Saturday, June 8, 2024
Memorial of the Immaculate Heart of the Blessed Virgin Mary
(click here to listen to or read today’s scriptures)
Listening to God at 7 in the morning
I charge you in the presence of God and of Christ Jesus, who will judge the living and the dead, and by his appearing and his kingly power: proclaim the word.
The sun shines, the air is calm, Illinois State Museum beckons, and we are headed there soon. The dioramas of pre-Civil War Illinois, complete with indigenous Americans called Illini, as well as buffalo and deer hadn’t changed much until recently when they were removed. But in the 1950’s I was 10 and in fourth grade, and we came to Springfield from Lincoln on a yellow school bus, shepherded by Mrs. Walsh. She shared some of her own stories, and we were restless, wanting to get on to see the nearly naked women baking bread in 1820, or 1720, or sometime back then.
Be persistent whether it is convenient or inconvenient; convince, reprimand, encourage through all patience and teaching.
Back then politics were more in-your-face, if that’s possible. Religion was more rigid and intolerant, although I wasn’t there, so I only hear tell. Paul wrote from his experiences, and what seemed to be right for his congregations. Fathers Joliet and Marquette explored Illinois via canoe in 1673, with the help of the Illini indigenous I imagine. They surely wanted to share their Catholic word with the folks they met. Of course, Paul was Catholic too, or would have been had he read Ignatius’ letter describing the “universal” catholic church written to the Smyrnaeans a few decades after Paul’s death.
Be self-possessed in all circumstances; put up with hardship; perform the work of an evangelist; fulfill your ministry.
Margaret and I both slept in this morning, made bacon and eggs, cleaned up the kitchen and now we’re off to the museum. I spent some of my semi-dreaming time imagining old things, old people, remembering years past, wondering how anything worthwhile could have come from my life. God was near, but it took awhile for me to invite him into my bed, and then my thoughts straightened out. But Paul too, wondered both about his culture…
The time will come when people will not tolerate sound doctrine but, following their own desires and insatiable curiosity, will accumulate teachers and will stop listening to the truth and will be diverted to myths.
and his own (was it worth it?) life …
I am already being poured out like a libation, and the time of my departure is at hand. I have competed well; I have finished the race; I have kept the faith.
God straightened out Paul’s thoughts, as he does mine time after time. I am so grateful. God does not judge me like I judge myself. This is salvation in my face, in the moment of my becoming, here on earth as it is in heaven.
I will sing of your salvation.
My mouth shall be filled with your praise, with your glory day by day.
Cast me not off in my old age; as my strength fails, forsake me not.
(2 Timothy 4, Psalm 71, Luke 2)
(posted at www.davesandel.net)
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