Complacent

It's so easy to walk by without noticing this tiny stream surrounded by its wild and beautiful variety.  In this Sunday's parable the rich man who doesn't notice the poor man lying at his door is not condemned for being mean to the poor man.  He is condemned for his complacency.  A grim parable!  If I don't even notice the poor man lying at my door, how will I ever notice my complacency.

Hallowed Be Thy Name

I spent some time yesterday morning reflecting on what this verse of the Lord's Prayer and Psalm 96 might have in common.  Out of reverence for God's proper name, "Yahweh," the Old Testament sometimes substitutes "name."  We are praying ''May You be held holy."   Psalm 96 encourages us, "Sing to the Lord, bless his name."  I am praying something like "You are an awesome God."
The Psalm overflows with joyful praise to God, so much so that it is given the honor of being the psalm used to reflect on the readings in the Christmas Mass.  My favorite line is "All the trees of the forest shall sing for joy."  It has always made me think of Christmas trees. 

Healing Beauty

The memorial in New York City of the destruction of the twin towers of World Trade Center is a thing of beauty.  Two enormous pools replace the craters where the towers once stood.  Water streams down the inside walls of the pools and across the "floor" into a large square hole in the center.  I was deeply moved by harmony and beauty replacing brokenness.  Around the outside of each pool are the names of 3,000 who were killed that day.  You are invited to touch the names.

Evening

"In the evening of life we will be judged by love."

              --St. John of the Cross

Sister Helen Prejean uses this quote near the end of her memoir, River of Fire.

Joy

"Joy is the echo of God's life within us."

            Joseph Marmion