Author: Carissa A. Kane

Carissa A. Kanehttps://hopethatfloats.wordpress.comI am passionate about spirituality and the journey to deepen and grow in relationship with God. My desire to live a life rooted in the Divine, and to journey with others who wish to do so, has grown, as have I, through the joys and sorrows, the struggles, victories and challenges of life. I feel blessed to be a child of God, wife, mother, writer, spiritual director, and retreat director.
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What The World Needs Now…

In chapter 5 of the Gospel according to Mark, the saving power of Jesus is revealed in the healing of the man with unclean spirits (the Gerasene demoniac), the woman who had been hemorrhaging for 12 years, and the daughter of Jairus, a synagogue official. In all three cases, Jesus acts differently than what is expected, in that he is not afraid to meet and embrace those who have met misfortune, and are viewed as less than, and he does not treat anyone or anything as a lost cause or beyond repair. Because of this, even though what he has to offer is beneficial, to those who are married to one way of being he is seen as someone to be weary of and who is dangerous.

When Jesus heals the demoniac, sending the unclean spirits into a herd of swine who then head over the bank and into the sea where they meet their demise, folks become afraid. They cannot see the miracle in the healing that has taken place and ask him to leave. He does get in the boat and depart back to the other side. However, he also remains. The man he healed takes heed in Jesus’s instructions to him. In staying behind, Jesus is with him, and the man gives witness to what the Lord has done for him.

When the hemorrhaging woman touches his cloak, Jesus, who is on the way to heal the synagogue official’s daughter, stops, and takes time not only to seek and find the woman he has just healed, but also to engage with her. Despite fear, the woman comes forward to own, or to claim, the truth. In doing so, she is met, not with a critical, harsh, or condescending response, but rather with affirmation. She believed in Jesus and was willing to take a leap and trust in the healing that she sensed he could bring, when she dared to reached out to touch his garment as he passed by. With Jesus, there is no such thing as too little, too late, not worthwhile, or not enough time.

When it is announced that the synagogue official’s daughter is dead, and that he is no longer needed, Jesus does not turn away. He tells the girl’s father, “Do not be afraid. Just have faith.” (v. 36). Despite the news and being ridiculed by others, Jesus proceeds to their house and wakes the girl up. With Jesus, nothing is impossible.

As a Christian, one is called to follow Jesus, embracing the Way, and striving, through the grace of God, to live it. As challenging, uncomfortable, or unpopular as it may be, oftentimes, this requires change and evolution. Sometimes it may mean the opposite or a variation of the new ways and examples happening in the world, and at other times, it may mean the opposite or a variation of the old ways. Either way, the constant is Love, and the question is whether we trust God enough to let Love be the author.

It’s an incredible mystery of God’s love that the more you know how deeply you are loved, the more you will see how deeply your sisters and your brothers in the human family are loved. – Henri Nouwen

A Whole New World…

Have you ever had the experience of trying to purchase a one-quarter section of watermelon at a grocery store or market, only to have it ring up as a whole watermelon? Despite its popularity, the one-quarter section is, to this day, not found in the “look up” section of the check-out screens, at least not where I am. It is as if the scanner gods will not have the purchase of anything less than an entire watermelon.

While this may seem trivial, it appears that people were becoming more unhappy and customer service was becoming overrun. Over time it became clear that the system wasn’t working, and a change(s) was necessary. The issue was legitimate and needed to be addressed, so some stores posted notices advising customers of the code to enter or added stickers with bar codes to the plastic wrap on the quartered sections of watermelon. Finally, steps were taken to try to ensure customers were not being overcharged and hindered as they tried to pay for their groceries and continue with their day.

So, what does this have to do with faith? Well, in chapter 5, verses 14-17 of the Second Letter of St. Paul to the Corinthians, St. Paul starts by talking about being driven by the love of Christ. This was the same person, Paul of Tarsus, who was once driven by the love of rules and laws, thinking he was serving God by persecuting early Christians because their way was different. Imagine, Paul of Tarsus could have kept doing things his way instead of answering the call to conversion, embracing the Way—Jesus, and eventually becoming St. Paul.

