“Threatened by the Resurrection”
Saturday, August 15 soleminity of the Assumption of Mary
Rev. 11:19; 12:1-6; 10; Lk. 1:39-56
Brothers and sisters:
Christ has been raised from the dead,
the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep.
For since death came through man,
the resurrection of the dead came also through man.
For just as in Adam all die,
so too in Christ shall all be brought to life,
but each one in proper order:
Christ the firstfruits;
then, at his coming, those who belong to Christ;
then comes the end,
when he hands over the Kingdom to his God and Father,
when he has destroyed every sovereignty
and every authority and power.
For he must reign until he has put all his enemies under his feet.
The last enemy to be destroyed is death,
for “he subjected everything under his feet.”
Old Catholics do not recognize the “Assumption,” but I like to acknowledge Mary and her journey. For me she was a woman of faith, who followed her faith against all odds, and danger. In the same way for me to believe in the resurrection is going agains the odds, going against what one would consider normal or even possible, but ultimately for me that is what faith is about, and I am “threatened by the resurrection”, for the resurrection is threatening in that it calls me to be accountable in my daily actions on this earth and in my following of Jesus in those actions. The resurrection is not just about the ‘hereafter”, but about God coming into our midst bringing new life now. We are called to be new life, to support new life, to fight for the welfare and the dignity of all. And knowing that even when we lose we still are “threatened by the resurrection.” Being “threatened by the resurrection” for me means being present to the thirty or so people I saw on the street last night, giving them socks, food, needles, my time, knowing that I have the moment with them, and knowing that while I may not see results there was resurrection. “Threatened by the resurrection” for me means trusting in the resurrection, knowing that it is happening in my midst whether or not I see it, or even have glimpse of it. The moment is what matters.
I had mass this morning in Vallejo. It was hot as hell in church, I was soaked in sweat in vestments, I had lunch with Ken, and then came home and took a nap. I worked on materials for Mike’s time with me tomorrow to finish up his internship, and I did outreach. I am always amazed at how appreciative people are of socks, something that is so simple, so basic. It seemed dead out on the street, but I saw around forty five people, so it was not really dead, just in appearance. Bed at 2:00 a.m. Deo Gratis! Thanks be to God!
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