Our readings for Sunday are here.
These are the poems, my notes, and interpretations of Fr Dennis’ homily from the Mass of
- June 14, 2015 10AM & 5PM
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The poem Fr Dennis references this year is:
- A Final Affection by Paul Zimmerman on June 14, 2015
- Chicory by John Updike on June 14, 2015
In 2015, we reflected on —
- The readings are about things that grow:
- The first reading of Ezekiel 17:22-24 focuses on the cedar of Lebanon
- The Gospel of Mark 4:26-34 is Jesus using seeds and the mustard seed to convey the Good News.
- And regardless of the farmer’s efforts in the gospel reading, the seeds grow (or don’t), i.e., God is in control of what grows and doesn’t. This might also be said that the gospel grows itself, we will likely not know or see the fruits of our labor.
- Jesus is clear that the seed has a way to grow in and of itself, and by analogy, it is impossible for us to quench the reign of God, and
- it is that Godliness that sustains and calls each of us through our lives and challenges
- Paul Zimmer’s poem is a loving look at trees, their growth, and the poet’s eventual death to “hover above” and “To see at last what held the darkness up.” It reminded D2 of the cedar of Lebanon in the first reading.
- John Updike’s Chicory poem describes the inevitability of growth in all circumstances by the grace of God.
The seasons in the upper Midwest / Great Lakes region illustrate these ideas so vividly — the stunning growth from April through September, the gradual letting go that begins in August as color, leaves, and energy leave the portion of the tree above ground, the deepest of deep sleep and life occurring beneath the snow and ground … waiting, just waiting to burst forth — while we of little faith on the wintry grounds above doubt its return. And that final doubt makes the bursting forth, bud by bud, from late February on feel like a miracle every year. Another gift of gospel well-received, it always feels new.
Our image today is one of “free” Chicory, growing in a field. The photos are taken by the author of Stephen’s View (a member of the UK and Eire Natural History Bloggers, and can be found at his blog Random Jottings (though this blog does not see activity since 2020) He notes in his blog chicory are more often in the 3′ to 4′ range, but these were 6′ tall! These are European chicory which were introduced to the Americas and Australia.
The Surest Sign 