I Confess: Love

The Mass has a new "ring" to it. I know - no, I KNEW the Nicene Creed by heart. I've only been reciting it since the second grade. I had to know it (I memorized it in Trukese, initially) before my First Confession. One day last year, in the middle of saying the Nicene Creed in Mass I caught myself stumbling for the right words as the rest of the congregation carried on flawlessly. Man, my memory is failing! I thought to myself. Then I noticed that everyone was reading from a placard...

This is new. "Consubstantial" and "incarnate" taketh away the poetic ring of the Nicene Creed to my ears...

But that's not what I want to write about today. This passage from the New Testament hit home with me today. I've heard many, many, many times before, but today it was different. 

Today's Second Reading is the most read and used passage in Scripture in the history of church.

Cousin Ain told me about her experience at her church three Sundays ago. A couple left before the Mass was finished. And Mattie asked his mom if they could transfer to a different church.

Iwon'ttalkaboutit.

Then the communion hymn struck up. It reminded me of the men at the St. Joseph's Church Winter Shelter, the cripple begging for alms at church, the young man in the dirty clothes at the bus stop who lowers his head to avert your gaze, the mangy dog cowering at the kids throwing rocks at it because it's funny. [Of course I believe dogs have souls! If you've ever allowed yourself to receive the adoration of a dog -  or a cat, or horse, or any other animal that smiles, thrills at your arrival, and lavishes at your presence -  then you'll know it.]

Finally, the closing hymn made me think of one person in particular, another cousin of mine, who is on a quest for Love.

By the way, this post was quite difficult for me to write. I deserve a reward!

Breakfast tacos with Morning Star vegetarian sausages, broccoli, scallions, spinach, and freshly grated parmesan cheese, washed down with glass of sparkling apple cider!

Amen!

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