Desert Whisperings

New arrivals to Alabama will often hear some enthusiastic well-seasoned resident share the unnerving fact that the state they now live in is home to a number of venomous snakes. Even more disconcerting than hearing this statement is the queasy feeling that begins to grow as one thinks: I wouldn’t know what to do if bit by a snake! - while wondering the distance to the nearest hospital. The passage from Exodus that chronicles the Israelites’ plight and rescue from seraph serpents in the desert displays a similar drama in its darkest form. Israel had begun to grumble, and with ‘their patience worn out by the journey’ (Num 21:4) they lost sight of God’s providence and unfailing faithfulness. The ‘serpent’s’ whisperings, manifested in their thoughts and complaints, suddenly were seen, as it were, in the flesh. God sent among them the visible consequence of their unbelief. The result was suffering from the serpent bite and the ultimate evil – death. While these most cunning of all the animals destroyed God’s chosen ones, the Lord himself intervened and saved those who succumbed to the father of lies. The problem with ‘the serpent’ of course began in the Garden. Eve, seduced by the tempter’s words, tasted his ‘poison’ – the poison of death as she took the fruit – her first act of mistrust and disobedience. In Lent we keenly feel the residue of this venom in our very selves. The poison of sin and selfishness has corroded our relationship with God and we often do not ‘do the good [we] want (Rom 7:19).’ And yet the remedy for our foolishness far exceeds the damage we have incurred. While we have often tasted the forbidden fruit, choosing to live for ourselves, - the Cross, the Tree of Life offers us salvation in the One lifted upon it. He draws us to taste this Fruit, which is Himself given up for us in the Eucharist. Here at the Tree of Life we find the Woman who will (and does!) with her Son, crush the serpent’s head. Let us stay with her as Holy Week approaches and as we take part in the great drama of our salvation.

For the Life of the World

“And the Word was made flesh.” Mother Angelica has a profound love for these powerful words. which have had an immeasurable impact on her life. Here at Our Lady of the Angels we have a special reason to rejoice on this feast – it is the Feastday of our Reverend Mother Mary Angelica of the Annunciation! We can certainly give thanks again and again for all that God has done through her faithful ‘yeses’ through the years (and they are numerous!) We especially look forward to spending some time with her as a community on her big day, to share with her some laughs, some smiles and perhaps a song. The Feast of the Annunciation is an fitting day to celebrate someone who has brought the Word of God to so many!

The mystery of the Annunciation and the Incarnation! God and man are forever united in and through Christ. Beautiful too, is the realization that Mary perfectly fulfilled what God had ordained for her. Having been prepared from the moment of her conception, free of sin for this Divine Gift, she fully corresponds to the designs of God. She was a woman who had ‘meditated on the law of the Lord’, who knew the history of salvation yet unfolding, and the promises of God contained in the Torah. Mary’s consent was full, entire, self-emptying, total. And in place of that unconditional surrender, she received God Himself. She is an unparalleled exemplar for all of us in hearing and receiving the Word, believing what God has said, and responding in turn. The challenge for us is passing on the great treasures of our faith that we have been given without distorting them, without watering down, without compromising either love or truth. So let us receive & let us give! What more does this broken and aching world need but the Word of God and His presence among us?

Journey On!

This Lenten season has begun! As we set out on this ‘exodus’ journey from sinful habits, to a greater freedom in Christ, it is essential that we always keep our goal and destiny in sight. The normal fasting from a favorite pastime, food, or bad habit is a starting point for a greater end. It is no secret that this process from start to finish is plagued with setbacks, failures, difficulties and temptations. These are not the issue at hand, but it is imperative to remember that temptations are to be expected. Temptations and lies – are all set up to distract us from our end, to delay or turn around the process of overcoming sin and being faithful to the Gospel. It is important that we be able to exercise ourselves in doing good in all aspects of life so that we CAN recognize the presence of lies and the one that speaks them. We will reject lies and sin at the renewal of our baptismal promises at Easter… so that is why we get this opportunity to do just that now! The great Solemnity of St. Joseph affords us a spectacular chance to glimpse the beauty of this end that we seek in Lent – new life in Christ Jesus. Joseph – a man of faithfulness and justice knew God and believed His promises spoken throughout the generations. Therefore he did not hesitate to respond in faith at EVERY prompting God gave him. May it be so for us! St. Joseph – pray for us!