Lent I

Mark 1:9-15

........And the Spirit immediately drove him out into the wilderness (after his baptism in the Jordan by John the Baptist). He was in the wilderness for forty days, tempted by Satan; and he was with the wild beasts; and the angels waited on him.........

Will we allow ourselves to enter the wilderness; to fast, pray, be tempted and be with the wild beasts this Lenten season? How else will the Angels minister to us? How else will we hear "You are my beloved children in whom I am well pleased"? I think Lent is a time to make real a wilderness space within us; a space in which to receive the words which are ours alone.

All things to all people?

In today's epistle (1 Corinthians 9:16-23), St. Paul boasts (he has a habit of boasting!) about his having become all things to all people in service to the Gospel. I couldn't help but think of Whitney Houston and all those we raise to demigod status. Don't we expect them to be like St. Paul; all things to all people? I also think we can be very unforgiving when our hero's fail to live up to our expectations.

Whitney Houston soared to heights most glorious in sharing her beautiful voice. I also remember some very unkind remarks made in the press regarding her troubled marriage and struggle with addiction. Now that she is gone from our reach far too soon, I think I will remember most her beautiful message: "I will always love you". While a love song to one person, I think we all felt a bit more "loved" when hearing her voice carry these words we all want to sing and have sung to us.

Rest in peace Whitney Houston. May the angels escort you to paradise; the saints rush forth to greet you; and Christ our Light shine perpetually upon you. Thank you for translating our hopes into song.......