Isaiah 62:1-5,10-12; Revelation 19:11-16; Matthew 1:18-25; Psalms 103, 148  

The Feast of The Holy Name

1^st Kings 3:5-14; James 4:13-17, 5:7-11; John 5:1-15; Psalms 46 & 48

How did that happen?

I am fortunate that I can look back to a special Christmas of sorts that helps to keep me grounded and keep everything in perspective.  It was the August of 2006.  I was fortunate enough to be able to have taken a sabbatical and was in New Orleans for two weeks....On one of the days that I was there, the Church where I was spending my time sent me out on the Loaves and Fishes truck.  Each day members of the parish would volunteer and make sandwiches and this very cool truck was outfitted much like the sidewalk venders and they gave out food. 

As the daylight was fading, we walked together along the shore. I was nervous but still found myself pouring out my heart to him, voicing my uncertainties and fears. He put his arm around my shoulder, giving me a reassuring squeeze. I continued talking, perhaps using words to shield myself from what I felt or—even more—to prevent asking him how he felt. Finally he stopped walking, took me by the shoulders, looked me in the eyes, and spoke: "What will it take," Jesus told me, "for me to convince you I love you?"