Under The Fig Tree

It never made much sense to me why Nathanael, aka Bartholomew, instantly believed just because Jesus saw him under the fig tree.  It was always…so what…what is so special about seeing him under the fig tree.  I always wondered what ole Nate was doing under that tree…what made this encounter so special.  Was he eating figs, stealing figs, taking a nap…what was it?    

Well…today, the feast of Bartholomew, I found out.  Thanks to Father Christopher’s explanation…it seems Bart was praying. Probably praying for a sign, a sign from God…and BAM…he got it. 

Dear Lord Jesus, my prayer today is that I be more like Nathanael…so You might say to me “there is no duplicity in him”.  Amen

Today’s Gospel: John 1:45-51

The Puzzle's Missing Piece

I never quite understood the parable in Matthew’s gospel about the man who was bound hands and feet and thrown out of the wedding feast because he was not wearing the wedding garment.  I always thought his treatment was a bit harsh. After all maybe he couldn’t afford a nice coat and tie or perhaps his only suit was at the cleaners. The parable just never made good sense to me. 

But today…I was given the missing piece to the puzzle.  Father Gary explained; it was common knowledge, back then, that the party host supplied everyone with the proper garment.   

So this guy just refused to wear it.

Well now…that makes a lot more sense…no wonder he got thrown out.

Thank you, Lord Jesus…

When I puzzle over words I read

You supply my every need

You are there to sow the seed

And guide my hands in every deed.

Help me, Lord, follow your lead

I want not to be an ugly weed

You were ready and willing to bleed

So...that I might be freed

Your every word I must heed

And on your body I must feed

Please forgive my selfish greed

For this is my earnest plead.

Amen.

Today’s gospel reading….. Matthew 22:1-14

One More Behind Me

One more funeral behind me, one more funeral closer to being able to recline through the entire Mass without having to do all that sitting, kneeling and standing…I contemplated.  Eyeing Father Celestino Say’s simple pine box casket I could not help but be a little envious…envious that I was not more like him, a man of God, a man who finished the race, a man who fought the good fight.   

The souls of the righteous are in the hand of God, and no torment shall touch them.

They seemed, in the view of the foolish, to be dead;

and their passing away was thought an affliction

and their going forth from us, utter destruction.

But they are in peace.

For if to others, indeed, they seem punished,

yet is their hope full of immortality;

Chastised a little, they shall be greatly blessed,

because God tried them

and found them worthy of himself.

As gold in the furnace, he proved them,

and as sacrificial offerings he took them to himself.

In the time of their judgment they shall shine

and dart about as sparks through stubble;

They shall judge nations and rule over peoples,

and the LORD shall be their King forever.

Those who trust in him shall understand truth,

and the faithful shall abide with him in love:

Because grace and mercy are with his holy ones,

and his care is with the elect.   Wisdom 3:1-9

8/8/15