Winton Wyoming Pastoral Region

While the things that I hold onto for some semblance of security have become more complex over the years, they most certainly have not decreased in number. Obviously, I can’t go walking around with security blankets or pacifiers nowadays (at least not without getting some well-earned judgmental looks), but my phone, laptop, and the massive box of liturgical books I carry in my car at all times keep me feeling as though I have things under control. I’ve even noticed an alarming multiplication of things I always carry on my person. Phone, keys, wallet, other keys, pocketknife, rosary, oil stock, travel stole; the list goes on. If I leave things behind, I feel exposed in a cruel, uncaring world. How little trust I must have as I rely on heaps of junk to get me through the day. Click title for full column.

It would be unfair (straight up untrue, even) to say that Our Lord is guilty of a great deal of empty promises, but it is certainly the case that He is the source of many false expectations. How often does it happen in the Gospel that people expect a King, a Military Savior, a Kicker of Butts and a Taker of Names, and instead Jesus gives them something else entirely? People want to carry Him off and make Him a king, and He slips away instead. In today’s Gospel, James and John, misunderstanding Our Lord and His mission entirely, ask that they can be seated at His left and His right when He comes into His glory. Trying to cut off their misunderstanding at the pass, He offers them crucifixion instead, to no avail. Click on title for full column.