Thank God he was open to change!

Brothers and sisters:
once we have come to the conviction that one died for all;
therefore, all have died.
He indeed died for all,
so that those who live might no longer live for themselves
but for him who for their sake died and was raised.

Consequently, from now on we regard no one according to the flesh;
even if we once knew Christ according to the flesh,
yet now we know him so no longer.
So whoever is in Christ is a new creation:
the old things have passed away;
behold, new things have come. – 2 Cor 5:14-17

Waiting to be Found…

From childhood, the name Anthony has evoked two thoughts more prominently than others, spaghetti day and help in finding what has been lost— “St. Anthony, please come around: something is lost, and it cannot be found,” or the less formal, “Tony, Tony, look around. Something’s lost and must be found!”

Today, June 13th, is the feast day of St. Anthony of Padua whose life in words and actions is an inspiring example of participation in the Kingdom of God, here on earth, and everlasting. Anthony accepted the invitation, sought union with the Lord, and allowed himself to be led, leaving behind a path that guaranteed him earthly wealth and power. It seems so appropriate that the name Anthony means fortunate… blessed… praiseworthy… priceless. Words that create an image of abundance, and that one can also imagine applying to the Kingdom of God.

In the Book of the Prophet Ezekiel, it is written:

Thus says the Lord God:
I, too, will take from the crest of the cedar,
    from its topmost branches tear off a tender shoot,
and plant it on a high and lofty mountain;
    on the mountain heights of Israel I will plant it.
It shall put forth branches and bear fruit,
    and become a majestic cedar.
Birds of every kind shall dwell beneath it,
    every winged thing in the shade of its boughs.
And all the trees of the field shall know
    that I, the Lord,
bring low the high tree,
    lift high the lowly tree,
wither up the green tree,
    and make the withered tree bloom.
As I, the Lord, have spoken, so will I do. – Ez 17:22-24

Reading this passage, listening to the words and phrases within it, and considering the example of St. Anthony, one is reminded that just as the Lord stooped down, becoming one of, and with us, we also, are called to abandon lofty ideals, places, and practices. While the world, and all that is passing, might seek to grip and hold us down, God seeks to meet us on ground level, and elevate us to that which is eternal. In what ways, might this Divine invitation be accepted more fully?

“The creator of the heavens obeys a carpenter; the God of eternal glory listens to a poor virgin. Has anyone ever witnessed anything comparable to this? Let the philosopher no longer disdain from listening to the common laborer; the wise, to the simple; the educated, to the illiterate; a child of a prince, to a peasant.” – St. Anthony of Padua

The Gradual…

Some days seem to arrive so suddenly, despite all the moments along the way building and leading up to them. Occasions can seem so far away, distant, or perhaps remote in possibility, but then in a blink of an eye, there they are, upon us.

Looking back, quite often we can see that there was a gradual unfolding. Bit by bit, being led, pushing back, falling into, twisting and turning, moving toward, and perhaps eventually all out embracing the process in the making. And, almost always, right before our very eyes, like the rising and setting of the sun, or the movement of the wind and drifting of the clouds.

Purpose and meaning, and yes, a point, even in the midst, or lack, of human understanding.

In the Gospel according to Mark, after the preparation and celebration of the Passover, on the day that would become known as the Lord’s supper, we read:

“Then, after singing a hymn, they went out to the Mount of Olives” (Mk 14:26).

To sing a song of thanksgiving to God would have been a very normal and traditional thing to do in bringing the Passover meal to a close. Yet what was revealed during the Lord’s supper and what was about to transpire, was not so traditional. Here is a look at it:

Jesus tells the disciples, “…one of you will betray me…” (14:18) leading to angst within each of them as they take turns asking, “Surely it is not I?” (14:19), he introduces and enters a new covenant where he, the Savior, is the sacrificial lamb (14:22-24), and then Jesus tells them, “I shall not drink again the fruit of the vine until the day when I drink it new in the kingdom of God” (14:25).

