communitas et caritas

Christ is Risen!  Alleluia! I've been singing this song all morning:  (I don't see the point of the images in the video, so scroll down if you want something more relevant!) This is a detail from one of the windows at Boston College's Newton Campus Chapel. Happy Easter!   May this season be filled with joyful celebration and the love of family and friends! Christ is Risen!  Amen! Alleluia!

Tonight, we celebrate Holy Thursday--the Last Supper, when Jesus washed the feet of his followers. I was invited to have my feet washed at the service in our parish, and then to wash the feet of three others.  So, there I was, front and center on the raised platform right in front of the altar, with two men, one on each side.  I felt a teensy bit inconspicuous.  And a bit more, I felt nervous.  But it was really lovely.  The three I was asked to wash were a child in second grade, and a husband and wife (probably around age 30).  My church spreads out the washing, so that we are all over, in all the aisles.  It's a nice way to bring the ritual close to everyone. I was struck by the memories brought out by the experience.  A year ago today, I was washing the feet of homeless men and women at an ecumenical event in my neighborhood in Southern California--a world away it seems.  You know, the feet I saw that day were worn, calloused, truly...

An interesting (and very Catholic) thing happened last week:  the relics of St. Mary Magdalene visited this city, and I was invited to preach for a Vespers service in their presence.  So, I offer here the reading from that service and my preaching for the occasion. Maybe it's not such a detour from Holy Week after all:  Mary Magdalene is certainly present in the events of this week, and her friendship with Jesus is highlighted both at the foot of the cross and at the empty tomb.   That's me, with MM's tibia in the gold and glass box. Romans 8:28-31, 35a, 38-39   (NABRE) We know that all things work for good for those who love God, who are called according to his purpose.   For those he foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, so that he might be the firstborn among many.   And those he predestined he also called; and those he called he also justified; and those he justified he also glorified. What t...