Sunday Homily, December 14, 2014, 3rd Advent, B cycle
Readings:
Isaiah 61, 1-2, 10-11, He has sent me to bring glad tiding to the poor, (excellent, though not in Handel’s Messiah)
Psalm – Luke 1, My soul rejoices in my God.
1 Thessalonians 5, 16-24, Rejoice always.
Mark 1, 1-8, I am the voice of one crying out in the desert
Isaiah observations–
Who: This is Isaiah 3. Isaiah 1 goes to Chap. 39, Isaiah 2 goes 40-55. From 40 on we have what is called the Book of Comfort. Our selection today is all about comfort. The writer is consoling the Hebrews after returning from Babylon to a destroyed Jerusalem around 555 before Christ.
The first marvelous couple of verses are repeated more or less in Isaiah 42, i.e., Isaiah 2. Also, Luke puts these words into Jesus mouth in chapter 4 of his gospel.
Advent Wreaths: This little liturgical practice came to the Catholic liturgy, believe it or not, from the German Lutherans in the 1500's, the time of Martin Luther. It was more than just decoration. The circle symbolized eternity. The greens Christian life in a dead time of the year. The candles represent each of the 4 weeks of Advent, each candle symbolizing the greater light brought by Christ. Their color purple symbolized penance and purification for the Coming. The Rose candle says, 'We are almost there!
Our Friend, Curtis Ekes
For the Second Sunday in a row, Folks, I come before you with unfortunate news. Another of our best buddies, a good friend, and great supporter, Curtis Ekes, moved to the other side last Sunday evening at Presbyterian, Dallas.
I had the honor to be with him just an hour before he died. He had moved that day from San Remo Rehab Center to Presbyterian because of trouble breathing and maybe pneumonia. Because of the move, Rosemary and I had missed our usual Sunday visit with him. From the hospital Sunday evening Marlene called to let us know he may not make it through the night. I was stunned.
As a look back I can claim I received three things from Curtis, an example of how to be gracious, an example of how to be grateful, and an example of how to treasure people, in particular family.
Long before Curtis could not come to Vines and even before he would come in with his walker, I would meet him at the door as he came in. Always it was, “Good Morning, John.” He was delighted to chat and ask about myself. I was touched by how gracious a gentleman he was.
As far as gratefulness, every time Rosemary and I would visit him at home, it was, “Thanks for coming.” This would be repeated frequently. If he could have, he would have said it in the hospital.
In fact, the example of graciousness and gratitude came equally from Curtis and from Mabel. You two were twins, Mabel, and I was touched so often and learned a lot.
The third gift I received was simple appreciation of people and, especially of family. There is an awareness in the Ekes family that family is built upon having fun together. The custom you folks have of getting everyone together for a Sunday meal at Curtis’ and Mabel’s house is as good as it gets. Marlene and Cindy put it together these days. If Rosemary and I were not so busy on Sundays, we would come begging to your door at the time you are serving.
Thanks, Curtis, for the beautiful example you have given me of graciousness, gratitude, and people appreciation, especially of family. Thanks for Mabel, Bobby, Billy, David, Marlene, and Cindy, and all the family.
Here is a response I hear from Curtis, a Hoppe Indian poem about the soul’s transition:
Do not stand at my grave and weep
I am not there,
I do not sleep.
I am a thousand winds that blow.
I am the diamond glints on snow.
I am the sunlight
On the ripened grain.
I am the gentle Autumn's rain.
When you awaken in the morning hush,
I am the swift uplifting rush
of quiet birds in circled flight.
I am the soft stars that shine at night.
Do not stand at my grave and cry.
I am not there.
I did not die.