Once again for this Sunday’s Eucharist we have very rich readings. In the gospel (Mt 14:22-33), Jesus leaves his disciples after the feeding of the multitudes and goes off to pray. The disciples, meanwhile, get in the boat and head for the opposite shore, without Jesus. Very quickly a storm erupts with strong winds. Jesus later starts out towards them walking on the water and they become fearful before this sight. Seeing their fear, Jesus says: ‘Take courage, it is I; do not be afraid.’

“You have hidden these things from the wise and the learned, and have revealed them to the little ones,” says Jesus (Mt 11:25). Jesus is praising his abba for revealing the mysteries of God to the little ones, that is to children. If we look at the posture of children and compare it with the posture of the so-called ‘wise and learned’, what is Jesus praising in this text?

(Above - recently discovered Salvator Mundi, by Leonardo Da Vinci)

I have been reading Bonnie Thurston’s book, Shaped By the End You Live For. She quotes material from Thomas Merton that I have not read before and you will hear more of these pithy texts in a moment. I like to return to the ‘false self – true self’ dynamic that was important to Merton’s journey and to his understanding of monastic, contemplative life. Recalling our brief discussion several weeks ago I chose not to use the word ‘dichotomy’ in terms of the false self-true self relationship, so as not to give the sense that there is a split between these two realities.

Readings of the day: RB 22 Sleeping Arrangements for the CommunityMass: Ac 12:1-11; Resp Ps 34; 2 Tm 4:6-8, 17-18; Mt 16:13-19
Shroud of Turin center
But who do you say that I am?
I remember Fr Tom Royce, SJ, of blessed memory. Fr Tom was kind enough to speak about Ignatian Spirituality in a class I taught on Christian Spir

Readings of the day: RB 35:12-18Mass: Is 49:8-15; Resp Ps 145; Jn 5:17-30
I pray to you, O Lord, for a time of favor.In your great mercy, answer me, O God, with your salvation that never fails.(Entrance Antiphon, Mass)


Like all days, today is a day to call upon the Lord in times of difficulty and frustratio