Last week's homily on "restoration" is up in the library>
This Sunday's scriptures can be found as the usscb website>
This coming Sunday I will be presiding at 4pm on Saturday, 11am on Sunday and at the first of our two First Communion Masses. It's my "First" First Communion, too.
I am thinking mostly about "being taken in hand". The Gospel refers to the Good Shepherd who says "No one can take them out of my hand....no one can take them out of the Father’s hand." I believe that my Holy Thursday homily (which referred to "getting into Jesus" and "Jesus getting into us") is something I will not be able to avoid repeating.
Being taken "in hand" is a Eucharistic gesture, but it is also a gesture or expression of intimacy. The parish, a job, a spouse, or any other worthy "effort" is now in "good hands" - like All State. Husband and wife "now join your right hands" and I have asked for "your hand" in marriage. Something is entrusted into your "able hands".
While some might hear "control" (as if to handle), those who live in love hear "tender embrace" and "conscientious care". As we take "Jesus in hand" we are also taken "into his hands". It is this reciprocal relationship that the Good Shepherd desires with us and we seek in the Holy Eucharist.
So, are you in Good Hands? Have you gotten a "handle" on this Jesus? Let's see.
5 comments:
Fr., you never seem to have the 9:30 Mass! lr
I like your reflection on being taken in hand. I agree that some would react to this as being controlled, but when we look at it from the disciple’s perspective we see it as “freedom.” Jesus will guide us, direct us, and we need only follow…follow with the knowledge of being led to the way of eternal life. As you say, this is a loving gesture, one that we can accept (or reject) at will. And we do so with the confidence that “no one can take us out of His hand” once we’ve made the decision to accept His “conscientious care.”
I was thinking of the Little Flower and how she tried to be as little and childlike as possible. Being like a child and taking Jesus' hand should comfort us; knowing he is leading us and we are trusting Him.
How special are Jesus' hands! He blessed and cured so many people with them by His touch, held the little children, and holds us as His sheep.
Very comforting thoughts, indeed! :)lr
I thought of Jesus telling the disciples to let the children come to him. How often do we extend a hand to a child andthir small hand allows our much bigger hand to envelop theirs and they trust us to lead them without stifling as they grow just as Jesus leads all of us.
I love the example of reaching up to take the hand of a parent without having to think about it or ask or even look. We just reach and it is there when we need it...awesome to think that God is there like that for us.
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