. They were probably written between 70 and 85 AD so a couple of generations after Jesus.  We don’t know the author of John’s Gospel and letters, but they were written at least another generation later. 

Homily 3^rd Sunday of Easter 04/19/15, John Cade

I’ve been looking for a chance to share with you an editorial in the Dallas Morning News from New Year’s Eve.  The topic is gratitude. So that’s where I’m at, and that’s what I want to share with you.

In Stack’s blog this Thursday he quotes from Winnie the Pooh. Pooh asks, “What day is it?”  “It’s today,” answers Piglet.  And Pooh responds, “My favorite day.”

Avenue of the Oaks, Spring Hill College.

The New Year’s Eve editorial refers to a multi-year research project at the University of California, titled “Expanding the Science and Practice of Gratitude.” This research turned up many benefits that grow out of gratitude, such as: a stronger immune system; fewer illnesses and aches and pains; better sleep; greater resilience; reduced anxiety and depression; and more joy, optimism and happiness.  The editorial also speaks to how we develop gratitude.  I made copies; there should be enough for each family unit to take one and there may be extras.

The last two weeks Stack talked about Easter events in our lives, events that give new life, fuller life, and joy of spirit.  Gratitude naturally flows from Easter events and from all the blessings we can count every day.  I do not believe there is anyone on this planet who has not experienced an Easter event.   We know that noticing an Easter event, and accepting its offer of new life and joy, can be difficult. I’ve caught myself not noticing such events or not being fully grateful for these blessings and gifts.  

Recently my daughter Joey came by with my grandson, Leo (age 6).  A couple of years ago Joey took a part time job and had been experiencing a desire to go beyond what it offered her in income, and especially in satisfaction.  Without making a formal job search, she was contacted by a company in Austin wanting her to head up a planned expansion to Dallas.

  They eventually offered her a percentage of the company if she took the job.  Another company in Richardson also found her and offered her a position.  When she approached her current employer and told him she had offers and was planning to take one of them, he begged her to stay and go full time. 

Avenue of the Oaks facing Stewart Field.

Joey’s Easter event, her experience of new life, was the realization that her fears about job security were unfounded and she could choose from among the three positions.  This meant more security as a mom and more confidence and satisfaction as an employee. 

Leo, while still in the developmental stage that includes magical thinking, is developing his sense of competence.  He loves playing all kinds of games and he makes them competitive.  In the short time they were at our house, Leo initiated several games with me: first, racing cars on the floor, then Black Jack which helps him learn to count, then Shoots and Ladders, then Parcheesi. 

It was a delight to see his face light up over his competence at these games.  He clearly was experiencing new life and joy in experiencing his competence, and his gratitude and joy showed all over his face. 

One of my Easter events was in 2008 when I was in hospital for heart surgery.  Lambrini and I had hired a construction team to convert an area of our home into an office for my therapy practice.  At one point the guys were not doing the work properly.

An architect friend, hearing about this problem and knowing I was in hospital, simply went over to our home and took charge of the project, telling them what to do over.  When Lambrini told me what he had done, I was so moved by this I was crying with her. 

A nurse must have seen me crying, since they started an anti-depressant and I had the most horrible nightmares I had ever had.  I asked them to please stop this treatment, that I was not depressed, I was emotional and crying because of my immense gratitude. 

Something we now know is that we can train our brains in the habit of noticing and accepting Easter events and in having gratitude.

Pooh said “today …is… my favorite day.” 

My question is how are you practicing the habit of noticing Easter events and the joy of gratitude?