Powerful readings: Isaiah 50, the third Suffering Servant Song; from James, the "faith-works" controversy; from Mark, "Get behind me, Satan!"

How good it is for our ears to be opened once again to hear Sunday reflections on the Word of God. Reflecting on the life of my first seminary spiritual director, I add the image of the "heart of stone" (Ezekiel 36: 24-28) to the prescribed readings.

The Holy Eucharist responds well to our humanity. It is the satisfaction of an immediate need alongside other immediate needs about which we are frequently reminded during the course of a day.

I was away last week. In the meantime, our bishop made a long-awaited announcement regarding an investigation. We as the People of God are called to recognize the strength that allows us to make our various life-journeys, especially in adversity. "Get up and eat, else the journey will be too long for you."

I was much happier with this homily, given at 10:15 am. What happened at the "multiplication of the loaves and fishes"? Did Jesus just get everybody to share? Would that have served his purpose completely? We consider the abundance of God's love and accept the challenge, given today by St. Paul, to rely upon a deep source of love and patience in our hearts.

I am somewhat dissatisfied with this homily, given at 8:00 am, so I will give it another try at 10:15 am. For one thing, the homily goes 11 minutes. I am consistently urged to preach no more than 10 minutes (in seminary, I was taught that eight minutes is enough!).

Having returned from vacation, Fr. Kevin sounds as if he'd really like to be with Jesus and the Twelve, going to that out-of-the-way place to rest a while. He got very accustomed to the relaxation! He sounds kind of tired. Pray for peace.

Today I share a story of an incident which occurred back in 1970, when I was thirteen. It's a good complement for today's readings and a continuing matter of wonder for me, as I find myself looking deep within to consider the obstacles in our hearts which could constitute a "thorn in the flesh."

The way of the world is death, but we have the audacity to believe in a Creator who preserves us to eternal life, and in a Savior who came quietly into this world to triumph over death and to give that full life to those who exercise faith.

Fear can be a good thing, if it's the reverential fear that we owe to God. We lift up our hearts to God who gives us life and all good things, and we remember, with Job, that God even tells chaos how far it can go.