Imagine what it must have been like for the disciples as they experienced this, then sang a hymn of thanksgiving and praise, and prepared to go out to the Mount of Olives. They probably did not understand, or fully grasp, what had happened during the Passover meal.

Imagine also being told by Jesus, “All of you will have your faith shaken, for it is written: ‘I will strike the shepherd, and the sheep will be dispersed.’ But after I have been raised up, I shall go before you to Galilee.” (14:27-28). Yes, they were foretold the things that would happen, but still, they did not know the circumstances they were about to step into—the Agony in the Garden.

However, the disciples did know that they were with the Lord, and that the Lord was with them. They also had the experience of being in Jesus’ presence and a tradition of faith that had carried them throughout their lives, led them to the Lord’s supper, and would lead them through the moments that were ahead. Overall, one might say, all these things combined is what enabled them to trust, perhaps without even knowing that was what they were doing, as they left the Passover meal and stepped out, heading toward the Mount of Olives, and landing in the garden, and all that awaited them.

“I will take the cup of salvation, and call on the name of the Lord.” – Psalm 116:13

Shelter in the storm, and out…

Inside seeking shelter on a very stormy day, I hear the wind howling… beckoning, come and see.

Looking out the window, great and mighty power, the surge before my eyes.

The wind, it whips and stirs. The waves, they’re in a frenzy, crashing down on all, in the way or not.

Rain, it’s driven sideways. I wonder if it minds.

Then, the birds. Something else. Just being birds, but more. Unphased by all the bother. Flying high, swooping low, drifting, diving, floating, gliding, in the winds that blow.

Beauty in the chaos. Stillness in the storm.

Trusting, not resisting.

All, it will be well.

Listening, not withdrawing, but drawing from within.

Knowing, sensing, feeling, it is—the One who is.

All, it is well.

At the Foot of the Mountain…

Driving through a countryside, a few years ago, on a quiet summer day, we started to come across farm after farm sprinkled with round bales of hay. Not seeing much activity, we continued the journey, enjoying being surrounded by the scenery and its peace.

Then, after some time, we came to a place where the farmland, still wide open and stretching far ahead, seemed to suddenly meet the mountains. It seemed both so out of place and so appropriate at the same time. A beautiful sight to behold and, having never traveled this road before, completely unexpected.

Taking in our surroundings, I started to wonder what it was like at the foot of that mountain that seemed so way off in the distance. What might be waiting there, or on the other side?

While I may have been tempted to stay where I was and speculate from afar, maybe even labeling what was there—obstacle or challenge… perfect match… gift unclaimed… perhaps, none, some, or all, of the above, it was the beauty that lies within, connecting to the beauty directly before my eyes, that drew me in, reaching into my soul, and calling to me… remember.

What lies behind us and what lies in front of us pales in comparison to what lies within us. – Ralph Waldo Emerson 

On the last and greatest day of the feast,
Jesus stood up and exclaimed,
“Let anyone who thirsts come to me and drink.
As Scripture says:

Rivers of living water will flow from within him who believes in me.”

He said this in reference to the Spirit
that those who came to believe in him were to receive.
There was, of course, no Spirit yet,
because Jesus had not yet been glorified. – John 7:37-39

Coming Up Roses…

So simple… love one another… not so simple.

Impossible? At times, it may seem so.

Yet, no, not impossible,

but rather challenging,

and only truly possible through the grace of God.

No one has ever seen God. Yet, if we love one another, God remains in us,
and his love is brought to perfection in us. – 1 John 4:12

Remain…

In a few weeks, my oldest child will be turning the page toward a new chapter in his life, as he graduates. So many years have passed and so much has transpired since his birth, yet it’s still hard to believe that this milestone is already here. As I think about the journey as a parent, I recall moments of feeling joy and pride as well as moments of feeling fear and uncertainty. What an awesome responsibility… what an awesome privilege. But then, isn’t that what love is all about? Being present, holding on, lifting up, letting go, and along the way, being drawn toward the balance that lies between?   

In the Gospel according to John, Jesus says:

“As the Father loves me, so I also love you. Remain in my love.” (15:9)

How do we do that?

We remain in love, by choosing to live in Love. When we choose to be present to each other and creation, we are also choosing to be present to God, and God’s love for us. This is the source of joy, and it can only be complete when it is shared and flowing freely among us. So often though, things get in the way, distracting us, and pulling us apart from each other, as well as from God.

When we remain in God’s love though, we can see things for what they are more readily, and withhold the judgment that seeks to lead us against one another rather than bring us together. What an awesome responsibility… what an awesome privilege. But then, isn’t that what love is all about? Being present, holding on, lifting up, letting go, and along the way, being drawn toward the balance that lies between?

Be a lamp, or a lifeboat, or a ladder. Help someone’s soul heal. Walk out of your house like a shepherd.” — Rumi

The True Vine…

The Self-revealing of the Word is in every dimension – above, in creation; below, in the Incarnation; in the depth, in Hades; in the breadth, throughout the world. All things have been filled with the knowledge of God. – Athanasius of Alexandria

Looking out the kitchen window, a splash of pink amidst the green catches my eye. I turn back to what I am doing for a moment before realizing what that color is. As I look out again, more intently this time, I feel amazed at the way these blossoms have come into existence.

A few years ago, we planted a sapling. For the most part, since then, it looked more like a twig in the ground than a tree. Along the way, it seemed that it was not going to take. Often, we thought maybe it was on its way out. Still, we watered, fertilized, and staked it for support and so it would grow straight. It grew, and eventually produced some leaves, but largely retained the appearance of a twig in the ground, only taller and now with a little green.

Seeing the blossoms leads me to re-visit the journey. It is interesting how the little signs along the way, at the time they occurred, did not seem big enough. For example, there was growth and there were some leaves here and there, yet the recurring theme seemed to be “not what’s expected.” Looking at the blossoms now, I feel grateful that we gave it more time, kept trying, and did not give up.

Thinking about the world today and the circumstances that abound, maybe, deep down, and all around, at a level that we do not even know, we are learning to trust what we cannot see, or cannot yet understand. The question remains, do we desire truth, and do we have the patience and perseverance to receive it?

Jesus said to his disciples:
“I am the true vine, and my Father is the vine grower.
He takes away every branch in me that does not bear fruit,
and every one that does he prunes so that it bears more fruit.
You are already pruned because of the word that I spoke to you.
Remain in me, as I remain in you.
Just as a branch cannot bear fruit on its own
unless it remains on the vine,
so neither can you unless you remain in me.
I am the vine, you are the branches.
Whoever remains in me and I in him will bear much fruit,
because without me you can do nothing.
Anyone who does not remain in me
will be thrown out like a branch and wither;
people will gather them and throw them into a fire
and they will be burned.
If you remain in me and my words remain in you,
ask for whatever you want and it will be done for you.
By this is my Father glorified,
that you bear much fruit and become my disciples.” – John 15:1-8

Stuck at the Edge…

Perhaps one of the most beautiful and mesmerizing things about the ocean is its motion. Despite its unrelenting, constant movement, and the change and transition that it brings about for anyone or anything within it, it is found, more often than not, to be soothing or healing. Yet, in any other arena, on land, in the air, or in our lives, it seems fair to say that the movement of the ocean would be considered chaos, and be an unsettling presence.

In the Book of Revelation, it is written, “The One who was seated on the throne said: ‘Behold, I make all things new…'” (21:5). This verse is a great reminder that God is not static, but rather like the ocean, always encouraging change and seeking balance—the greater good.

In such volatile times, it is worth the exploration to see the things that are as opposed to the things that used to be.  Where there is little or no true change, there is always room to do better… to do more than just look. To act, rather than to sit, stuck at the place that is only the beginning.   

“Not everything that is faced can be changed, but nothing can be changed until it is faced.” – James Baldwin